Protestant Theology (Bachelor of Arts, B.A.)
Study Protestant Theology with or without a teaching qualification option at a faculty steeped in tradition. The programme encompasses all core disciplines, from the history of Christianity to intercultural theology, opens up international perspectives, and benefits from the unique resources of Berlin.
Please choose
- Major Field
- Minor Field
- Primary school
Table of Contents
At a glance
Course structure and content
The programme provides broad and integrated knowledge in all the academic foundations of the discipline – from biblical studies and systematic theology to religious studies. Students acquire a sound understanding of central theories, methods, and principles and learn to critically reflect on them. The aim is to connect theological knowledge in both depth and breadth and to develop problem-solving strategies and arguments for professional application.
Students acquire these skills through a blend of classroom instruction, online learning, and independent study, both individually and collaboratively. Early in the programme, students have the opportunity to actively participate in research and development projects, thus gaining practical experience in academic work.
For students pursuing a teaching qualification, the Bachelor's programme also imparts fundamental professional skills and specifically prepares them for the subsequent advanced Master of Education programme. This opens the door to teaching Protestant religious education in schools.
If necessary, preparatory course: up to 2 semesters of language courses
Basic studies (57 CP)
- Basic module Old Testament (10 CP)
- Basic module New Testament (10 CP)
- Basic module History of Christianity (10 CP)
- Basic module Systematic Theology: Systematic propaedeutics (10 CP)
- Basic module Religious Studies and Intercultural Theology (10 CP)
- Basic module Religious Education (7 CP)
In-depth studies (10 CP)
1 of the following mandatory elective modules:
- In-depth module Old Testament (10 CP)
- In-depth module New Testament (10 CP)
- In-depth module History of Christianity (10 CP)
- In-depth module Systematic Theology (10 CP)
- In-depth module Religious Studies (10 CP)
- Elective module Practical theology (10 CP)
Special features
There are no specific entry requirements, but prior knowledge of Latin, Ancient Greek, or Hebrew is advantageous.
Of the language exams (Hebraicum, Graecum, and Latinum), one is mandatory for Protestant Theology as minor field of study, and two for Protestant Theology as a major. Preparatory courses (language courses) can be taken during the course of study.
Church membership is not required for the initial phase of study. However, if you later wish to work as a teacher of Protestant religious education, church membership is required.
With its years of tradition, the Humboldt-Universit?t Faculty of Theology has exceptional, internationally renowned lecturers in all fields who are enthusiastic about their subject and pass their enthusiasm on to others.
The students come from all over Germany and abroad (USA, UK, Russia, South Africa, Denmark, Norway, Poland, etc.); the faculty maintains many contacts with faculties abroad that have relevant exchange programmes.
The state museum collections near the faculty (Pergamon Museum, Neues Museum, Bode Museum) and Berlin’s other collections and archives already offer extensive illustrative material for historical subjects (Old/New Testament and Ecclesiastical History) and Religious Studies.
Berlin’s unparalleled religious plurality offers extensive opportunities for direct contact with other religious communities and - like the church’s specific location in this large city - invites self-reflection and discussion, achieved in the subject areas of Religious Studies and Systematic and Practical Theology.
The faculty covers numerous interests, reaching beyond Theology into the fields of Philosophy (Philosophy professorship, Guardini chair), Art History and Gender Studies, creating close contacts with the other faculties.
Berlin offers an unbelievable programme of academic and cultural events, often easily affordable for students (e.g. reduced annual tickets for museums and collections, Classic Card for the opera houses).
You should…
- enjoy the careful, detailed handling of texts and methodologically impartial academic historical work.
- love the languages and imaginative worlds of foreign, sometimes very old texts.
- be open to being surprised by traditions generally considered to have been outlived, and to examine the life options and self-conceptions offered by these traditions.
- be ready to critically reflect on personal religious affiliations and bring them to open-ended dialogue with alternative life orientations.
Subject-specific admission and enrolment rules
Career opportunities & prospects
If you wish to enter the teaching profession, you must apply for the Master of Education in your two subjects. If you do not wish to enter the teaching profession, the faculty can offer you the Religion and Culture master’s course. You’ll find information on master’s degree programmes in the Course catalogue.
With a bachelor's degree in (Protestant) theology, various fields of activity are possible, especially in the parish or in institutions, e.g. pastoral care, parish work or adult education.
To become a teacher, a Master's degree, followed by an induction service as a trainee teacher (Referendariat) and a final examination (state examination) are required after completing the Bachelor's degree.
More information on career prospects and alternatives can be found in the Berufenet database.
Course Advisory Service
Tel. (030) 2093-91706, studienfachberatung.theologie@rz.hu-berlin.de
Study Coordinator
Ms. Adnouf, dagmar.adnouf@theologie.hu-berlin.de
Recognition of credits
Applications for recognition can be handed in at the examination office, Tel. (030) 2093-91708. The classification is carried out by the chairperson of the examination board.
Contact information for the faculty
Theologische Fakult?t
Boeckh-Haus, Dorotheenstra?e 65, 10117 Berlin