Institute for Religious Studies

The Heidelberg Institute for Religious Studies specialises in the religions of the world from a cultural studies perspective. The focus is on current religious developments such as new spiritualities and formations that have similarities with religions, such as conspiracy narratives or fan cultures.

Research at the Institute for Religious Studies at Heidelberg University focuses on the historical and contemporary religions of the world. From a cultural studies perspective, we are interested in the attitudes and motivations of religious actors, the materialities of religions and the effects and functions of religious practice for society.

The degree programme in Religious Studies imparts knowledge about the history and present of the world's religions and religion-like formations. We offer courses on individual religious epochs and regions as well as on popular culture, computer games, new technologies, the religious aspects of space travel and much more.

The doctorate is proof of the ability to carry out independent academic work. This proof requires the submission of a scientific paper (dissertation) and an oral examination (defence) in the subject of Religious Studies.

The staff of the Institute for Religious Studies contribute to the diagnosis of current social and religious developments with numerous media contributions. In our blog, we deal with the dynamics between religion, society and technological developments. To this end, we co-operate with numerous partners at university and non-university level. We also participate in the 4EU+ programme with our courses.