1. Study Contents

Intended for those with the requisite theological training, this four semester taught Master’s program is formulated to encourage scholarly excellence in classical theological disciplines as well as theologically related contemporary discourses. The program ensures a level of qualification, which corresponds to the level of education of other (Jewish and Christian) theologians and allows inter-religious dialogue at every level. In addition, students learn how to analyze Islamic theology in its historical, contemporary as well as European context. Graduates are able to understand Islamic theological issues in their social life and to participate actively in an Islam that corresponds to a German and European context.

The Master's program promotes written and oral communication skills of students. They will be able to work independently according to scientific principles, apply academic methods, develop their own arguments, interpret, and scrutinize classical and contemporary  theological debates.

2. Admission Requirements

The Master's program is open to all Bachelor graduates of German and foreign universities who have their first degrees in Islamic theology, Islamic Studies, in a related religious or social science, or applicants with a similar qualification.

The teaching languages of the program are German and English. If you have not acquired your university qualifications in a German institution, you need to demonstrate sufficient German language skills before beginning your studies at the University of Tübingen. More details are provided in the regulations about the German language examination for university entrance (DSH).
Command of the English language (at least level B2 according to the Common European Framework for Languages must be proven by one of the following: TOEFL (total score of at least 87 Internet-Based TOEFL (TOEFL iBT)), IELTS (minimum 5.0 overall score), Cambridge certificate of Advanced English Test (grade A or B), language certificate from the German Academic exchange Service (DAAD) (minimum level (c) (roughly equivalent language proficiency levels of Europe B2). Your university entrance qualification will be accepted, if all these requirements are met and confirmed by the certificate: (1) English was the 1st, 2nd or 3rd foreign language (2) was continued until graduation (3) was graded at least "still good" (10 points).

In addition, the candidates have to prove their knowledge of Arabic (at least B2 of GER). Another criterion is a grade point average of at least 2.5 in the previous bachelor's degree.

You are exempted from the obligation to prove your language skills if

• your native language is English or Arabic
• you have acquired 30 ECTS in English or Arabic language courses / modules at a university in an EU / EEA country or Switzerland. Students must prove the language of teaching of these courses / modules;
• you have successfully completed a study program in English or Arabic;
• you have successfully acquired 30 ECTS or have completed courses with a total of 30 ECTS or equivalent services in the course of university studies in an English or Arabic speaking region. Students must prove the language of teaching;
• you have obtained your university entrance qualification under the predominant use of English or Arabic as a language of instruction.

The program is open to students of all faiths and denominations.

3. Selection Procedure

The Master's program will only accept a limited number of applicants. Acceptance to the program works on the basis of an internal selection procedure. Further details are laid down in the statutes of the University of Tübingen for the internal selection procedure for the program "Islamic Theology in the European context". For further information, please contact the Student Advisory Office.

4. Application

The course program starts each winter semester. Applications for the first semester have to be made online. Access to the online application will be possible from early April. The application deadline is July 15.

Applying for a Master's program.

For further information, please contact the Student Advisory Office.

5. Duration of the Program

The standard period of studying is four semesters (including an obligatory semester abroad) with a total of 120 credit points.

Please note: gaining a Master's degree involves earning a total of 300 ECTS. If you enter the M.A. program with less than 240 ECTS you will have to do extra work to achieve the required 300 ECTS.

6. Exam Regulations and Module Handbook

Please find the module manual on the right.

7. Professions

The Master's program "Islamic theology in a European context" enables its students to do independent research at an advanced level and prepares them for a subsequent PhD. At the same time, it provides interdisciplinary, intercultural and interreligious skills that can lead to a successful career in the non-academic field. The critical learning methods and the practical relevance of the Master's program also enables students to deal with scientific (theological) and social problems.

8. Counselling