Master of Theological Studies
The Master of Theological Studies (MTS) program is designed for students with a first degree and some professional experience. It offers students continuing education in the field of theology to broaden their horizon and deepen their knowledge in a selected area of emphasis. The major modules cover Biblical Studies, Systematic Theology, Historical Theology, Mission Studies, and Church Growth. Students can choose one of the following specializations: Adventist Studies or Mission Studies.
Adventist Studies
The Adventist Studies specialization encompasses advanced studies of the history and theology of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It leads students to a better comprehension of the development, self-understanding, and societal role of the denomination and enables them to work in leading functions in the church, in inter-church relations, in research settings and in academia.
Content
The program consists of 10 modules with 10 credits each (including an Electives or Research module and a Research Methods module), plus the Master's Thesis with 20 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits. At least four research papers (5,000 words) are required. The research-oriented Master's Thesis (20,000 words) is written during the final year of study. A regular module consists of three to four courses plus a research paper or an examination. Each semester, 2 of the 8 major modules plus electives / research / thesis module are offered, requiring 4 semesters or 2 years of full-time studies (in residence).
In Adventist Studies, the following modules are offered:
- MAS 01 Issues in Church History
- MAS 02 Biblical Studies I
- MAS 03 Biblical Studies II
- MAS 04 Church and Society
- MAS 05 History of Seventh-day Adventists
- MAS 06 Adventist Theology in Context
- MAS 07 Religious Studies
- MAS 08 Theological Studies
- MAS 09 Research Methods
- MEL 10 Electives or Research Module
- MEL 11 Electives or Research Module
- MEL 12 Electives or Research Module
- MAS 13 Master’s Thesis
For more details, see the MTS Module Handbook
Ph.D. (University of Malawi)
Professor for Systematic Theology and Adventist Studies
Vice Dean, School of Theology
Director of the Institute for Adventist Studies
Telephone: +49 (0) 3921 916-121
Email:
An der Ihle 5 A
39291 Möckern-Friedensau
Irina Heinz
Head | Admissions Office and International Office
Telephone: +49 (0) 3921 916-134
Fax: +49 (0) 3921 916-201
Email:
An der Ihle 5 A
39291 Möckern-Friedensau
Mission Studies
The Mission Studies specialization focuses on ministry post-Christian societies, the history and theology of Christian mission, on intercultural relations, and on the relationship to people of other religious faiths. The goal is to develop a thoroughly reflected theological understanding of Christian mission and ministry. Students will gain advanced competencies and skills that are relevant for serving in countries where Christianity is not the traditional religion or cultural background or where the influence of the Christian faith waned.
Content
The program consists of 10 modules with 10 credits each (including an Electives or Research module and a Research Methods module), plus the Master's Thesis or Project with 20 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits. At least four research papers (5,000 words) are required. The research-oriented Master's Thesis (20,000 words) is written during the final year of study. A regular module consists of three to four courses plus a research paper or an examination. Each semester, 2 of the 8 major modules plus electives / research / thesis / project module are offered, requiring 4 semesters or 2 years of full-time studies (in residence).
In Mission Studies, the following modules are offered:
- MMS 01 History and Theology of Mission
- MMS 02 Biblical Studies I
- MMS 03 Spirituality and Discipleship
- MMS 04 Church and Society
- MMS 05 Missiological Issues
- MMS 06 Adventist Theology in Context
- MMS 07 Church Dynamics
- MPM 08 Theological Studies or MMS 08 Religious Studies
- MMS 09 Research Methods
- MEL 10 Elective or Research Module
- MEL 11 Elective or Research Module
- MEL 12 Elective or Research Module
- MMS 13 Master’s Thesis or MMS 14 Project
For more details, see the MTS Module Handbook.
Associate Professor of Mission Studies and Intercultural Studies
Director of Arthur Daniells Institute of Mission Studies (ADIMIS)
Telephone: +49 (0) 3921 916-204
Fax: +49 (0) 3921 916-201
Email:
An der Ihle 5 B
39291 Möckern-Friedensau
Irina Heinz
Head | Admissions Office and International Office
Telephone: +49 (0) 3921 916-134
Fax: +49 (0) 3921 916-201
Email:
An der Ihle 5 A
39291 Möckern-Friedensau
Why become a student in the MTS program at Friedensau?
- Discover the historic heartland of Protestantism
- Get to know Germany–right in the centre of Europe
- Make life-long friends with other international students
- Delve into Adventist history and theology, beliefs and values
- Reflect on the relevance of Adventism for the present and future
- Live on a beautiful campus, just an hour from Germany's capital Berlin
- Study with an internationally trained and highly qualified faculty
- Use the large library and its superior research facilities
- Enjoy special excursions to historic sites and mission projects
- Benefit from the university's low-price policy
Admission requirements
Proficiency in the English language (CEFR level B2) is required and certification is to be provided (TOEFL iBT 79 points, IELTS 6.0 points, TOEIC 785 listening and reading points / 310 speaking and writing points). A Bachelor's or Master's degree completed in an educational institution with English as a medium of instruction will also be accepted as proof of language proficiency. Furthermore, applicants must provide evidence of work experience of at least one year in an area related to the program.
For the Adventist Studies concentration, a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in theology or religion with a final grade of at least "good" (B+) is required. Applicants with a bachelor's degree in other fields of study must earn 60 credits (or 1 year of study) in theology and acquire intermediate certificates in Greek and Hebrew (with a minimum of 90 hours of instruction in Greek and 60 hours in Hebrew); a language examination may be required for admission.
For the Mission Studies concentration, a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a discipline among the humanities or social sciences with a final grade of at least "good" (B+) is required. In addition, significant knowledge of a modern language other than English is a prerequisite (at least Level B1). Applicants must demonstrate their aptitude and motivation by submitting a text that explains their understanding of present challenges of mission practice and mission studies.
