Religious Studies
Degree Profile
Course Details
In the major and minor in Religious Studies you will examine a special type of cultural interpretation and symbol systems, namely religions. The conditions of emergence and change as well as typical patterns of such systems, their sponsorship, organization, ideology, social consequences and orientation performance for individuals are taken into account.
At the University of Erfurt you will find the following areas of religious studies:
- Orthodox Christianity
- Islam
- Judaism
- General religious studies
Not only are the European manifestations of the traditions taken into account, but also their historical references are examined. In the course of your studies you will acquire basic knowledge of religious traditions and their interactions in specific cultural contexts.
- offers the possibility - in combination with a teaching degree - to later teach ethics as a school subject;
- is an exciting alternative to theologically oriented courses of study, among other things because it deals with different religions;
- offers the opportunity to critically examine current social events and to approach them from the perspective of religious studies;
- can - unlike at most German universities - also be taken in Erfurt with specialisation in Orthodox Christianity;
- offers students with a religious background the chance to look at their own religion from a different perspective.
Job & Career Perspectives
Our graduates are active in these professional fields:
- teaching ethics in primary or secondary schools (provided that a Master's degree related to teaching profession has been completed),
- in the media sector,
- in public relations,
- in publishing,
- in cultural management,
- in development cooperation,
- in adult education,
- in tourism,
- in commercial enterprises.
Studying Religion: Why a Bachelor's Degree in Religious Studies? (in German)
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Religious Studies in Detail
Structure of the study programme
The bachelor's degree course at the University of Erfurt comprises a major and a minor subject (two-subject bachelor's degree) as well as the fundamental course of study. It aims to impart specialist content and occupational field orientation as well as interdisciplinary skills. The standard period of study is six semesters.
Orientation Phase (First Year)
- Systematic religious studies
- European religious studies (2 out of 5):
- Introduction to Islamic Studies
- Introduction to Jewish Studies
- Introduction to the cultural history of Latin Christianity
- Introduction to the cultural history of orthodox Christianity
- Introduction to European polytheisms
Qualification Phase (Second/Third Year)
- Theory and methodology of religious studies
- 4 of 7 modules:
- Philosophy/Ethics
- Language course
- European polytheisms
- Cultural history of orthodox Christianity
- Cultural History of Latin Christianity
- Jewish Studies
- Islamic Studies
Two-Subject-Bachelor
The major and minor subjects differ in terms of the content and scope of the course. In the major subject a Bachelor thesis is written.
Possible combinations
At the University of Erfurt, you will study a major and a minor subject (two-subject bachelor) in the bachelor's program. You may have to observe combination rules.
Combination rule:
- Religious Studies can be combined with all fields of study.
Online-Tool Studimat
The STUDIMAT supports you in combining the major with the minor subject. Try it out now!
www.was-studieren.info
Study abroad
A semester abroad in an English speaking country is strongly recommended. The International Office will be happy to assist you in organizing your stay abroad.
Internships
Internships during studies
- Interdisciplinary Internship for Vocational Field
- optional: Internship for Vocational Field
Further internships for students with the professional goal of becoming teachers:
- two school type-related school internships in the Bachelor's program
Study teaching profession
Information about study teaching profession
Teacher training takes place in the Bachelor-Master study system. The degree is equivalent to the 1st state examination. Following the Master's program, you will complete the preparatory service, which concludes with the 2nd state examination.
study teaching at the University of Erfurt
Relevance for teacher training
If you follow a master's degree course in teaching, you will acquire the teaching qualification for the subject Ethics at the following schools:
- Primary schools
- Secondary schools
- Vocational schools
Studying to become a primary school teacher
- Combination of the major subject Primary and Elementary Education with the minor subject Religious Studies.
Download Flyer "Studying to become a primary school teacher" (in German)
Studying to become a secondary school teacher
- Combination of Religious Studies with minor subject (relevant to the teaching profession)
Download Flyer "Studying to become a secondary school teacher" (in German)
Studying to become a teacher for for special needs pedagogy
- Combination of the major Special Education and Inclusive Pedagogy with the minor Religious Studies
Download Flyer "Studying to become a teacher for for special needs pedagogy" (in German)
Studying to become a teacher for vocational schools
- Religious Studies as a general subject
Admissions qualification
Studying with Abitur
- general qualification for university entrance or the subject-related higher education entrance qualification or a comparable previous education
General information on the admission requirements (study without Abitur):
www.uni-erfurt.de/studium/vor-dem-studium/bewerbung-zulassung-einschreibung
Language requirements
Language requirements during studies
- German: Upon application, international applicants must prove German language skills at level B1.
Until the end of the studies (major field of study):
This knowledge is only recommended for the minor.
- Knowledge at level B1 reading comprehension of a foreign language relevant to the chosen major field of study:
- Islamic Studies: Arabic, Turkish, Urdu or Persian
- Jewish Studies: Judaistic Hebrew (Ivrit, Biblical Hebrew)
- Cultural History European Polytheisms: Latin or Ancient Greek
- Cultural History of Latin Christianity: Latin
- Cultural history of Orthodox Christianity: Ancient Greek, Modern Greek or Russian
Language Centre
The Language Centre (Sprachenzentrum) offers around 140 language courses per semester in 16 modern and ancient (foreign) languages. It supports you in acquiring and deepening your language skills.
www.uni-erfurt.de/sprachenzentrum
International applicants
International applicants whose native language is not German must provide proof of sufficient German language skills (level B1) upon application.
Information on required German language skills and the German language test for university admission (DSH):
No admission limitation (without nc)
Without admission limitation (without NC)
At present, no admission limitation (without numerus clausus) is expected.
Master Programmes
After the Bachelor at the University of Erfurt
Master programme Religious Studies
Master of Education Primary Schools
Master of Education Secondary Schools
Open Day & Discovery Days
Open Day
Numerous information and advisory services offer you the opportunity to see the study and living conditions in Erfurt for yourself at the open day. Get to know the green campus and the beautiful old town centre on guided tours. Information on the program: Open Day
Discovery Days
The discovery days at the University of Erfurt mean experiencing "studying up close". Within a week (on as many days as you like) you can attend selected courses (lectures or seminars) and get a taste of campus life. Information and program: Discovery Days
Order or download information material
Would you like to hold the study program flyer in your hands? Then request our free information material without obligation. In a few days you will receive mail directly to your home.
You don't want to wait? Then download the flyer in the download center now.
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Follow the Instagram channel of the General Religious Studies and get to know the students. Discover exciting current posts from the study and research of Religious Studies.
Application
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The major and minor subject in Religious Studies is admission-free (without NC).
Application for the two-subject Bachelor's degree:
When combining Religious Studies with an admission-free program (without NC), you can enroll directly from May 1 to September 15.
Enrol now for Religious Studies!
When combining Religious Studies with an admission-restricted program (with NC), please apply from May 1 to July 15 via the following link.
For international students
Want to study one semester or year at the University of Erfurt?
You come from abroad and are interested in studying for a Bachelor's or Master's degree at the University of Erfurt?
Photo Credits: Adobe Stock (makam1969)
Consulting & Service
Student advice and counselling
Downloads
Flyer Welcome to the University of Erfurt (in English)
Flyer Course Offerings - Bachelor and Master Programs (in German)
Further links to the professorships
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