Catholic Religious Education as subject in the Master’s degree programme in Special Needs Education for Schools
(Master of Education)

Profile

Course type

Postgraduate studies (Master)

Standard Course Duration

4 semesters

Course Start

Winter semester

Language of Instruction

German

Language Requirements

German HZB: none
International application: German C2
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Special Requirements

Special pedagogical internship, taking into account the special needs education and the subject of instruction and a special pedagogical internship of at least four weeks each, must have been completed (compulsory).

Admission

Unrestricted admission

International

Stay abroad possible, but not obligatory.

Short Description

Catholic Religious Education is offered as a second subject (or supplementary teaching subject) within the master’s degree programme Special Needs Education for Schools. As first subject Special Needs Education is studied.

The public has (once again) become aware of the phenomenon of “religion” – often in its conflicting, dubious form. Against this backdrop, the aim of the degree programme in Catholic Theology is to give students the skills required to (self-)critically assess contemporary religious phenomena in culture, society and the Church on the basis of Christian self-understanding and its core categories of creation, revelation and salvation. Consequently, the degree programme serves to elaborate the identity of Christianity and its ability to accept pluralism. Students critically explore the historical and contemporary testimony of Christianity; discuss how it contributes to shaping culture and society; and reflect on religious influences in their own biography.

At Leibniz Universität Hannover, students of theology enjoy ideal learning conditions, thanks to the small study groups in seminars and lectures, and the intense individual support and mentoring provided by the teaching staff. Cooperation with the University of Hildesheim means that a wide range of different theological disciplines are represented, namely by a total of five professors and additional staff, which is unusual in the field of teacher training. Student representatives from the department also act as important contact persons in addition to the teaching staff. Their tireless commitment contributes significantly to the informal atmosphere in the Catholic Theology Section.

Further information on the website of the Institute of Theology (German language only)

Course Content

Biblical theology: the origin of the Christian faith in the Holy Scripture
Historical theology: the history and experience of the Church, from its origin to the present
Practical theology: the relevance of faith in the life and actions of people today
Systematic theology: the rational accountability of faith in the context of the question of truth

Course Structure

One of the focal areas of the theological parts of the Master’s degree programme in Special Needs Education for Schools is special needs education practical training. Students receive intense, individual supervision by their subject representatives, and gain insight into special needs education practice, as well as religious education and methodological issues. In addition, students hone their powers of theological assessment on the basis of exemplary topics from the four areas of theology (Biblical Theology, Systematic Theology, Historical Theology and Religious Education).

Combinations

Subject combinations for the Bachelor''s degree programme special needs education with the study goals: Master''s programme special needs education for schools and Master''s programme special needs education and rehabilitation science

Recommended Abilities

An interest in theological and philosophical issues: the question of God, the question of man, and the meaning of life
An interest in the wealth of experience provided by the Bible and in historical, social and political issues and problems
Willingness to assess and discuss scholarly texts
With regard to a later career in teaching: an interest in working with children and/or young people and in developing teaching and learning processes

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this degree programme are entitled to embark on the preparatory phase of teacher training at a special school and/or integrative/inclusive school. In addition, graduates may also embark on an academic career, e.g. by pursuing a doctorate.

Former students work at schools and colleges, in continuing education and training. Apart from working in schools, Job opportunities can be in the area of special education work in early intervention, counseling, as well as disability, integration and family support.

Admission requirements and application

Admission Requirements

An undergraduate degree in a related field of study, such as

Catholic Religious Education as subject in the Bachelor's degree programme in Special Needs Education (Bachelor of Arts)

For master's degree programmes with unrestricted admission, all applicants who fulfil the admission requirements will be admitted a university place. The exact admission requirements can be found in the admission regulations: