Ecumenical and Extended Ecumenical Studies

Program overview

This English‑taught MA offers a focused exploration of ecumenical studies, examining how Christian traditions relate to one another and to other religions across cultural contexts. The curriculum addresses the diversity of Christianities, the variety of European and non‑European churches and theological traditions, and broader religious differences. It also engages with theological ideas about desirable forms of church unity and with principles for peaceful, respectful interreligious and intercultural interaction.

Students learn key methods of biblical and theological interpretation and study significant developments in church history to develop the tools needed for constructive ecumenical work. The programme gives particular attention to the perspectives and methodologies of German theological scholarship, reflecting the strong influence of German‑language research on the global theological landscape. Teaching is interdisciplinary: the Faculty of Protestant Theology runs the programme in cooperation with the Centre for Religion and Society (Zentrum für Religion und Gesellschaft – ZERG), with contributions from Protestant and Catholic theology departments, philosophy, the Seminary of Old Catholic Theology, and the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Germany.

Key focus areas / requirements (as stated in the original description)

• Plurality of Christianities
• Plurality of European and non‑European churches and theologies
• Religious diversity in cultural contexts
• Concepts and types of church unity to be aspired to
• Ideas for peaceful and respectful interreligious relations
• Training in biblical and theological interpretation
• Studies in important developments in church history
• Emphasis on insights and methodology from German theology
• Interdisciplinary teaching involving ZERG, Protestant and Catholic theology, philosophy, Old Catholic seminary, and the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Germany

If you need help with likely admission criteria or application guidance tailored to international applicants, I can summarize common requirements and next steps.

Curriculum overview

This Master's programme presents a balanced mix of required core modules and elective courses, allowing you to build a solid foundation in ecumenical studies while tailoring parts of the programme to your interests. Teaching is delivered through lectures and seminars that combine theoretical reflection with guided discussion and critical analysis.

Practical experience is an integral part of the curriculum: students complete either an internship or supervised ecumenical fieldwork to apply classroom learning in real-world church or inter‑church contexts. The programme concludes with an independently researched Master's thesis that demonstrates subject‑mastery and scholarly competence.

Key modules and learning outcomes

• Core (compulsory) modules provide the conceptual and historical grounding in ecumenical questions and the methods used to study them, while elective modules let you specialise in particular themes or approaches.
• Lectures and seminars develop analytical skills, critical reading, and the ability to engage with interdisciplinary perspectives.
• The internship or ecumenical fieldwork builds practical skills in dialogue, project implementation and contextual engagement within ecumenical settings.
• The Master's thesis demonstrates your capacity for independent research, academic argumentation and advanced written communication in the field of ecumenical studies.

Programme components (requirements)

• Compulsory (core) modules
• Elective modules for specialisation
• Lectures and seminars (coursework and class participation)
• Internship or supervised ecumenical fieldwork (practical placement)
• Master's thesis (independent research project)

Graduates are prepared for roles in churches, ecumenical organisations, religious education, non‑governmental organisations and international institutions where expertise in interchurch relations, theology and intercultural dialogue is required. The combination of academic training and practical fieldwork equips students for positions in project management, pastoral and community work, and advocacy related to interreligious cooperation.

For those pursuing further research, the MA provides a solid foundation for doctoral studies in theology, religious studies or related humanities disciplines. The programme’s emphasis on comparative and contextual methods also supports careers in cultural mediation, policy advising and international cooperation focused on religion and society.