What are Religious Studies

Religious Studies is a fascinating field of study if you want to understand the role of religion in different societies and cultures, or if you are wondering why religion often leads (and has led) to conflict, or if you want to analyze the dynamics of religion, culture and society.

The Religious Studies degree programme is an extensive, academic programme in which, among other things, you will learn to analyze current discussions that involve religion.

This degree programme will provide you with the academic tools to help you place religious phenomena into a historical, social and cultural context. All world religions will be thoroughly explored. You will gain in-depth knowledge of modern religious and philosophical movements, like New Age. You will, for instance, also examine the different ways in which Muslims maintain their traditions in the Netherlands.

You will develop analytical skills and you will improve your research methods and techniques. You will learn how to interpret complex matters, and how to put them in writing. In short, you will become an expert in the field of religions, cultures and societies, with a social sciences basis. 

Would this degree programme suit you?

Are you fascinated by one or more religions or religious phenomena? Are you particularly interested in social issues? Are you interested in different cultures? Do cultural anthropology, history of culture, social sciences, psychology and philosophy appeal to you? If so, then there is a good chance that the Religious Studies degree programme is just the thing for you.

How is the programme set up?

The Bachelor’s degree programme in Religious Studies is a 3-year programme.

1. The first year is designed as a general introduction: you will get to browse through many different subjects.
2. The second year offers another broad range of modules, but now you will learn to see the coherence between the different subjects.
3. In the third year you will deepen your insights and broaden your view. You can now make certain choices. You can, for instance, follow a module (a broadening Minor) at a different faculty, for a period of six months. You can also follow an introductory module for the Spiritual Care Master’s degree programme, or you can study abroad for a period of six months.
   You will also enrol in one of the specialist modules (a broadening Minor) offered by our Faculty, and you will write your Bachelor’s thesis.

The Master’s degree programmes

The Religious Studies programme would not be complete without a Master’s degree. After having earned your Bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies, you can move on to:

• The Master’s degree in Theology and Religious Studies (1 year)
• The Master’s degree in Spiritual Care (1 year, introductory module is compulsory)
• The Research Master’s degree in Religion & Culture (2 years, a selection procedure applies to this Master’s degree)

Strong points of Religious Studies in Groningen

• According to the Keuzegids Hoger Onderwijs (a guidebook for higher education) we have the best degree programme in this field.
• We offer a dedicated programme and intensive supervision.
• The extensive study programme gives you a lot of choice.
• It is an all-round, interdisciplinary degree programme that will help you understand the connection between religion, culture and society.
• It offers a curriculum that will help you Master’s social research methods (which will include observation, oral history, statistics and conducting interviews).
• You will learn how to present well-reasoned arguments, you will learn how to write skilfully, and you will develop an analytical mind.
• You can participate in your lecturers’ research.
• There are several possibilities for work experience during your Master’s degree.