University Certificate in Religion, Science and Worldviews
Our society, but also every individual, is today faced with the question of how to position itself: within the web of rival political systems across the globe, in the face of the planet-wide survival challenges facing numerous living beings, including humankind, and amidst the ideological and religious disputes over cultural and personal identity.
Solving these complex problems requires, at the very least, a solid grounding in the most important scientific, cultural and religious-philosophical fields. Such comprehensive foundational knowledge cannot be acquired through a degree programme or vocational training alone – it requires personal initiative. The certificate is aimed primarily – though not exclusively – at students who, within the context of their degree programme, have little exposure to topics relating to the history of religion, science and culture, and who therefore wish to acquire these skills elsewhere.
- Duration
- 2 semesters
- Scope
- 15 CP
- Conclusion
- University certificate
- Start
- every term
- Number of seats
- 15
Target audience
The certificate is aimed at students on Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes in primary and lower secondary school teacher training, including the European teacher training programme, from the third semester onwards.
Students from all disciplines, fields of study, denominations and religions are welcome to apply. An interest in religious, academic and ideological issues in contemporary society is required.
Learning outcomes and skills
- To foster a reflective understanding of the different religious and ideological backgrounds of people
- Providing comprehensive knowledge of the historical roots of political, institutional and mental structures
Course content
The module provides a comprehensive introduction to:
- the history of religion in Europe, primarily from the Reformation to the present day (Christianity, Judaism, Islam, but also postmodern ‘patchwork’ piety and atheism)
- the development of empirical knowledge about humankind in its world since the early modern period
- approaches from the philosophy of science, theology and the study of religion to the analysis of pluralistic society and its problems
| Title | CP | SWS | Frequency | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | History of religious, philosophical and scientific worldviews and conceptions of humanity in Europe up to the present day | 4 | 2 | Every second semester |
| B | The World’s Religions – An Approach Based on the History of Religions | 4 | 2 | Every second semester |
| C | The Relationship between Christianity and Islam | 4 | 2 | Every second semester |
| D | The influence of religion(s) on everyday life | 4 | Every second semester |
Contact persons
Organisation
Karlsruhe University of Education
Building
2
Room
B211
Phone
Availability
By arrangement
Organisation
Karlsruhe University of Education
Building
2
Room
B212
Phone
Availability
Consultation hours:
Wednesday 12.00–13.00
Registration and organisation
Students can find all the relevant information in the members-only section of our website, under the ‘Study-related information and documents’ service category.
Updated on 24 September 2026 by Kordula Manegold