Evangelical Theology, Bachelor of Arts

Who is the Bachelor's Degree in Protestant Theology at FTH Gießen Suitable For?

The Bachelor's degree in Protestant Theology at the Freie Theologische Hochschule Gießen is aimed at all those seeking a scientifically grounded, practice-oriented theology degree with an evangelical orientation. It is especially intended for individuals who want to become active in church, congregation, mission, or social institutions, have a strong interest in biblical-theological issues, and wish to engage with socially relevant topics of faith. The target group includes both school-leavers with the general higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) and those with a university of applied sciences entrance qualification who want to start a state-recognised course of study in Protestant theology. The degree is also suitable for people who wish to develop personally and spiritually and strengthen their pastoral skills.

Admission Requirements at a Glance

• University Entrance Qualification: General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) or university of applied sciences entrance qualification
• Application Deadline: 15 September for the following winter semester
• Start of Studies: Always in the winter semester (mid-October)
• Mode of Study: On-campus study at the Gießen campus

For applicants with foreign certificates, the regular recognition procedures for university entrance in Germany apply (e.g. recognition of qualifications via the responsible authorities).

Personal Requirements for the Course of Study

• Interest in the Contents of Theology: Willingness to engage in depth with biblical studies, church history, systematic theology, practical theology, and missiology
• Motivation for Personal Development: Openness to one’s own growth in matters of faith, ethical reflection, and engagement with current topics
• Communicative Skills: Enjoyment of working with people, willingness to work in a team during studies and practical phases
• Perseverance: Willingness to meet linguistic requirements (Greek & Hebrew)
• Christian Orientation Desirable: The study environment is based on a biblical understanding
• Social Sensitivity: Interest in pastoral and congregational work

Studying with a disability is generally possible. The FTH is happy to offer support on a case-by-case basis.

Detailed Study Contents

The Bachelor's degree programme in Protestant Theology at the Freie Theologische Hochschule Gießen provides you with solid expertise in the central subfields of theology. The aim is to give you a strong biblical foundation and prepare you for various professional fields in the church and societal contexts.

• Old Testament: Introduction, biblical studies, exegesis and context of the Old Testament, participation in a study trip to Israel as part of the programme.
• New Testament: Introduction, contemporary history, biblical studies and in-depth interpretation of the New Testament.
• Systematic Theology: Fundamental questions of the Christian faith, ethics, dogmatics and current theological topics as well as the defence of the faith (apologetics).
• Historical Theology: Church history, history of philosophy, confessional developments, doctrine of the church and intellectual-historical phenomena.
• Practical Theology: Methods of homiletics, pastoral care, worship service design, missionary church planting and children’s and youth work.
• Missiology: Basics and theories of mission, intercultural theology, religions in dialogue and Islamic studies.
• Biblical Languages: Greek and Hebrew, each as basic and advanced modules.
• Supporting Sciences: Introduction to academic research and relevant neighbouring disciplines.
• Practical Projects and Block Placement: Practical application and testing of what has been learned in church, mission or social projects.

Course Progression and Structure

The programme is divided into six semesters of regular study duration. Each semester imparts thematically successive content in compulsory and elective areas. The key points in the course progression:

• 1st Semester: Propaedeutics of Theology, basic module Greek, introduction to the Old Testament, first foundations of Systematic Theology and Missiology.
• 2nd Semester: Advanced Greek, New Testament I, Practical Theology, block placement.
• 3rd Semester: Introduction to Hebrew, New Testament II, deepening New Testament, Historical Theology/Systematic Theology, first practical project.
• 4th Semester: Hebrew II, Old Testament II with study trip to Israel, church and confessional studies, advanced Missiology, second practical project.
• 5th Semester: Advanced seminars on Old Testament, Systematic Theology and Historical Theology, Practical Theology with pastoral care and church planting.
• 6th Semester: Elective module, in-depth study of systematic-theological core topics and ethics, finalised with the Bachelor thesis.

The curriculum is adapted to the ECTS system (180 credit points). Projects, seminars and placements are integral parts of the curriculum.

Career Prospects and Professional Fields

With a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Protestant Theology, various career paths are open to you:

• Work as a pastor or preacher in free churches and communities (depending on confessional requirements, additional qualifications may be necessary)
• Church community work and church planting
• Religious education (with advanced teaching qualification or master’s degree)
• Missionary and social fields of work at home and abroad
• Management of church and youth work as well as counselling and pastoral care
• Working in Christian organisations, institutions and non-profit organisations
• Further academic career, for example through a master’s degree (such as a Master in Theology)

Study at the Gießen Campus

The Freie Theologische Hochschule Gießen offers you a campus-based face-to-face study programme. The campus is open around the clock and provides optimal conditions for study, exchange and community. In Gießen you can expect:

• Modern library with theological specialised literature
• Study rooms and workspaces
• Close supervision by 16 full-time lecturers
• Supportive study atmosphere with interdisciplinary community
• Regular study trips and practical projects directly integrated into the course

Costs and Financing

The monthly tuition fees amount to €260 (as of 2024). Additionally, a semester ticket costing approximately €147 per semester applies – this includes local public transport as well as access to an outdoor swimming pool and theatre tickets.

• Tuition fees: €260 per month (approx. €9,360 total cost for six semesters)
• Semester ticket: €146.55 per semester
• Funding opportunities: numerous scholarships, including 12–16 Deutschlandstipendien annually as well as further internal and external scholarships
• BAföG funding possible up to the maximum rate

Additional support for financial questions is available through the university’s deanery.