Christianity in Global Transformations Master's study programme

As birthplace of the Reformation and worldwide Protestant mission, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) has played a profound role in shaping global Christianity as we know it today. This complex historical legacy invites critical reflection on the ambivalent role of Christianity — and religion more broadly — in global transformations.

Besides this historical frame, the city of Halle is situated in the midst of Germany - a country between Global East and Global West. It is a lively medium-sized city with an eminent cultural and subcultural scene, rooted in the student life of several academic institutions (art college, college for sacred music, university etc.). There are various choirs, campus sports, project groups or gardening projects and other leisure activities which will help you settle in quickly. The thousand-year-old city also offers a rich cultural programme (e.g. museums, theatres, opera, historical sites, music clubs and art events), beautiful nature and a friendly atmosphere. Halle is also well-connected to nearby cities such as Leipzig and Berlin, so you can explore more of Germany during your study time.

Studying in Halle means being part of a lively, but not stressful place and experiencing historical sites in transformation: art, music & religion on the move.

The degree programme qualifies students for a career in work fields that deal with diverse forms of Christianity in social transformation processes by imparting subject-specific knowledge and methodological-analytical skills relevant to the professional field and can furthermore provide a basis for further doctoral studies. It equips students with a focus on current transformation processes which leaves them well-prepared for any occupation in ecclesiastical, cultural or political institutions, interreligious dialogue as well as in the field of NGO’s, journalism, media, science or education.

If you are aiming for a career in a church, Halle offers close links to various regional and ecumenical church organisations and practical training opportunities.

The programme is structured as follows:

1. Compulsory modules (40 CP)
2. Master's thesis (30 CP)
3. Electives - Major: Specialisation (25 CP)
4. Electives - Minor and Interdisciplinary Specialisation (25 CP)

The content, learning objectives, workload, requirements and prerequisites of specific modules are published in the module catalogue and the study and examination regulations (in German only).    

An internship (duration: 360 hours) is integrated into the international master's degree programme as an independent module with 15 credit points. It is possible to split the internship upon application. The faculty appoints an internship coordinator to advise on internship-related questions. This person
advises on internship-related questions. The internship is organised independently by the student. It is recommended to seek advice from the internship coordinator before starting the internship.

Applicants for the M.A. Christianity in Global Transformations must

• hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent in a theological, religious studies or comparable religion-related degree programme with at least 60 ECTS in religious studies modules and

• prove good knowledge of written and spoken English.

Applicants prove their English language proficiency by submitting either TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge Certificate, Unicert II, German Abitur or an equivalent (inter)nationally recognised language certificate attesting B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Proof of language proficiency is not required if the first degree was obtained in a study programme taught in English.

The admission to the M.A. Christianity in Global Transformations is currently not restricted (no NC).

• Applicants with a German bachelor's degree (or equivalent) please apply via www.uni-halle.de/bewerben by 31 August.

• Applicants with a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from abroad please apply via www.uni-assist.de by 15 June. > Information and Application procedure

Required documents

The following documents must be submitted with the application for admission:

1. A hard copy of your bachelor's degree or equivalent (i.e., graduation certificate and transcripts). Important note: Applicants via uni-assist upload their certificates and transcripts (both in original language and official translations, unless the originals are in English or in German) with their online application. For those applicants it is not necessary to hand in any additional hard documents.

2. Halle University does accept provisional graduation certificates, if your degree is scheduled after the application deadline. Please submit your transcripts indicating minimum 2/3 of your total credits to be passed / your senior student stage, accordingly. The final graduation certificate shall be submitted with enrolment, respectively by no later than 31 January in the year following admission.

3. Suitable proof of religious knowledge acquired with former studies at a university (see admission requirements) (Please provide additional proof if it is not reflected in your graduation certificate and/or course and grade overview).

4. Recognised proof of the proficiency in English language (see admission requirements)

Decisions on compliance with the admission requirements are taken by the selection committee.

Fulfilment of the admission requirements does not constitute a claim to a study place for this programme.

This chapter consists of excerpts roughly translated into English. Only the study and examination regulations are legally binding.

Information for international applicants

For any questions regarding application and admission - except eligibility - please see website or contact the International Students Section (Student Registration Office) via international.students@uni-halle.de.