changes

Sustainable Education at Catholic Schools based on the Marchtaler Plan

Degree
Certificate
Start of the program
Winter semester
Standard length of the program
2 Semester
Place of study
Eichstätt, Plankstetten & Hirschberg
Part-time studies possible
Yes

The continuing education program "Sustainable Education and Socio-ecological Transformation in Church Institutions (Nabitrans)" responds to the central challenges of our time, which are closely interlinked with each other and can only be addressed when looked at together. Church institutions such as schools and other places of education as well as pastoral institutions have a special potential in the socio-ecological transformation. In order for change to succeed, knowledge of change parameters and innovative ideas for implementation are needed within church institutions, associations and congregations.

The program in detail

In this continuing education program for working professionals, employees in church schools and institutions are supported in their efforts of bringing the specific potential of a Christian image of the human being into the necessary transformation processes in their respective areas of activity. To this end, insights and methods from transformation research and education for sustainable development (ESD) are incorporated. The aim is to broaden the potential of church actors for a socio-ecological transformation and to enable them to contribute to a coherent anchoring of sustainability strategies in different contexts.

The continuing education certificate is aimed primarily at educational and pastoral staff in Catholic educational institutions.

The Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt is the first university in Germany to meet the strict criteria of EMAS+. In the categories of study conditions, quality of courses, and the facilities on campus, it was named "Germany's Most Popular University 2022" (StudyCheck.de). The training takes place at explicitly designated place of learning for sustainability.

Contents of the course include the following:

  • Christian responsibility for creation and the world
  • Normative orientations in terms of SDGs, the common good and ESD
  • Resources of spirituality, resilience and rituals
  • Christian practice of sustainable living and conditions for successful transformation

The contents of the courses are taught by professors from the KU and experienced experts from church-related fields of activity.

Possible further qualification for church teachers

For teachers at church schools, it is planned to connect course contents with elements of the Marchtaler Plan practice, which are offered separately by other collaboration partners (e.g. Katholisches Schulwerk in Bayern). Both offers can be combined in the certificate “Sustainable Education at Catholic Schools based on the Marchtaler Plan”.

 

Structure

The part-time training runs over two semesters. It comprises three modules of 5 ECTS credits each. The modules are held on campus in combination with virtual formats.

 

Module 1: Christian View of Human Life in the Horizon of a Good Life for All

  • Philosophical and pedagogical views of human life
  • Biblical-theological views of human life
  • Education for Sustainable Development: Responsibility for Creation – Shaping the world
  • School as an innovative place of learning for a good life

Module 2: Profile Elements of Catholic Institutions for the Realization of Future-oriented Education and Socio-ecological Transformation

  • Feedback culture
  • Forms of participation (e.g. class council, steering committee)
  • (School) pastoral care as a field of action for good life
  • Basics of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)
  • Work shadowing / practical examples

Module 3: Advanced Theological Approaches

  • Images of God
  • Liturgy: Church year, liturgical rituals
  • Spirituality and Laudato si'

Requirements for acquisition of the certificate

Requirements for obtaining the certificate are regular attendance during courses, the conceptualization of an institution-specific sustainability project with poster presentation, written reflection on selected topics related to the implemented project, and the preparation of a “Spirituelle Atempause”.

 

Costs

There is a €299 seminar fee for the certificate course. In addition, there are costs for accommodation/meals in the educational institutions as well as travel costs. Whether fees are taken over in part or in full must be coordinated with the respective supporting institution.

 

Registration

Deadline for registration is September 15, 2023.

You can register via dekanat-rpf(at)ku.de and will then receive further information on enrollment and transfer of fees.

Dates

The following attendance dates have already been set:

  • Nov 24, 2023: Kick-off event (9 a.m. - 6 p.m.) in Eichstätt
  • Jan 16, 2024: Zoom Meeting (5 p.m. - 6.30 p.m.)
  • Mar 6 - 8, 2024: Presumably held at the Bildungshaus Schloss Hirschberg or Plankstetten Monastery (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
  • Apr 16, 2024: Zoom Meeting (5 p.m. - 6.30 p.m.)
  • Jun 3 - 5, 2024: Course units in Eichstätt (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
  • Jun 25, 2024: Zoom Meeting (5 p.m. - 6.30 p.m.)
  • Jul 9, 2024: Closing event with award ceremony in Eichstätt

Rankings and assessments

StudyCheck2024

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 thirdtime 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.

More ranking results

The program in awards and rankings for WFI

The degree programs offered by the Ingolstadt School of Management (WFI) regularly score top positions in popular university rankings.

  • Top positions in Trendence Graduate Baromenter 2017
  • CHE Ranking: WFI was awarded top ranking in categories “teaching offer”, “completion of programs within reasonable time period” and “students overall”
  • Top rankings in 'Logistik Masters' 2016, 2017

The KU

Sommerresidenz Luftbild

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.

Studierende vor der Zentralbibliothek

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

Ortsschild Eichstätt
University town of Eichstätt
Willibaldsburg
Willibaldsburg
Bootsfahrer auf der Altmühl
Canoeing on the Altmühl river
[Translate to Englisch:] Biergarten
Relaxing and celebrating in beer gardens

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.

More on the study location Eichstätt

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
David Guevara
Coordinator Welcome Services and International Campus
Building Domplatz 8  |  Room: DP8-203 | Campus Eichstätt
Requirements
Bachelor
Teacher at church schools
Language requirements
DSH 2
Admission restriction
Yes
Selection procedure
Yes

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