What is theology?

In the Theology degree programme you will study the history and development of Judaism and Christianity, and go back to their sources. You will also explore the cultural and social context of the Jewish-Christian tradition. These, and many other aspects of this tradition, will be explored and examined through different modules or academic disciplines.

In the Theology degree programme, you will thoroughly explore the Jewish-Christian tradition. You will go back to the beginning, the Bible stories and church history. You will thoroughly examine certain ethical issues, and you will familiarize yourself with using academic methods. You will learn Hebrew (and Greek), so that you can read the original texts from the Old and New Testament. You will use the latest techniques for reading Bible texts, like the computer programme ‘Bibleworks’. Other world religions will also be studied in the course of the degree programme.

The Theology department in Groningen is part of a public university, and the Faculty is not committed to any religion. Our Faculty supports a broad academic education. During your studies you will learn to analyze socially relevant issues concerning religion with an academic approach. 

Would this degree programme suit you?

Are you interested in Jewish-Christian religion and culture? Do you enjoy subjects like history, philosophy and psychology? Do you like art and do you like to read? Do you enjoy languages or studying texts? If so, then you are probably cut out for the Theology degree programme, whether you are religious or not. Do you want to become a minister in the Dutch Protestant Church? Both the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programme in Theology in Groningen will grant you direct entry to the ProtestantTheological University. You can also opt for the Baptist or Remonstrant Seminary.

How is the programme set up?

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

1. The first year is a general introduction. You will study subjects like History of Culture, Culture of early Judaism, Hebrew, Bible Studies, Philosophical Theology and Psychology of Religious Studies.
2. During the second year you will go more deeply into a number of subjects. New topics may include Philosophy of Religious Studies and Ethics. You will also learn how to interpret religious images and symbols.
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 Master’s degree programme in Spiritual Care, or you can study abroad for a period of six months.You will also follow one of the speciality programmes (a broadening Minor) offered by our Faculty, and you will write your Bachelor’s thesis.

Why study Theology in Groningen?

• According to the Keuzegids Hoger Onderwijs (a guidebook for higher education) we offer the best Theology degree programme in the Netherlands.
• The Faculty belongs to a public university, and offers an intellectually stimulating environment.
• We have the latest methods for learning Hebrew at our disposal (as well as Greek, if necessary).
• Our students have the opportunity to follow a programme outside our Faculty (a broadening Minor).
• We offer a compact programme and intensive supervision.
• The Religious Studies and Theology degree programmes are closely interrelated.