Hermannsburg University of Applied Sciences for Intercultural Theology

The University of Intercultural Theology Hermannsburg (FIT) is a state-recognized and accredited evangelical university in Hermannsburg (municipality of Südheide), Lower Saxony. Founded on October 2, 2012, FIT is under the sponsorship of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission in Lower Saxony (ELM), a foundation supported by several evangelical regional churches in Lower Saxony. The university is dedicated to promoting intercultural dialogue and understanding between Christian cultures from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe.

The FIT campus includes a chapel used as a place for exchange and spiritual reflection. With around 71 students (as of the summer semester 2023) and a team of 19 academic staff members, including six professors (as of 2022), the university offers an intensive and practical education in an international and ecumenical environment.

Degree Programs

The university offers three internationally and ecumenically oriented degree programs:

Bachelor of Intercultural Theology and Global Diaconia (ITDG): 6 semesters full-time study, 180 ECTS

Bachelor of Intercultural Theology, Migration, and Global Cooperation (ITMGZ): 6 semesters full-time study, 180 ECTS

Master of Intercultural Theology (ICT): 4-semester full-time study, 120 ECTS, in cooperation with the University of Göttingen

Research and Focus Areas

FIT is involved in various research areas with the aim of understanding and engaging in fruitful dialogue on religious and cultural diversity. Focus areas include:

Migration and Religion

Biblical research from an intercultural perspective

Intercultural History of Christianity

Systematic Theology and Hermeneutics

Mission Studies and International Diaconia

Interreligious Encounter and Religious Studies

Social Work and Development Projects in Intercultural Contexts

Collaborations

FIT maintains close academic collaborations with the University of Göttingen as well as international partners such as the Lutheran Theological Institute in South Africa, the Makumira University College of Tumaini University in Tanzania, and other theological institutions in Africa. Through these connections, FIT supports intercultural and ecumenical collaboration worldwide.

Closure of the University

Against the backdrop of a strategic realignment, the University of Intercultural Theology Hermannsburg is set to close in 2025. This decision is based on cost considerations by the sponsor.