Evangelical Theology, Master of Arts

Who is the Bachelor of Protestant Theology at the Protestant University of Applied Sciences Tabor suitable for?

The Bachelor's degree programme in Protestant Theology at the Protestant University of Applied Sciences Tabor is aimed at individuals who aspire to a full-time position in pastoral ministry, community work, church-related or independent organisations. Applicants who wish to engage with theology on an academic level or lay the foundations for a subsequent Master’s degree will also find a solid base here. It particularly addresses people interested in combining academic theology, personal spiritual development and practical elements. The target group also includes career changers as well as individuals coming from different denominations or those who want to become more familiar with the church context.

What admission requirements apply?

• University entrance qualification: Generally, the Abitur, the Fachhochschulreife or an equivalent recognised qualification entitles applicants to begin their studies. Admission is also possible under certain conditions for applicants with professional qualifications (e.g. through completed vocational training and several years of professional experience). Current details and exceptions are regulated in the admission regulations of the Protestant University of Applied Sciences Tabor.
• Recognition of prior achievements: Previous achievements from comparable degree programmes or theological training may be credited towards the studies.
• No denominational affiliation required: Enrolment does not require membership of a particular church, but openness to the Christian faith is desired.
• Application procedure: Applications are made via the university’s online portal. The usual application documents are required (certificates, if applicable motivation letter and CV).

Further information about study prerequisites, recognition of prior achievements and possible exceptions can be found on the website of the Protestant University of Applied Sciences Tabor and in the official admission regulations.

Personal requirements: What should you bring?

• Interest in theology and the Christian faith: Willingness to engage with biblical, systematic-theological and church-historical questions.
• Motivation for personal development: Openness to personal and spiritual growth as well as commitment to the community of the university.
• Willingness to learn languages: The intensive language courses in Hebrew and Greek require perseverance; previous knowledge is helpful but not essential, as a dedicated didactic concept provides much support.
• Practical orientation: Enjoyment of practical activities such as community work, children’s and youth work, pastoral care, preaching or diaconal involvement.
• Teamwork and communication readiness: The studies thrive on exchange in small groups and joint learning in practical projects.
• Self-management: The ability to work independently and learn in a structured way helps to manage everyday study life.

The course is particularly suitable if you enjoy supporting people in different life situations, implementing innovative approaches in church and community, or working in an interdisciplinary and open-minded way.

What content does the Bachelor’s degree in Protestant Theology cover?

In the Protestant Theology programme at the Protestant University of Applied Sciences Tabor in Marburg, you will receive a broad education in core theological disciplines. The Bachelor’s degree course is designed for eight semesters and integrates academic depth, spiritual personal development, and practical relevance.

• Biblical Studies: Study of the Bible of the Old and New Testaments (biblical knowledge, exegesis, theology)
• Biblical Languages: Greek and Hebrew (with intensive support and ample time for learning)
• Church History: From the beginnings of Christianity to the present day
• Systematic Theology: Topics such as dogmatics, hermeneutics, life and social ethics
• Practical Theology: Focus areas in children’s and youth work, missionary and diaconal church development, pastoral care, homiletics (including supervised preaching internships), mentoring, and church management
• Mission Studies: Religious studies, ecumenism, contextualisation
• Interdisciplinary Topics: Prayer and mysticism, spiritual leadership and numerous other relevant contents

During the course of your studies, you can set your own specialisations, for example in the field of Media & Communication. Additional elective modules are available here, such as social media competence or journalism. With at least four completed media modules, this specialisation is certified.

How does the course of study proceed?

The Bachelor’s degree normally lasts 8 semesters. The aim is a solid education with 240 ECTS credits, making a subsequent Master’s degree possible in just two further semesters.

• Combination of theory and practice: Numerous mandatory internships such as leisure internship, children’s and youth work internship, church internship, and preaching internship
• Additional internship: Voluntary internships possible in mission, social sector, media or environment
• Individual support: Tutorials in the first and eighth semester to support both the start of studies and the transition into professional life
• Start of studies: The course usually begins every year in September; a start in the summer semester is possible by arrangement
• Orientation semester: If desired, after the second semester, you can switch to the related degree programme Practical Theology & Social Work without losing time

The courses are taught by experienced professors and lecturers. In small groups and with personal support, you enable yourself an intensive engagement with the content and your own personality.

What professions does the Protestant Theology degree qualify you for?

With the B.A. Protestant Theology degree from the Protestant University of Applied Sciences Tabor, you obtain a state-recognised and Europe-wide accredited university degree. This opens up various pastoral, church-related and social-diaconal professional fields, as well as activities beyond church institutions.

• Church-related professional fields: Work in regional church communities, free evangelical congregations, free churches, Christian organisations (e.g. YMCA) and Fresh-X initiatives
• Community education and pastoral care: Participation in children’s and youth work, pastoral care and counselling work
• Mission, diaconia and education: Deployment in mission agencies, diaconal institutions or Christian education providers
• Other possibilities: Deployment in social, media or communication-related professional areas (here the elective focus Media & Communication provides support)

After the Bachelor’s degree, various Master’s programmes are available to you, also due to cooperation agreements, for example with the International University Liebenzell or Friedrich Schiller University Jena.

For graduates, the Tabor Foundation for Study and Community Life offers a supported career entry programme in the pastoral field, including application coaching, practical guidance, and crisis intervention.

Studying in Marburg – what can you expect at the study location?

Marburg is considered a traditional university location with a vibrant Christian scene. The campus of the Protestant University of Applied Sciences Tabor enables personal interaction and spiritual exchange with students from different congregations and from all over Germany. Even after graduation, you can remain connected with other graduates through the Tabor Study and Community Life network if you wish.

What does the course cost? Are there financing options?

• Tuition fees: 480 Euros per month, or 2,880 Euros per semester (total cost over 8 semesters: 5,760 Euros according to course information, please note: possible adjustment to the current status of the university)
• Financing: The university provides information on common funding opportunities such as BAFöG, scholarships, and part-time jobs. In counselling sessions, you receive individual support regarding financing.

Besides the tuition fees, you should factor in living costs in Marburg. The Protestant University of Applied Sciences Tabor supports you in finding accommodation and in contact with potential halls of residence.