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Deutsch Who is the dual degree programme Theology, Social Space and Innovation suitable for?
The dual bachelor's degree course Theology, Social Space and Innovation is aimed at people who want to develop innovative church and social projects and actively help shape the church in new forms. The target group includes prospective community educators, pastors, as well as individuals who wish to engage in the areas of church planting, social work, urban and social mission, or Fresh Expressions of Church. The course is also suitable for career changers with practical experience in church-diaconal or community fields, who seek a close connection between theological reflection, social practice, and innovation. Particularly addressed are people who enjoy working with diverse target groups in the social space and want to take responsibility in innovative church or social contexts.
What do you need to bring for admission?
To be admitted to the bachelor's degree course Theology, Social Space and Innovation at the Evangelische Hochschule Tabor, you need one of the following formal qualifications:
- General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur)
- Technical college entrance qualification
- Subject-specific higher education entrance qualification
- Professionally qualified applicants with proof of relevant vocational training and appropriate professional experience in accordance with the legal regulations of the state of Hesse
Additionally required is an approved internship placement, where you spend part of your study time. The practical placement can come from the fields of community, diaconia, social mission or related areas and must meet the requirements of the degree programme. The exact examination and recognition are carried out by the university. Further information on special admissions or crediting of prior achievements can be found in the admission regulations of the Evangelische Hochschule Tabor.
You should bring openness to theological content and church practice as well as an interest in social and societal issues. Important are teamwork skills, communication ability and the willingness to engage with various target groups in the social space. Initiative, the ability to learn independently, and openness to innovative change processes are central personal requirements. Language skills will be expanded and deepened during the course; in particular, the willingness to learn New Testament Greek should be present. Experience in community, social work or the design of projects is advantageous but not a mandatory requirement for entry.
What content is taught in the dual degree programme Theology, Social Space and Innovation?
In the degree programme Theology, Social Space and Innovation, you acquire comprehensive knowledge in the fields of theology, sociology and change management. The aim is to enable you to develop innovative church projects, found new congregations, renew existing structures and connect different life worlds. The content focus is on social space-oriented community development and the »Mission of God« in various societal contexts.
- Interpretation and communication of biblical texts with regard to today’s social challenges
- Analysis and interpretation of social developments and historical contexts
- Development of spiritual expressions and promotion of Christian communities
- Communication and dialogical action with different target groups
- Methodological skills for change and development processes in community and social environments
- Innovation management: planning, implementing and sustainably anchoring projects
- Learning New Testament Greek and reflecting on languages as access to historical and modern social spaces
- Interconnection of scientific reflection and practical application at the learning site of the congregation or social-diaconal institution
The degree programme thus provides you with a broad portfolio of tools to shape community, church and social space in a more innovative and socially effective way.
How is the dual degree programme organised and how does it proceed?
The course is structured as a dual on-campus degree programme at two learning locations: at the Evangelische Hochschule Tabor in Marburg and an individually chosen practical placement (e.g. congregation, diaconal institution, social project). The standard period of study is 8 semesters (4 years), enabling an advanced range of skills with a total of 240 ECTS.
- You spend approximately 50% of your study time actively at your practical placement and apply your knowledge directly.
- The on-campus phases at the university are organised so that practical placements outside Marburg – nationwide or partly beyond – are also possible.
- The degree programme starts annually in September; a switch to the summer semester is possible upon arrangement.
- Individual specialisations and external internships are planned during the course to sharpen your personal profile.
- Practice-oriented supervision, individual coaching and peer counselling within the student community support you throughout the entire course.
Through the intensive interlinking of theory and practice, you develop into a reflective and capable personality at the interface of church, social work and innovation.
What career prospects open up with the degree?
With the Bachelor of Arts in Theology, Social Space and Innovation, you qualify for a broad professional spectrum at the interface of community development, social space orientation and church innovation:
- Founding congregations and developing innovative church forms (e.g. Fresh X, Third Places, social initiatives)
- Working or leading in diaconal organisations, social projects and mission organisations
- Preaching and pastoral roles in intercultural and social space-oriented congregations
- Advisory and coordinating activities in networks of the Evangelical Gnadauer Gemeinschaftsverband, diaconal organisations, youth associations and other sponsors
- Employment opportunities both in classic pastoral or community education fields as well as in complementary innovation and development roles
The degree is state-recognised and also qualifies you for advanced master's degree programmes in theology or organisational development (e.g. at partner universities such as the Internationale Hochschule Liebenzell or Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena). A special programme for accompanied career entry additionally supports you at the start of pastoral work and network building after graduation.
Where does the degree take place and how is the practical relevance organised?
The Evangelische Hochschule Tabor is located in Marburg (Hesse) and forms the central academic learning location. The practical placements are spread nationwide or also in European countries and are individually selected according to areas of interest, profile and cooperation possibilities.
- On-campus phases (lectures, seminars, examination units) take place in Marburg.
- You complete practical phases in your congregation or with a social-diaconal partner project – the sponsor can be chosen anywhere in Germany.
- Regular changes between university and practical placement are firmly integrated into the course of study.
- Berlin continues to be used as a central external learning location for individual seminar events.
Thanks to the nationwide network of cooperation partners, numerous individual possibilities open up for you to find a learning and deployment location that fits your personal professional and life path.
What costs must you expect and how can you finance your studies?
The tuition fees are €350 per month, which amounts to a total of €16,800 for the entire bachelor's degree over 8 semesters. A characteristic of the dual model is: The fees are usually fully covered by your practical placement, and you also receive a training salary from there during your studies.
- Financing through the salary and the direct practical relevance within the dual degree programme
- Possibility of funding through BAföG, scholarships or part-time jobs
- Individual support and advice on financing options during your application phase
- No additional semester fees or hidden costs by the university
Due to the close connection with the practical placement and the assumption of tuition fees, you as a student do not incur financial burdens as with classical private degree programmes. A fixed financial framework provides security throughout the entire period of study.
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