Theology additional qualification at the Benediktbeuern campus (TZ)

Theology additional qualification at the Benediktbeuern campus (TZ)

What is the Theology additional qualification (TZ)?

An additional qualification in Theology (TZ) is offered in parallel to the degree programme in Social Work (B.A.) at the Benediktbeuern campus.

It has been very popular for many years, and includes contributions from the Salesians of Don Bosco, amongst others. Many students of social work come to Benediktbeuern specifically for this opportunity, because the TZ offers students with an interest in religion the chance to reflect on their own experiences with their faith, and to intensively grapple with central questions of the meaning of life within the student community. The personal and spiritual education is complemented by the acquisition of in-depth theological and ethical knowledge. The lecturers attach great importance to passing on scientifically sound and at the same time practical theology for the different professional fields of social work.

Due to the possibility of double recognition and the proper consideration of the TZ in the timetable of the Bachelor's degree programme in Social Work, the additional effort required on the part of the students is really reduced to a manageable level. The TZ is usually completed at the end of the 3rd semester. Students then receive a separate certificate for the additional qualification, which is particularly well-regarded by clerical employers.

In cooperation with the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising and the Diocese of Augsburg, the degree programme in Religious Education and Ecclesiastical Education (B.A.) is also offered at the Benediktbeuern campus, which can be completed by itself or in combination with the degree in Social Work. This so-called "Benediktbeurer model", with two related degree programmes which really can be studied in parallel, and which leads to two independent Bachelor’s degrees within a manageable timeframe, is unique in the German university landscape. Social work students, who start with the TZ and realise during the first semester that they are also potentially interested in the career of community assistant or teacher of religion, can easily begin their second degree programme at a later stage because the academic achievements from the TZ are fully recognised towards this.

Registration for the additional qualification in Theology takes place during orientation week in the autumn.

Goals & abilities

The TZ offers students with an interest in religion the chance to reflect on their own experiences with their faith, and to intensively grapple with central questions of the meaning of life within the student community. The personal and spiritual education is complemented by the acquisition of in-depth theological and ethical knowledge. The lecturers attach great importance to passing on scientifically sound and at the same time practical theology for the different professional fields of social work.

Prospects & perspectives

Students receive a separate certificate for the additional qualification, which is particularly well-regarded by clerical employers.