Jewish Theology University of Potsdam

The subject of the Jewish Theology Master's degree programme is the in-depth study of Jewish religion. The degree programme enables you to understand complex theological, philosophical and ethical ideas in the context of Jewish tradition and current academic and societal debates.

Through the academic programme, you will acquire excellent knowledge of the history of ancient and medieval Jewish religion and philosophy as well as of the wide-ranging transformation processes since the mid-16th century. The programme places particular emphasis on deepening one's knowledge of Rabbinic Judaism in antiquity and the early Middle Ages, periods which have been formative for Judaism in a number of ways up to the present. The analysis, interpretation, and religious history contextualisation of the traditional literature and of the Talmudic era (Mishnah, Talmud and Midrashim) as well as the later literature of the Rishonim and Acharonim in its original languages are thus at the core of the programme. Other focal areas are the Jewish Enlightenment and the Reform Movement, Eastern European Hasidism, and religious philosophy as well as the theological and ethical concepts of the 19th and 20th century. The Jewish theology programme is based on the current state of research and conveys to the students the necessary specialist knowledge and methodological skills that enable them to independently analyse the texts relevant for Jewish religious history.

Practical theology is also part of the programme. Knowledge and understanding of the orders of service is expanded and specific liturgical features of celebrations, fast days and days of remembrance are dealt with. In this way, students will gain authentic insights into Judaism today in all its diversity. 

For students with a Jewish religious affiliation, the subject can also be chosen with focus areas of liberal or conservative (Masorti) rabbinates. The academic programme with one of these focus areas is associated with admission to the Abraham Geiger College or the Zacharias Frankel College in Potsdam.

You are provided with the opportunity to apply the knowledge gained during your studies, through an internship module. It offers a choice between different internship options, e.g. with a Jewish community or cultural institution, or you could design a tutorial for the Bachelor's programme, or you could take part in an academic project.

All information on course organisation and programme structure can be found here.

Abraham Geiger College
Zacharias Frankel College

We offer different internship options at various communities and cultural institutions as well as the participation in an academic project.

All information about the academic admission requirements can be found here.

No tuition is charged for studying at the University of Potsdam (with the exception of a few continuing education courses). However, there is an administrative fee that includes a semester ticket entitling you to free use of public transport all over Brandenburg and Berlin as well as regional/local trains all over Germany.
More information here

The average monthly living expenditures of students at the University of Potsdam are 941 EUR, but this can vary between 600 and 1,100 EUR, largely depending on accommodation. A more detailed list of the average monthly expenditures of our students can be found here.

Job opportunities for students alongside their studies are numerous. Depending on personal and professional skills, students can find jobs in the service sector (e.g. in restaurants, supermarkets, cinemas, museums, theatres, etc.) or work as student research assistants at the University of Potsdam or at one of the many non-university research institutions located in the area. Berlin, the capital city of Germany, is located just around the corner, and students can also find jobs there. Please see this website for further information.

The Career Service of the University of Potsdam supports students and graduates who want to actively shape their careers. The aim is to ensure comprehensive career orientation and to provide opportunities for the development of professional skills. The Career Service offers workshops, seminars, and individual counselling. There are information pages on a wide range of occupational fields as well as a database of internships and jobs. Many of the services are also available in English. For more info, visit https://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/career-service.

There are several student dormitories in Potsdam. These are administered exclusively by Brandenburg's Association for Student Affairs ("Studierendenwerk West:Brandenburg"). You can apply for a room in one of these dormitories if you are under the age of 30. If you are a Master's student, you can only apply if the degree at the University of Potsdam is your first Master's programme. Additionally, there are also a few private dormitories in Potsdam, to which these conditions do not apply. However, many students prefer to find an apartment in Potsdam or Berlin, which they often share with fellow students. The housing market is very tight, so please start looking for an accommodation as early as possible.

For information on how to register for a dorm room or find accommodation elsewhere, please click here.