Master of Theology ITHAKA

The Reformed Churches of Bern-Jura-Solothurn, together with the Faculty of Theology at the University of Bern, offer the ITHAKA training program for graduates holding a university Master’s degree and professional experience.

Degrees from universities (PH) and universities of applied sciences (FH) (bachelor’s and master’s) are reviewed for equivalence. The goal of the training program is generally to prepare students for the ministry in the Reformed Churches of Bern-Jura-Solothurn. To be admitted to the full program, you must apply here: www.kopta.unibe.ch/studium/ithaka/anmeldung

The ITHAKA Master’s in Theology is the university component of this program. ITHAKA, the intensive theology program for academics, is designed as a three-year full-time program (including standard requirements). This is followed by the practical internship. The program can also be pursued on a part-time basis. The degree is a university-level master’s degree with the right to supervise doctoral candidates (Master of Theology in Divinity).

Further information on the ITHAKA training program can be found at: www.kopta.unibe.ch/studium/ithaka

Künstlerisches Bild für den Master Theologie ITHAKA
Basic information

Degree:

Master of Theology in Divinity, Universität Bern (M Th D)

Number of credits:

165 ECTS

Degree programs:

Mono 165 ECTS

Duration:

3 years

Language:

German

Beginning studies:

Fall or spring semester

Details of program

The program includes all elements of a standard theology degree, fully covering the core subject areas. ITHAKA students complete the same assessments as regular students. However, general academic skills and the intensive practice of specific methods are not part of the program.

The program comprises a total of at least 165 ECTS credits, of which 120 ECTS credits are Master’s-level coursework and 45 to 60 ECTS credits are prerequisites (depending on the student’s prior education). Combined with practical training weeks  and interdisciplinary courses, the ITHAKA program prepares students for their pastoral internship and, ultimately, for the ministry. The Faculty of Theology in Bern is characterized by a strong practical focus, which is not limited to the pastoral ministry but aims more broadly at fostering theology’s capacity for dialogue in social and religious contexts.

The Faculty of Theology at the University of Bern is characterized by a strong practical orientation, which is not limited to the pastoral profession but generally aims to foster the ability of theology to engage in dialogue within social and religious contexts.

Scheme of program

The structure of the program is described in detail in the appendix to the Theology study regulations (see Section 2.8). This section also outlines the standard requirements that must be fulfilled in order to complete the Master’s degree.

Requirements

Individual academic requirements

The following academic qualifications are required for admission to the master’s degree program in Theology (ITHAKA) (mono): 

a) A bachelor’s degree from a Swiss university, provided that the necessary requirements for successful completion of the master’s program can be met by completing additional coursework worth a maximum of 45 ECTS credits;
b) A bachelor’s degree from a recognized foreign university, provided that the necessary requirements for successful completion of the master’s program can be met by completing additional coursework worth a maximum of 45 ECTS credits;
c) A bachelor’s degree with a minimum grade of 5.0 from a recognized Swiss university of teacher education or a recognized Swiss university of applied sciences, or an equivalent foreign degree, provided that the necessary requirements for the successful completion of the master’s program can be met by completing additional coursework worth a maximum of 60 ECTS credits.

Additional knowledge and skills may be required that were not acquired during the completed bachelor's degree program (study plan art. 41a).

Application and admission

Current UniBE students

Apply for a change to the M of Theology, with special qualification in Protestant Theology or Old Catholic Theology, Universität Bern, by self-service as part of the re-registration for the next semester.
Renewal of semester registration → Self-service
Recognition of academic achievements
Procedure and timing of the renewal of semester registration
   

Application with a Swiss degree

Online application
Assessment
Steps from application to registration
 

Application with an international degree

Online application
CHECKLIST - documents for your application / important information
Steps from application to registration

 
For questions regarding application and admission, please contact the Admissions Office.