Why studying Theology in Göttingen?


  • because Göttingen’s faculty combines tradition with a modern profile in the spirit of the enlightenment.
  • because all disciplines that are necessary for studying theology are taught at a top level.
  • because the provided classes meet all requirements of the different courses of studies (ministry, high school teacher, MA).
  • because the faculty provides classes that cooperate not only with various theological disciplines but also with other courses of studies (i.e. philosophy, history, classical philology, comparative studies, German, sociology, Arabic studies, Oriental studies, Sinology).
  • because the meaning of the church and religion in modern society can be explored.
  • because Christian religion is perceived and mediated in its different denominations (Lutheran, Reformed, ecumenical in relation to the Greek Orthodox church) with respect to its influence on culture.
  • because the exegesis of the historical texts connects the issues of the history of religions with theological questions.
  • because doing research on Judaism in late antiquity and today is an important and increasing core theme at our faculty.
  • because we pay close attention to distant religions and recent developments due to the faculty’s course of studies “history of religions”, which was developed in Göttingen.
  • because the meaning of religion for an ethical lifestyle can be explored with respect to bioethical debates.
  • because pastoral and pedagogical experience can be gathered in close relation to one’s own activity in church or school.
  • because issues of theology and its meaning for today’s world are regularly discussed in different lecture series.
  • because the faculty’s offer is broadened by lectures and seminars from graduate school.
  • because the faculty is connected with other universities all around the world and thus is part of an international discourse (Oslo, Lund, Helsinki, Copenhagen, Cambridge, Brussels, Basel, Zurich, Lausanne, Bucharest, Princeton, Sao Leopoldo/Brazil, Serampore, Chennai/Madras).
  • because the monastery of Bursfelde, which is closely linked to the faculty and therefore an interesting place to gather practical knowledge, offers several events every year (welcoming the new year, church service on Ascension Day) that are inviting to the public as well
  • because a variety of student jobs is offered due to a lot of the faculty’s research programs.

  • because Göttingen’s infrastructure (as well as the Göttingen area) is adapted to the students’ needs and the city offers many sights and cultural activities, for example the “Gänseliesel”, theaters, movie theaters, museums, etc, but also swimming pools and other recreational areas like the “Kiessee” and the “Schillerwiesen” as well as a great nightlife and lots of cafés and shopping facilities.