Ecumenical and Extended Ecumenical Studies University of Bonn

Courses are held in English (100%).

The Master's programme in (Extended) Ecumenical Studies (MESt) covers a field of knowledge entailing the following concepts:

• the plurality of Christianities
• the plurality of European and non-European churches and theologies
• the plurality of religious differences in general and in their cultural contexts
• the main concepts of the types of unity of churches/Christianity to be desired
• the ideas regarding the peaceful and respectful interactions of religions

Students will be introduced to key aspects of biblical and theological interpretation, as well as to poignant developments in church history, in order to equip them with the tools necessary to make advances in the interest of ecumenism. Lecturers will devote special attention to the insights and methodology of German theology, owing to the singular influence of German-language research on theological scholarship worldwide.

The MESt is offered by the Faculty of Protestant Theology in cooperation with the Centre for Religion and Society ("Zentrum für Religion und Gesellschaft – ZERG") at the University of Bonn. Professors and lecturers from the Faculties and Departments of Protestant and Catholic Theology, Philosophy, the Seminary of Old Catholic Theology, and from the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Germany contribute to the teaching of the programme.

First deadline: 30 April 
(This is also the deadline for the MESt Faculty Scholarship. Details are available on the homepage.)

Final deadline: 1 July

The Master's programme in (Extended) Ecumenical Studies comprises a combination of both compulsory and elective modules. It consists of lectures and seminars, an internship or ecumenical fieldwork, and a Master's thesis.

• Events during the academic year intended to foster intercultural training
• Study trips organised in cooperation with MESt student ambassadors
• Diverse (international) teaching staff
• Medium of instruction: English

Students of the Master's programme in (Extended) Ecumenical Studies are required to complete an internship or ecumenical fieldwork. With the help of the knowledge and skills acquired in the previous modules, the students can analyse practical situations, work out relevant questions and develop and implement solutions.

Recommended: complete participation in the courses of the modules of the first semester / first year

No tuition fees

A social fee of approx. 320 EUR per semester

900 EUR to 1,000 EUR per month, which covers accommodation, health insurance, food, and other daily expenses

1. The “Ecumenical Studies” and “Extended Ecumenical Studies” consecutive Master’s programmes are aimed at applicants who have a first university degree in one of the subjects of Catholic Theology, Protestant Theology, Old Catholic Theology, Orthodox Theology, Religious Education, Religious Studies or a related field. For the Master’s programme in “Ecumenical Studies”, students need to have acquired at least 240 ECTS in their first academic degree; for the Master's programme in "Extended Ecumenical Studies", students need to have acquired at least 180 ECTS in their first academic degree.
2. In-depth knowledge of a Christian denomination and its scientific reflection/interpretation, evidenced by study components amounting to at least 60 ECTS or comparable knowledge
3. English language proficiency with a minimum level of B2
4. International applicants who are not considered equivalent to German citizens by or on the basis of international treaties and who do not have a German university entrance qualification must prove that they have passed the aptitude test for university studies (Annex 4, Examination Regulations).

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: 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.

First deadline: 30 April 
(This is also the deadline for the MESt Faculty Scholarship. Details are available on the homepage.)

Final deadline: 1 July

1. One MESt Faculty Scholarship is available, awarded on the basis of academic achievement as well as evidence of special ecumenical interest, as documented in the application pack.
2. The ExStra Work-Study Grant: This is a student assistant job that offers students the opportunity to combine the Master's programme in (Extended) Ecumenical Studies with paid work on a research team within our programme. Details can be found on our homepage.

Students have the possibility to apply for a room in a student dorm run by the "Studierendenwerk". Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that all students will be allotted a room as these are in short supply.

Support is offered in the search for private accommodation as well. In order to ensure sufficient time to secure accommodation, early application to the MESt programme is recommended.

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

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 MESt coordinator offers all international students individual support before and after their arrival.