Catholic Religious Education (Teaching degree)
Teaching subject for Elementary school and secondary school
Do you sometimes think: “There must be more to life than this?” Do you actively think about the meaning of life and the question of God’s existence? Would you like to do this with children and young people and accompany your future pupils on this journey? Are you fundamentally interested in a Christian worldview, even if you sometimes have your doubts? Come and study Catholic Religious Education at FAU.
Fact Sheet
- Degree
- Teaching degree
- Admission
- No Admissions Restrictions
- Duration of studies
- 7 semesters
- Teaching language
- completely in German
- Faculty
- Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Theology
- Start of degree program
- Summer semester, Winter semester
- Number of students
- 1-50
- Special features
-
- The degree program can only be studied as a teaching subject in the teaching degree program (Lehramt) for primary and secondary schools (Mittelschule) (State Examination).
- Demand forecast for teachers published by the Bavarian State Ministry of Education, Science and the Arts.
- The degree program can only be studied as a teaching subject in the teaching degree program (Lehramt) for primary and secondary schools (Mittelschule) (State Examination).
Program overview
What is the degree program about?
The focus of the program is on the interest in clarifying why and how we can talk about people, God and the meaning of life in an appropriate manner in Catholic religious education while using effective and motivating teaching methods.
In short: Teaching religious studies is the contemplation of religious study that has a sound academic basis and the contemplation of teaching religious study.
Specifically, during the degree program we will examine which conditions and contexts of learning can be expected in the school environment. At the same time, we reflect upon opportunities and limits to religious learning in school as well as the justification and responsibility of religious learning processes. The program focuses on the varied range of methods and media available, among others. Students learn the fundamental elements of the Christian faith and reflect upon how and why they can be introduced into religious education. The interaction between teachers and pupils and the opportunity to learn together also plays a fundamental role.
In Nuremberg, you can study Catholic religious studies as a teaching subject in the teaching degree program (Lehramt) for primary school (Grundschule) and secondary school (Mittelschule), where you will gain insights into the fundamental aspects of teaching religious education. In addition, in the social sciences, you can choose from selected theological courses such as the “Basiswissen Weltreligionen” offered by the Virtual University of Bavaria (vhb).
Applicants must be willing to explore questions surrounding the existence of God and personally be open for new things – new experiences, new perspectives and new insights.
Other prerequisites:
- An interest in exploring questions of meaning and about life with children and young people
- Openness for the opinion of others
- Willingness to ask questions and sometimes to leave them unanswered
- Personal faith and the willingness to personally explore the Christian message in the Catholic faith
- Membership of the Catholic church
You can only teach Catholic religious education in schools if you have completed this degree program.
Application for a Degree Program

Admission Requirements and Application
Admission
- 1st semester: No Admissions Restrictions
Application deadline
- Winter semester: 30.09.
- Summer semester: 31.03.
Language skills
- Catholic religious education
Details and notes
The application deadline for international applicants is July 15 for the winter semester and January 15 for the summer semester.
In addition to the general qualification for university entrance (Abitur), there are other entrance qualifications for studying at FAU.

