As a rule, courses and examinations are conducted in English.
First-year students from Germany and the EU
First-year students from non-EU countries
Students resuming their studies and transfer students from Germany and the EU (application in a higher semester)
Students resuming their studies and transfer students from non-EU countries (application in a higher semester)
This Master’s programme focuses on negotiations, practices and power relations concerning religion in various areas of the public sphere. In a broader sense, related categories and concepts such as identity, secularity, and modernity are major points of interest in this course of study. Geographically, the emphasis is initially on Europe, leading to subsequent international comparisons. This concerns the discourse on religion (e.g. exemptions for “religion” in social spheres) as well as discourses on individual religions (e.g. Christianity as “cultural heritage”, Islam as a “challenge”, and Buddhism as a “modern philosophy of life”). As such, this MA in Religion in the Public Sphere (RelPub) differs from many traditional religious studies programmes, which tend to focus on religious practice in religious communities.
Students will be prepared to work in a professional environment that addresses these processes and the dynamics of multicultural, democratic societies. They will learn to analyse different conflict constellations, to address these constellations confidently and constructively, and to develop sustainable, solution-oriented strategies.
The degree programme is offered by the Institute for the Study of Religion in cooperation with the Institute of Sociology. A special feature of the programme is the option of gaining a double degree instead of just the Master’s degree in Hanover. This is made possible through cooperation with the universities of Södertörn (Sweden) and Roma Tre (Italy).
The degree programme can be studied as a home track or double degree track. Both tracks focus on debates and negotiations concerning religion in a variety of social spheres. The debates are exemplified through three topic modules – “Education and Research”, “Politics and Law” and “Society and Culture” – which mark different arenas of the public sphere. The underlying theoretical perspective on the thematic area is outlined in the "Introductory Module” and expanded on in the “Research and Debates” module. Students practice using and applying the theories and methods required to empirically research the object of investigation in the “Methods” module.
Students from both tracks take the same modules in the first, second and fourth semesters. Students on the double degree track spend their third semester at one of our two partner universities. Students on the home track use this semester to conduct their own research project under supervision or to complete a study-relevant internship.
A special feature of the programme is the option of gaining a double degree instead of just the Master’s degree in Hanover. This is made possible through cooperation with the universities of Södertörn (Sweden) and Roma Tre (Italy).
No internship is required, but it may be useful. The field module in the third semester provides students who do not go abroad with the opportunity to do an internship.
Approx. 400 EUR semester fee ("Semesterbeitrag")
The semester fee includes the following:
Compared with other European countries, the cost of living in Germany is quite reasonable. The prices for food, accommodation, clothing, cultural events, etc. are basically in line with the EU average. You will need around 850 EUR a month to cover your living expenses. The largest expense will be your monthly rent. In Hanover, the rent amounts to between 300 and 500 EUR per month.
Cost of studying at Leibniz University Hannover:
http://go.lu-h.de/study-costs
General information on the cost of studying in Germany:
https://www.study-in.de/en/plan-your-stay/money-and-costs/cost-of-living_28220.php
Although tuition fees no longer exist in Lower Saxony, costs are indeed incurred at university, such as the semester fee, accommodation and living costs, and costs for learning materials. Here you will find possibilities to help you finance your studies:
www.uni-hannover.de/en/studium/finanzierung-foerderung
Deutschlandstipendium:
go.lu-h.de/deutschlandstipendium
Niedersachsenstipendium:
go.lu-h.de/niedersachsenstipendium
For Water Resources and Environmental Management:
go.lu-h.de/WATENV-funding
A prerequisite for a successful application is a Bachelor's degree (or comparable degree) in the study of religion or a social science degree programme or subject. Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree or equivalent degree in any other cultural or social studies programme with proof of in-depth knowledge relevant to the study of religion is also possible. In addition, knowledge of English (B2 CEFR or C1 CEFR for the double degree track) must be proven.
Language regulations for international applicants:
First-year students from Germany and the EU
First-year students from non-EU countries
Students resuming their studies and transfer students from Germany and the EU (application in a higher semester)
Students resuming their studies and transfer students from non-EU countries (application in a higher semester)
Applications need be submitted to the LUH Application Portal. Non-EU applicants have to apply for preliminary examination (VPD) from uni-assist at first.
There are many job opportunities for students on campus (in the different departments, the central administration, etc.) and off campus. About two-thirds of our students work at part-time jobs while pursuing their studies.
Internal job postings:
https://www.uni-hannover.de/en/universitaet/stellenangebote-arbeit-an-der-uni/jobboerse
Student jobs outside of the university:
jobbico Uni Hannover
Links on housing in Hanover (including a video about housing in Hanover for international students)
Leibniz University Hannover: Shaping the future with knowledge
As one of the nine leading institutes of technology in Germany, Leibniz University Hannover is aware of its responsibility in seeking sustainable, peaceful, and responsible solutions to the key issues of tomorrow. Our expertise for this stems from the broad spectrum of subjects, ranging from engineering and natural sciences to architecture and environmental planning, and from law and economics to social sciences and humanities.
The main building of the university is the Royal Welfenschloss (Palace of the Guelphs) at Welfengarten Park. In 1879, the Higher Vocational School, originally founded in 1831, moved into the palace. Later, it became the Königliche Technische Hochschule (Royal College of Technology). Only 64 pupils attended the vocational school at first, but now there are almost 30,000 students enrolled in the nine faculties of Leibniz University Hannover and some 3,100 researchers working in more than 180 institutes.
Our key research areas
Leibniz University Hannover is among the world's leading institutions in its key research areas: biomedical research and engineering, quantum optics and gravitational physics, production engineering, and interdisciplinary studies of science and academia. These give us our innovative strength in developing precision measurement methods, optical technologies, novel materials, intelligent implants, and innovations in information technology or in the field of Industry 4.0.
The broad range of subjects at Leibniz University Hannover is entirely compatible with the overall university strategy of raising its profile, in particular in teaching and research, including the establishment and enhancement of research priority areas originating in the humanities and social sciences. Cooperation agreements with national and international partners strengthen our scientific expertise – our most important partner is Hannover Medical School.
By adopting the name of the polymath Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz in 2006, the university committed itself to unity in diversity.
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover is very influential in shaping the image of the state capital of Lower Saxony. Not only structures like the “Welfenschloss”, the university's main building, but especially people contribute to this: approximately 30,000 students are currently enrolled. They have chosen one of the largest universities in Germany that is known for its international excellence in teaching and research. With nine faculties and a comprehensive range of study programmes, Leibniz Universität Hannover virtually covers the entire academic spectrum.
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