Theology and Global Development M.A.

 

How can we fashion our lives in this world, so that every single person is guaranteed to be treated with dignity and so that our natural resources are safeguarded and protected? Our RWTH Aachen University Master's course of study in Theology and Global Development aims to engage with the greatest social and societal challenges of our day and age.

Our program combines the multi-layered approach of theological disciplines with other scientific approaches found in the human and social sciences – in particular those in the fields of sociology, political science and cultural geography. This is a perfect way to bring a new perspective, as well as clear goals, to Development Studies, or, in other words, to the international debate about developing countries’ specific needs.

What makes this program so unique is the interdisciplinary and practically oriented approach, while always bearing in mind religious as well as cultural processes. In this way, the realization is taken into account that knowing diverse cultures and religions, and how to deal with them, are the fundamental prerequisite for a sustainable development policy.

Solidly grounded in theology, the program focuses on Christian and non-Christian religions and their institutions, on interreligious and intercultural perspectives, as well as on ethical challenges or the consequences arising from diverse images of humanity. Furthermore, sociological, politological and cultural-geographic foundations are laid.

Students examine current developmental processes and reflect on them in discourse with experts of the Aachen-based relief organization Misereor as well as of the Catholic missionary society Missio, which both support causes all over the world.

Furthermore, students gain practical experience during their studies in one particular area of international aid and are thus able to establish their own network, paving the way for later career choices. At the conclusion of their studies, students distinguish themselves and get further qualified by writing an independent scientific thesis paper on a topic of their choice. They will be advised and guided individually and professionally by their lecturers or other mentors.

 

Degree Content

This course of studies is broken down into three phases, which fall into the four semesters of the Master's degree program. During the first phase, taking place in the first and second semester, the focus lies on the theoretical foundation of the two disciplines, theology and global development. The second, practical phase takes place in the third semester and is mostly kept free from lectures and seminars. It is, however, accompanied by a seminar, which prepares students for their practical work and afterwards asks them to evaluate the experiences . A colloquium and the Master's Thesis represent the final phase of studies in the fourth semester.

 

You can find additional information about the program content and layout on the course of study homepage (de).

 

Programs Abroad

The RWTH Aachen Institute of Catholic Theology actively promotes students' plans to spend time abroad in order to gain international experience. The program is structured to include a practical phase in the third semester, which can be completed either in Germany or abroad. The different choices and relevant contact information will be presented to those students interested during the later course of studies.

All RWTH partner programs will be introduced on the student exchange web pages.

 

Prerequisites

A prerequisite for beginning studies is an intial university degree, which proves that the necessary educational requirements specified by the exam regulations are met. The examination board determines whether or not the admissions requirements have been fulfilled.

 

Career Prospects

This course of studies imparts the comprehensive knowledge and skills needed for a career in the development field, including the ability to reflect on global processes and how to approach different cultures and religions. Right from the start, practical relevance is ensured by students' contact with organizations actively involved in development and relief work. An internship offers not only important practical experience, but also opportunities to network with potential future employers. In this way, theoretical foundations are optimally combined with professional experience. Future career opportunities can open up, for instance:

• at the executive level of church-based and non-church-based organizations, as well as of NGOs and private education institutions with country and topic specific areas of operation;
• as adviser or academic staff dealing with development policy and the social sciences in the diverse fields of politics, business, academics and the church;
• with media outlets concerned with issues in the areas of social science, social ethics and development policy;
• in specialist journalism, in publishing, or in educational work at different institutions, as well as in academies, adult education centers or with the Catholic education works;
• in pastoral function in church operated institutions, particularly as lay pastor;
• in academics as a doctoral candidate.

 

Module Handbook and Examination Regulations

The module handbook provides a description of all modules of a degree program and offers a comprehensive insight into the program contents.

The examination regulations are comprised of legally binding provisions on learning objectives, prerequisites for study, the course structure and processes, and examination procedures.

Regulations that generally apply to all Bachelor's and Master's degree programs, including information on language proficiency requirements, can be found in RWTH's General Examination Regulations. These general regulations are further specified and complemented by the subject-specific examination regulations.

If two examination regulations are valid for a degree program during a transition phase, the most current version shall apply to students enrolling in the program for the first time.

Please note that only the German examination regulations are legally binding.

Module Handbook
Subject-Specific Examination Regulations
RWTH's General Examination Regulations

 

Faculty

The Master's course of study in Theology and Global Development is being offered by the Institute of Catholic Theology (de) at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. Partners are the Department of Social Sciences, the Department of Geography as well as the aid agencies Misereor and Missio.