Why Choose the Comparative Study of Religion at CERES?

"In the Comparative Study of Religions at CERES, I found exactly the breadth of content I had been looking for in my studies, and was also able to develop my own areas of expertise from the very beginning. The program is highly interdisciplinary and offers a particularly wide range of topics—from religions in the Ancient Near East and burial rituals in ancient China to Evangelical megachurches in the United States. I also greatly appreciated the particularly personal atmosphere at CERES and the individual support provided by the lecturers. One major advantage for me was the practical modules: they allowed me to incorporate internships into both my Bachelor’s and Master’s studies, combining my academic education with valuable practical experience." (Lea, M.A. student at CERES)

Study at Germany’s Largest Center for Religious Studies

The Center for Religious Studies (CERES) is the largest in Germany and dedicated to the non-theological study of religion. CERES combines research and teaching on religions across different historical periods, geographical regions and cultural contexts, understanding religion as a social phenomenon and investigating it using a broad range of academic perspectives.

Our interdisciplinary approach brings together expertise from fields including History, Philology, Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, Art History, Political Science, Economics and other disciplines. Each contributes its own theories and methods to advance the study of religion as a social fact.

Reflecting this diversity, CERES researchers come from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds. We therefore welcome applications to our MA program from graduates of Religious Studies as well as related disciplines, including history, philology, the social sciences, and many more.

At CERES, Religious Studies can be studied within either the single-major or a double-major MA program.

Shape Your Own Academic Profile

CERES places great emphasis on individual study paths. The M.A. programs offer considerable flexibility to tailor your studies to your interests. In addition to choosing from a wide range of courses within the programs, students can also take courses offered by other university departments, further enriching their academic development.

Methodological Skills and Academic Research

Religious Studies involves more than acquiring knowledge about religions. Students learn how to formulate academic research questions, critically analyze sources and investigate religious phenomena using different theoretical and methodological approaches from various disciplines represented at CERES.

Close Connection Between Teaching, Research and Knowledge Communication

At CERES, teaching is closely linked to ongoing research. Students engage with current debates and research projects from the beginning of their studies, gaining first-hand insight into how academic knowledge is produced, critically evaluated, and communicated. Through seminars, research-oriented teaching, and opportunities for public engagement, they develop the skills to present complex topics clearly to both academic and non-academic audiences.

Benefit from Close Support from Our Teaching Staff

At CERES, students benefit from close interaction with teaching staff throughout their studies. Small class sizes and a supportive learning environment encourage discussion, individual guidance, and the development of personal academic interests. A well-structured curriculum, together with opportunities for a semester abroad or an international internship, provides excellent conditions for academic and personal development.

Intercultural Competencies for a Diverse Society

Studying religion also means engaging with cultural diversity. The program therefore supports students in understanding and analyzing different worldviews, ways of life and social perspectives. Students develop intercultural competencies, learn to engage with diverse perspectives and acquire skills that are essential for working in international, culturally diverse and socially sensitive environments.

Study Religion in the Heart of the Ruhr Region

Bochum also offers an ideal setting for the study of religion. The city is located at the heart of the Ruhr metropolitan region, an area characterized by cultural diversity and a wide range of religious traditions. Different religious practices and worldviews shape everyday life across the region, allowing students to engage directly with a diverse religious landscape as part of their studies.

Study at CERES: Key Areas of Focus in a Nutshell

Both the single-major and the double major M.A. programs provide students with:

Structure of the Master’s Programs

At Ruhr University Bochum, Religious Studies is offered as both a single-major and a double-major program. In the double-major program, Religious Studies is combined with a second field of study which students may pick individually. Both of our MA programs consist of various modules that introduce students to fundamental knowledge, methodological skills and opportunities for individual specialization.

Find more information on possible subject combinations with Religions Studies here.

Important Information

Information on examination regulations, module handbooks, course formats and other organizational matters can be found in the section “Important documents and instructions”.