Diversity, Ethics, and Religions

The Bachelor of Arts in Diversity, Ethics, and Religion (DER) is a 180 ECTS interdisciplinary programme that explores the complex interactions between religion, ethics, and social diversity. It draws on a wide range of disciplines, including Jewish Studies, Islamic Studies, Catholic and Protestant Theology, Indology, Philosophy, and the Social Sciences, providing students with a rich and multifaceted academic experience. In the mandatory modules (70 ECTS), students gain foundational knowledge in the comparative study of religions, diversity studies, and ethics and philosophy. These modules introduce core concepts, such as religious diversity, social cohesion, and the historical development of religious thought. Students explore the intersections of ethics, philosophy, and theology and engage with pressing contemporary issues like religion and secularism in modern society. Advanced ethics courses and the reading of primary and secondary texts further deepen their understanding. The curriculum is complemented by tutorial-based learning through Oxbridge-style tutorials and practical diversity initiatives, which sharpen students’ critical thinking, communication, and project skills. The programme culminates in an independent Bachelor's thesis, allowing students to demonstrate their research and analytical abilities. In the elective modules (80 ECTS), students can tailor their studies to their interests, focusing on areas such as global religions (Abrahamic and non-Abrahamic traditions), Islamic and Jewish thought, philosophical challenges, religious pluralism, and questions of identity and positionality (e.g., gender, sexuality, the future of religions). Practical components, such as internships, guided individual projects, and language excursions, provide hands-on learning opportunities. Advanced seminars offer students the chance to specialise in topics within Islamic Studies, Jewish Studies, Philosophy, or Theology. The language modules ensure students develop the linguistic skills needed for international academic and professional contexts, while key qualification and free elective modules (20 ECTS) build essential transferable skills, including project management and possibly German language training. Graduates of the DER programme are well prepared for careers in academia, education, intercultural work, NGOs, and policy advising, equipped with a deep understanding of the ethical, religious, and societal challenges shaping today’s world.