To be launched in the fall of 25 Master of Theological Studies (in English)
Pursue a research-oriented Master of Theological Studies in English at Germany’s oldest university and one of Europe’s premier Protestant faculties of theology (see "About us"). Committed to academic excellence but very affordable, our program prepares international students for various vocational paths in church ministry, teaching, religiously-affiliated NGOs or media. And it provides a robust intellectual foundation for doctoral study (see "PhD").
There are two application periods:
- October 1 - March 31 for the summer semester (running from mid-April to mid-July)
- April 1 - September 30 for the fall/winter semester (running from mid-October to mid-February)
It is recommended that you apply early, as the housing market in Heidelberg is very competitive and the dormitories have to make decisions quickly (by the end of February for the summer semester and by the end of June for the winter semester).
Master of Theological Studies
Our Master of Theological Studies, an English-language specialization track of the Master degree programme “Christianity and Culture”, is a four-semester/two-year (full-time) program designed specifically for international students. The program is conducted entirely in English. It comprises a wide range of courses for a total of 120 ECTS points. You will study Protestant and ecumenical theologies, the Bible, as well as the history of Christianity and other religious traditions from different disciplinary angles and with the opportunity to concentrate on various subject areas.
The first year is devoted to building a broad disciplinary foundation that includes biblical studies, systematic theology, ethics and philosophy, the global history of Christianity and religious studies. During the second year you will have the opportunity to concentrate on specific subject areas (such as New Testament studies or Reformation history) while preparing a master’s thesis. Throughout, the program offers a variety of courses to choose from.
Application Process and Requirements
If you have questions about our MAS, please contact our program coordinator Dr. Christopher Nunn at christopher.nunn@theologie.uni-heidelberg.de.
For general information about studying at Heidelberg, see “Study in Heidelberg”.
Frequently Asked Questions
I cannot find the Master's program in the heiCO application portal.
Officially, the Master's in Theological Studies is a specialization of the Master's in Christianity and Culture. You must therefore choose this program. Details can be found in the “Application Process and Requirements” section under the link in the right-hand column “Instructions for the Application Process - MA Theological Studies (heiCO)”.
Is there a scholarship available?
Unfortunately, the programme itself does not offer scholarships. You will therefore need to consider external funding opportunities.
I would like to know whether my former degree is equivalent for studying in Heidelberg.
Unfortunately, we cannot provide a general answer to this question. Once you have uploaded the necessary documents to the heiCO application portal, they will be reviewed by the central university administration.
Is it possible to study for a Master's degree in Theological Studies without having an undergraduate degree in theology?
According to the admission regulations, you must have an academic degree in theology or a related subject. Otherwise, your application cannot be considered.
Do I need to provide proof of my English language skills, such as a certificate?
It's not necessary, if you are an english native speaker or received a degree from an accredited university or college (minimum of three full years of course work) where English is the language of instruction. Details can be found in the “Application Process and Requirements” section.
Is it necessary for me to have achieved a minimum grade in my degree?
Yes, you must have an undergraduate degree with a minimum grade of 2.7 (GPA: 2.3).
Do I need to prove that I have German language skills?
German language skills are not a requirement.
When can I expect to receive a decision?
This can vary greatly. It may take as little as two weeks, but if a longer suitability assessment process is required, it could take several months. You should take this into account when submitting your application.