Catholic Theology (Bachelor of Arts, B.A.)
Study Catholic Theology for Primary School Teaching: Acquire sound theological knowledge and didactic skills for contemporary religious education – with a focus on inclusion, diversity and children's life worlds.
Please choose
- Major Field
- Minor Field
- Primary school
Table of Contents
At a glance
Course structure and content
Students will obtain knowledge in general primary school pedagogy, in educational sciences, language training as well as in three primary school Fields of Study or two Fields of Study and two Fields of Special Needs Education. This knowledge includes the fundamentals of science, didactics, developmental psychology, learning theory and epistemology. Specialized knowledge will also be acquired in one of the three Fields of Study. In addition, students will expand their skills with a subject-related or pedagogical supplement. By examining the relevant scholarly literature and current research, they will learn about and reflect on central theories, principles and methods of primary-school pedagogy and didactics.
One central objective is that students are able to plan, design, accompany, analyze and evaluate the learning and development processes of children in terms of their subject, learning theory and development psychology; and that they can do this in a context of inclusion that takes into account heterogeneity (for example, inter- and socio-culturality, level of development, gender aspects and German as a second language.) The successful conclusion of this course qualifies graduates for supporting activities in schools and school-related fields as well as those concerning the learning processes of children.
It is also the prerequisite for admission to the Master’s programme ‘Primary School Teaching', suitable for students who wish to enter the teaching profession.
General structure of the primary school teacher training programme
You will study this subject as one of three subjects, each worth 42 ECTS credits in subject-specific and subject-didactic content. In addition:
- Specialization in one of the three fields of study (10 CP)
The selection of the Field of Study in which the specialization is completed will be made at the latest by the end of the third semester of study. If you select a subject in Special Needs Education, you must complete your specialization in this. - General primary school pedagogy (8 CP)
- Subject-related or profession-related supplementation (10 CP)
In the subject-related or profession-related supplementation, modules amounting to a total of 10 CP must be completed. These can be from the offerings of the General Elective Modules of other fields or central institutions as well as from the field Education at Primary Schools. Achievements already made at other universities, in particular at the UdK, can be credited by the examination committee.
If you select a subject in Special Needs Education, your subject-related or profession-related supplementation is already integrated into the respective subject. - Educational sciences (11 CP)
Module 1: School as a pedagogical area of activity (11 CP)
If you select a subject in Special Needs Education:
Module 2: School as a pedagogical area of activity (Special Needs Education) (11 CP)
Both include an internship exploring occupational fields (6 weeks). - Language training (5 CP)
- Final module (10 CP)
The Bachelor's thesis is written within the framework of the final module of one of the studied subjects of free choice. If you study a subject in Special Needs Education, the final module is to be chosen from its modules.
Modules for the Field of Study: Catholic Theology
Mandatory Modules (14 CP)
| Module 1 | Introduction to the Study of Catholic Theology | 7 CP |
| Module 2 | Basics of Didactics in catholic religious classes | 7 CP |
Elective Modules 1 (14 CP)
Choosemodule combinations 3a + 4b or 3b + 4a:
| Module 3a | Basics of Biblical Theology | 7 CP |
| Module 3b | Basics of Biblical Theology with a special focus on Religious Education | 7 CP |
| Module 4a | Basics of Historical Theology | 7 CP |
| Module 4b | Basics of Historical Theology with a special focus on Religious Education | 7 CP |
Elective Modules 2 (14 CP)
Choose module combinations 5a + 6b or 5b + 6a:
| Module 5a | Basics of Systematical Theology | 7 CP |
| Module 5b | Basics of Systematical Theology with a special focus on Religious Education | 7 CP |
| Module 6a | Basics of Practical Theology | 7 CP |
| Module 6b | Basics of Practical Theology with a special focus on Religious Education | 7 CP |
If you specialize in Catholic Theology, you must also complete one of the following modules:
| Module 7 | Biblical languages | 10 CP |
| Module 8 | Jesus Christus: god and man | 10 CP |
| Module 9 | Theology – Bring god up to Speak | 10 CP |
Special features
If you choose a theological subject, you must provide proof of your corresponding denominational affiliation after completing your Master's degree (M.Ed.) in order to teach the subject at a school. For admission to the induction service as trainee teacher (Referendariat), please consult the regulations of the respective provider of religious education.
You do not need to provide proof of denominational affiliation to begin and complete your studies at Humboldt-Universit?t zu Berlin.
In all classes, attention is paid to the most recent research on primary-school didactics. The bulk of instruction occurs at the 'Primary School Workshop', a place where students encounter modern primary-school pedagogy and acquire knowledge and skills through self-determined, independent learning and study. Guided by theory and reflecting on theory, students not only design their own projects, but also accompany the learning process of primary-school pupils under learning-workshop conditions.
In the classes, theoretical positions and theories are observed and evaluated in practical activities. As part of the instruction, students are incorporated into research projects, are intensively prepared for internships and just as intensively supervised in schools. At office hours and in supplementary counselling sessions during the operating hours of the 'Primary School Workshop', the staff of the Primary School Pedagogy Division actively supervise the preparation of instructional and practical events. Students and instructors also make use of this close practical contact in numerous Berlin schools.
For a primary school teaching degree, you should enjoy working with children, have an interest in educational and social issues, and be open to diversity and inclusion. Curiosity about academic work, a willingness to organize yourself, and a capacity for reflecting on theory and practice are also important. Those who enjoy planning, explaining, listening, and actively shaping learning processes have a good foundation.
Subject-specific admission and enrolment rules
Subject-specific admission and enrolment rules
Career opportunities & prospects
At Humboldt-Universit?t zu Berlin, you can apply to continue your studies in your three chosen subjects within the Master of Education (M.Ed.) course ‘Primary School Teaching’.
Find out more in the course catalogue or via the data base Hochschulkompass nationwide.
With a Bachelor's degree, you are qualified for support roles in school-based or education-related fields.
To become a teacher, a Master's degree, followed by an induction service as a trainee teacher (Referendariat) and a final examination (state examination) are required after completing the Bachelor's degree.
More information on career prospects and alternatives can be found in the Berufenet database.
Primary school teacher training consultation
Anne Becker and Elias Boike will answer interdisciplinary questions about primary school teacher training at HU.
Course Advisory Service and recognition of credits
Course Advisory Service: Anne Blankenburg, phone: (030) 2093-99086
Recognition of credits: Simon Hecke
Contact information for the institute
Institute for Catholic Theology
Institutsgeb?ude, Friedrichstra?e 60, 10117 Berlin