Content of Study

The program consists of 10 modules with 10 ETCS credits each (including 1 research module and the Studium Generale), plus the Master's Thesis with 20 ETCS credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits. 4 research papers (5,000 words) as well as 4 guided research projects 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 courses with two credits (together 6 ETCS credits), plus a research paper (4 ETCS credits) or a guided research course on original sources/special literature (3 ETCS credits) and a written exam (1 ETCS credit), adding up to a total of 10 credit points.

Each semester, 2 of the 8 regular modules are offered, requiring 4 semesters or 2 years of full-time study (in residence). Part-time (non-residential) students need a total of 4 years to complete the program. Module grades are given on the basis of the 4 research papers, 4 written and/or oral examinations, and the Master's Thesis.

In Adventist Studies, the following modules are offered:
Module 01 Biblical Exegesis and Theology
Module 02 Eschatology and Apocalyptic
Module 03 History of Protestant Churches
Module 04 Seventh-day Adventist History
Module 05 Systematic Theology
Module 06 Adventist Theology in Context
Module 08 Religious Studies
Module 09 Church, Society and Sociology
Module 13 Research or Supplementary Studies
Module 14 Studium Generale
Module 15 Master's Thesis

For more details, see the Module Handbook

Can I transfer credits to the M.T.S. program?

Students are encouraged to transfer at least 1 module (10 credit points) from other institutions, if comparable to those offered by the M.T.S. A maximum of 5 modules (including the research or supplementary module) or 50 credit points may be transferred from other institutions. One year of residency is required of full-time students.

What is meant by "Studium Generale?"

On the weekends during the intensives, special offers are made to help students improve their research and writing skills as well as to foster their cultural awareness and appreciation and to develop an informed understanding of European-particularly religious-history. At no extra cost, 4 weekend excursions to historic sites in Germany provide a unique hands-on learning experience, as do visits to museums, concerts, and performances.

1 credit Reformation history study tour I Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Dessau, Eisleben
1 credit Reformation history study tour II Weimar, Erfurt, Eisenach (incl. Wartburg)
1 credit Pietism history study tour Halle/Leipzig, Dresden, Herrnhut, Görlitz
1 credit Cultural history study tour Berlin (incl. Museum Island, Synagogue)
2 credits Experiencing the Arts-I, II An encounter with the arts and aesthetics
2 credits Research Methods-I, II How to do solid academic research
2 credits Research and Writing Skills-I, II How to prepare/write a scholarly paper