Intercultural Theology (BA) University of Göttingen

This is a three-year programme designed for students passionate about intercultural and interreligious research. Through exposure to a wide range of disciplines, we support you in developing your critical, analytical, and comparative skills. You will gain competence especially in Biblical Studies, Global Christian History, Ecumenical Theology, Religious Studies, Systematic and Practical Theology. All of these topics are taught and studied from an intercultural perspective.

The curriculum conveys knowledge of structural elements, forms, and transformation processes of Christian Theology in different cultural contexts. It enables students to analyse the transcultural characters of Global Christianities and their interactions with other religions.

I. Specialised Studies (93 CP)

• Orientation Module
• Intercultural Perception of Religion
• Biblical Tradition and its Interpretation I + II
• Traditions of European Christianity
• Systematic-theological Perspectives
• Orthodox Christianity Worldwide
• Christianity in the Contexts of Global Religion
• Theories of Culture
• Religion: Culture and Diversity
• Internship
• Practical Theology I + II

II. Professionalisation (42 CP)

• Introduction to scientific work
• German language
• Academic English Reading
• Optional Area (Hebrew, Greek, elective courses)

III. Extra-theological area of competence (30 CP)

• Diversity Studies
• Regional Sciences
• Sustainability Studies

IV. Final phase (15 CP)

• Final Module (including the Bachelor's thesis)

In this study programme, a mandatory internship provides students with essential practical experience and the opportunity to develop their skills. The duration of the internship can range from several weeks to several months, depending on the host organisation.

Students have the flexibility to complete their internship with an organisation of their choice — either in Germany or internationally. Typical placements include non-governmental organisations (NGOs), religious communities, ecumenical bodies, and other institutions working in fields related to interculturality, migration, education, and religious or ethnic identity.

Applicants from non-EU countries and stateless applicants

1 March until 30 September for the upcoming winter semester

Applicants from EU and EEA as well as citizens of a foreign country with German entitlement to university admission

1 June until 15 July for the upcoming winter semester

The programme is open to all who have obtained a high school diploma, allowing study at a German university, or already hold a Bachelor’s degree in another discipline and want to change their field of study. Applicants are expected to show interest in theology, intercultural and interreligious research, and the academic study of religion.

Since all classes are held in English, applicants who do not speak English as a native language have to submit proof of proficiency in English (B2 level).

Please visit our website for more information about the application requirements, admissions process, scholarships, and deadlines.

Students pay only the standard semester fees of approx. 460 EUR per semester. This fee includes a prepaid semester ticket, granting free use of local buses and regional trains throughout Germany, discounts or free admission to many cultural events in Göttingen, plus meals at reduced prices at the university canteens.

The average cost of living in Göttingen is modest compared to other major university cities in Germany. Currently, expenses for accommodation, food, health insurance and books are about 800 to 1,000 EUR per month. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age. International students should note that it is not possible to study in Germany without sufficient financing.

Further information on the requirements for non-EU citizens (proof of finances) can be found on the Visa and Residence Permit page of the International Office.

The university supports students in finding part-time jobs in local industries and businesses. A number of student jobs are also available at the university. They are announced on this website.

Please note that restrictions may apply depending on your scholarship or visa.

Non-EU students are subject to special regulations. Some proficiency in German is an advantage to find a job. Non-EU students are permitted to work a maximum of 120 full days (240 half days) per year.

Germany scholarship ("Deutschlandstipendium"):
https://uni-goettingen.de/en/218535.html

Lower Saxony scholarship ("Niedersachsenstipendium")
https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/306042.html

The Career Service of the University of Göttingen offers individual support to facilitate your successful transition from the academic to the professional world — whether you want to work in Germany or abroad. Especially for international students aiming for a career entry in Germany, the Career Service provides topic-specific "Career Impulse Sessions", workshops, online learning modules, and a qualification programme in “Building International Careers” as well as digital career tools and a virtual community for international employment opportunities: www.uni-goettingen.de/en/292.html.

The Accommodation Service of the International Office supports international students who are enrolled at the University of Göttingen in finding accommodation and serves as a point of contact for related queries. The Accommodation Service also publishes suitable offers from private landlords in Göttingen and collaborates with the Student Services ("Studierendenwerk"). As the number of available accommodation options in Göttingen is limited, it is highly recommended to contact the Accommodation Service as early as possible.