Philosophy, theology, religious education

The perspectives in the individual degree programmes are different: while philosophy deals with, among other things, the acquisition of knowledge by humans and questions of meaning, theology and religious studies research various faiths empirically, historically and systematically. For theologians, the career path is usually quite clear, while philosophers and religious studies scholars have a wider range of professional opportunities.

Philosophy is entirely dedicated to people. It sheds light on their thinking and their position in the world, scrutinises their actions and discusses their problems.

While religious education qualifies students to work as religious education teachers in schools and for church community work, religious studies deals with the origins, diversity and differences of religions from the past and present.

Theological degree programmes (Protestant, Catholic, Jewish and Islamic) scientifically explore and interpret the different religious doctrines.

Sub-areas of the philosophy programme include metaphysics, ontology, epistemology, logic, ethics and aesthetics. Links to other subjects include the philosophy of law, history, social philosophy and philosophy of language.

The study of religious education includes, for example, modules on the history of religion, empirical religious research, religious education and the literature of religions and languages. In addition, the Christian religious education programme provides knowledge in the following areas: Biblical and systematic theology (dogmatics, ethics), religious studies, theology of religions and church history. In addition, there are pedagogy, psychosocial foundations, sociology, media pedagogy, legal studies, religious pedagogy, community pedagogy and church education work.

There is a lot on the timetable for the interdisciplinary and cultural studies-oriented Bachelor's degree programme in Religious Studies:

• History of religion in the context of cultural studies
• Inter- and transdisciplinary religious research
• Judaism, Islam and Asian religions
• Ancient religions and Christianity
• Methodological skills in the interpretation of religious sources
• Qualitative religious research and empirical social research 

There are opportunities to specialise in areas such as European and non-European religious history, contemporary religious culture, museum presentation of religions, European ethnology/cultural studies and ethnology.

Theology students study, depending on their chosen religious doctrine, sacred scriptures and church history as well as systematic and practical theology. There are also various language modules. Subjects such as anthropology, ethics, metaphysics, psychology, dogmatics, moral theology, canon law, liturgy, catechetics, religious education and pastoral theology also play a role. The Islamic Theology degree programme also focuses on theoretical and empirical analyses of Islam in Germany and its reflection in the context of previous theological academic traditions. The subject of Jewish Theology is the Jewish religion in its historical and contemporary manifestations.

Knowledge of the following school subjects is helpful for successful studies in this field: ethics/philosophy, German, history, politics/social studies, Latin, Greek, English, French, Protestant or Catholic religious education.

In addition to the generalist Philosophy degree programme, specialised degree programmes such as Philosophy & Economics, Applied Philosophy and Ancient Philosophy are also offered. Religious education content is taught in degree programmes such as Community Education and Diaconia or Practical Theology. There is a large selection of religious studies programmes, ranging from Interreligious Studies, Christianity and Culture to Comparative Cultural and Religious Studies. If you are interested in theology, you will usually find the desired degree programme under this heading - supplemented by the respective doctrine of faith.