Religion and Global Futures University of Bayreuth

The programme is taught 100% in English.
However it is possible to take elective classes in German.

The Master of Arts programme in “Religion and Global Futures” will equip you with knowledge and skills that enable you to understand contemporary and emerging forms of religion, both from a global perspective and in relation to questions of global futures. You will receive support in cultivating research and critical thinking skills. These skills are essential for understanding some of the most prominent global issues of our time concerning our shared futures. The programme explores how religion is implicated in issues of climate change, resource scarcity, pandemics, social discrimination and inequality, international conflict and terrorism, neo-imperialism, poverty, (ethno)nationalism, migration and social cohesion. 

As a graduate of this programme, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to work in various fields which address these and similar challenges. In addition to drawing on valuable insights and skills offered by the study of religion, the programme also allows you to develop interdisciplinary knowledge by engaging with other fields of research at University of Bayreuth, including sustainability, political science, economic history, global nutrition and public health, anthropology, sociology, Islamic studies, and African studies. Our programme is informed by innovative research in the study of religion and adjacent fields that foreground dynamics of plurality and relationality. You will not only have opportunities to develop basic knowledge of specific religious traditions and geographic regions, but you will also examine translocal movements, encounters, and interdependencies between different religious groups and traditions.

Application for EU citizens
1 March to mid-October (winter semester)

Application for non-EU citizens
1 March to 15 July (winter semester)

We highly recommend that international applicants apply as early as possible due to the lengthy visa procedures.

Structure and contents of the programme

The programme combines mandatory, elective, and optional modules, together amounting to 120 ECTS, in the following areas:

• Core Module I-II (10 ECTS)
• Methodology I-II (10 ECTS)
• Central Concepts I-II (10 ECTS)
• Global Regions I-II OR Language I-II (10 ECTS)
• Thematic Fields I-II (10 ECTS)
• Interdisciplinarity I-II (10 ECTS)
• Internship OR Independent Studies (10 ECTS)
• Research Seminar I-II (10 ECTS)
• Study Project (10 ECTS)
• Master’s Thesis (30 ECTS)

In the second semester, you can choose either the internship or the independent studies option. If you decide to take the internship, you will gain important skills for the postgraduate job market (both in or outside academia).

No tuition fees

In Bayreuth, students do not have to pay any tuition fees.

They pay a semester contribution. It covers your contributions to student services and the student government. Attending the University of Bayreuth (which combines the campus in Bayreuth and our Faculty VII located in Kulmbach) includes a "semester ticket" that allows you to use public transportation in the region. The semester contribution is 163.04 EUR per semester.

The costs of living in Germany, e.g. living, food, clothing, and activities, are about average compared to other European countries. The city of Bayreuth, compared to other large German cities (Munich, Berlin, Hamburg), offers a uniquely attractive combination: low cost of living, affordable housing, and a high quality of life. This makes Bayreuth especially appealing to students, young professionals and families. Whether it's outdoor sports in the nearby Fichtelgebirge, cultural highlights like the world-famous Festival, or the rich culinary scene – the city offers a rich variety of experiences right at your doorstep. 

Bayreuth combines affordability with vibrancy – making it easy to study, live and enjoy life to the fullest.

Here is an example: https://www.gamechanger-campus.de/en/cost-of-living.

Qualification

A Bachelor's degree programme with a total of 180 ECTS points in study of religion and/or other cultural and/or social sciences (e.g. Islamic studies, African studies, social and cultural anthropology, sociology, history, political science) with a total of at least 30 ECTS points in study of religion and/or cultural and/or social sciences, or an equivalent degree with a minimum of 2.5 (or better) on the German grading scale or the international equivalent.

Equivalency

Equivalency of the completed Bachelor's degree is the responsibility of the board of examiners and is not determined conclusively until the application process is under way; for this reason, no information can be provided in advance.

Admission restrictions /application

All applicants must submit a cover letter comprising a maximum of two pages where they explain why they consider themselves well-suited for the MA programme Religion and Global Futures. For example, previous main areas of study, experience abroad, internships, etc. can be mentioned here, as well as reasonable interest in the methodological and theoretical approaches of social/cultural studies of religion. Furthermore, initial ideas for an own research project can be outlined here, which is to be realised during the Master's programme.

Applying without a degree certificate

Applications may already be submitted before completion of the Bachelor's degree; however, a total of at least 150 credits and a minimum grade of "good" (2.5) are required by the time of application.

English B2
German A1: Applicants must provide proof of basic German language skills (CEFR Level A1) within one year after enrolment.

Application for EU citizens
1 March to mid-October (winter semester)

Application for non-EU citizens
1 March to 15 July (winter semester)

We highly recommend that international applicants apply as early as possible due to the lengthy visa procedures.

Scholarships for international students: International students and doctoral researchers have the opportunity to apply for a study grant at the International Office. Limited funding from the State of Bavaria and the DAAD is available for this purpose. The application deadline for the winter semester is 31 August and for the summer semester 28 February. All grants can be awarded for up to two semesters.

Unfortunately, first-semester students cannot be funded, i.e. applications cannot be submitted until the second semester of study for funding starting in the third semester of study. Above all, academic achievements from the previous semester are decisive for the evaluation of the application.

There are many ways for international students to earn money while they study, but there are some restrictions. For more detailed information, please visit the DAAD website.

The University of Bayreuth’s Career Services team provides a central interface between student and professional life. The team offers guidance and support to students of all subjects with regard to starting their careers.

Accommodation for students
Bayreuth and Kulmbach have a number of student dormitories (both private dormitories and dormitories offered by the Association for Student Affairs) and a vast array of private rooms available. Under no circumstances should you assume that you will be assigned a room in the student dormitories! You will need to actively search for a room on your own – either in a private dormitory or on the private market.

More information regarding accommodation for students is available here: https://www.gamechanger-campus.de/en/accommodation. Please also read the DAAD’s information.

Accommodation for international guests
All other international guests are requested to register via the Welcome Services Database (WelSe).

Accommodation for short visits
For short visits, we recommend searching for accommodation on Airbnb. In addition, a limited number of apartments are available in the Alexander von Humboldt Guest House.

For in between: youth hostels

If you can not find a long-term accommodation from the start, you could look for a living space at the youth hostels directly next to our campus.

https://www.jugendherberge.de/en/youth-hostels/bayreuth/