Study of Religion / Values and Norms as subject in the Interdisciplinary Bachelor’s Degree Programme
(Bachelor of Arts)

Mind map with many words on the topic of religion.

Profile

Course type

Undergraduate studies (2 Subjects bachelor)

Standard Course Duration

6 semesters

Course Start

Winter semester

Language of Instruction

German

Language Requirements

German HZB: none
International application: German C1
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Special Requirements

None

Admission

Restricted admission

International

Stay abroad possible, but not obligatory.

Short Description

The subject study of religion / values and norms is offered as one of two subjects within the Interdisciplinary Bachelor’s Degree Programme. Please note the subject combination options.

What individual, social and political role is played by religion(s) and beliefs in different historical and geographical contexts? How do religions and beliefs develop in the course of history? What range of different religions and forms of religiosity exists? These are just some of the questions addressed in the study of religions.

Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, like numerous other religious and ideological movements, are phenomena that have a strong impact on culture and society. Students of the study of religion explore these phenomena in their respective cultural and social environments.

The study of religion is concerned with religion(s) – past and present. The aim is to explore existing religious and ideological testimonies of beliefs and actions as can be found empirically from a social and cultural perspective.

At Leibniz Universität Hannover, study of religion / values and norms is taught in connection with social and cultural issues. Special emphasis is placed on empirical research into present-day religious culture in Europe, particularly the plurality of beliefs, the relationship between religion and politics, secular beliefs and groupings, and Buddhism in the West.

Further information on the website of the programme Study of Religion / Values and Norms

Course Content

Buddhism and Islam
History and theories of religious studies
Religion(s) and beliefs in contemporary societies
Religious teaching methodology
Representation of religion(s) and belief(s) in the public domain
Teaching about religions and beliefs in Europe

Course Structure

The study of religion examines historical and contemporary religions and secular beliefs in their respective social and historical context. The theoretical and methodological knowledge required is as much a part of the course as the critical examination of the history of one’s own discipline. As such, the degree programme is highly diverse. Even at the introductory stage, students learn about the history of religion and scientific theories.

The aim of research into the history of religion is to present the historical development of individual religions and ideological groupings. By addressing the history and theories of the study of religion, students gain methodological and theoretical knowledge that is important for comparing different traditions and exploring the question of the role played by religions and beliefs. In this regard, an important role is played by issues such as religious sociology and empirical research into religion. At the specialization stage, students specialize in individual research areas to suit their interests.

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.

Combinations

Recommended Abilities

Career Opportunities

In addition to teaching Values and Norms at school (with the relevant Master’s degree), graduates of the study of religion may also find employment with museums, higher education institutions and publishers. Career opportunities also exist in adult education, the media, the Foreign Service, documentation centres, archives and libraries, tourism and with internationally operating organisations.

Possible Further Degree Programmes

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 and application

Admission Requirements

Some subjects in the Interdisciplinary Bachelor’s Degree Programme are restricted: Biology, Computer Science, English Studies (school subject: English), Geography, German Studies (school subject: German), History, Music, Performing Arts, Politics, Sports and Study of Religion / Values and Norms.
Other subjects are admission-free: Catholic Theology (school subject: Catholic Religious Education), Chemisty, Mathematics, Philosophy, Physics, Protestant Theology (school subject: Protestant Religious Education), Spanish Studies (school subject: Spanish).

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".

Admission Regulations Interdisciplinary Bachelor’s Degree Programme

Application Deadlines

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.

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.

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Study of Religion (B.A.) - Fabian talks about his studies

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