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Theology in Marburg

Theology in Marburg – a vibrant tradition spanning 500 years that continues today through academic excellence, social responsibility, and innovative teaching. With a broad academic spectrum, international connections, and a special commitment to justice, diversity, and social transformation, the department offers not only a solid theological education, but also a community where students’ questions are taken seriously and new perspectives are sought. Marburg is the place for people who want to think critically, help shape the future, and bring about lasting change in the world.

Protestant Theology in Marburg – that means:

  • 500 Years of Expertise and Experience

    The University of Marburg is the oldest Protestant university in the world. The Marburg Colloquy took place here in 1529. Numerous famous theologians, such as New Testament scholar Rudolf Bultmann and systematic theologian Rudolf Otto, have taught and conducted research here. Since the 20th century, “Marburg theology” has become a global hallmark for critical, open-ended, and open-minded research and teaching in theology and the study of religion.

  • Academic Breadth and Special Areas of Focus

    All classical theological disciplines are represented in Marburg in both research and teaching. In addition, there are special professorships or research focuses in Christian Archaeology and Byzantine Art History, History of the Eastern Churches, Islam, and Bioethics. We are actively engaged in ecumenism and cooperate closely with the Catholic Theological Seminary at the University of Marburg. The department’s researchers are active in innovative fields such as trauma and conflict research. The Rudolf Bultmann Institute for Hermeneutics serves as a center for research on fundamental questions of understanding and interpreting religious tradition.

  • Sociopolitical Emphasis

    The Marburg Department played a key role in paving the way for women to enter the ministry: In 1919, the first woman in Germany passed a faculty examination here, and in 1925, the “Theologinnenverband” (Association of Women Theologians, now “Theologinnenkonvent”), which still exists today, was founded here. Since the 1970s, the Marburg Department has been known for its special commitment to sociopolitical issues. With a focus on diversity, we are actively engaged in feminist theological research and in addressing sexualized violence.

  • Academic Networking

    Members of the Department of Protestant Theology are active at the Marburg Center for the Ancient World, the Center for Gender Studies and Feminist Futures Research, the Center for Synthetic Microbiology, the EUPeace Hub Inclusive Health, and the Center for Teacher Education. Members of the department also participate in various research networks and graduate research programs.

  • International Connections

    Students based in Marburg can participate in study programs in Israel, Rome, Lebanon, and Romania, as well as spend time studying at European universities through the Erasmus program. As part of the European University Alliance EUPeace, the department participates in research and teaching networks. International research collaborations exist with, among others, Adana (Turkey), Cambridge, Istanbul, Prague, Pretoria, Princeton, Sarajevo, Stellenbosch (South Africa), Tenri (Japan), Turku (Finland), the University of Eastern Finland, and Yale.

  • Innovation and Quality in Teaching and Academic Programs

    The Master’s program in Protestant Theology prepares students for the ministry as well as for other professions in both church-related and secular fields. As an alternative educational path, the Marburg Department has been offering a consecutive B.A./M.A. program since 2025 – the first of its kind in Germany – which also includes English-language modules. In addition, Protestant Theology and Christian Archaeology can be studied as minor subjects at the bachelor’s level.

    Another focus is the study of Protestant Religion for teaching at high schools; we also offer Hebrew as a major for high school teaching.

    In 2007, we were again the first department to introduce the work-integrated Master’s program in Protestant Theology for working professionals who have already completed a first degree in another subject. They can complete their master's degree alongside full-time employment. The Marburg Model has proven its value and will continue to gain importance in the future as an alternative pathway to the ministry.

    A unique feature of the Marburg program is the two-semester certificate program “Death and Transformation”, offered in collaboration with the Kassel Museum of Sepulchral Culture.

    To qualify students for further academic work in theology, we offer doctoral programs leading to the degrees of Dr. theol. and Dr. phil. The Hans von Soden Institute for Theological Research, established in partnership with the two regional churches of Hesse, awards scholarships to ordained pastors.

  • A Community of Faculty and Students

    Close contact between faculty and students and an open, trusting atmosphere are important to us. Events such as the Theological Lunchtime Discussion and the Theology Forum, the Feminist and Anti-Racist Study Days, the regular university worship services, the annual summer festival, and the winter ball provide a forum for exchange and fellowship. An active student council plays an engaged role in shaping life within the department. We maintain close ties with the Marburg Study Center of the Protestant Church of Kurhessen-Waldeck, the Protestant Student Community, and the Hessische Stipendiatenstalt (Hessian Scholarship Foundation). We are committed to tolerance, cultural and religious diversity, respect, and the fight against discrimination.