Comparative Theological Studies University of Bonn

Core Modules

1. MCT 1: Comparative Theology

• Focus: Methodological and hermeneutical foundations of Comparative Theology
  • 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
    • Engagement with international debates on religion and law
• Outcomes: Students analyse the interaction of legal and theological principles.

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
• Outcomes: Students critically assess historical and theological dynamics.

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 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.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• A Bachelor’s degree (equivalent to 240 CPT) in the fields of Catholic Theology, Protestant Theology, Islamic Theology/Islamic Studies, Jewish Theology/Judaic Studies, Religious Studies, or a related discipline.
• Proficiency in an ancient language (e.g. Latin, Greek, Hebrew, or Arabic) is preferred but not required; where this is lacking, the range of modules available during the programme may be adjusted.
• Advanced English proficiency (for details, see below)

The University of Bonn is a public university, meaning that it does not charge tuition fees. However, all students must pay the semester fee of about 350 EUR per semester, which covers a Deutschlandsemesterticket (student transit pass for public transport) and statutory accident insurance, among other things.

Students in Bonn can expect to pay around 1,000 EUR a month, with rent accounting for the largest share of their living costs.

The faculty does not regularly offer student job positions. However, in general, students holding a German student visa are permitted to work alongside their studies. For further details, please visit:
https://www.studierendenwerk-bonn.de/en/jobbing

The University of Bonn has a central Career Service (www.uni-bonn.de/careerservice), which provides a range of advice and support about choosing a career and applying for jobs. International students can also join the iStart career programme (www.uni-bonn.de/istart), which teaches participants tangible knowledge and valuable skills that will enable them to write successful applications for jobs in Germany. The programme is geared toward giving students a successful career path both during and after their studies and thus making it easier for them to enter the job market.

Students of the University of Bonn can apply for a room in a dormitory of the "Studierendenwerk Bonn" (further information: www.studierendenwerk-bonn.de/en/accommodation). 

For further information on housing in Bonn, please visit our website: www.uni-bonn.de/housing.

International applicants who are admitted to the Master’s programme can apply for a dorm room through the programme coordinator. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that all students will be allotted a room, as these are in short supply.