Biblical Studies

Program overview

This one-year Master of Arts in Biblical Studies is taught in English and focuses on close engagement with the biblical texts in their original languages. The curriculum trains students in methods of analysis and interpretation applied to the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament, situating those texts within their literary histories and reception contexts. Course work introduces major topics and traditions from a range of theological approaches while also encouraging students to follow current research debates across modules.

The programme is particularly well suited for students who intend to pursue doctoral work in Protestant theology with an Old Testament or New Testament emphasis. Students deepen their expertise by working directly with source texts and by developing a master’s thesis that can serve as the foundation for PhD research. Through its placement in the Faculty of Protestant Theology and cooperation with the Centre for Religion and Society, the degree also opens interdisciplinary options in the elective area and fosters intercultural competence and participation in international academic discourse.

Key components and requirements

• Compulsory focus on methods of analysis and interpretation of original-language biblical texts
• Study of the literary history and reception history of biblical writings
• Introduction to important topics and traditions across different theological approaches
• One elective module to broaden historical knowledge or deepen a current topic (interdisciplinary options available)
• Completion of a Master's thesis, enabling exploration of a potential PhD research field
• One-year programme length, with discussion of contemporary research questions integrated into all modules
• Offered by the Faculty of Protestant Theology in cooperation with the Centre for Religion and Society
• Instruction in English; training includes intercultural skills and readiness for international academic engagement

Overview This Master's programme in Biblical Studies (within the field of Philosophy) combines required and optional coursework with active, research-oriented teaching formats. Teaching is delivered through a mix of lectures, which introduce core concepts and historical frameworks, and smaller seminars that emphasize close reading, discussion, and critical engagement with primary and secondary texts.

Key elements and student experience Students follow a curriculum made up of compulsory modules that ensure a shared foundation and elective modules that allow for intellectual specialization. Seminars provide sustained interaction with faculty and peers and typically focus on interpretation, hermeneutical methods and thematic or historical issues; lectures supply the broader context and theoretical background. The programme culminates in a Master's thesis, which gives students the chance to carry out an extended piece of independent research and to demonstrate academic writing and argumentation skills.

Learning outcomes By the end of the programme students can expect to:

• Achieve advanced, critical understanding of biblical texts and relevant interpretive traditions
• Apply scholarly methods to analyze historical, philosophical and literary dimensions of scripture
• Conduct independent research, formulate a coherent thesis, and present findings in a scholarly format
• Communicate complex ideas clearly in both seminar discussion and written work, and engage with contemporary academic debates

Program components (requirements)

• Combination of compulsory (core) and elective modules
• Lectures for foundational knowledge and theoretical frameworks
• Seminars for discussion-based learning, close reading and methodological training
• A Master's thesis as the final, research-based assessment

The MA is explicitly geared toward students planning to pursue doctoral research in Protestant Theology, particularly in Old Testament or New Testament studies. By deepening expertise in source-text analysis and research methods, graduates are well prepared to apply for PhD programmes and academic research positions.

Additionally, the programme develops transferable skills — advanced textual analysis, academic writing, and intercultural competence — that support participation in international academic networks and may be valuable for careers in research, higher education, and cultural or religious institutions.