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Bachelor of Arts in Catholic Theology (online-taught degree programme)

Degree awarded Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Duration

Standard period of study: 6 semesters

Part-time study study duration: 12 semesters

Starts in October (winter semester)
Language of instruction German

Your theology degree programme for professional development – networked, modern, reflective and relevant to life

During the programme, which consists of two study phases, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of various theological disciplines: The first study phase, Theological Foundations, is subject-specific and offers a general introduction to academic work, digital study and theological thinking. They deal with all theological disciplines, e.g. exegesis and biblical theology, church history or philosophy.

In the second phase, you will focus on Theology and Society with the sub-areas Christianity in Responsibility and Christianity and the Church in Context. Discussion and in-depth study take centre stage and the specialist content gradually fades into the background. You will learn to develop independent theological positions, reflect on them academically and contribute to debates within the Church and in general society.

You can find detailed information on the course content as well as a FAQ with frequently asked questions and answers about the degree programme on the degree programme page of the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt [German content].

Study digitally and flexibly

Thanks to largely digital teaching and learning formats with only a few days of attendance per academic year, you will be able to gain a bachelor's degree in Catholic Theology flexibly and wherever you live, which can open up new career paths for you. You can expect a blended learning concept with phases of individual work (supported by learning videos and materials) and phases of communication in digital courses and exercises with fellow students and lecturers.

You have the choice of studying the programme full-time (6 semesters) or part-time (12 semesters), so you can continue your education while working.

Special features: university title and certificate programme

  • Theological qualification for further career steps for those already working for the Church and those who are interested in theology; preparation for career changers to enter Church professions.
  • Bachelor of Arts degree: Unlike other training programmes, this programme allows you to gain a university degree.
  • After successfully completing the modules of the first two semesters, you can request the certificate Basisqualifikation Katholische Theologie – digital if you do not wish to complete the full degree programme. Conversely, it is also possible to first enrol in the certificate programme and then switch to the digital B.A. Catholic Theology programme.

Career prospects

This bachelor's degree prepares you for a job with a Church employer or for continued study in a master's degree programme in theology or other areas (e.g. Passau's M.A. Charity Studies or Eichstätt's Master's degree (Magister) in Catholic Theology).

If you are already working in pastoral church ministry or a related field without any previous theological training, e.g. in the area of church administration or Caritas, in associations or educational institutions with a Church background, this degree programme offers a further formal qualifications which will facilitate your next career steps.

Information about the degree programme

Compulsory modules

The degree programme imparts fundamental knowledge in the subjects:

  • Exegesis and Biblical Theology
  • Ecclesiastical History
  • Philosophy
  • Moral Theology
  • Christian Social Doctrine
  • Dogmatics
  • Fundamental Theology
  • Theology in Transformation Processes
  • Religious Education
  • Liturgiology
  • Canon Law
  • Pastoral Theology and Homiletics

The modules are designed to be interdisciplinary and, after the initial study phase, are structured to be topical and relevant to today's world.


Compulsory elective modules

The elective area offers you the opportunity to specialise individually in the following modules:

  • Ancient Languages (introduction to Latin or New Testament Greek)
  • Specialisation in Biblical and Historical Theology (alternating topics of your choice)
  • Specialisation in Systematic and Practical Theology (alternating topics of choice)

In the compulsory elective area, you will also take a module in non-theological disciplines.

This programme starts in October (winter semester) every year.

Programme adviser at Passau

Prof. Dr. Christian Handschuh
Raum KT 81a
Michaeligasse 13
Passau
Tel.: +49(0)851/509-2050

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Contact

Academic Advice Service

E-mail: advice@uni-passau.de
Phone: +49 851 509 1154 (Mon. to Fri. 8:00 to 13:00)

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