Debrecen Reformed Theological University

About

Faith and teaching: since its foundation in 1538 the Debrecen Reformed Theological University (DRTU) has been the leading higher education institution in the Transtibiscan (north-eastern) region in the fields of theology and teacher training, areas closely intertwined in earlier times.

Our motto, ”Orando et laborando” (praying and working) indicates the two most important spiritual pillars in our university training.

The university is run and maintained by the Transtibiscan Reformed Church District.

Our programmes are accredited by the Hungarian Accreditation Committee, course credits are transferable according to institutional and European rules and agreements.

DRTU offers a wide range of programmes, a high-level theoretical and practical training for theologian-ministers, teachers of religion, theologians, cantors, pastoral counsellors, and primary school teachers. As a research centre it also provides opportunities for independent research.

At present the university has two institutions: the Institute of Theology and the Institute of Teacher Training (Kölcsey Ferenc Teacher Training Institute), respective of the two main directions of training. Within the institutions 17 departments are responsible for academic areas.

Programmes in Hungarian

Ungraded / single cycle programs: Reformed Theology, Reformed Theology - Minister training program;

BA programs: Lower Primary School Teacher, Christian Educator-Lay Minister, Reformed Cantor programs;

MA programs: Teacher of Religion - Residence Educator, Pastoral Counselling and Organizational Development programs; Complementary training: Theologian minor training;

PhD program in Theology;

Adult Education: in-service training programmes in drama pedagogy, museum pedagogy, pedagogy specialising in developing and differentiating, aggression management, event management, preparation for the specialist examination of pedagogy, family protection, bibliotherapy specializations.

Courses in English / German

Foreign language specialization: teaching German / English as a second language for young learners (first to sixth graders in primary schools). New courses in English are being developed (more detailed information available in September 2016)

Student life

Student life is organized by the Student Union: their responsibilities include social, academic, study management issues, coordinating leisure activities and various aspects of student life. The Student Union organizes and manages balls, academic competitions and camps.

Housing

University dormitories can be found is different places in town: on the university campus and downtown. The main university dormitories are under reconstruction and will be opened in September 2016.

Library services

The university libraries cater for both divinity programs and non-divinity programs. Maróthy Library provides for those interested in literature on pedagogy, fiction, journals, reference books and electronic databases. The Library of the Reformed College of Debrecen is the most significant collection of religious works in Hungary, with its stock of one million volumes, manuscripts, maps, codices and prints it can satisfy all research interests.

International relations

Our university – to continue the traditions set by the Reformed College of Debrecen – finds it important to support its international relations both in education and research. It encourages both our students and visiting students enrich their experiences in different countries and cultures, based on several bilateral agreements.
Our students can study abroad using several grants (Erasmus, CEEPUS, Campus Hungary, grants from the synod, grants for theologians), in Hungarian, English or German, in countries from Turkey to the USA. Moreover, they have taken part in intensive programs in international groups.