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MA Jewish Theology

Foto Studierende der Jüdischen Theologie
Photo: K. Fritze

You have studied Jewish Studies and want to deepen your knowledge? You have an academic education in Judaism and would now like to do your Master in Jewish Theology? You have already worked academically in the fields of Liturgy, Halakha or Talmud and would like to continue and complete your Master's degree? Then we can offer you our Master's program in Jewish Theology here at the University of Potsdam!

The MA Program in Jewish Theology enables students to deepen their knowledge and to embark on further exploration of rabbinical literature as well as specific aspects of Jewish religious history, Liturgy or Halakha.
Degree: Master of Arts

For those Jewish students who are considering a career in the rabbinate or cantorate, the comprehensive BA and MA courses are complemented by vocational training programs provided by the Abraham Geiger College (Progressive) and the Zacharias Frankel College (Masorti). For more information, see: www.abraham-geiger-kolleg.de or www.zacharias-frankel-college.de

The MA degree program in Jewish Theology – the only one of its kind in Europe – is open to all interested applicants regardless of their religious affiliation!“

Informationen for prospective MA students

Please read the given information carefully.

Requirements for the Master program in Jewish Theology:

  • No German required. Study program is fully available in English
  • Prerequisite for this Master program is an undergraduate degree in a subject relevant to Jewish Theology
  • Knowledge of Hebrew and Aramaic

In general, the prerequisite for a master's program is an undergraduate degree in a subject relevant to the course of study. Furthermore, you should have knowledge of the Hebrew and Aramaic languages. The admission requirements specific to the master’s degree program in Jewish Theology can be found here, under the heading Jüdische Theologie.

Prerequisites for admission to the MA Program:

  • Bachelor's Degree or an equivalent, first professional qualifying degree in a subject essential to the Master's program, such as Jewish Theology, Jewish Studies/Judaica, or Rabbinical Studies.
  • Hebrew proficiency: At a minimum, proof of proficiency in classical Hebrew (Hebraicum) or of equivalent qualification.
  • English proficiency: Level B or higher (GER)

Information: (Überschrift 2)

Central student advisory service:https://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/studium/advising-and-services/zsb

International Office for incoming students from abroad:https://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/international/incoming/international-students

Academic Advisory at the School of Jewish Theology: Rabbi Netanel Olhoeft, M.A.

Application & Enrollment:

Application:
There are no restrictions on admission to the MA Program in Jewish Theology. The programs's first semester is offered in both the summer and the winter. Application periods for the summer/winter semester can be found here.

Applications may be submitted via the University Admissions Portal (here). We strongly recommend an application as soon as possible! Take advantage of an advising session at the School of Jewish Theology before applying. (Rabbi Netanel Olhoeft here)

As soon as you have your „Notice of Admission“, you might apply for dormitory and/or Visa.

For more information see here: https://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/studium/application-enrollment/application-master/consecutive

Enrollment:

Enrollment periods mostly are:

  • February – Mid April for Summer Semester
  • August – Mid October for Winter Semester

For more information see here: https://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/studium/application-enrollment/enrollment-master/master

Informationen for our MA students

Academic Counseling:
We offer academic counseling to help you succeed in your studies. You should make use of this offer not just at the beginning of your studies, but throughout. Our academic advisors can guide you regarding all content-related and organizational questions of studying Jewish Theology. They are also responsible for recognizing previous studies and transfer credits from other programs, or for placing you in more advanced classes.
Please contact Rabbi Netanel Olhoeft M.A.

Zessko, Center for Languages and Key Competences:
The writing Assistance Program provides support to all students, from all degree programs, for writing their term papers and theses, as well as other academic writing assignments.
https://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/zessko/

The Career Service of the University of Potsdam:
supports you in finding your individual career path and answers on your professional development and application procedure.
https://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/career-service/

Study Regulation
MA Jewish Theology: https://www.uni-potsdam.de/de/studium/konkret/rechtsgrundlagen/studienordnungen/juedische-theologie.html

List of all possible modules within the MA program in Jewish Theology:
https://puls.uni-potsdam.de/qisserver/rds?state=verpublish&publishContainer=ModulbaumAnzeigen&modulkatalog.mk_id=314&menuid=&topitem=modulbeschreibung&subitem=

Statutory bodies:
If you´re interested to participate in the statutory work at the School, please don´t hesitate to contact the members!

Examination board:
Prof. Schorsch (Vorsitz), Prof. Dershowitz, Prof. Kosman, N. Olhoeft, K. Olthoff (Studierenden Vertretung)

Study board:
Lecturers: Prof. Dershowitz (Vorsitz), Dr. Anusiewicz-Baer, Dr. Vorpahl (Stellvertretender Vorsitz), Dr. Stracenski; Students: K. Olthoff

Basic Bibliographies
The following lists of books are representative of current academic scholarship in the various fields taught at the School of Jewish Theology. The two lists offered here are meant to be suggestive of the kind of scholarship that a graduate at the B.A and M.A level should be familiar with.