Religion and Cultural Heritage

expertise on religious aspects of both material and immaterial heritage
unique combination of broad cultural competence and academic research skills with practical skills relevant for job market
expertise on various religions, taught at non-denominational university
strong heritage region
excellent network for internships
taught by internationally recognized experts in the field
best MA programme in Theology and Religious Studies in the Netherlands.

Religion and Cultural Heritage consists of three core modules (15 ECTS), a thesis (20 ECTS) and a practical placement (10 ECTS). You can choose three out of five electives (5 ECTS each). 'Material Religion', 'Mysticism and Science', 'Theological Heritages in a (Post) Modern Context', 'Going Retro: Ancient and Medieval Modernities', and 'Heritage of Death'.

In the compulsory course 'Introduction to Religious Heritage' you will be introduced to the practice and theory of religious and cultural heritage. You will a.o. engage in a virtual archaeological “dig” of a sector of the city of Groningen and uncover the various types of religious heritage present in specific locations.

The core module 'The Politics of Heritage' explores the complex relationship that exists between categories of 'heritage', 'identity' and 'memory' across various levels of politics and society. You will learn how the contestations over what is heritage, what is sacred, what is religious and what is cultural – and for whom – have very real impacts on law, policy and peoples' daily lives.

The module 'Research Methods in Heritage and Historical Studies' brings together more practical skills (economic, organizational and managerial aspects) and the necessary research skills you need for your project in the second semester.

As elective, you may also choose 'Reception and Re-Use of Authoritative Texts' from the Master's Track Religion and Pluralism, Ancient & Modern.

	Periods
CoursesCourse Catalog >	1	2	3	4
Thesis seminar During these seminar meetings you learn about specific methodologies and will discuss and practice the planning, researching and writing of a Master thesis.
Elective: Material Religion (5 EC, optional) You will explore the relationship between religious belief and religious objects, and learn to recognize the the field of tension of appropriation of religious objects.
Elective: Mysticism and Science (5 EC, optional) In this course you will acquire knowledge of the history of mysticism, Jewish and Christian Kabbalah, and the "occult sciences," and gain a critical awareness of the methodological issues related to narratives of enlightenment, secularism, and European modernity
Elective: Theological Heritages (5 EC, optional) You will recognize and describe the development of Christian theologies in the context of modernity and analyse thoughts of theologians within their historical contexts of liberal and confessional reactions to the challenges of (post)modernity.
Introduction to Religious Heritage (5 EC) You will gain an understanding of the main global and local heritage organizations, their histories and priorities. Through literature study and fieldwork you will grasp basic issues in contemporary heritage studies and work practically on problem solving in the heritage industry.
The Politics of Heritage: Identity and Memory (5 EC) You will explore the impact of definitions and the complex relationship that exists between categories of 'heritage', 'identity' and 'memory' and learn how to analyse debates across government and civil society actors over national, cultural and religious heritage.
Elective: Going Retro (5 EC, optional) You will grasp an understanding of nostalgia for a lost and better past by analysing the construction of pasts and comprehend the purpose and tensions of these constructions in contemporary (popular) culture.
Elective: Heritage of Death (5 EC, optional) in this course you will pursue the topic of death-related heritage in the classroom as well as on site. You will be acquainted with key phases in the history of death in Western societies and pivotal concepts and theories used to analyse the history of death
Elective: Reception and Re-Use of Authoritative Texts (5 EC, optional) This course explores the reception history of the Bible and other authoritative texts. You will develop skills in setting up research projects to examine the ways in which certain Jewish and Christian traditions deal with biblical data
Research Methods in Heritage and Historical Studies (5 EC) You will focus on practical and research skills to prepare you on individual projects in the second semester, such as your thesis and internship.
Internship (10 EC)
Thesis (20 EC) You write a thesis about a subject of your choice.

Curriculum

You can also follow this track within the two-year Research Master's programme in Theology and Religious Studies. See: http://www.rug.nl/masters/theology-religious-studies-research/

Programme options
Master's Honours Programme (honours program) The Master's Honours Programme was developed especially for students who want to get more from their studies. The programme of 15 ECTS is followed in addition to your regular Master's programme. It is a one-year interdisciplinary programme that is designed to introduce students to various aspects of leadership.The theme of leadership is explored from various angles in the Masterclasses. Leadership skills are the focus in the Leadership Labs and Workshops. The Master's Honours Programme concludes with a Master Work – a project of your choosing that you design and implement. More information about this option

Programme options

Master's Honours Programme (honours program)

The Master's Honours Programme was developed especially for students who want to get more from their studies. The programme of 15 ECTS is followed in addition to your regular Master's programme.

It is a one-year interdisciplinary programme that is designed to introduce students to various aspects of leadership.The theme of leadership is explored from various angles in the Masterclasses. Leadership skills are the focus in the Leadership Labs and Workshops. The Master's Honours Programme concludes with a Master Work – a project of your choosing that you design and implement.

More information about this option

Study abroad

Study abroad is optional
For an average of 20 weeks
Maximum of 30 EC

We have various exchange contracts with universities both inside and outside Europe, enabling students to follow part of their degree programme at a foreign university. Another option is to take an internship or to do part of the research work abroad. For an overview of our exchange partners, see: http://www.rug.nl/ggw/education/prosstud/exchangeprogrammes/partneruniversities

Entry Requirements

Admission requirements

Specific requirements	More information
grade list	A grade list of the marks of your bachelor's degree programme with an explanation of the followed courses.
language test	A (English) language test is only important if you do not have a VWO-diploma.TOEFL: 580 paper/237 computer/92 internet; IELTS: 6.5 (6.0 on each part) (not for native speakers)
previous education	BA in Theology or Religious studies or BA in a related area in Humanities, Philosophy, Social Sciences or Spatial Sciences. Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature. Students with another bachelor's degree can be permitted via a bridging programme.
written request	A letter of motivation to the admissions committee explaining the choice for this study programme (max. 1 page) is required, just like an overview of your bachelor's programme, a Curriculum Vitae and a writing sample of an academic paper are part of the admissions procedure.
other admission requirements	Dutch students send all the documentation by mail to onderwijs.ggw@rug.nl, even if a direct access is applicable.

Transfer options

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Cultural Heritage	All Universities of applied sciences	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper. Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.
European Studies	All Universities of applied sciences	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper. Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.
Toerisme en Recreatie	All Universities of applied sciences	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper. Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Archaeology	University of Groningen	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper.Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature
Arts, Culture and Media	University of Groningen	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper.Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature
Arts, Culture and Media	University of Groningen	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper. Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature
Art History	University of Groningen	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper.Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature
European Languages and Cultures	University of Groningen	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper.Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature
Theology	University of Groningen	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper.
Religious Studies	University of Groningen	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper.
Liberal Arts and Sciences	University of Groningen	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper. Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.
History	University of Groningen	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper.Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.
Philosophy	University of Groningen	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper.Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.
Human Geography & Urban and Regional Planning	University of Groningen	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper.Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.
Middle Eastern Studies	University of Groningen	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper.Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.
Dutch Language and Culture	University of Groningen	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper.Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.
Sociology	University of Groningen	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper.Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Religious Studies	University of Amsterdam	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper.
Culture Studies	University of Amsterdam	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper.Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.
Liberal Arts and Sciences (joint degree)	University of Amsterdam	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper.Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.
Art History	University of Amsterdam	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper.Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.
Human Geography and Urban and Regional Planning	University of Amsterdam	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper.Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.
European Studies	University of Amsterdam	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper.Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.
Media and Culture	University of Amsterdam	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper.Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Culture Studies	All Research universities	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper.Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.
Interdisciplinary Social Sciences	All Research universities	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper.Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.
Cultural Studies	All Research universities	No additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper.Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.
European Studies	All Research universities	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper.Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.
European Languages and Cultures	All Research universities	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper.Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.
History	All Research universities	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper.Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.
Godgeleerdheid	All Research universities	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper.
Art History	All Research universities	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper.Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.
Religious Studies	All Research universities	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper.
Human Geography and Urban and Regional Planning	All Research universities	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper.Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.
Taal- en Cultuurstudies	All Research universities	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper. Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.
Theology	All Research universities	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper.
Tourism (joint degree)	All Research universities	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper. Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.
Philosophy	All Research universities	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper. Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Religie en Levensbeschouwing	VU University Amsterdam	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper.
Theology (joint degree)	VU University Amsterdam	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper. Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.
Liberal Arts and Sciences (joint degree)	VU University Amsterdam	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper. Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.
Philosophy, Politics and Economics	VU University Amsterdam	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper. Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Art History	Leiden University	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper. Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.
Religious Studies	Leiden University	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper.
Liberal Arts and Sciences: Global Challenges	Leiden University	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper. Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Cultural Studies	Maastricht University	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper. Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.
European Studies	Maastricht University	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper. Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.
Liberal Arts and Sciences	Maastricht University	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper. Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.
Liberal Arts and Sciences	Maastricht University	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper. Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Culture Studies	Radboud University Nijmegen	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper. Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.
Culture Studies	Radboud University Nijmegen	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper. Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.
Religious Studies	Radboud University Nijmegen	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper.
Theology	Radboud University Nijmegen	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper.
Geography, Spatial Planning and Environment	Radboud University Nijmegen	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper. Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Culture Studies	Erasmus University Rotterdam	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper. Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.
Culture Studies	Erasmus University Rotterdam	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper. Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.
Liberal Arts and Sciences	Erasmus University Rotterdam	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper. Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Theology	Tilburg University	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper.
Liberal Arts and Sciences	Tilburg University	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper. Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.
Culture Studies	Tilburg University	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper. Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Art History	Utrecht University	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper. Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.
Religious Studies	Utrecht University	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper. Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.
Liberal Arts and Sciences	Utrecht University	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper. Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.
Liberal Arts and Sciences	Utrecht University	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper. Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.
Liberal Arts and Sciences	Utrecht University	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper. Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.
Human Geography and Urban and Regional Planning	Utrecht University	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper. Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Tourism (joint degree)	Wageningen University	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper. Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.

Study programme	Organization	Transition
M Arts & Culture	Open University	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper. Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.
Culture Studies	Open University	Additional requirements More information: Required: letter of motivation, overview of results of your bachelor program, CV, writing sample of academic paper. Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.

Admission requirements

Specific requirements	More information
grade list	A grade list of the marks of your bachelor's degree programme with an explanation of the followed courses.
language test	TOEFL: 580 paper/237 computer/92 internet; IELTS: 6.5 (6.0 on each part) (not for native speakers)
previous education	Bachelor's degree in Theology, Religious Studies, Arts, Philosophy, Social Science (e.g. Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology) or Spatial Sciences. Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature. Students with another bachelor's degree may be admitted via a bridging programme.
written request	A letter of motivation to the admissions committee explaining the choice for this study programme (max. 1 page) is required, just like an overview of your bachelor's programme, a Curriculum Vitae and a writing sample of an academic paper in OAS (Online Application System).
other admission requirements	Students with a Dutch bachelor's degree send all the documentation by mail to onderwijs.ggw@rug.nl, even if a direct access is applicable.

Language requirements

Exam	Minimum score
IELTS overall band	6.5
IELTS listening	6
IELTS reading	6
IELTS writing	6
TOEFL paper based	580
TOEFL computer based	237
TOEFL internet based	92

Application deadlines

Type of student	Deadline	Start course
Dutch students	01 May 2019	01 September 2019
Dutch students	01 May 2020	01 September 2020
EU/EEA students	01 May 2019	01 September 2019
EU/EEA students	01 May 2020	01 September 2020
non-EU/EEA students	01 April 2019	01 September 2019
non-EU/EEA students	01 April 2020	01 September 2020

Tuition Fees

Nationality	Year	Fee	Programme form
EU/EEA	2018-2019	€ 2060	full-time
non-EU/EEA	2018-2019	€ 11500	full-time
EU/EEA	2019-2020	€ 2083	full-time
non-EU/EEA	2019-2020	€ 12500	full-time

If you gained your master's degree after 1 September 1991 you have to pay the University tuition fee II. This is a higher tuition fee than the statutory tuition fee.

Practical information

After your studies

Job prospects

You can advise or write policy documents on heritage subjects, such as the preservation of old churches or the distribution of funding for cultural activities. You could work for cultural organisations, the government, in the tourist business or at an NGO. You may also work in the media or as a teacher of religion in secondary education after completing your Educational Master's programme.

If you want to pursue an academic career, you can follow this track as a specialization within the Research Master's programme.

Job examples

Cultural Education

You can work within organizations that consult upon the content and organization within the field of arts and cultural education. Or you could work at an educational department within institutions such as a cultural centers or museums.
Consulting & Policy

Your knowledge about religious heritage will enable you to advise upon or write policy documents on the conservation of religious heritage. You could find a job with central government but also at organizations and foundations in the cultural sector. This could, for example, be the Museum Catharijneconvent in Utrecht or the Stichting Oude Groninger Kerken.
Education

Once you have completed this Master's track, you will have sufficient knowledge of the subject to be able to teach Religious Studies or Social Studies in secondary education. Alternatively, you could opt for a position in higher vocational education. As you also need didactic skills as a teacher or lecturer, it is advisable to do a Master's in Education after you have completed your regular Master's programme.
Media & Journalism

A number of publishers have shown renewed interest in religion and society. With your knowledge and skills, you can make an expert contribution to publications in this field. You could also use your expertise as an editor at a broadcasting company, newspaper or current affairs magazine.

Research

Our MA track Religion and Cultural Heritage directly benefits from cutting-edge research carried out mainly within the Department of Christianity and the History of Ideas, and is thus an excellent example of research-based education.

The course units are taught by internationally recognized historians, philosophers and political scientists from all over the world who all specialize in the role of religion in culture. They will provide you with cutting-edge insights into religion and heritage which are directly inspired by their own research.

Dr Mathilde van Dijk (Netherlands): Assistant Professor of History of Christianity and Gender Studies. She focuses on Late Medieval religious culture, mysticism, gender studies, and the representation of the Middle Ages in popular culture (e.g. in film).
Dr Andrew Irving (New Zealand): Assistant Professor of Religion and Heritage, with a specialization in material culture of Christianity. He specializes in material culture and archaeological approaches to the study of early and medieval Christianities, with a particular focus of liturgy, manuscripts, and the history of the book.
Dr Christoph Jedan (Germany): Professor of Philosophy of Religion and Ethics. Central terms in his research are good citizenship, religion and emotion, history of death, dying and bereavement, and 'levenskunst' (Art of Living).
Dr Benjamin Schewel (USA): Assistant Professor in Philosophy of Religion, specializing in theories of Religion, Secularism and the Post-Secular, and Religion and Politics.
Prof Kocku von Stuckrad (Germany): Professor of Religious Studies. In this programme, he teaches on Mysticism and Science, using historical cases taken from Jewish and Christian Kabbalah, alchemy, astrology, and philosophies of nature from the Middle Ages to the modern period.
Dr Stefania Travagnin (Italy): Assistant Professor of Religion in Asia. She is an expert on Buddhism and religion and society in modern China, and has a special interest in religion and the media in China (online Buddhist rituals; Buddhist films and documentaries).
Prof Todd Weir (USA): Professor in Christianity and Modern Culture. He is a cultural and intellectual historian of modern Germany and of the transnational history of religion and secularism.
Dr Erin Wilson (Australia): Associate Professor of Religion and Politics. Her research is at the interface where religious studies, international relations and philosophy meet, and she aims to develop a new theoretical framework for the role of religion in issues in national and international politics.

Research Institutes

Much of the research by the teaching staff connects with the activities of the Research Centres in our Faculty:

The Centre for Religion and Heritage analyses the cultural legacy of several religions.
The Centre for Religion, Conflict and Globalization explores the contentious role of religion in the public sphere in contemporary Western and global society.
Centre for the Study of Religion and Culture in Asia discusses social functions and discursive identities of religion in Asia, past and present.

These centres regularly invite speakers and organise events on the role of religion in contemporary societies, where MA students, PhD students and staff engage in lively discussions.

Religion lies at the core of every intangible and living culture

Read more

Across the globe, the public role of history is expanding. New museums and historical sites are opening, historical tourism is growing, and educational and cultural institutions are increasing their engagement with the past. This requires a new class of heritage experts, who are self-reflective and can contribute to economic and cultural policy formation and to regional planning.

This master’s degree provides students with the theoretical and practical education necessary to take an active role in this exciting sector.

Together with Mathilde van Dijk and Andrew Irving, I teach Religious Heritage at Groningen. Our combined expertise allows us to place Christian heritage in a broad context that includes other religious traditions and even secularism. Through lectures, seminar and field trips, we examine sites, buildings, traditions, rituals, texts and other locations where the past is maintained in the present.

My own research focuses on the configuration of religion in politics and culture. I have written extensively on the interactions of Christianity, Judaism and secularism and their impact on modern intellectual and cultural history, particularly in Germany. I’m currently working on the history of modern worldviews, and planning a future book on the journey of “Weltanschauung/worldview” from 1790 to the present that will take the reader from Germany to the US, Netherlands, UK and the Soviet Union. It will examine Weltanschauung as one of the chief terms through which moderns have experienced and conceived of systems of thought and belief.

The study of cultural heritage in a faculty of theological and religious studies makes Groningen’s master’s degree unique. Theoretically and practically, however, our innovative approach stands squarely within international trends. First, it helps meet the call issued by organizations such as the Unesco for the preservation not just of the physical sites, but also of the “intangible” heritage of world cultures. Religion lies at the core of every intangible and living culture.

Second, the theory of heritage has developed in dialogue with religious studies. Heritage is not just about preserving the past, but giving people places and paths to experience loss. Sites of memory play sacral roles for states, communities and individuals. The study of religion helps us ask important questions of heritage practice: Are heritage sites maintaining religious traditions or repackaging them for touristic consumption? Should they serve as a locations of religious-secular dialogue in a post-secular world?

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Studying material religious cultures helps us to think outside the box about the nature of lived religious belief itself

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According to current estimates, over 300 million tourists visit religious sites every year. The vast cultural, political, religious, economic, and environmental impact of these visits - whatever their motivations may be - is attracting the attention of governmental bodies on all levels, of private foundations and museums , and of industry specialists in tourism and infrastructure.

At the same time, pressures on religious, governmental, and private organizations concerning changing religious and cultural identities, and relating to the long-term sustainability of religious heritage management have leant urgency to the question: How do we engage, preserve and communicate the remains of our religious past?

For these reasons, it is critical that graduates in religious studies and theology be equipped to facilitate and contribute informed voices to public debate about the future of religious heritage. It is also vital for the academic research and faith communities to learn about the ways in which “lay” and “non-expert” participants actively re-appropriate religious spaces, objects, and practices formerly perhaps too narrowly defined as the domain of adherents to religious beliefs on the one hand and trained experts on the other.

Groningen’s MA in Religion and Cultural Heritage is unique in preparing you for this crucial bridge role. You will bring rigorous and critical training in theology and religion to the table in public and private discourse about religious heritage. At the same time you will learn to contribute to the academic study of religious history and to faith communities by communicating and analyzing the interests, questions and challenges that arise from the broader public’s engagement with its own and other peoples’ religious heritage.

I teach courses that engage with material aspects of religion: visual arts, liturgical rites, books, music, and objects, material culture, architecture and archaeology. The courses will provide you with training and hands-on experience of observing, describing, comparing, and analyzing religious objects, spaces, and practices from the past, and in thinking about and questioning what is at stake in their preservation, use, and adaptation in the present. Studying material religious cultures helps us to think outside the box about the nature of lived religious belief itself.

My research centers on the intersection between book history and the history of Christian worship. In Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, books comprise perhaps the largest group of religious artefacts that survive. I study the design and production of liturgical manuscripts, and, in particular, the material evidence for their intended and actual use. In this way, we can examine a religious book as if it were an archaeological site. By identifying and peeling back layers of evidence of repeated use and adaptation of single book objects sometimes over centuries, we can learn to re-consider what a religious book is for, how it works, and what it might tell us about the communities and individuals that made and used it. It is this careful and patient approach to sustained engagement with all material aspects of religion that I aim to bring to the classroom, fieldwork, and student-lead research.

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Close encounters with the lasting influence of religion

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I followed the Master's track in Religion and the Public Domain, but the course units on religious heritage from this track have now been included in the track in Religion and Cultural Heritage. The thing I liked most about the course units was how the present and the past are linked together. They focus in a very concrete way on the position of religion in Western Europe.

You go on a lot of field trips and encounter the lasting influence of religion and the position that it takes in our society from up close, for example by studying the roots of the Devotio Moderna in Deventer or by singing the St Matthew Passion together and thus feeling its impact.

I wrote my Master’s thesis on the phenomenon of ‘Michaeling’: fans following in Michael Jackson’s footsteps through a pilgrimage that brings them closer in spirit to their idol. I studied whether this was a new religious phenomenon, and concluded that the answer to this question is yes. ‘Michaeling’ is a typical example of the various forms that religion can take in our modern, post-secular society. And there is no doubt that this is a genuine pilgrimage, a spiritual experience of the kind that we associate primarily with the Middle Ages. For my research, I studied the experiences of eleven pilgrims and the Michael Jackson shrine in Germany.

According to his fans, Michael Jackson’s core message was to ‘Heal the World’ through love. Some fans feel that Michael Jackson can be seen as a new Messiah, sent by God to show people what is really important, namely love. Michael Jackson is placed by his fans within a very broad spiritual context. The followers I spoke to call themselves spiritual, but they are reluctant to commit to a specific religion. What is remarkable is that most of these fans express very Christian ideas. For his followers, Michael Jackson acts as a kind of mediator, clarifying their prior religious allegiance. It is as if Michael Jackson helps them to transition from theory to religious practice. They integrate Michael Jackson into their belief system, where he comes to play a key role as a spiritual guide, offering his fans concrete guidelines for distinguishing between good and evil and giving shape to their lives. His followers believe that Michael Jackson was severely persecuted and that he suffered tremendously as a result. However, this did not stop him from fighting for his ideals and for his fans, which makes him a true martyr in their eyes.

After I graduated, I went straight to work for the University of Groningen Humanities Support Desk, where I helped organize educational projects for secondary schools. One of the projects I was working on was De Kerk: maak er wat van!, which we set up together with the Historical Groningen Churches Foundation and which focuses on redesignation of church buildings that are no longer used as such. A year after graduating, I started as a PhD-student at the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies of the University of Groningen, further researching the fascinating phenomenon of ‘Michaeling’.

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Researching the changing relationship between the Coca Cola Company and religion

– Kyra-Tiana Kers NL

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At Theology and Religious Studies, you feel like you're part of a family. Everyone knows everyone, and it's very inclusive. This is why I decided to stay on after my Bachelor's degree in Religious Studies to pursue a Master's degree here as well. I also work as a student assistant and mentor. After completing my Master's degree, I'd love to find a job in the cultural heritage sector. This could be at a school, to teach children about cultural heritage, or at a media corporation.

During my Master’s track, I did a placement at the monastery museum in Ter Apel, where I co-organized an exhibition on how the lives of monks changed during the Reformation in the Netherlands. Some monks changed religious denomination and became Protestant, some resisted until they died, some fled and some were killed. The exhibition ran from August until December 2017. For my Master’s thesis, I am researching the changing relationship between the Coca Cola Company and religion. The Coca Cola Company has always been connected with religion and religious expression, but this relationship appears to be changing. I am doing research into these changes and what the implications are.

I love living in Groningen! There is so much to do and see. In my spare time, I take long walks in the Noorderplantsoen, or at a recreational area called Hoornse Plas, in the south of the city. My evenings are filled with activities in the small bars or cafés in the city centre. I agree with the slogan: Nothing tops Groningen!

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