Program Overview

Introduction to the Program

The Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies: World Religions in the Past and Present is a comprehensive program designed to explore the dynamics of religions and their impact on societies. This program delves into the beliefs, customs, and philosophies of major and minor world religions, providing a nuanced understanding of their historical development and contemporary relevance.

Key Facts

• Degree: Bachelor of Arts
• Supplement to Degree: Major in a multi-subject bachelor's program
• Admission Restriction: Without admission restriction (without NC)
• Duration: 6 Semesters
• Credits/ECTS: 120
• Teaching Language: German
• Tuition Fee: None
• Semester Contribution: € 305.05
• Start of Studies: Winter semester, Summer semester
• Part-time Possible: Yes
• Institutions: Faculty of Theology, Institute for Religious Studies

Programme Content

The program focuses on the five major religions: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism. It explores what people believe in, the extent to which cultures and societies are influenced by religion, and examines various rituals, scriptures, buildings, and paintings to identify similarities and differences between religions. Religious studies is an interdisciplinary field that uses qualitative and quantitative methods to study religious traditions of the past and present.

Structure

The bachelor's degree is the first professional qualification, with a standard period of study of six semesters. The program consists of various forms of courses, including seminars, lectures, and exercises, offered for individual modules. A multi-subject bachelor's program includes a major subject with 120 credit points and a minor subject with 60 credit points. 'Religious Studies: World Religions in the Past and Present' is a major subject that can be combined with all minor subjects at the University of Jena.

Possible Structure of the Course

The following table shows the possible structure of the course with 'Religious Studies' as the major subject:

• Semester 1: Introduction to Religious Studies, Ancient Christianity, Special History of Religions I: Judaism
• Semester 2: Special History of Religions II: Christianity
• Semester 3: Special History of Religions III: Islam, Emergence and Strategic Focuses of Religions
• Semester 4: Special History of Religions IV: Region-Oriented History of Religion and Interreligious Relations, Environment, Nature, and Ethics
• Semester 5: Internship, Expression and Mediation in World Religions
• Semester 6: Bachelor's thesis, Special History of Religions VI: Buddhism

Why Study in Jena?

• Excellent Teaching: Comprehensive historical training, individual selection of focus areas, and an integrated internship.
• Focus on Cross-Religious Issues: Everyday life, ideas on the afterlife, understanding of the body, ethical issues, and the interaction of religion and society.
• Excellent Supervision: An international team of religion experts.
• Adventures Abroad: Global network of partner universities.

What Can You Do After Your Studies?

Graduates can pursue careers in:

• Life coaching/counselling, migration support, and adult education
• Journalism, public relations, and publishing
• Mediation
• Economic/business consultancy
• Tourism
• Peace and conflict research

Postgraduate Master's Programs

The University offers various master's programs, including:

• Education – Culture – Anthropology Master of Arts
• Southeast European Studies Master of Arts

Admission Requirements

• University Entrance Qualification: Required for admission.
• Language Requirements: Very good command of German; proficiency in English and another modern or classic foreign language is recommended.

Areas of Employment for Graduates

Graduates can find employment in various fields, including life coaching, journalism, mediation, economic consultancy, tourism, and peace and conflict research. The program equips students with a deep understanding of religious dynamics and their impact on societies, making them versatile candidates for a wide range of professional pursuits.