Degree
State Examination
Semester fee
71
Euro
Start of the program
Winter semester
Standard length of the program
7
Semester
Place of study
Eichstätt
Part-time studies possible
No
In the teaching degree program with Catholic Religious Education as a teaching subject, students gain an in-depth and theologically and scientifically substantiated approach to the Christian faith and its testimonies, the resulting ethical questions and various religious ideas and practices. One focus is the study of religious education in schools. Depending on the school's orientation, different subjects of theology are represented in the 7- or 9-semester program and contribute their perspectives. The study program concludes with the First State Examination (Erstes Staatsexamen) and entitles graduates to take up their practical teacher training (Referendariat) and enter into professional practice.
The program in detail
Contents
In the teaching degree program with Catholic Religious Education as a teaching subject, students gain an in-depth and theologically and scientifically substantiated approach to the Christian faith and its testimonies, the resulting ethical questions and various religious ideas and practices. The program consists of a broad introduction to biblical, historical, systematic and practical theology and fundamental topics of the respective theological disciplines. A focus is placed on the study of religious education in schools and on questions of religious education.
In lectures and practical courses as well as in seminars and colloquia, students experience and learn theology as a science and acquire extensive knowledge and important skills in relevant disciplines connected to the teaching practice. Against this background, students learn to develop and articulate theological statements themselves. Depending on their orientation, they can intensify these skills to varying degrees during the course of their studies. Thanks to an extensive range of required elective courses, field trips, and the final State Examination paper (Staatsexamensarbeit), students have the opportunity to choose individual specializations in theology.
Structure
Subject Catholic Religious Education in the orientation for a teaching profession at elementary schools, Mittelschule or Realschule
The standard length of the program for a course of study in the orientation for a teaching profession at elementary schools or the secondary schools Mittelschule or Realschule is 7 semesters. If you choose Catholic Religious Education as a subject, you will first receive an introduction to biblical, historical and systematic theology (semesters 1 and 2). This is followed by modules in the areas mentioned above, which allow you to further differentiate your skills and knowledge. In addition, the program includes modules from practical theology and subject didactics (semesters 3-7). At the end of the 7th semester, you will take the State Examination (Staatsexamen) – one exam each in biblical and systematic theology and in subject didactics – and the written state exam paper, which you may choose to take in one area of theology or in another chosen subject. Without any additional study workload, you will also receive a Bachelor's degree in two subjects after successful completion of the State Examination (Lehramtplus study model).
Modules in the field of Biblical Theology
- Introduction to the Biblical Scriptures: Old Testament
- Introduction to the Biblical Scriptures: New Testament
- Exegesis of Selected Psalms and Christologically Relevant Texts Primarily from Synoptic Gospels
Modules in the field of Historical Theology
- Beginnings, Organization and Development of the Church in the Mediterranean and European Area in Antiquity and the Middle Ages and in Modern Times
- Development of Faith in the Course of Church History
Modules in the field of Systematic Theology
- Introduction to the Doctrine of God and the Sacraments
- Christianity and World Religions
- Only for study orientation teaching at secondary school (Realschule): Revelation – Salvation – History of Salvation
- Introduction to Theological Ethics
- Ethics of the Areas of Life – Based on the 10 Commandments. Focus 5th and 6th Commandment
Modules in the field of Practical Theology
- Basic Questions of the Church Service and Educational Activities of the Church
- Pastoral Practice and Religious Learning
Subject-specific didactical modules
- Basic Module Catholic Religious Didactics and Orientation Course: Introduction to Elementary Theology
- Advanced Module Catholic Religious Didactics
Subject Catholic Religious Education in the orientation for a teaching profession at Gymnasium
The standard length of the program for a course of study in the orientation for a teaching profession at the secondary school Gymnasium is 9 semesters. If you choose Catholic Religious Education as a subject, you will first receive an introduction to biblical, historical and systematic theology (semesters 1 and 2). This is followed by modules in the areas mentioned above, which allow you to further differentiate your skills and knowledge. In addition, the program includes modules from practical theology and subject didactics (semesters 3-6). In the following, you will deal with more specific topics in theology and refine your skills at a higher academic level (semesters 7-9). At the end of the 9th semester, you will take the State Examination (Staatsexamen) – one exam each in biblical and systematic theology and in subject didactics – and the written state exam paper, which you may choose to take in one area of theology or in another chosen subject.
Without any additional study workload, you will also receive a Bachelor's degree in two subjects after successful completion of the State Examination (Lehramtplus study model). In addition, students can complete a Master's thesis in a 10th semester, which will also provide them with a scientifically and internationally relevant Master's degree that qualifies them for an extracurricular professional field as well as for pursuing an academic career.
Modules in the field of Biblical Theology
- Introduction to the Biblical Scriptures: Old Testament
- Introduction to the Biblical Scriptures: New Testament
- Exegesis of Selected Psalms and Christologically Relevant Texts Primarily from Synoptic Gospels
- Exegesis of Selected Texts of the Pentateuch and Historical Writings as well as Central, Especially Johannine Texts on New Testament Kerygma
- Exegesis of Selected Old Testament Prophetic or Wisdom Scriptures and Central Texts, Especially from the New Testament Epistolary Literature on Faith and Ethics
Modules in the field of Historical Theology
- Beginnings, Organization and Development of the Church in the Mediterranean and European Area in Antiquity and the Middle Ages and in Modern Times
- Development of Faith in the Course of Church History
- Church, Society and State in Church History
Modules in the field of Systematic Theology
- Introduction to the Doctrine of God
- Revelation – Salvation – History of Salvation
- Church and Sacraments in an Ecumenical Context
- Christianity and World Religions
- Introduction to Theological Ethics and Orientation Course
- Ethics of the Areas of Life – Based on the 10 Commandments. Focus 5th and 6th Commandment
- Christian Social Ethics
- Marriage and Family from a Moral Theological and Church Law Perspective
Modules in the field of Practical Theology
- Basic Questions of the Church Service and Educational Activities of the Church
- Pastoral Practice and Religious Learning
Subject-specific didactical modules
- Basic Module Catholic Religious Didactics: Introduction to Elementary Theology
- Advanced Module Catholic Religious Didactics
Didactics subject Catholic Religious Education in the orientation for a teaching profession at elementary schools, Mittelschule or Hauptschule
If you are studying at the KU to become a teacher in the orientation for elementary school and Mittelschule and choose other subjects, you can combine these with Catholic Religious Education as a didactics subject. In this case, the program consists of a few modules in which you will be introduced to scientific and subject-specific didactic approaches.
Modules
- Basic Course Faith and Theology
- Basic Module Catholic Religious Didactics
Other modules in the orientation for the secondary school Mittelschule
- Advanced Module Catholic Religious Didactics
- Introduction to the Biblical Scriptures: Old Testament or Introduction to the Biblical Scriptures: New Testament
Module plan
At the KU, this subject can be chosen in all teaching degree programs; in the teaching program for secondary schools Realschule (LA RS) or Gymnasium (LA GY) it can be combined with the following subjects: German, English or Mathematics, in LA RS also with Music (aptitude test required); in LA GY also with Latin.
The module plans/program structure plans for each school type can be accessed on the website of the Center for Teacher Education (in German).
Other information
In the orientation for a teaching profession at Gymnasium, students require language skills in Latin and Greek in accordance with the current examination regulations for teaching programs LPO I. If students cannot proof these language skills before the start of the program, they can be acquired concurrently during the program. For this purpose, the Faculty of Theology offers language courses by trained lecturers, which conclude with exams for which a certificate is issued. These language courses can be taken in the first semesters at the Faculty and are specifically designed to meet the needs of theology students. In addition, the Faculty offers its own practical reading courses that support the language acquisition in the form of small group reading and prepare for the language examination with the help of specially developed didactic handouts.
Facilities and extras
The Departmental Library 1 at the KU keeps an extremely well-stocked reference collection that is open to all students. Since the academic literature in theology is continuously kept up to date with the latest research, students have the opportunity to access standard works and current specialist texts quickly and easily. In addition, a teaching and school book collection was set up in recent years, in which important works are available in multiple versions and can be borrowed. Other sources of information, such as online resources, daily newspapers, magazines, etc., are also available. The Library is equipped with several workstations that allow focused reading, learning and writing. In addition, there are several public computers that are accessible for research and text work. The Library also offers copying facilities and free scanning and recording facilities.
One of the advantages of the degree program are field trips, which are co-financed by tuition fee compensation grants. The scientific preparation and post-processing takes place in corresponding courses of required elective modules. The scope of the field trips varies greatly; longer trips, such as to Rome, Lebanon, Israel or the Ukraine, take place exclusively during the lecture-free period. In shorter daily trips, students visit educational institutions, art exhibitions or community centers of other religious communities.
Rankings and assessments
KU students and alumni have voted for their University to be Germany's most popular university in the 2024 ranking of the online portal StudyCheck. This is the third time in a row, as KU was also voted the most popular university in 2021 and 2022. The ranking was based on over 78,000 evaluations for more than 500 higher education institutions and universities. 97 percent of students questioned for the ranking would recommend studying at the KU to others.
"There is no better praise for a university than almost 100 percent of students and alumni agreeing: I can only recommend studying at the KU! That is why we are very pleased with the ranking’s outcome, because it expresses the high level of satisfaction of our students," says KU President Prof. Dr. Gabriele Gien.
Studying abroad
Stay abroad during your teaching degree program
In the context of your teaching degree program, a stay abroad is also possible in the form of a study-abroad period or an international internship.
The KU maintains a partnership network with around 300 universities worldwide. The KU International Office supports students in the planning phase and provides information on different financing possibilities for stays abroad.
Practical connection
The teaching degree program also includes practical elements that are accompanied by didactic courses at the University. In particular through school internships, students get to know the essential field of their future professional practice and develop their personal and social skills. The internships are supervised by teachers with practical experience.
Career possibilities and professional fields
Career prospects
The majority of professional fields for a completed State Examination in Catholic Theology are in school and non-school education. In particular, graduates of the First State Examination are entitled to take up their practical teacher training (Referendariat) in Bavaria and can also change to the teaching profession in many other German states. In addition, theologists work in educational institutions, in the media sector or in human resources at social welfare, church or public institutions. After passing the State Examination, students also have the possibility to pursue a doctoral degree in Catholic Theology or in another subject that was covered in their previous program.
The KU
Campus
Short distances on campus at the KU save time and avoid stress. The KU is a campus University with modern facilities. The buildings on campus are located close to the Eichstätt old town. Although the University and its campus has grown, it is still characterized by short distances: In Eichstätt, everything can be reached within ten minutes’ walking distance. On campus, green spaces such as the Hofgarten are the perfect places to relax. The garden of the Kapuzinerkloster is also used by different student initiatives for their projects. The canteen is located at the heart of the Eichstätt campus and has a sun deck and cafeteria that leave nothing to be desired.
What sets the KU apart
Studying at the KU is more than just acquiring specialist knowledge. We broaden our horizons together and take on responsibility in and beyond the individual degree programs. The KU has a particular focus on topics such as personal development, sustainability, social skills and social commitment.
It offers its students the possibility to study and work in a welcoming atmosphere and benefit from outstanding support and comprehensive service offers, a well-stocked library, a broad range of sports and leisure activities and a large global network of approx. 300 partner universities. Our team at the International Office helps you to plan your semester abroad and the KU Career Service provides comprehensive advice and support for embarking on your professional career.
Do I have to be Catholic in order to study at the KU? Do I have to deal with Catholic contents during my studies?
No, the KU is open to students of all faiths and beliefs.
At the KU, just as at all state universities, there is freedom of research and teaching. This means that our degree programs focus on the subjects for which you have enrolled – free from external influences.
As a student at our University, you will notice what our understanding of being a Catholic University means for us in one thing in particular: The University’s focus is on the individual person. The talents and potential of all those who teach, study, work and carry out research at the KU form our most important foundation – regardless of their religion or beliefs, nationality, ethical, cultural or social background, disabilities, gender, sexual orientation or age.
This is why we promote your best possible academic education through personal support and an ideal staff-to-student ratio. At the same time, the KU is more than just a place for earning your degree: We attach particular importance to imparting social skills and advancing our students’ sense and value orientation in addition to providing them with a high level of academic and methodical qualification.
Our aspiration for our University is to build bridges between science and society and to make knowledge available for society as well as to integrate impulses from outside the University into our research and teaching practice. We aim to make a valuable contribution to social coexistence, to the free democratic basic order and to preserving creation.
Isn’t Eichstätt quite small for a university town?
With a population of around 15,000, it is probably the smallest university town in Europe. For our students, this means living and learning in a friendly and informal atmosphere. Whether it is on the way to a lecture in the morning, at the canteen for lunch or in the pub in the evening, you will often come across people you know. It is easy to meet people in Eichstätt! By the way, the KU’s “living room” is the Theke, a bar run by students for students. Here, people meet for parties, jam sessions, karaoke evenings or a cozy round of table football.
A small town also means short distances: The library, the swimming pool, the cinema or the supermarket – everything can be reached in a few minutes on foot or by bike. The town is located right in the heart of the Altmühltal natural park – a real paradise for climbers, canoeists, hikers and cyclists just around the corner.
Should you still reach a point when you feel too cooped in, you can breathe big city air easily near Eichstätt. Ingolstadt with its 135,000 inhabitants is only a few kilometers away and offers a variety of shopping and nightlife options.
The location
![[Translate to Englisch:] Biergarten](/fileadmin/22/Studiengaenge/Bilder_fuer_Studiengangwebseiten/Biergarten.jpg)
Eichstätt and the surrounding Altmühltal natural park are not only a popular destination for culture enthusiasts and nature lovers, but also for cyclists, climbers, canoeists and fossil collectors. Located between Munich and Nuremberg, the city impresses with its Baroque setting and southern flair combined with modern and prizewinning architecture as well as a broad variety of cultural offerings and leisure activities.
The Baroque park at the heart of the campus and the nearby banks of the Altmühltal river are the KU’s “green living room”. Another big advantage: all University facilities are just a short walk away from each other.
Advisory Service
Some offers and study conditions are different for international students – our International Office is happy to provide help and support. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our team. We are happy to accompany you on your way to the KU and hope that we can welcome you in person soon!
David
Guevara
Coordinator Welcome Services and International Campus
Building
Domplatz 8
|
Room: DP8-203 | Campus Eichstätt
Application
Requirements
General university entrance qualification (Allgemeine Hochschulreife)
Language requirements
DSH 2
Application period winter
May 01
-
Jul 15
Enrollment period winter semester
Aug 16
-
Oct 06
Admission restriction
No
Selection procedure
No
The application process for international applicants is now completely digital. You can register online in our application portal and carry out and submit your application. After you have carried out the application and uploaded your documents, you do not need to send your documents to us again by post. You do have to submit certified true copies only if you are admitted at the time of enrollment.
Depending on the course of study, you may be asked for information on internships, professional experience, etc. Please upload the relevant documents in the upload area for all the information you provide, even if these are not mandatory fields!
Before you start the application process, please read the additional information on this page, in particular the information on the respective (German) language requirements and university entrance qualifications.