Comparative Theological Studies

Program overview

This MA focuses on comparative, interreligious and methodological approaches to theology across Christian, Islamic and Jewish traditions. Core coursework introduces students to the hermeneutical and dialogical foundations of Comparative Theology, using case studies (for example doctrines such as God, Christology and eschatology) to practice comparative methods and reflect on theological change across traditions. Another core strand examines how religious legal systems—Canon Law, Islamic law and Halakha—interact with ethical questions, education and issues like religiously motivated violence, situating those discussions within international debates on religion and law.

The program also foregrounds historical and theological relations among the Abrahamic faiths, addressing topics such as Jewish–Christian relations, antisemitism, theological reconciliation, and Islamic approaches to Judaism and Christianity. Students pursue an independent master’s thesis where they apply comparative methodologies to an original research question, engage with current scholarly debates, and demonstrate advanced analytical and interpretive skills.

Students choose one elective that deepens either textual-historical skills or practical ecumenical engagement. The textual elective emphasizes translation-critical and historical-critical readings of biblical and Qur’anic texts and familiarizes students with patristic, rabbinic or hadith traditions. The ecumenism elective explores Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox and Old Catholic approaches to intra-Christian dialogue and develops pedagogical and practical tools for fostering religious diversity and interfaith understanding. Altogether the curriculum is designed to equip international students with research competence, interreligious literacy and the ability to engage critically with both theological and legal dimensions of religion.

Program requirements (at a glance)

• Core modules: MCT 1 (Comparative Theology), MCT 2 (Law and Religion), MCT 3 (Jewish–Christian–Muslim Relations)
• Master's thesis: MCT 5 (independent research project)
• Elective: choose one of MCT 4a (Biblical, Qur’anic, and Historical Foundations) or MCT 4b (Ecumenism in Theory and Practice)
• Degree awarded: Master of Arts (field: Philosophy)
• Language of instruction: English
• Location: Bonn, Germany

For formal admission criteria (previous degree requirements, language proof, application deadlines, credit/ECTS details), consult the university’s official program page or admissions office.

I don't have the curriculum text — the message only says "PDF Download." Please either upload the PDF or paste the curriculum summary here so I can rewrite it precisely without adding or inventing details.

To make the rewrite fast and accurate, please include (or confirm) the following items from the curriculum:

• Core and elective module titles and short descriptions
• ECTS credit points per module and total ECTS for the degree
• Typical duration and semester structure (e.g., 2 years / 4 semesters)
• Thesis/dissertation requirements (length, ECTS, submission deadlines)
• Learning outcomes or competencies graduates should achieve
• Assessment methods (exams, essays, presentations, supervised project)
• Language(s) of instruction and teaching format (lectures, seminars, independent study)
• Optional components (internship/placements, study abroad, language courses)
• Any special admission or prerequisite requirements you want highlighted

If you prefer, I can also:

• Produce a generic example summary for a Master’s in Comparative Theological Studies (clearly marked as a sample and not a substitute for the actual curriculum), or
• Wait for the actual PDF/text and then provide a 2–4 paragraph rewritten description plus concise bullet-pointed requirements as requested.

Which would you like me to do?

Graduates are well positioned for academic research and doctoral studies in theology, religious studies, or related fields, thanks to the programme’s methodological focus and requirement to work with primary texts in original languages. The degree also prepares students for teaching and lecturing positions in higher education and theological seminaries, as well as research roles in institutes, archives, and museums that require textual and historical expertise.

Outside academia, alumni can pursue careers in interreligious dialogue organisations, NGOs, cultural institutions, and public policy roles dealing with religion and society. The Law and Religion component additionally supports work in advisory capacities on religion-related legal and ethical issues, conflict resolution, and consultancy for institutions engaging with religious diversity. The short, intensive structure of the programme enables a rapid transition into employment or further study opportunities.