Catholic Theology in Religious Education - Teacher Training

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Key facts
Degree
First State Exam High School
Admission restriction
without admission restriction (without NC)
Duration
10 Semesters
Credits/ECTS
300
Teaching language
German
Tuition fee
None
Semester contribution
€ 305,05
Start of studies
Winter semester
Part-time possible
No
Institution
Catholic Theological Faculty of the University ErfurtExternal link
Application & Deadlines

Programme content

Catholic Theology in Religious Education-Teacher Training at the university is not a school of faith, but a reflection of the Christian faith in its Roman Catholic form. You will acquire discipline-related, didactic and practical theological skills in all theological subjects. They acquire knowledge about the origin, content and understanding of the Bible. They reflect on the history of the churches and their role and tasks in (secular) society. They acquire the ability to systematically reflect on traditional beliefs and Christian values, i.e. to assess their significance and genesis, their impulses and limitations. They learn to think independently about theological, religious, religious-political and belief issues. They deal with religious indifference, religious identity and religious fundamentalism. They analyse Christian practice and develop their own ways of communicating it.

This subject is offered in cooperation with the Faculty of Catholic Theology at the University of ErfurtExternal link, which means commuting between the university locations is necessary. However, this is possible with good arrangements and a little organisational talent. You will either study both subjects in parallel or alternate between Erfurt and Jena on a yearly basis.

In religious education, you will be challenged with your specialised knowledge and as a person. Your interest in religious, theological and philosophical issues and your enjoyment of working with children and young people are crucial. A personal commitment to the Christian faith is a requirement, as you will need a church teaching licence (missio canonica) in order to be employed as a religious education teacher.

You can find more information on the website of the Faculty of Theology: https: //www.uni-erfurt.de/katholisch-theologische-fakultaetExternal link

Structure

You complete the teacher training programme with the first state examination. The standard period of study|regular programme length is ten semesters in total, during which various types of courses (e.g. seminars, lectures or tutorials) are offered for the individual modules. The teacher training programme is based on the Jena model, which is characterised by a five-monthExternal link school placement semesterExternal link in the fifth or sixth semester.

As a future teacher, you will study two subjects on an equal footing at the University of Jena and round off your pedagogical profile with an accompanying programme in Educational Science. A total of 300 credit points (ECTS)|ECTS credits (1 ECTS = 30 hours of attendance, preparation and follow-up work|follow-up activity, study and assessed coursework and examinations) must be earned.

The subject Catholic Theology in Religious Education-Teacher Training cannot be combined with the subjects Ethics, Philosophy and Protestant Theology.

Further information on the structure of the teacher training course in Jena can be obtained from the Centre for Teacher Training and Educational Research.

Why study in Jena?

Catholic Theology in Religious Education-Teacher Training is offered at the University of Erfurt. You will study your second teaching subject and Educational Science at the University of Jena.

Theology is one of the oldest academic disciplines at the University of Erfurt, which was re-founded in 1994. Martin Luther already studied here. Relatively small student numbers allow for good supervision by the teaching staff. In addition to academic training, the faculty also offers community programmes. A wide range of cultural tenders that have already become a tradition, a mentoring programme for lay theologians and close links with the Catholic university community create a common basis for successful study.

What can you do after your studies?

Career opportunities:

  • General education: The typical route into school practice is via the preparatory service (traineeship). In this phase, you will further develop your practical teaching skills on the basis of your degree.

  • Adult education: Outside of the school system, there are opportunities for you to work as a teacher in the subject) area|field of adult education.

The teaching degree completed in Thuringia is recognised|to credit in all other federal states upon formal request to the respective Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs. You can apply to the Ministries of Education and Cultural Affairs of other federal states both for the preparatory service (Referendariat) and for employment in the teaching profession (after completing the second state examination). You can obtain more detailed information on this from the respective Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs.

Downloads and links for the degree programme

What are we looking for in prospective students?

In religious education, you are not only challenged with your specialist knowledge, but also as a person. You need to be interested in religious and theological issues as well as enjoy working with children and young people. The decision to become a religious education teacher is always also a decision in favour of the Christian faith and a life in the Catholic Theology in Religious Education-Teacher Training.

Admission requirements

  • University entrance qualification

    A university entrance qualification, such as a general secondary school leaving certificate, is required for admission onto the study programme.

    More information on university entrance qualifications can be found here.

  • Language requirements

    Latinum, basic knowledge of Greek (can be acquired up to the 1st state examination)

  • Initial internship

    In Jena, the teacher training course includes an introductory internship de lasting 240 hours. You should reflect on your educational experience in dealing with children and young people in order to review your career aspirations and make a conscious decision. It makes sense to complete the introductory internship before starting your studies, but it can also be completed before registering for the internship semester (before the start of the third semester). You can also have work you have already done with children and young people recognized.

Contacts

Academic Advisory Service - Prof. Dr. Julia Knop

Nordhäuser Straße 63
99098 Erfurt Google Maps site planExternal link

Centre for Teacher Training and Educational Research

Room E010
Semmelweisstr. 12
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Postal address:
Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
Zentrum für Lehrerbildung und Bildungsforschung
Semmelweisstr. 12
07743 Jena

Central Student Advisory Service

University Main Building / SSZ
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Office hours:
We offer consultations in person, by telephone, and via Zoom. You can make an appointment by calling us on +49 3641 9-411111 (Mondays to Fridays from 9:00 to 11:00) or outside these office hours on +49 3641 9-411200. You can also use our remote help desk.

Consultation hours:
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (9:00 to 12:20), Tuesdays (14:00 to 18:00), and Wednesdays and Thursdays (14:00 to 16:00).

Video chat: To the video chat – Zoom Videochat ZeitenMondays to Fridays (12:30 to 13:00) Password ZSB2020 Data protection informationpdf, 101 kb

Student Service Centre

University Main Building, Room E065
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Opening hours:
ATTENTION:
In the period 11.08.-12.09.2025, the information desk is open for very urgent personal matters on Monday 10 am - 12 noon and Thursday 1 pm - 3 pm.
The information desk will be closed on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday!
Please use the ServiceDesk for your concerns. Thank you very much.

Information Desk (UHG; Room E0.65) - outside the above-mentioned period:

Mondays (10:00 – 12:00)
Tuesdays (13:00 – 15:00)
Wednesdays (10:00 – 12:00)
Thursdays (13:00 – 15:00)
Fridays (10:00 – 12:00)

You can also use our remote help desk at
www.uni-jena.de/service-ssz
or send us your enquiries by post.

Telephone hours:
Mondays to Fridays
(9:00 – 11:00)

Postal address:
Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
Studierenden-Service-Zentrum
07737 Jena

International Office - International students

University Main Building
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link