English 
Deutsch Who is the Master's Degree in Jewish Religious Studies, Teaching at Grammar Schools, Suitable For?
This master's degree is aimed at prospective teachers who wish to teach as specialists in Jewish Religious Studies at grammar schools. The target group consists of graduates of a relevant undergraduate programme (e.g., B.A. Jewish Studies with teaching option) who want to deepen their knowledge of subject didactics, Jewish religion, history and culture from antiquity to the present. Those particularly addressed are individuals aiming to obtain the Master of Education with a view to the state examination and employment on behalf of Jewish/Israelite religious communities.
Which Formal Admission Requirements Must You Fulfil?
A first university degree in the subject of Jewish Studies (50%) with teaching option or an equivalent relevant degree is required. You must provide evidence of the following subject-specific competences:
- Knowledge of Hebrew at least to the level of the Hebraicum of the Hochschule für Jüdische Studien Heidelberg
- Knowledge of the Bible and rabbinic literature to the extent of the basic courses (Mechinot) of the Hochschule
Admission is granted in each case for the summer and winter semester. The application deadlines are 15 May and 15 November.
Separate regulations apply for a secondary subject. Further information can be found in the respective curriculum and the admission regulations of the Hochschule für Jüdische Studien Heidelberg.
You should have an interest in Jewish religious history, theological questions and pedagogical work. Important are social skills such as empathy, communication skills and intercultural sensitivity, as you will be conveying complex religious content in everyday school life. Didactic aptitude and enjoyment in working with young people are essential for acquiring competences and for later teaching activities. Prior knowledge in other school subjects as well as experience in dealing with secondary academic texts and religious education practice are advantageous.
What content does the Master's in Jewish Religious Studies for Teaching at Grammar Schools cover?
The Master’s programme in Jewish Religious Studies, Teaching at Grammar Schools at the Hochschule für Jüdische Studien Heidelberg provides comprehensive expertise in Jewish religion, history and culture from antiquity to modern movements and living environments. You engage intensively with biblical and rabbinic literature, Jewish philosophy, literary and linguistic studies, the history of the Jewish people, as well as the social and cultural aspects of Jewish communities. The programme is complemented by subject didactics and educational modules that specifically prepare you for teaching at grammar schools.
- Jewish Religious Studies subject knowledge (18 ECTS): In-depth study of history, Bible, Talmud, philosophy, literature, Jewish art.
- Didactics of Jewish Religious Studies (13 ECTS): Teaching didactic skills and methodology for religious education.
- Second teaching subject: Free choice of a second subject with subject knowledge (18 ECTS) and subject didactics (13 ECTS, at cooperating universities).
- Educational sciences (27 ECTS): General pedagogical foundations for teaching.
- School practical semester (16 ECTS): Practical teaching experience and reflection on your own pedagogical actions.
- Master’s thesis (15 ECTS): Academic deepening of a relevant topic in Jewish Religious Studies or subject didactics.
How is the programme organised and structured?
The full-time programme is designed for four semesters and can be started either in the summer or winter semester. You study in German and English and take modules both at the Hochschule für Jüdische Studien Heidelberg and – depending on the chosen second subject – at cooperating regional universities. The modular structure allows flexibility for individual specialisation. A central element is the school practical semester, where you gain practical teaching experience and further develop your pedagogical skills under authentic conditions.
- Standard period of study: 4 semesters including practical semester and master’s thesis
- Modular structure with obligatory and elective modules
- Start of studies: possible annually in winter and summer semester
- School internship as a compulsory, practice-oriented component
- Teaching in German and partly English
- Option for part-time study according to study plan
Which professional fields does the programme in Jewish Religious Studies qualify you for?
With the Master of Education in Jewish Religious Studies, Teaching at Grammar Schools you qualify for teaching Jewish Religious Education at grammar schools in lower and upper secondary education. You are especially prepared to provide religious education on behalf of the state according to Article 7, Paragraph 3 of the Basic Law (GG), with approval by the respective Jewish religious communities. Moreover, the interdisciplinary approach of the programme also opens up perspectives in academic research, Jewish educational work, adult education and cultural institutions with a Jewish focus.
- Teacher of Jewish Religious Studies at grammar schools (state-run and sponsored by Jewish communities)
- Didactic activities in educational organisations, religious communities and interfaith initiatives
- Academic research assistance at chairs and research institutes for Jewish Studies
- Advisory roles in cultural administrations and organisations for Jewish educational work
Where is the programme offered and how is the campus organised?
You study directly at the Hochschule für Jüdische Studien Heidelberg in the heart of Heidelberg. The campus offers a modern learning environment within the unique historic setting of the university city. Teaching events take place in the buildings on Landfriedstraße, supplemented by internship phases at partner schools. Modules of the second subject as well as certain educational sciences are attended at cooperating universities in Heidelberg or the surrounding area. This means you benefit from close connections with academic and school practice institutions in one of Germany’s most traditional educational regions.
What costs should you expect for the Master’s in Jewish Religious Studies?
For the full-time programme at the Hochschule für Jüdische Studien Heidelberg, there are no tuition fees. As is usual at public universities, only a semester contribution must be paid each semester to cover administrative and student services costs. The exact amount varies and is generally around 180 to 250 euros per semester. Also check the requirements for BAföG funding or other financial and scholarship opportunities offered by the university. Additional costs may arise for teaching materials and living expenses in the Heidelberg area.
- Tuition fees: none (no fee for the Master’s programme)
- Semester contribution: approx. 180–250 euros per semester
- BAföG and study-specific scholarships possible
- Possible additional costs: teaching materials, living expenses, travel costs for practical semester
Advisory Service
Have questions about Academic Programs Jewish religious education, high school teaching certificate? Ask your question here, even anonymously. An employee of the institution Heidelberg University of Jewish Studies or the editorial team will answer you.