The master's program Religion – Media – Interculturality explores, from a theological perspective, how globalization intensifies the interculturality of Christianity within its interreligious context, as well as the changing nature of religious communication through digitization. Both intercultural and media-driven processes of change play an essential role in shaping the religiously pluralistic landscape of today. The global experiences people share influence how they interact, their beliefs, and the individual and institutional principles that guide sustainable action for the future. Studying Christianity and its various contexts requires interdisciplinary and comparative approaches.
This master’s program focuses on the development of different forms of religion and the complex processes of cultural and religious exchange. It also addresses the intercultural and media-driven blending of diverse life and faith contexts, as well as the transformation of religious and mission history as a history of media. The program centers on the following questions:
- How do media transformations in interpersonal communication impact the way people share religious ideas?
- What is the relationship between religion and the public sphere?
- How can religious content be communicated in today’s world?
- In light of cultural and religious diversity, can we still claim that a single religious tradition has something significant to contribute?
- What role do cross-cultural forms of community-building and comparisons with other religions play?
- How does Christianity take on specific characteristics within its geographic, political, social, and economic contexts, including reflections on the contextual nature of the European perspective?
- How can differences be communicated and brought together to foster harmonious coexistence?
Students in the master's program Religion – Media – Interculturality engage in research-driven and reflective inquiry, developing skills for sustainable action in the future.
This master's program emphasizes:
- Media-focused theology in its development, substantiation, history, and contemporary relevance
- Intercultural theology as a foundation for informed academic judgment
- Expanding and strengthening theological methodological tools
- A multiperspective approach to religion(s) through theoretical exploration and creative application
Why pursue this master’s degree?
The dynamics of globalisation and digitisation play an essential role in shaping the overall landscape of the 21st century. These developments have a significant impact on communication between people. Intercultural dialogue is becoming increasingly important, and virtual exchanges differ noticeably from face-to-face conversations.
How can religious content be communicated under these conditions? In the face of cultural and religious diversity, can we still claim that a single religious tradition has something meaningful to offer? How does the digitisation of interpersonal exchange influence the ways in which people share religious ideas?
The master’s program Religion – Media – Interculturality addresses these questions. It focuses on research-based communication of comprehensive knowledge about the intersection of religion, media, and interculturality from a theological perspective. This goal is pursued through critical analysis of intercultural and media dynamics, with particular attention to both regional and global contexts.
In the area of interculturality, the program provides space for philosophical and Christian-theological engagement with the validity claims of religious cultures and forms of faith.
In the area of media, it equips students with the ability to reflect on theology in its development and substantiation, its history, and its media and material expressions, and to articulate these insights effectively.
Degree Content
The degree program focuses following key areas
Theology and Media, as well as the Theology of Interculturality
This degree program is designed for individuals interested in media horizons, cultures, and religions from a global perspective, as well as interreligious and intercultural engagement. Three key pillars of Catholic theology within the faculty are particularly involved in this degree program:
- The professorship for Theology in a Globalized Present
- The professorship for Religious Education and Media Didactics
- The focus area “Intercultural Theology”
Course Progression
Course Progression in 4 Phases
In the first phase (the foundational phase), you will explore what religious and theological content means to you, focusing on the principles of religion, media, interculturality, and the contexts of theology. To deepen your professional skills, this phase includes the opportunity to complete a practical internship.
In the second phase (the advanced phase), you will gain comprehensive knowledge in the areas of theology, media, and interculturality. The goal of this phase is to further develop your area of interest.
During the third and final phase (the completion phase), you will work on your master’s thesis. Regular colloquia ensure ongoing dialogue with instructors and fellow students throughout this process.
Career Opportunities
Successful completion of the degree program qualifies graduates for roles in education, culture, society, business, and science, as well as in churches and religious communities. Additionally, it opens up opportunities in media, including print and online journalism, broadcasting and television, public relations, and social media management. Graduates are also well-prepared for specialized tasks in publishing, international cultural policy, international associations and organizations, as well as non-governmental organizations, civil society institutions, political parties, and foundations. Further potential employers include integration offices, ministries of culture, social affairs, and integration, where religious, intercultural, and media competencies are increasingly important. The degree program also prepares students for careers in science management and science communication, as well as for pursuing a doctorate and, consequently, an academic career.
Requirements
To enroll in the master's program Religion – Media – Interculturality, the following requirements must be met:
…completion of a bachelor's degree in theology, religious studies, or a related subject area, with a standard period of study of at least six semesters;
…proof of a degree from a German university or university of applied sciences that is at least equivalent to a bachelor's degree in the same or a related subject area, with a standard period of study of at least six semesters or at least 180 credit points (CP). Solid knowledge in the area of religious studies is required;
…proof of a foreign degree that is at least equivalent to a bachelor's degree in the same or a related subject area, with a standard period of study of at least six semesters or at least 180 CP. Solid knowledge in the area of religious studies is required.
Previous studies must demonstrate an academic profile that provides a foundation for admission to the master's program Religion – Media – Interculturality. This includes, for example, knowledge in the areas of religious studies, church and history of religion, philosophy, ethics, ancient languages, pedagogy, media history, diversity management, cultural theory, anthropology, sociology of religion, and psychology of religion.
Application
You are invited to submit your application through the Central Online Application Portal for Master's Degree Programs at Goethe University: Online Application Portal for Master's Degree Programs.
This degree program can be started in either the summer or winter semester.
Application deadlines:
May 1 – August 31 for the winter semester
December 1 – February 28 for the summer semester
Course Guidance for admissions and recognition of completed coursework:
Miroslava Lerche
Phone: 069 / 789-33387
Email: studienberatung07@dlist.uni-frankfurt.de
Room: 1.717, Campus Westend, IG Farben Annex Building
Contact us in Questions about Study