Leibniz University Hannover Studies Degree Programmes General Overview
Protestant Theology and Religious Studies as subject in the Master’s degree programme in Special Needs Education for Schools

Protestant Theology and Religious Studies as subject in the Master’s degree programme in Special Needs Education for Schools
(Master of Education)

A house with the inscription "Himmelreich". © weigand / photocase.de
© weigand / photocase.de

Profile

Course type
Postgraduate studies (Master)
Standard Course Duration
4 semester
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

Protestant Theology 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.

Protestant Theology involves academic reflection of the Christian faith. Based on its biblical foundations, the issue of faith is broached as a part of history as well as an element of individual, ecclesiastical and social reality. God, man and the world – and the interactions between them – are addressed from the perspective of Reformed theology. Various conceptions of transcendence, religion and faith help students to comprehend the study content. In this way, students gain the skills required to discuss fundamental questions of life with children, adolescents and adults in their later professional life.

The religious landscape in Europe and the globalised world has changed dramatically. Our lifeworld is characterised by growing secularisation as well as a return to religiosity in many areas. The aim of the degree programme is to enable students to determine and assess these processes from the Protestant perspective and, on the basis of their own reasoned stance, to guide others in the search for their positions.

Cross-denominational courses are offered in close cooperation with the Catholic Theology Section. Courses include field trips and block courses that enable students to expand on their knowledge outside the university. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hanover provides a mentorship programme to students throughout the degree programme.

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

Course Content

  • Inclusion and religious education
  • Elementarisation
  • Interlinking of theological disciplines
  • Old Testament
  • New Testament
  • Dogmatics
  • Ethics
  • History of Christianity
Course Structure

Graduates are able to understand and analyse the Christian religion, past and present; take an independent and reasoned stance on theology and religious education; reflect critically on religious positions and traditions in church, school, culture and society, and assign them to problem areas of religious education; critically interpret biblical and historical sources both historically and with regard to the present day; understand Christianity in the context of general cultural and religious history; reflect on ethical problems from a theological perspective; and provide information on a number of non-Christian religions. In a bid to teach students theological skills, theology considers its origins and the criteria for speaking about God in the bible (Biblical Theology); explores the history of Christianity (Historical Theology); interprets faith in a scientifically supported manner in the context of the search for truth (Systematic Theology); and considers the significance of theology and faith for the life of humankind and the understanding of reality in such a way that students are able to structure and support religious educational processes responsibly (Religious Studies).

Recommended Abilities
  • An enquiring mind
  • Enjoyment of academically analysing the Christian faith
  • An interest in ancient languages
  • An interest in history and philosophy
  • The desire to gain an intellectual understanding of past and present faith
  • Willingness to undertake extensive text reception and interpretation
  • Keenness to debate
  • In addition: an interest in special needs education action contexts
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

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: 

Application Deadlines

First-year students

  • June 1st – July 15th of the year for the winter semester

Students resuming their studies and transfer students (application in a higher semester)

  • June 1st – July 15th of the year for the winter semester
  • December 1st – January 15th of the year for the summer semester

 

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Zentrale Studienberatung
Address
Welfengarten 1
30167 Hannover
Building
Zentrale Studienberatung
Address
Welfengarten 1
30167 Hannover
Building