The new Master of Comparative Theological Studies program will welcome students from more than 10 countries. The deadline for applying is September 25
The International Center for Comparative Theology and Social Issues (CTSI) and the Faculty of Catholic Theology at the University of Bonn have set up a new master’s degree program. Delivered in English, the international Master of Comparative Theological Studies program is designed for theology, religious studies or cultural studies graduates and teaches the basics of comparative theology, covering Islam, Christianity and Judaism. It focuses on topics that are key to successful co-existence in societies with an increasingly complex religious and cultural fabric. The new degree program begins in winter semester 2025/26, and interested students have until September 25 to apply.
The master’s degree program adopts an interdisciplinary approach that is both practical and research-oriented and that benefits from the wide variety of methodologies for theological thought across the three monotheistic traditions-which are represented specifically by the teachers and students on the program. "I’m really happy to see so many international students interested in our new master’s degree program," says Professor Klaus von Stosch, Head of the International Center for Comparative Theology and Social Issues (CTSI), who came up with the idea for the program. "And I can’t wait to see how the members of the various religious communities interact and work together as they learn more about theology."
Applications for the first intake are still open. The students who have already secured their place on the program include Muslims, Christians and Jews from countries such as Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Lebanon, Nigeria, Pakistan, Poland, Thailand and the UK. The benefits of the new master’s degree program include its online and hybrid modules as well as its flexibility, as it can be completed in either two semesters of full-time or four semesters of part-time study.
"We’re delighted to now be able to offer this international master’s program alongside our degree programs culminating in a Magister Theologiae or a teaching or bachelor’s degree," explains Professor Andreas Odenthal, Dean of the Faculty of Catholic Theology. As well as adding another program taught in English, the faculty will also see its theological debate enriched and challenged as it welcomes students of other religions and denominations.
Graduates of the master’s program will be well placed to enter a humanities or cultural studies career that requires particular expertise and sensitivity in handling issues of an inter-religious or intercultural nature. These include working at an institution representing a particular faith or religious community or in education, politics, administration, business or the media as well as undertaking further academic study at a university, research institution or think tank.
About the CTSI
The CTSI is the home of international research into comparative theology, which it studies in dialogue with other disciplines so that the plural world of religions can be better understood and constructive prospects for action can be developed. It provides a platform for innovative research that is devoted to promoting early-career researchers through interdisciplinary, multi-site ideas workshops, conferences and colloquia for doctoral students. The CTSI also invites visiting researchers on a regular basis and organizes several public event series and collaborative formats such as the Annemarie Schimmel Lectures and the "Room of One" in Bonn.
