Diversity, Ethics and Religions

Diversity, Ethics, and Religion (DER) is a 6-semester, 180 ECTS bachelor's programme at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, beginning in the winter semester. The programme draws on Jewish Studies, Islamic Studies, Catholic and Protestant Theology, Indology, Philosophy, and the Social Sciences to examine the relationships between religion, ethics, and social diversity. The curriculum is divided into mandatory modules (70 ECTS) and elective modules (80 ECTS), with key qualification and free elective modules making up the remaining 20 ECTS. The mandatory modules cover the comparative study of religions, diversity studies, ethics, philosophy, and the historical development of religious thought. They also engage with contemporary questions such as secularism, religion in modern society, and religious pluralism. A distinctive feature is Oxbridge-style small-group tutorials in the early semesters, which focus on writing, analysis, and debate. The elective modules allow students to concentrate on areas such as Abrahamic and non-Abrahamic traditions, Islamic and Jewish thought, philosophical challenges, identity and positionality (including gender and sexuality), and the future of religions. Practical components — internships, guided individual projects, and language excursions — appear in the later semesters alongside advanced seminars. The programme closes with an independent bachelor's thesis (10 ECTS) in the final semester. Language modules run across the full degree and include optional German language training. Graduates have pursued careers in academia, education, intercultural work, NGOs, and policy advising, according to the programme description. The programme is offered at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg in Würzburg, Germany.