Overview

The focus of the Religious Studies programme at Heidelberg University is the analysis of various religions in the past and the present. Religious Studies does not focus on the truth or accuracy of religious statements but on the roles religious actors, institutions, narrations and practices play in their respective historical cultures. The course focusses on rituals and ritual objects, statements made by religious actors in interviews, the presentation of religion in various media formats as well as written and archaeological sources. Students in the Religious Studies programme analyse predominantly objective religious insights of changes in religious traditions on the basis of empirical findings. Religious Studies in Heidelberg follows an empirical approach grounded in cultural studies and describes as well as studies complex religious constellations in the past and present. As a result, it conducts an analysis – in particular a contemporary analysis – of significant societal issues, e.g. related to fundamentalism, violence and religion, migration and integration.

Career

Graduates of Religious Studies programmes do not have fixed occupational profiles. However, the societal and political relevance of Religious Studies enables graduates to find work in many different areas such as

public religious consulting institutions
adult education
journalism
publishing
tourism/tour guiding
exhibition and congress organisation
museums
research

The choice of career depends mainly on the graduates’ personal interests and individual foci. Internships during the course of study can help students choose future careers and also improve employability.

Programme Structure

Language, Theory and Methods

Basic and advanced modules convey knowledge of theories and methods that enable students to study global religious traditions in the past and the present. Students are also introduced to methods for collecting data on religious traditions such as, e.g., historical-philological, archaeological, sociological or ethnological methods. In addition, the introductory courses provide students with an overview of tools and research techniques.

Religious History

Courses that focus on providing general overviews convey knowledge about major religious traditions and their current developments as well as providing introductions to specific areas of specialisation. In addition to the range of modules offered by the Institute for Religious Studies, students can also choose modules from the range of interdisciplinary Religious Studies modules that is based on the diverse lectures and courses of the neighbouring disciplines.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-10-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-30 00:00:00
Starting 2027-04-14 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-31 00:00:00

Language

Partially taught in English, Partially taught in German

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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IELTS

7

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Credits

180 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Heidelberg, Germany

Disciplines

History Theology and Religious Studies Literature View 4 other Bachelors in History in Germany

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7

Prepare for Your English Test

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AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

All degree programmes at Heidelberg University are access-restricted. The general requirements to enrol in an academic programme are a university entrance qualification and proof of sufficient language proficiency.

Depending on the nationality of international students, they may require an entry visa and a residence permit in order to study at Heidelberg University.

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

3000 EUR / year

≈ 3000 EUR / year

Additional Details

EU/EEA- Fees and contributions: 161.10 € / Semester

Living costs

Heidelberg

Germany

922 - 1397 EUR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Religious Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Career

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Heidelberg

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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