| The most important facts at a glance: | |
|---|---|
| Degree: | |
| Standard period of studies: | 4 semesters |
| Start: | Winter and summer semester |
| Admission restrictions: | Open admission |
| Application: | You find information on the application procedure for international students here. |
| Applicants with foreign certificates: | Language of instruction: German Required language certificate: DSH-2 |
| Deadlines: | Winter semester: April 1 - September 1 Summer semester: October 1 - March 1 |
| Required Bachelor's degree: | |
| Faculty: | Faculty 01: Department of Protestant Theology |
| Accreditation: | The accreditation of study programmes for Bachelor and Master Degrees constitutes as a precondition for the granting of state approval. |
Subject Matter
Protestant Theology analyzes the beliefs at the heart of the Christian faith, with the goal of highlighting their relevance and truth in relation to present situations in discussions; in this approach, it focuses on the legacy of reformation theology and its historical background.
This task covers several subjects: The Old Testament and the New Testament subjects focus on the biblical writings as documents outlining the history of Israel and early Christianity, which are accepted as standard by all Christian churches; the subjects address the history behind the creation of the texts, the various ways and changes in how the texts are understood, taking into account the institutional, social, legal and historical contexts, as well as the archaeological findings which are researched in a special department for biblical archeology in Mainz.
The subject Ecclesiastical History traces the development of teachings (history of dogma and theology) and church institutions, as well as related movements (history of the church); it also looks into the major personalities, as well as the collective developments in the interpretation and adoption of biblical texts and takes into account the interaction with factors outside the field of religion; the immense scope of material is divided into several eras, which are characterized by common traits, but which differ with regard to region and time (Old church/patristics; Medieval ecclesiastical history; History of the reformation and the post-reformation church and theology; History of the modern and contemporary church).
The historical subjects outlined above all focus on the same task, at the heart of which lies systematic theology in particular: To communicate the claim to truth behind the Christian tradition in discussions regarding the relevant fundamental beliefs of the present time. Systematics is divided into two fields (dogma and ethics); the tasks of systematics include - during the course of highlighting the relevance of Christian belief (dogma) and the Christian way of life (ethics) in an organized and reflective manner - to also outline and analyze philosophical and ideological positions, as well as dealing with ecumenical discussion and inter-religious dialog.
Practical theology provides a methodical theory for ecclesiastical fields of action, in which the current conditions of ecclesiastical actions are considered by taking into account the methods used in non-theological sciences (sociology, psychology, education, rhetoric). Practical theology also looks at current cultural phenomena with regard to its latent religious content. The division or focus area of the subject is based on the different ecclesiastical or ecclesiastically-motivated fields of action and is largely summarized under the main focus areas of homiletics (sermon teaching) and religious education.
Research into non-Christian religions and dialog with these religions is addressed in the subjects Religion and Missiology Studies and Jewish Studies. The original intention of incorporating the subjects as part of Christian missionary work has now changed into an analytical assessment of other religions and their ways of life, which also provide an external perspective on personal religious beliefs, whereby the mysterious and special aspects of the Christian faith become comprehensible.
Master entrance requirements
- Proof of a B.Ed. degree for college preparatory secondary school teaching in the same subjects from a university in Rhineland-Palatinate or an equivalent final degree from a university in Germany or abroad.
- Applicants having a final degree that is not equivalent to but corresponds to at least 140 credit points to the required Bachelor's examination, may be admitted to the Master's degree program on the condition that the missing study and examination qualifications are obtained at the latest by the end of the first academic year. If the student does not provide proof within the period specified, they will no longer be allowed to continue studying; their enrollment will be canceled without further notice.
- The degree program in Protestant Religious Education for teachers at college preparatory secondary schools require a deeper knowledge of Latin (Latinum qualification) and Greek (Graecum qualification). The proof is provided by submitting certificates. Graduates of the B.Ed. in Protestant Religious Education from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have acquired this proficiency as part of the degree program.
- It is assumed that students have sufficient active and passive knowledge of the English language to read specialist literature in English and participate in courses taught in English; this does not include submitting written course work and writing examinations in the English language. Proof is not required.
- Proof of proficiency in the German language to the level of the "German Language Proficiency Examination for Admission to Higher Education for Foreign Applicants (DSH)" is required for applicants, who either did not obtain their university entrance qualification at a German institution or whose degree was not from a degree program taught in German.
Information
The International Office offers counselling for international students about the application process and general information.
The Academic Advisory Office offers specific information on the subject (List available in German only).
The Student representatives give information from a student perspective (List available in German only).