- Degree
- Master of Comparative Theological Studies
- Course location
- Bonn
- Teaching language
- • English
- Languages
- The students must be able to work with scriptures in original languages.
- Full-time / part-time
- • full-time
• part-time (study alongside work)
- Mode of study
- Fully on-site with voluntary online elements
- Programme duration
- 2 semesters
- Beginning
- Winter semester
- Additional information on beginning, duration and mode of study
- The programme is offered full-time in two semesters. Those unable to attend in person are encouraged to enrol in the four-semester part-time programme.
- Application deadline
- Submit your applications before 30 September. International students requiring a visa are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
- Tuition fees per semester in EUR
- None
- Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
- No
- Joint degree / double degree programme
- No
- Description/content
- Core Modules
1. MCT 1: Comparative Theology
• Focus: Methodological and hermeneutical foundations of Comparative Theology, including dialogical engagement and interfaith reflection
• Content:
• Introduction to key approaches, such as Comparative Theology in Christian, Islamic, and Jewish contexts
• Case studies of theological doctrines like God, Christology, and Eschatology analysed through comparative frameworks
• Outcomes: Students apply comparative methods, reflect on theological transformations across traditions, and develop interreligious perspectives.
2. MCT 2: Law and Religion
• Focus: Understanding legal traditions in Christianity, Islam, and Judaism
• Content:
• Canon Law, Islamic Law, and Halakha explored through specific applications, such as education, ethics, and religious violence
• Engagement with international debates on religion and law
• Outcomes: Students analyse the interaction of legal and theological principles, evaluating their roles in addressing contemporary issues.
3. MCT 3: Jewish-Christian-Muslim Relations
• Focus: Historical and theological relationships among Abrahamic faiths
• Content:
• Jewish-Christian relations, including the impact of antisemitism and theological reconciliation
• Islamic theological approaches to Judaism and Christianity
• Theologies of Abrahamic religions explored through interfaith dialogue
• Outcomes: Students critically assess historical and theological dynamics, fostering deeper understanding of interreligious connections.
4. MCT 5: Master’s Thesis
• Focus: Independent research on a chosen topic in Comparative Theology
• Outcomes: Students demonstrate mastery in applying comparative methodologies, engage with current research debates, and produce an original scholarly contribution.
Elective Modules (choose one)
1. MCT 4a: Biblical, Qur’anic, and Historical Foundations
• Focus: Textual and historical analysis of sacred texts in Christianity, Islam, and Judaism
• Content:
• Translation-critical readings of biblical and Qur’anic texts
• Study of patristic writings and rabbinic or hadith traditions
• Outcomes: Students develop critical skills for historical-critical exegesis and examine transformative processes of scriptural traditions.
2. MCT 4b: Ecumenism in Theory and Practice
• Focus: Exploring ecumenical dialogue and theological engagement within Christian traditions
• Content:
• Case studies of Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, and Old Catholic approaches
• Educational frameworks for valuing diversity and fostering interfaith empathy
• Outcomes: Students analyse ecumenical opportunities and develop pedagogical tools for interreligious and intra-religious understanding.