| Degree awarded | Master of Arts (M.A.) |
| Duration and credits | 4 semesters; 120 ECTS credits |
| Starts in | October (winter semester) |
| Language of instruction | German |
The M.A. Charity Studies and Values-based Management degree qualifies you for executive positions in healthcare and social institutions, particularly in denominational providers, as well as in non-profit organisations. The lecturers will teach you important skills for this – such as ethical decision-making and actions, leading people and developing organisations, qualified counselling and developing personality. Many graduates now also bring their skills to bear in public administration institutions, the education system and in small and medium-sized companies.
- The University of Passau is the only university in Bavaria to offer the Master of Arts in Charity Studies
- Face-to-face classes are usually offered on Friday afternoons and on Saturdays. The other classes take place in blended-learning format, via Zoom or in hybrid format.
- Excellent staff/student ratio and personal contact with the lecturers
This degree programme prepares students for executive roles in non-profit organisations and enables them to undertake qualified roles in charitable and social organisations such as Caritas and Diakonie, as well as private-sector businesses and civil-service organisations. This degree is also relevant for occupations in adult education, counselling and coaching.
This degree programme is divided into six module groups:
A) Caritas Theological Thought
- Christian Concept of Humanity and Christian Practices in Post-Modern Times
- Guiding Principles of Charity
- The Therapeutic Side of Theology
B) Ethical Actions and Decisions
- Advocacy of a Just Society Characterised by Solidarity
- Criteria and Paths to Life Ethics
- Decision-Making Tools in Borderline Situations
- Ethics in Business
C) Guiding Others and Developing Organisations
- Psychology and Theology of Managing Staff and Organisations
- Values-based Management
- Diagnosis and Intervention in Social Systems
- Legal Principles of Charity in Practice (labour law, social law and law of associations)
D) Giving Qualified Advice and Developing Personality
- Managing Staff Interviews Competently
- Communication and Counselling in Personal Crises
- Psychological Hygiene and Spiritual Resources
E) Reflecting on Real Practices
- Basic Psychological Skills for Daily Life and at Work
- Resilience and Salutogenesis
F) Charity Research
- Empirical Social Research
- Practical and Theological Research Methods
- Master's thesis
In addition to lectures, your training will comprise exercise courses, field trips, essays and voluntary internships, for which you will receive extensive guidance and support.
You will write your master’s thesis in the second half of the degree programme.
Applicants should have a first degree in Business Studies, Christian Religious Education, Economics, Law, Education, Medicine, Philosophy, Psychology, Religious Education, Social Work, Theology or a related discipline, with a final result equivalent to 3.5 or better according to the German grading scale.
German language requirements
You will need German language skills at level B2 CEFR or higher to study this degree programme. If German was the language of instruction for your secondary school education or prior tertiary education, your academic certificates suffice as proof of your language skills. Otherwise, you will have to provide a recognised German language certificate along with your application for a place of study.
Application periods and deadlines
Application period for the winter semester:
- 1 April - 30 June (applications via uni-assist e.V.)
- 15 April - 30 September (direct applications)
Please use the interactive application guide to find out which application method you can use.
Application period for the summer semester:
This programme does not accept an intake for a summer semester start.
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Christian Nieberle
Student M.A. Caritas Science and Values-based Management
Passau offers a study environment in which one enjoys all the advantages of a multicultural city.
Why did you choose the programme?
I like that we deal with business ethics and the current moral…
Learn more
Passau offers a study environment in which one enjoys all the advantages of a multicultural city.
Why did you choose the programme?
I like that we deal with business ethics and the current moral challenges of our society.
Why did you decide to study in Passau?
Passau offers a study environment in which one enjoys all the advantages of a multicultural city.
Elisabeth Hainzl
Student M.A. Caritas Science and Values-based Management
I would choose this master's programme again, because I can study it part-time alongside my work.
Why did you choose the programme?
Christian social ethics are an important part of the programme –…
Learn more
I would choose this master's programme again, because I can study it part-time alongside my work.
Why did you choose the programme?
Christian social ethics are an important part of the programme – that appealed to me instantly.
Would you choose the programme again?
I would choose this master's programme again, because I can study it part-time alongside my work. And the lecturers know us by name.
Studycheck
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Drop us a line: advice@uni-passau.de
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