Religious Studies

Ruhr Universitat Bochum · Bochum, Germany

Level
Master's
Award
Master of Arts
Language
English
Duration
4 semesters
Campus
Bochum
Apply by
Register by 15 July 2027 + 1 more
Starts
Winter and summer semester

Ruhr Universitat Bochum does not publish a fee for this programme on its own. Its published rate for master's programmes is €0 a year for international students.

Entry requirements and how to apply

Entry requirements
Requirements: BA Degree in Religious Studies or equivalent: The degree should prove a minimum of three years of university study in Religious Studies or a related discipline. Basic Knowledge in Theories: In order to maintain an academically advanced course level, all future graduate students are required to have a basic knowledge in theories and methods in the study of religion. According to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), this should account for 10 credit points in undergraduate studies or equivalent. Basic Knowledge in History of Religions: Applicants must prove basic knowledge in the history of religion or in at least one religious tradition – to an amount of 10 credit points. This knowledge should correspond to the desired specialisation in religious traditions, regions, and historical periods chosen while a graduate student at CERES.
English language requirement
B1 required, proof via placement test/interview
German language requirement
No minimum language level required
Application period
The following is valid for applicants from: all countries For the winter semester: 15 June - 15 July The following is valid for applicants from: all countries For the summer semester: 15 December - 15 January
Apply through
Please check this website .

About this programme

Religious Studies is an academic discipline of its own. It aims to scientifically understand and explain religions around the world both in past and present times. Religious Studies is not theology, even though it is often mistaken for it. There often appears to be a fundamental misunderstanding about what Religious Studies is as a discipline. Like theology, it focuses on religion – but it does so without any religious convictions and applies different methods and research questions. Religious Studies focuses on the human and social dimension of religions. This academic discipline is not about proving the existence of god(s) and other transcendent beings or detecting and proclaiming the one and only true religion. Religious Studies is about a social-scientific understanding of religions. In German, this discipline is called "Religionswissenschaft". This literally means the "science of religion". The objects of its research are empirical data obtained by a variety of academic approaches. Humanities, social sciences and even natural sciences provide methodological tools used in the Religious Studies research. Religious Studies deals with religion as a social fact and part of human interaction. People believe (or do not believe) in a realm beyond themselves and perform certain practices according to what they believe. These beliefs affect the social world; conversely, people’s social environment also affects what they believe (or do not) and how they act. Therefore, the focus of

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