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Master's programme

Religion in the Public Sphere (Double Degree Option) Leibniz University Hannover

Duration
4 semesters
Language of instruction
English
Tuition fees
No tuition fees
Next application deadline
15 July 2027 (winter semester)
Language level required
English: B2
German: None

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First impressions

Our voices

As an aspiring student of debates related to religion, secularism, and post-structuralism, this programme has given me a comprehensive theoretical grounding in all of these areas. Its modules and courses are thoughtfully designed, especially for students who are beginners in this academic field. I also had the opportunity to take the double-degree track and spend a semester in Rome with a fellowship. This was an amazing experience.

Ramisuddeen Mansoor
© Ramisuddeen Mansoor

Ramisuddeen Mansoor

Student in the programme "Religion in the Public Sphere"

Take a closer look

Religion in the Public Sphere (Double Degree Option)
© LUH

Religion in the Public Sphere (Double Degree Option)

The Master's programme focuses on the negotiation of religion and secularity in current European societies. On the basis of a discursive approach, different areas of culture and society, politics and law, and education are studied. The programme may either be studied fully in Hannover (home track) or both in Hannover and at our partner university as a double degree programme.

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Programme overview

Quick facts

Degree
MA
Duration
4 semesters
Intake
Winter semester
Joint degree / double degree programme
Yes
A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No

Language of instruction

English

As a rule, courses and examinations are conducted in English.

Programme description

This Master’s programme focuses on negotiations, practices and power relations concerning religion in various areas of the public sphere. In a broader sense, related categories and concepts such as identity, secularity, and modernity are major points of interest in this course of study. Geographically, the emphasis is initially on Europe, leading to subsequent international comparisons. This concerns the discourse on religion (e.g. exemptions for “religion” in social spheres) as well as discourses on individual religions (e.g. Christianity as “cultural heritage”, Islam as a “challenge”, and Buddhism as a “modern philosophy of life”). As such, this MA in Religion in the Public Sphere (RelPub) differs from many traditional religious studies programmes, which tend to focus on religious practice in religious communities.

Students will be prepared to work in a professional environment that addresses these processes and the dynamics of multicultural, democratic societies. They will learn to analyse different conflict constellations, to address these constellations confidently and constructively, and to develop sustainable, solution-oriented strategies.

The degree programme is offered by the Institute for the Study of Religion in cooperation with the Institute of Sociology. A special feature of the programme is the option of gaining a double degree instead of just the Master’s degree in Hannover. This is made possible through cooperation with Università Roma Tre (Italy).

Programme structure

The degree programme can be studied as a home track or double degree track. Both tracks focus on debates and negotiations concerning religion in a variety of social spheres. The debates are exemplified through three topic modules – “Education and Research”, “Politics and Law” and “Society and Culture” – which mark different arenas of the public sphere. The underlying theoretical perspective on the thematic area is outlined in the "Introductory Module” and expanded on in the “Research Debates” module. Students practice using and applying the theories and methods required to empirically research the object of investigation in the “Methods” module.

Students from both tracks take the same modules in the first, second, and fourth semesters. Students on the double degree track spend their third semester at our partner university. Students on the home track use this semester to conduct their own research project under supervision or to complete a study-relevant internship.

Mode of study

  • Fully on-site

In cooperation with

Università Roma Tre (Italy)

International elements in the curriculum

The curriculum of this study programme includes international elements that support global perspectives and cross-cultural learning:

  • Training in intercultural skills
  • Specialist literature in other languages
  • International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context
  • Content-related regional focus

Integrated internships

No internship is required, but it may be useful. The field module in the third semester provides students who do not go abroad with the opportunity to do an internship.

Application and admission

Application period(s)

Winter semester

Applicants from Applications begin Application deadline
Non-EU countries
15 April 2027
31 May 2027
EU countries
1 June 2027
15 July 2027
Information on application periods

Academic admissions requirements

A prerequisite for a successful application is a Bachelor's degree (or comparable degree) in the study of religion or a social science degree programme or subject. Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree or equivalent degree in any other cultural or social studies programme with proof of in-depth knowledge relevant to the study of religion is also possible.

Language requirements

Please check all requirements directly with the respective higher education institution.

German language requirements

German: None

English language requirements

English: B2

How to apply?

Website

Please check this website.

Click here

Costs and funding

Tuition fees per semester

No tuition fees

Semester contribution

Approx. 440 EUR semester fee ("Semesterbeitrag")
The semester fee includes the following contributions:

  • student services organisation ("Studentenwerk")
  • student government (Student Union, AStA)
  • semester ticket
  • administrative costs for the Federal State of Lower Saxony

http://go.lu-h.de/study-costs

Cost of living

On average, a student in Hannover will need around 965 to 1106 EUR for living expenses each month. Please note: These are average values intended for guidance only. Individual items may vary considerably. For example, the costs of learning materials differ significantly depending on the degree programme.

Cost of studying at Leibniz University Hannover:
http://go.lu-h.de/study-costs

General information on the cost of studying in Germany:
https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/living-in-germany/finances/

Part-time employment

There are many job opportunities for students on campus (in the different departments, the central administration, etc.) and off campus. About two-thirds of our students work at part-time jobs while pursuing their studies.

Internal job postings:
https://www.uni-hannover.de/en/universitaet/stellenangebote-arbeit-an-der-uni/jobboerse

Student jobs outside of the university:
jobbico Uni Hannover

Scholarships and financing information

Although tuition fees no longer exist in Lower Saxony, costs are indeed incurred at university, such as the semester fee, accommodation and living costs, and costs for learning materials. You will find possibilities to help you finance your studies here:
www.uni-hannover.de/en/studium/finanzierung-foerderung

Deutschlandstipendium:
https://www.uni-hannover.de/en/studium/finanzierung-foerderung/deutschlandstipendium

Niedersachsenstipendium:
go.lu-h.de/niedersachsenstipendium

Special promotion / funding of the programme

  • DAAD
    Integrated International Degree Programmes with Double Degrees

Living & services

Accommodation

Links on housing in Hannover (including a video about housing in Hannover for international students)

Current information

Each spring, an information event on the programme is held (online and on site). It provides prospective applicants with the chance to gain insights into the content and structure of the programme and to get to know lecturers and current students. The location, time, and registration details will be announced on the programme website.

About us

The Welfenschloss (main building)© Christian Schröder, LUH

Leibniz University Hannover

Leibniz University Hannover – global thinking, interdisciplinary research: the spirit of Leibniz!

As one of the nine leading institutes of technology in Germany, Leibniz University Hannover is aware of its responsibility in seeking sustainable, peaceful, and responsible solutions to the key issues of tomorrow. Our expertise for this stems from the broad spectrum of subjects, ranging from engineering and natural sciences to architecture and environmental planning, and from law and economics to social sciences and humanities.

The main building of the university is the Royal Welfenschloss (Palace of the Guelphs) at Welfengarten Park. In 1879, the Higher Vocational School, originally founded in 1831, moved into the palace. Later, it became the "Königliche Technische Hochschule" (Royal College of Technology). By adopting the name of the polymath Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz in 2006, the university committed itself to unity in diversity.

Universality — our strength is rooted in diversity

Our broad spectrum of subjects ranges from engineering and natural sciences, architecture and environmental planning, law, social sciences, economics and management to the humanities. Only a few universities in Germany provide such a varied range of subjects. We are committed to further developing our profile, while attaching particular importance to interdisciplinary teaching and research.

Our key research areas

Leibniz University Hannover is among the world's leading institutions in its key research areas: biomedical research and engineering, quantum optics and gravitational physics, production engineering, and interdisciplinary studies of science and academia. These give us our innovative strength in developing precision measurement methods, optical technologies, novel materials, intelligent implants, and innovations in information technology or in the field of Industry 4.0.

The broad range of subjects at Leibniz University Hannover is entirely compatible with the overall university strategy of raising its profile, in particular in teaching and research, including the establishment and enhancement of research priority areas originating in the humanities and social sciences. Cooperation agreements with national and international partners strengthen our scientific expertise — our most important partner is Hannover Medical School.

 

Location

Leibniz University Hannover is very influential in shaping the image of the state capital of Lower Saxony. Not only structures like the “Welfenschloss”, the university's main building, but especially people contribute to this: approximately 25,000 students are currently enrolled. They have chosen one of the largest universities in Germany that is known for its international excellence in teaching and research. With nine faculties and a comprehensive range of study programmes, Leibniz University Hannover virtually covers the entire academic spectrum.

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Contact

Main contact

Institute for the Study of Religion

Name
Yasemin Ural
Address
Schloßwender Straße 1, 30159 Hannover
Email
E-mail

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Always know what comes next

Study Guide gives you a personal to-do list tailored to your background, qualifications and interests, so you always know what to do next.