German public university creates Islamic theology faculty

Published 3 July 2026 · education

The University of Münster is the first public university in Europe to establish an Islamic theology faculty, a move that is is attracting international attention

The University of Münster is the first public university in Europe to establish an Islamic theology faculty, a move that is is attracting international attention. Since 2021, work has been underway on the new "Campus of Religions" in the western German city of Münster. Much of the site is still under construction. Scheduled for inauguration in 2027, the complex will bring together the faculties of Catholic, Protestant, and Islamic Theology, as well as the Department of Religious Studies, in a single location. The faculty marks a milestone: for the first time in Germany — and indeed in Europe — a public university is home to an independent Faculty of Islamic Theology. "I have the privilege of being part of a unique chapter in history," scholar Mouhanad Khorchide told DW. Looking back on 15 years of work at the University of Münster, he said the achievement fills him with deep gratitude. At the same time, the 54‑year‑old emphasized the responsibility that comes with it. "We want to make the most of this unique opportunity and advocate for an open‑minded, enlightened understanding of Islam." According to Khorchide, the faculty's work will have an impact not only across Europe but also throughout the Muslim world. Mouhanad Khorchide is an Austrian sociologist and Islamic theologian and a Professor of Islamic Religious Education and Director of the Center for Islamic Theology at the University of Münster in Germany. Image: ZIT/Peter Grewer Faculty status a significant milestone As of July 1, a new chapter begins for Khorchide.

For the time being, however, he will continue working from the temporary university offices near Münster's Paulus Cathedral. Until now, the sociologist and religious educator has led the Center for Islamic Theology (ZIT) at the University of Münster. He is now the founding dean — the first dean of the newly established Faculty of Islamic Theology. The elevation to full faculty status gives Islamic theology a new standing within the university and represents a significant academic policy milestone. Until now, the ZIT lacked faculty status of its own and therefore depended on another faculty for important academic functions. An increase in Islamic religious education As an independent faculty, Islamic Theology can now confer doctorates and habilitations in its own right, helping to cultivate a new generation of scholars and establish a lasting academic legacy. The new status is also expected to make it easier to secure third‑party research funding. Khorchide recalls the early days of the ZIT in 2012, when it had just 15 students and three staff members. Today, the center employs eight professors and more than 50 staff members, and Khorchide expects student numbers to exceed 500 in the coming years. He expects a high demand. Across Germany, Islamic religious education is being introduced in public schools, creating a growing need for qualified teachers. For example, in Germany's most populous state of North Rhine‑Westphalia where Münster is located, up to 3,000 teachers are required, but only around 330 are currently in place.