Biblical Studies University of Bonn

Courses are held in English (100%). Work on source texts requires sufficient knowledge of Hebrew and Greek. In some elective courses, language skills in Latin, Greek or Hebrew may be required that go beyond the admission requirements.

The Master's programme in Biblical Studies (MBSt) includes:

• in the compulsory area, the study of the methods of analysis and interpretation of the original language texts of the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament;
• the consideration of the literary and reception history of these writings;
• the introduction to important topics and traditions of different theological approaches;
• an elective module in which students can expand their historical knowledge or deepen current topics.

The one-year programme is very well suited as preparation for doctoral studies in Protestant Theology, especially with a focus on OT/NT studies, as students deepen knowledge in biblical studies through their work on source texts in original languages, and they also can explore a future PhD research field during the work on their Master's theses. The discussion of current research questions is included in all modules.

Competences acquired in the Master's programme go beyond biblical exegesis. Students will also develop intercultural skills and the ability to participate in an international academic discourse.

The MBSt is offered by the Faculty of Protestant Theology in cooperation with the Centre for Religion and Society at the University of Bonn. The cooperation also opens up interdisciplinary perspectives for students in the elective area.

The programme always starts in the winter semester.

Final deadline: 1 July

The Master's programme in Biblical Studies includes a combination of both compulsory and elective modules, and it consists of seminars and lectures and a Master's thesis.

Internal events and activities meant to provide training on intercultural skills
Medium of instruction: English, no knowledge of German required
Diverse (international) teaching staff

No tuition fees

The University of Bonn is a public university, meaning that it does not charge tuition fees. However, all students must pay the so-called social contribution (semester fee) of about 320 EUR per semester. It includes, among other things, a student transit pass for public transport and a statutory accident insurance.

The cost of living for students in Bonn is around 900 EUR to 1,000 EUR, with rent accounting for the largest share.

1. The Biblical Studies consecutive Master’s programme is aimed at applicants who have a first university degree in Protestant Theology, Roman Catholic Theology, Old Catholic Theology, Religion Studies or a similar programme. Students need to have acquired at least 240 ECTS in their first academic degree.
2. Proof of having already worked on biblical source texts in the original languages (to the extent of one course respectively) and sufficient knowledge of Hebrew and Greek is to be provided.
3. English language proficiency is required (see below for details).
4. International applicants who are not considered as equivalent to German citizens by or on the basis of international treaties and who do not have a German university entrance qualification must pass the examination to determine their ability to study (Appendix 3, Examination Regulations).

1. English proficiency, under the terms of the Common European Framework of Reference for language (CEFR) (German: Gemeinsamer Europäischer Referenzrahmen [GER]), with a minimum CEFR level B2 or comparable accomplishments in one of the following language tests is required: TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English or equivalent
   Applicants are exempt who can show that they have achieved the matriculation standard for a university from an English-speaking school and/or the completion of a university degree in a programme conducted at least partially in the English language. Exceptions are brought before the Examination Board.
2. Sufficient knowledge of Hebrew and Greek to work on source texts in their original languages (proof of completed language courses in Biblical Hebrew and New Testament Greek)

The programme always starts in the winter semester.

Final deadline: 1 July

The MA in Biblical Studies will offer several student assistant jobs to its international students through the "ExStra Work-Study Grant" project. This initiative is backed by funds from the University of Bonn's Excellence Strategy, aimed at attracting excellent students to Master's degree programmes.

Students of the University of Bonn can apply for a room in a dormitory of the "Studierendenwerk Bonn" (further information: https://www.studierendenwerk-bonn.de/en/accommodation/). 

For further information on housing in Bonn, please visit our website: www.uni-bonn.de/en/university/university-life/living-in-bonn. 

International applicants who are admitted to the Master’s programme in Biblical Studies can apply for a dorm room through the programme coordinator. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that all students will be allotted a room, as these are in short supply. 
Individual support is offered to all students in search of accommodation. 

The University of Bonn has a central Career Service, which provides advice and support about choosing a career and applying for jobs. Moreover, international students can join the iStart career programme, which teaches participants tangible knowledge and valuable skills that will enable them to write successful applications for jobs in Germany. The programme is geared toward giving students a successful career path both during and after their studies, thus making it easier for them to enter the job market.

The University of Bonn offers a range of different support programmes for international students. The Welcome Days before the start of every semester are an opportunity for new students from abroad to gather information on the most important issues, such as enrolment, registration with the local authorities, and opening a bank account. Getting to know fellow international and German students during recreational activities is another benefit of the Welcome Days.

The Study Buddy programme matches newly arrived international students (mentees) with a University of Bonn student (buddy) who helps them as they start their studies and adjust to life in Bonn. The buddies give tips, advice and assistance that make it easier for their mentees to become familiar with the university and get settled in Bonn.

The programme coordinator and tutor of the MA in Biblical Studies offers individual support to all international students before and after their arrival.