Religion, Ethics, and Politics TU Dortmund University

Courses are held in English only.

The tense relationship between religion and politics is one of the most important social issues of our time. Societal and scientific debates on the issue have been triggered by increasing religious pluralisation and changing moral concepts as well as globalisation and migration. How tolerant should societies be of religious groups and their rituals and practices? What values, such as equal rights for women and men, should not be open to discussion? What possibilities exist for cooperation between the state and religious communities and where is potential for conflict? How does religiousness or non-religiousness affect our identity? These are concrete sample questions that the Master's programme in "Religion, Ethics, and Politics" (MaREPol) deals with.

MaREPol examines the relationship between religion, politics, and society from theological, philosophical, and political science perspectives. Students learn to address and understand the interaction between these spheres as well as the challenges that result from this complex field of tension and to develop interdisciplinary solutions. In doing so, they deal with the ethics and aesthetics of religions, analyse the relationship between religion and state in political systems, or discuss theological justifications for the political engagement of religious communities.

Winter semester:

• Non-EU/EEA nationals: Application period starts at the beginning of January and ends 15 May.
• EU/European Economic Area (EEA) citizenship: Enrolment in the Master's programme in Religion, Ethics, and Politics starts at the beginning of January and is usually possible until 15 November. Please note that this deadline applies to the enrolment but not to the submission of your application. The latter is still subject to an elaborate formal procedure, including the subsequent submission of documents, etc. We recommend applying as early as possible.

Summer semester:

• Non-EU/EEA nationals: Application period starts at the beginning of November and ends on 15 January.
• EU/European Economic Area (EEA) citizenship: Enrolment in the Master's programme in Religion, Ethics, and Politics starts at the beginning of November and is usually possible until 15 May. Please note that this deadline applies to the enrolment but not to the submission of your application. The latter is still subject to an elaborate formal procedure, including the subsequent submission of documents, etc. We recommend applying as early as possible.

The Master's programme in "Religion, Ethics, and Politics" brings philosophical, political science and theological perspectives systematically together. The programme covers all disciplines in ten modules, which take place interactively along current and important discussions. Altogether, the course of studies is covered by all three institutes of the Faculty of Humanities and Theology: the Protestant Theology, the Institute of Catholic Theology and the Institute of Philosophy and Political Science.

Foundation Courses

At the beginning of your studies, you will attend foundation courses that systematically introduce you into the self-understanding of the four disciplines, controversies and central questions, scientific ways of thinking as well as methodology. In addition, you will have the opportunity to acquire basic knowledge of history, religion, and literature of Jewish and Islamic Studies.

Interdisciplinary Clusters: Tolerance, Conflict, Identity

Three topic-oriented interfaces (clusters) build upon the foundation courses: Tolerance, Conflict, Identity. Each cluster combines two of the three disciplines. You can choose two of the three clusters to study in the Master's programme. The seminars of the clusters cover different methods and perspectives on selected issues.

Research orientation with a practical focus

MaREPol gives you the chance to focus on perspectives within or outside academia. That means that besides the chance to prepare for a scientific career, you will attend a course in project management where you will acquire application-oriented knowledge and skills. Furthermore, you will be offered the opportunity to do an internship in various areas such as national or international organisations, political parties, media institutions, NGOs, or religiously oriented institutions. Additionally, students can go abroad on an Erasmus stay for one semester to enjoy academic exchange, gain international experience, and improve their language skills.

Sharpen your Focus: In-Depth and Supplementary Modules and Master’s Thesis

In the second half of your study you will be able to sharpen your focus by selecting one of the four disciplines as in-depth and a second one as supplementary subject. The Master’s thesis is designed to support and deepen your academic and professional qualifications.

The Master's programme in Religion, Ethics, and Politics demonstrates a strong interest in international interdisciplinary research as well as pursuing activities at the interface of philosophy, political science and the theologies, such as joint research projects ("Cohesion in Europe", Graduate School on Political Cohesion), conferences ("Religion and Populism"), international research and study trips (“Open Spaces: Religion and Democracy in Indonesia and Beyond”) as well as a number of frequent student and staff exchange activities (Erasmus fellowships, Gambrinus fellowships, etc.).

Furthermore, the Faculty of Humanities and Theology attaches importance to international cooperation and maintains strategic partnerships with Parahyangan University (UNPAR) in Bandung, Indonesia, as well as Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic.

You are offered the opportunity to do an internship in various areas such as national or international organisations, political parties, media institutions, NGOs, or religiously-oriented institutions.

No tuition fees

There is a semester contribution of approximately 300 EUR per semester, which includes various services such as the public transport ticket (Deutschlandticket).

Prerequisites

The prerequisites for admission to the Master's programme in "Religion, Ethics and Politics" are as follows:

1) A Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in humanities, cultural sciences, social sciences, economics, natural sciences, and/or engineering, which has provided significant knowledge in a philosophical, political science or a theological subject;

2) The overall grade achieved in the Bachelor’s degree should be at least "good" (grade: 2.5) or better. (If you have a foreign degree, your grade must be converted into the German grading system.)

3) You will need to submit an examination task.

All courses are taught in English. Therefore, applicants have to provide proof of the language level B2 (or better) of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Language skills can be proven as follows:

• Proof of English language skills in a German high school diploma
• Through an internationally recognised language certificate (for example TOEFL; IELTS) or comparable certificate
• By attending an English-speaking school for at least one year
• Applicants whose native language is English or who have obtained a degree in an English programme

Winter semester:

• Non-EU/EEA nationals: Application period starts at the beginning of January and ends 15 May.
• EU/European Economic Area (EEA) citizenship: Enrolment in the Master's programme in Religion, Ethics, and Politics starts at the beginning of January and is usually possible until 15 November. Please note that this deadline applies to the enrolment but not to the submission of your application. The latter is still subject to an elaborate formal procedure, including the subsequent submission of documents, etc. We recommend applying as early as possible.

Summer semester:

• Non-EU/EEA nationals: Application period starts at the beginning of November and ends on 15 January.
• EU/European Economic Area (EEA) citizenship: Enrolment in the Master's programme in Religion, Ethics, and Politics starts at the beginning of November and is usually possible until 15 May. Please note that this deadline applies to the enrolment but not to the submission of your application. The latter is still subject to an elaborate formal procedure, including the subsequent submission of documents, etc. We recommend applying as early as possible.

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Starting with the application for a degree programme, through the introductory phase of your studies, the various activities during your studies, to the transition to your first job – at TU Dortmund University, you will find a wide variety of support services offered by the International Office and other institutions at the university.

This website offers you an overview: International Office TU Dortmund University.