Catholic Theology as subject in the Interdisciplinary Bachelor’s Degree Programme
(Bachelor of Arts)
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German HZB: none
International application: German C1
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Short Description
The subject catholic theology is offered as one of two subjects within the Interdisciplinary Bachelor’s Degree Programme. Please note the subject combination options.
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
In the first semester, students take four basic courses in Biblical Theology, Historical Theology, Systematic Theology and Practical Theology, each of which opens up a specific perspective on theology as a science of the Christian faith, offering first insights into theological issues, methods and content.
At a later stage of the programme, students start exploring in depth how faith in the God of Jesus Christ is reflected in the Bible, history and present-day experience and takes on relevance for the thoughts, lives and actions of people in the world today. Students learn to provide information about the content and forms of the Christian faith; to discuss ethical problems from a theological perspective; to perceive the biographical dimension of faith; to reflect critically on religious positions and traditions in the Church and in society, and to classify them in the fields of religious education.
If students did not take Latin and Greek at school, they have the opportunity to easily acquire the specialist knowledge of Latin and Greek required for the Master’s Teacher Training Course for Grammar Schools.
As part of the interdisciplinary bachelor's degree programme, students with a focus on teaching have to complete a non-school-based internship as well as a school internship, both lasting four weeks. The non-school-based internship helps students to get first work insights in the area of teaching, to check on their career aspiration. For students with an non-school-based focus, an eight-week non-school-based internship must be completed.
- 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 potential career in teaching: an interest in working with young people and in developing teaching and learning processes
Most graduates embark on a Master’s degree programme in order to qualify as a grammar school teacher. However, the Bachelor’s degree is also a professional qualification: graduates may find employment wherever (also) theological expertise is required, such as in the media, publishing and libraries, politics and culture, as well as in social and administrative institutions. This is particularly the case for students who embark on postgraduate study in the Master’s degree programme in Religion(s), Society and Culture.
- Master’s Teacher Training Course for Grammar Schools (Master of Education) (only possible with a school-based focus)
Under certain conditions, admission to the following Master''s programme is also possible. More detailed information can be found in the respective admission regulations. If you have any questions, please contact the course advice of the desired Master''s programme:
- Educational Studies (Master of Arts) (only possible with a school-based focus, at least 11 ECTS in education / psychology)
Admission Requirements
Some subjects in the interdisciplinary Bachelor are restricted (Biology, Computer Science, Performing Arts, German Studies (school subject: German), English Studies (school subject: English), Geography, History, Music, Political Science, Study of Religion (school subject: Values and Norms), Spanish Studies (school subject: Spanish) and Sports (school subject: Physical Education).
Other subjects are admission-free (Chemistry, Protestant Theology (school subject: Protestant Religious Education), Catholic Theology (school subject: Catholic Religious Education), Mathematics, Philosophy and Physics).
The exact admission requirements can be found in the admission regulation.
Note: The admission regulations reflect the legally prescribed subject combinations in the Master regulation of Lower Saxony.
All currently possible subject combinations can be found under "Combinations".
Application Deadlines
For a subject combination with at least one subject with restricted admission:
01.06.-15.07. of the year for the winter semester
- First-year students (application for the 1st semester) can only apply for the winter semester.
- Those continuing their studies (application for higher semesters) can also apply for the summer semester (December 1st - January 15th).
For a subject combination with two admission-free subjects:
01.06.-30.09. of the year for the winter semester
- First-year students (application for the 1st semester) can only enrol in the winter semester.
- Students resuming their studies and transfer students (application for higher semesters) can also enrol in the summer semester (December 1st - March 31st).
The following applies to applications from non-EU countries:
- VPD from uni-assist OR a passed assessment test (Feststellungsprüfung) of a preparatory foundation course (Studienkolleg) is required.
- Applications for the Studienkolleg must be submitted by July 15th.
Catholic Theology (B.A.) - Johanna talks about her studies
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30167 Hannover
30167 Hannover
