Catholic Theology (Bachelor of Arts, B.A.)
In the Catholic Theology degree programme with and without the teaching qualification option, you will explore religious diversity and secularization, discuss current issues in theological anthropology, and benefit from the interdisciplinary exchange at HU.
Please choose
- Major Field
- Minor Field
Table of Contents
At a glance
Course structure and content
The Bachelor's programme in Catholic Theology at Humboldt-Universit?t zu Berlin invites you to explore questions about God, humanity, and the world from a scholarly perspective. At its core is theological anthropology – the reflection on humanity as seen through biblical, historical, and systematic traditions, as well as in dialogue with current societal challenges.
The programme provides you with integrated expertise: You will become familiar with the disciplines of theology – Biblical, Historical, Systematic, and Practical Theology – and understand their interrelationships. Theological questions are always considered in dialogue with other disciplines such as philosophy, sociology, and psychology.
The aim is to perceive the unity and diversity of theology and to acquire the skills for critically engaging with its central sources, theories, and methods. You will learn to work with and analyze scholarly texts and develop your own positions, which you can defend with sound arguments.
Mandatory modules (70 CP)
- B-01a Introduction to the Study of Catholic Theology (15 CP)
- B-02a Foundations of Biblical Theology (10 CP)
- B-03a Foundations of Historical Theology (10 CP)
- B-04a Foundations of Systematic Theology (10 CP)
- B-05a Fundamentals of Practical Theology (10 CP)
- B-13 Final module (15 CP)
Mandatory elective modules (30 CP)
Choose three of the following modules:
- B-06 Religion, globalization and pluralization (10 CP)
- B-07 Jesus Christ: God and Man (10 CP)
- B-08 Interreligious Perspectives (10 CP)
- B-09 Theology – Speaking about God (10 CP)
- B-10 Man as reflected in the Bible (10 CP)
- B-11 Biblical languages (10 CP)
General elective modules (20 CP)
Choose general elective modules from the module catalogues of other subjects or central institutions (10 CP).
Furthermore, choose general elective modules from the following institutions: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Faculty of Law, Department of Philosophy, Department of Psychology, Department of History, Faculty of Theology, Berlin Institute for Islamic Theology (10 CP)
Special features
There are no specific entry requirements, but prior knowledge of Latin, Ancient Greek, or Hebrew is advantageous.
Church membership is not required for the initial course of study. However, if you later wish to work as a teacher of Catholic religious education, church membership is necessary.
In Berlin, both religious pluralization and increasing secularization are more tangible than in any other German city. The challenges associated with these developments have a direct impact on the curriculum of Catholic Theology.
The newly founded Institute for Catholic Theology boasts an excellent mix of young and experienced faculty, all of whom share a strong commitment to teaching, research, and public discourse.
With a focus on theological anthropology, current issues are discussed, and students develop their own answers by reflecting on traditional knowledge.
At Humboldt-Universit?t zu Berlin, the opportunities for interdisciplinary, interdenominational, and interreligious exchange are virtually limitless.
And last but not least, Berlin's diverse academies and other educational institutions, along with its vibrant cultural scene, also offer a broader perspective beyond the confines of the university.
You should enjoy the methodical interpretation of texts and their historical-critical contextualization. Enthusiasm for the nuanced analysis of religious phenomena in history and the present is just as important as logical and argumentative thinking. An interest in related disciplines such as philosophy, sociology, psychology, or cultural and historical studies will further enrich your studies. It is also important that you are willing to critically reflect on your own religious beliefs – a fascinating and rewarding path to a deeper understanding of faith and the world.
Subject-specific admission and enrolment rules
Career opportunities & prospects
The faculty offers a Master's programme in "Religion and Culture." Master's programmes in the humanities, cultural studies, and social sciences may also be open to you.
Find out more in the course catalogue or via the database Hochschulkompass nationwide.
With a bachelor's degree in (Catholic) theology, opportunities are available in the parish or in institutions, e.g. pastoral care, parish work or adult education, as well as in many other areas of society: business, media, journalism, public administration, organizations of social and political interest representation, church institutions and others.
More information on career prospects and alternatives can be found in the Berufenet database.
Course Advisory Service and recognition of credits
Mr Menke, phone: 030 2093 99086, Friedrichstr. 60, room 1.25. Applications for recognition of credits to: pruefungsbuero.ikt.bit@hu-berlin.de.
Contact information for the institute
Institute for Catholic Theology
Institutsgeb?ude, Friedrichstra?e 60, 10117 Berlin