How are religion, conflict and peace related? How does globalization affect local religious traditions? How do religious and secular parties interact in debates on conflict, migration and gender?
Religion is involved in many of the major conflicts that the world is currently facing, and at various levels. At the same time, religion is also an essential part of people's lives, and has become an important basis for solidarity between people all over the world.
Despite the importance of religion in society and politics, NGOs, governments and journalists alike often have misguided understandings of the role of religion in the modern world, and the meaning that it holds for various peoples, relying on simplistic and outdated assumptions. This can contribute to disagreements, tensions and misunderstandings, with potentially serious consequences.
Within this MA-track, you will study the key role of religion in the dynamics of globalization, and how this relates to conflicts shaping contemporary societies. You will delve into understanding how conflicts and peacebuilding are intertwined with religious interests, practices and diverse identities. The programme is interdisciplinary and comprehensive; including political, social, psychological, cultural and legal dimensions.
During the programme, you can specialise in themes such as conflict and peacebuilding, migration and gender.The MA-track Religion, Conflict and Globalization consists of a compulsory introductory course (5 ECTS), a compulsory course unit on Research Methods (5 ECTS), four electives (5 ECTS each) and a thesis (20 ECTS). 10 ECTS are reserved for a practical placement.
For part-time options, please contact the student adviser.
All students take the introductory course, which lays out the
dominant theoretical approaches used when considering and studying
religion within this setting. Disciplinary approaches include those
from anthropology, sociology, political philosophy and theory, and
international relations theories. One of the main stresses within
the course is expounding the significance of 'culture', 'society',
'politics', and 'power'. These are presented both as contested
concepts, but also as factors that affect relationships.
The second compulsory course is 'Social Scientific Research
Methods', where students are introduced to and develop the
necessary research skills for completing a research project- such
as the thesis.
Additionally, you choose four electives.
Semesters | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1a | 1b | 2a | 2b |
Compulsory: Religion, Conflict and Globalization: A Critical Introduction (5 EC) You will be introduced to the most important theories in the study of religion, conflict and globalization. You will also learn various aspects of International Relations. This will include anthropological, political sociological, and political philosophical approaches to the study of religion, conflict, and globalization. | ||||
Elective: Religion, Gender and Sexuality (5 EC, optional) You will learn to recognize and conceptualize the links between religion, gender, and sexuality. You will be introduced to classic authors on these topics, and in the second part of the course, you will focus on discussing ethnographic research detailing how sexuality and gender are shaped culturally and religiously. | ||||
Elective: Religion, Violence and Conflict Transformation (5 EC, optional) You will examine the fundamental questions at the intersection of the discourse and practice of religion, violence, and conflict transformation. You will examine how these concepts interrelate and will investigate assumptions that lie behind their use, as well as how they are put into practice. | ||||
Elective: Science, Ecology, and New Spiritualities in Global Perspectives (5 EC, optional) You will explore the conflicts and pluralistic dimensions that crystallize around science, politics, religion, spirituality, and ethics on a global scale. Looking at discourses on nature, ecology, and sustainability in particular, you will get a good idea of how seemingly marginal currents have exerted a decisive influence on the public place of religion from the nineteenth century through today. | ||||
Compulsory: Social Scientific Research Methods (5 EC) You will be prepared for researching and writing your thesis.You will be taken through the steps of designing your own research, in consultation with your supervisor and learn research methods and ethics at the same time. | ||||
Elective: Gender, Religion, and Sexual Nationalism (5 EC, optional) You will explore the highly politicized themes of gender and sexuality in today's globalized world. You will learn how religious actors and transnational religious networks (e.g. evangelical, Catholic) are very influential in these processes and how we can understand such processes locally. | ||||
Elective: Migration, Culture and Politics (5 EC, optional) The course description will follow soon. | ||||
Elective: National Socialism and Religion: Conflict and Heritage (5 EC, optional) This class examines heritage as memory of historical trauma. It begins with a study of the religious conflicts and violence of the National Socialist regime, and then turns to the role played by the memory of these conflicts in politics and culture. Finally, the class investigates how religious heritage can help us understand memorials to the Holocaust built in Germany since 1945. | ||||
Placement (10 EC) In stead of a placement, you have the option to do a research project. | ||||
Thesis + Thesis Seminar (20 EC) During the seminar meetings, you will discuss and practice specific aspects of the writing, planning and researching process involved in producing a thesis on a master's level. |
40 hours of class and self-study per week on average
1 ECTS = 28 hrs. of study. One year contains of 60 ECTS. You will have on average 6 hrs. of lessons per week at the Faculty, the rest of the hours is reserved for preparation of the classes and studying.
The programme consists of two compulsory courses and three electives. Through these electives, you can choose to focus on topics related to either Conflict and Peacebuilding, Migration, or Gender. It is possible to follow some course units from the track Religion and Pluralism, Ancient & Modern if you would like to focus on religion and conflict in the ancient world. For information about these electives, see: www.rug.nl/rp.
You can also follow this track within the two-year Research Master's programme in Theology and Religious Studies.
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
Specific requirements | More information |
---|---|
previous education |
Bachelor's degree in Theology, Religious Studies, Arts (e.g. International Organizations, Middle Eastern Studies, Philosophy), Political Sciences or Social Sciences (e.g. Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology). 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 pre-master's programme. A selection of previous education programmes is shown below under 'Transfer options'. However, this list is not complete. If your study programme is not listed, this does not automatically mean that you will not be admitted to the Master's programme. In case of doubts or questions, feel free to contact the study advisor: studyadvice.rcs rug.nl |
grade list |
An overview of the courses from the bachelor's programme followed with an explanation of these courses. |
language test |
An English language test for Dutch students is only required if you do not have a VWO-diploma. IELTS: 6.5 (6.0 on each part); TOEFL: 90 internet (18 on Reading and Listening, 20 on Speaking and 21 on Writing). Exemption granted if:
If English was the medium of instruction during your previous education, but you do not meet any of the above mentioned requirements, you are still required to provide proof of your English language proficiency. |
other admission requirements |
Students who do not have a bachelor's degree in Arts/Humanities or Behavioural and Social Sciences may be exempted from the requirement to complete the pre-master programme under certain conditions . |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Religious Studies | University of Groningen |
Additional requirements More information:Een overzicht van de vakken uit de gevolgde Bacheloropleiding met een toelichting op deze vakken. |
Theology | University of Groningen |
Additional requirements More information:Een overzicht van de vakken uit de gevolgde Bacheloropleiding met een toelichting op deze vakken. |
History | University of Groningen |
Additional requirements More information:Een overzicht van de vakken uit de gevolgde Bacheloropleiding met een toelichting op deze vakken. Afhankelijk van de gevolgde opleiding en vakken wordt een leeslijst verstrekt ter bestudering. De kennis uit de leeslijst wordt voorondersteld bij aanvang van de opleiding. |
Middle Eastern Studies | University of Groningen |
Additional requirements More information:Een overzicht van de vakken uit de gevolgde Bacheloropleiding met een toelichting op deze vakken. Afhankelijk van de gevolgde opleiding en vakken wordt een leeslijst verstrekt ter bestudering. De kennis uit de leeslijst wordt voorondersteld bij aanvang van de opleiding. |
International Relations and International Organization | University of Groningen |
Additional requirements More information:Een overzicht van de vakken uit de gevolgde Bacheloropleiding met een toelichting op deze vakken. Afhankelijk van de gevolgde opleiding en vakken wordt een leeslijst verstrekt ter bestudering. De kennis uit de leeslijst wordt voorondersteld bij aanvang van de opleiding. |
Philosophy | University of Groningen |
Additional requirements More information:Een overzicht van de vakken uit de gevolgde Bacheloropleiding met een toelichting op deze vakken. Afhankelijk van de gevolgde opleiding en vakken wordt een leeslijst verstrekt ter bestudering. De kennis uit de leeslijst wordt voorondersteld bij aanvang van de opleiding. |
Liberal Arts and Sciences | University of Groningen |
Additional requirements More information:Een overzicht van de vakken uit de gevolgde Bacheloropleiding met een toelichting op deze vakken. Afhankelijk van de gevolgde opleiding en vakken wordt een leeslijst verstrekt ter bestudering. De kennis uit de leeslijst wordt voorondersteld bij aanvang van de opleiding. |
Psychology (EN) | University of Groningen |
Additional requirements More information:Een overzicht van de vakken uit de gevolgde Bacheloropleiding met een toelichting op deze vakken. Afhankelijk van de gevolgde opleiding en vakken wordt een leeslijst verstrekt ter bestudering. De kennis uit de leeslijst wordt voorondersteld bij aanvang van de opleiding. |
Global Responsibility & Leadership | University of Groningen |
Additional requirements More information:Een overzicht van de vakken uit de gevolgde Bacheloropleiding met een toelichting op deze vakken. Afhankelijk van de gevolgde opleiding en vakken wordt een leeslijst verstrekt ter bestudering. De kennis uit de leeslijst wordt voorondersteld bij aanvang van de opleiding. |
Psychology (NL) | University of Groningen |
Additional requirements More information:Afhankelijk van de door jou gevolgde vakkken, krijg je ter voorbereiding een leeslijst aangereikt en/of kun je een spring course volgen. |
American Studies | University of Groningen |
Additional requirements More information:Een overzicht van de vakken uit de gevolgde Bacheloropleiding met een toelichting op deze vakken. Afhankelijk van de gevolgde opleiding en vakken wordt een leeslijst verstrekt ter bestudering. De kennis uit de leeslijst wordt voorondersteld bij aanvang van de opleiding. |
Minorities & Multilingualism | University of Groningen |
Additional requirements More information:Afhankelijk van de door jou gevolgde vakkken, krijg je ter voorbereiding een leeslijst aangereikt en/of kun je een spring course volgen. |
Sociology | University of Groningen |
Additional requirements More information:Afhankelijk van de door jou gevolgde vakkken, krijg je ter voorbereiding een leeslijst aangereikt en/of kun je een spring course volgen. |
Communication and Information Studies | University of Groningen |
Additional requirements More information:Een overzicht van de vakken uit de gevolgde Bacheloropleiding met een toelichting op deze vakken. Afhankelijk van de gevolgde opleiding en vakken wordt een leeslijst verstrekt ter bestudering. De kennis uit de leeslijst wordt voorondersteld bij aanvang van de opleiding. |
European Languages and Cultures | University of Groningen |
Additional requirements More information:Een overzicht van de vakken uit de gevolgde Bacheloropleiding met een toelichting op deze vakken. Afhankelijk van de gevolgde opleiding en vakken wordt een leeslijst verstrekt ter bestudering. De kennis uit de leeslijst wordt voorondersteld bij aanvang van de opleiding. |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Interdisciplinary Social Science | All Research universities |
Additional requirements More information:Een overzicht van de vakken uit de gevolgde Bacheloropleiding met een toelichting op deze vakken. Afhankelijk van de gevolgde opleiding en vakken wordt een leeslijst verstrekt ter bestudering. De kennis uit de leeslijst wordt voorondersteld bij aanvang van de opleiding. |
Arts and Culture | All Research universities |
Additional requirements More information:Een overzicht van de vakken uit de gevolgde Bacheloropleiding met een toelichting op deze vakken. Afhankelijk van de gevolgde opleiding en vakken wordt een leeslijst verstrekt ter bestudering. De kennis uit de leeslijst wordt voorondersteld bij aanvang van de opleiding. |
Humanistic Studies | All Research universities |
Additional requirements More information:Een overzicht van de vakken uit de gevolgde Bacheloropleiding met een toelichting op deze vakken. Afhankelijk van de gevolgde opleiding en vakken wordt een leeslijst verstrekt ter bestudering. De kennis uit de leeslijst wordt voorondersteld bij aanvang van de opleiding. |
Latin American Studies | All Research universities |
Additional requirements More information:Een overzicht van de vakken uit de gevolgde Bacheloropleiding met een toelichting op deze vakken. Afhankelijk van de gevolgde opleiding en vakken wordt een leeslijst verstrekt ter bestudering. De kennis uit de leeslijst wordt voorondersteld bij aanvang van de opleiding. |
Politics, Psychology, Law and Economics | All Research universities |
Additional requirements More information:Afhankelijk van de door jou gevolgde vakkken, krijg je ter voorbereiding een leeslijst aangereikt en/of kun je een spring course volgen. |
Philosophy, Politics and Economics | All Research universities |
Additional requirements More information:Een overzicht van de vakken uit de gevolgde Bacheloropleiding met een toelichting op deze vakken. Afhankelijk van de gevolgde opleiding en vakken wordt een leeslijst verstrekt ter bestudering. De kennis uit de leeslijst wordt voorondersteld bij aanvang van de opleiding. |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology | Leiden University |
Additional requirements More information:Een overzicht van de vakken uit de gevolgde Bacheloropleiding met een toelichting op deze vakken. Afhankelijk van de gevolgde opleiding en vakken wordt een leeslijst verstrekt ter bestudering. De kennis uit de leeslijst wordt voorondersteld bij aanvang van de opleiding. |
Political Science | Leiden University |
Additional requirements More information:Een overzicht van de vakken uit de gevolgde Bacheloropleiding met een toelichting op deze vakken. Afhankelijk van de gevolgde opleiding en vakken wordt een leeslijst verstrekt ter bestudering. De kennis uit de leeslijst wordt voorondersteld bij aanvang van de opleiding. |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Religiewetenschappen | Radboud University Nijmegen |
Additional requirements More information:Een overzicht van de vakken uit de gevolgde Bacheloropleiding met een toelichting op deze vakken. Afhankelijk van de gevolgde opleiding en vakken wordt een leeslijst verstrekt ter bestudering. De kennis uit de leeslijst wordt voorondersteld bij aanvang van de opleiding. |
Religiewetenschappen | Radboud University Nijmegen |
Additional requirements More information:Een overzicht van de vakken uit de gevolgde Bacheloropleiding met een toelichting op deze vakken. |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Religiewetenschappen | University of Amsterdam |
Additional requirements More information:Een overzicht van de vakken uit de gevolgde Bacheloropleiding met een toelichting op deze vakken. |
Arabic Language and Culture | University of Amsterdam |
Additional requirements More information:Een overzicht van de vakken uit de gevolgde Bacheloropleiding met een toelichting op deze vakken. Afhankelijk van de gevolgde opleiding en vakken wordt een leeslijst verstrekt ter bestudering. De kennis uit de leeslijst wordt voorondersteld bij aanvang van de opleiding. |
Liberal Arts and Sciences (joint degree) | University of Amsterdam |
Additional requirements More information:Een overzicht van de vakken uit de gevolgde Bacheloropleiding met een toelichting op deze vakken. Afhankelijk van de gevolgde opleiding en vakken wordt een leeslijst verstrekt ter bestudering. De kennis uit de leeslijst wordt voorondersteld bij aanvang van de opleiding. |
Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology | University of Amsterdam |
Additional requirements More information:Een overzicht van de vakken uit de gevolgde Bacheloropleiding met een toelichting op deze vakken. Afhankelijk van de gevolgde opleiding en vakken wordt een leeslijst verstrekt ter bestudering. De kennis uit de leeslijst wordt voorondersteld bij aanvang van de opleiding. |
Political Science | University of Amsterdam |
Additional requirements More information:Een overzicht van de vakken uit de gevolgde Bacheloropleiding met een toelichting op deze vakken. Afhankelijk van de gevolgde opleiding en vakken wordt een leeslijst verstrekt ter bestudering. De kennis uit de leeslijst wordt voorondersteld bij aanvang van de opleiding. |
Politics, Psychology, Law and Economics | University of Amsterdam |
Additional requirements More information:Een overzicht van de vakken uit de gevolgde Bacheloropleiding met een toelichting op deze vakken. Afhankelijk van de gevolgde opleiding en vakken wordt een leeslijst verstrekt ter bestudering. De kennis uit de leeslijst wordt voorondersteld bij aanvang van de opleiding. |
Sociology | University of Amsterdam |
Additional requirements More information:Een overzicht van de vakken uit de gevolgde Bacheloropleiding met een toelichting op deze vakken. Afhankelijk van de gevolgde opleiding en vakken wordt een leeslijst verstrekt ter bestudering. De kennis uit de leeslijst wordt voorondersteld bij aanvang van de opleiding. |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Theology (joint degree) | VU University Amsterdam |
Additional requirements More information:Een overzicht van de vakken uit de gevolgde Bacheloropleiding met een toelichting op deze vakken. |
Liberal Arts and Sciences (joint degree) | VU University Amsterdam |
Additional requirements More information:Een overzicht van de vakken uit de gevolgde Bacheloropleiding met een toelichting op deze vakken. Afhankelijk van de gevolgde opleiding en vakken wordt een leeslijst verstrekt ter bestudering. De kennis uit de leeslijst wordt voorondersteld bij aanvang van de opleiding. |
Philosophy, Politics and Economics | VU University Amsterdam |
Additional requirements More information:Een overzicht van de vakken uit de gevolgde Bacheloropleiding met een toelichting op deze vakken. Afhankelijk van de gevolgde opleiding en vakken wordt een leeslijst verstrekt ter bestudering. De kennis uit de leeslijst wordt voorondersteld bij aanvang van de opleiding. |
Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology | VU University Amsterdam |
Additional requirements More information:Een overzicht van de vakken uit de gevolgde Bacheloropleiding met een toelichting op deze vakken. Afhankelijk van de gevolgde opleiding en vakken wordt een leeslijst verstrekt ter bestudering. De kennis uit de leeslijst wordt voorondersteld bij aanvang van de opleiding. |
Political Science | VU University Amsterdam |
Additional requirements More information:Een overzicht van de vakken uit de gevolgde Bacheloropleiding met een toelichting op deze vakken. Afhankelijk van de gevolgde opleiding en vakken wordt een leeslijst verstrekt ter bestudering. De kennis uit de leeslijst wordt voorondersteld bij aanvang van de opleiding. |
Sociology | VU University Amsterdam |
Additional requirements More information:Een overzicht van de vakken uit de gevolgde Bacheloropleiding met een toelichting op deze vakken. Afhankelijk van de gevolgde opleiding en vakken wordt een leeslijst verstrekt ter bestudering. De kennis uit de leeslijst wordt voorondersteld bij aanvang van de opleiding. |
International students and Dutch students with non-Dutch qualifications are not automatically admitted to a Master's degree programme at the University of Groningen. The full registration procedure will take longer than for Dutch students with regular Dutch qualifications and consists of three steps: application, admission and registration.
Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
---|---|---|
Dutch students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
Specific requirements | More information |
---|---|
previous education |
Bachelor's degree in Theology, Religious Studies, Arts (e.g. International Organizations, Middle Eastern Studies, Philosophy), Political Sciences or Social Sciences (e.g. Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology). 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 pre-master's programme. A selection of previous education programmes is shown below under 'Transfer options'. However, this list is not complete. If your study programme is not listed, this does not automatically mean that you will not be admitted to the Master's programme. In case of doubts or questions, feel free to contact the study advisor: studyadvice.rcs rug.nl |
grade list |
An overview of the courses from the bachelor's programme followed with an explanation of these courses. |
language test |
An English language test for Dutch students is only required if you do not have a VWO-diploma. IELTS: 6.5 (6.0 on each part); TOEFL: 90 internet (18 on Reading and Listening, 20 on Speaking and 21 on Writing). Exemption granted if:
If English was the medium of instruction during your previous education, but you do not meet any of the above mentioned requirements, you are still required to provide proof of your English language proficiency. |
other admission requirements |
Students who do not have a bachelor's degree in Arts/Humanities or Behavioural and Social Sciences may be exempted from the requirement to complete the pre-master programme under certain conditions . |
Exam | Minimum score |
---|---|
IELTS overall band | 6.5 |
IELTS listening | 6 |
IELTS reading | 6 |
IELTS writing | 6 |
IELTS speaking | 6 |
TOEFL internet based | 90 |
International students and Dutch students with non-Dutch qualifications are not automatically admitted to a Master's degree programme at the University of Groningen. The full registration procedure will take longer than for Dutch students with regular Dutch qualifications and consists of three steps: application, admission and registration.
Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
---|---|---|
Dutch students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
Nationality | Year | Fee | Programme form |
---|---|---|---|
EU/EEA | 2024-2025 | € 2530 | full-time |
non-EU/EEA | 2024-2025 | € 18700 | full-time |
EU/EEA | 2025-2026 | € 2601 | full-time |
non-EU/EEA | 2025-2026 | € 19200 | full-time |
Talent Grant available for non-EU students.
All applicants with a non-Dutch qualification will have to pay an application fee.
Practical information for:
If you wish to become a teacher of religion in secondary education you can additionally follow the Educational Master's programme.
Following completion of this degree, you will be able to advise or write policy documents on different subjects - including developmental assistance, or multicultural society. Job tracts include working for a government, in business, or at an NGO. Other options include media, or indeed education. Those who wish to pursue an academic career can follow this track as part of the 2-year Research Master's programme.
Check where our alumni end up after graduating on our alumni page.
In a globalized world, there is a need for experts who can help explain and solve conflicts that are further-reaching than ever before. More specifically, this could mean working for the think-tank of a political party, for a body such as the Netherlands Institute for Social Research, or indeed the Netherlands Institute of International Relations Clingendael.
The media often mis-portray religion, whether it is to do with terrorism or integration issues. Graduates of this programme will be able to add some much-needed nuance to the picture, whether at a publishing company, broadcasting, or a newspaper/news magazine.
Upon completing the degree, you will have enough knowledge to teach in Religious Studies, Philosophy, Social Studies and others - in secondary education. You could also opt for a position in higher vocational education. As didactic skills are required for teaching, it is advisable doing a Master's in Education, once having completed this course.
The course units in the MA track Religion, Conflict and Globalization are taught by anthropologists, sociologists, religious studies scholars, and political scientists who are recognized as experts in their respective fields, all studying religion as a cultural and social phenomenon. In the course units, they will provide you with an up-to-date overview of the state of the art of the subjects you are studying, often drawing on their own research.
These researchers regularly discuss ongoing research and events on the weblog The Religion Factor . Students are also asked to contribute to this.
Much of the research by the teaching staff connects with the activities of the Research Centres in our Faculty:
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.
Important to show the impact religion has on people's lives.
I graduated from the University of National and World Economy in Sofia, Bulgaria with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology. After my Bachelor's, I was wondering how to continue my education. I started browsing different European universities' websites in search of a Master's programme, and the University of Groningen appealed to me.
I am interested in politics, social affairs and conflict resolution, so the programme ‘Religion, Conflict and Globalization’ was the perfect choice. It is really interesting to see how religion engages with both the public and the private spheres, and to study its role in past and present conflicts. I think it is important to show the impact religion has on people’s lives. Perhaps religion could provide answers in some of the biggest debates, ironic though this may sound to some.
I like learning about different scholarly perspectives through the academic literature. The discussions in class are also beneficial and motivate students to formulate their ideas in a friendly environment. The most challenging parts for me are the assignments and the academic analysis. I find it challenging to conduct my own research, and I am learning every day. At first I found it difficult to reflect critically on the literature, especially since I did not have a religious background, but the lecturers are really good at helping us to develop our thinking.
I will do a placement at the Foreign Ministry in Sofia next year. In the future I hope to work with people. I like analysing a situation and being a buffer between two or more conflicting sides. At the moment I am looking at politics for my future career.
So far, my stay here has been quite an adventure. The Netherlands is a colourful and vibrant place with a multicultural atmosphere.
Sophisticated academic analysis made diverting and fun.
I read Theology at the University of Durham in the UK for my Undergraduate Degree and following two years of working in the media industry in London I decided that I wanted to know more about the interplay of religious belief, modernity and theories of conflict- which has led me to study Religion, Conflict and Globalization here at the University of Groningen.
Religious choices and religious thinking are so close to the hearts of many millions of people around the world and religion’s interaction with modernity and secularism has formed the basis and breeding ground for many of the challenges faced by governments, international organisations and policymakers around the world. Religion is a very fluid concept, which almost always adapts to its contextual situation and so being taught its role within diverse modern societies and in relation to theories of conflict, intersectionality, culture and peacemaking is incredibly important when hoping to develop a better understanding of the world.
The course is multi-faceted, drawing in influences from the social sciences, religious studies and political theory (and much, much more!). The course designers have worked incredibly hard to ensure that all the readings for classes are relevant, interesting and appropriate to the topic. Most pertinently, academic theories are applied to real-world case studies and many of the teaching staff in the department are leading experts in applying theory to practice. The Faculty of Religion, Culture and Society at UG has a brilliant teaching style, where independent study is encouraged but expert advice and support is only a short e-mail, coffee or chat away!
Religion, Conflict and Globalization has a diverse range of focus topics; I chose ‘Religion, Violence and Conflict Transformation’ and have really enjoyed the mixture of topics - having had tasters of the other focusses (migration and gender) I can quite happily state that all of the focusses are equally interesting and well-taught.
The University has a focus on the real-world application of your degree programme and part of that is and internship. I hope to undertake my internship within Groningen and work with one of the Non-Governmental Organisations that have clustered around the exceptional university.
As a place to live and study in, Groningen is unmatched. It is vibrant, everyone is very friendly and there is a vast array of things to see and do. There is a festival, or university-led event nearly every weekend and I hope to extend my time in Groningen further than my one-year programme. I cannot recommend my course highly enough to anyone who would like to gain a more sophisticated understanding of our highly interconnected world, develop their thoughts on religion in the public domain and experience life at a renowned university in a beautiful city.
Looking at the world without a Eurocentric lens.
After gaining my Bachelor's degree in History, I applied for admission to the Research Master's programme in Theology and Religious Studies. I chose to specialize in Religion, Conflict and Globalization because I wanted to study the role of religion in the contemporary world.
In this programme, you do not try to ‘prove’ the existence of religions, but rather focus on religions as phenomena that influence people’s lives, identities and behaviour. You are encouraged to observe the world from a non-Eurocentric perspective. We may have become secular nations here in the West, where religion doesn’t play a large role, but that is not the case for the rest of the world. My fellow students have various backgrounds. This makes the discussions in class very interesting. I believe this Master’s programme not only helps you to expand your knowledge, but also transforms you personally.
My thesis focuses on the role of religion in international development programmes. Since Western Europe dominates international politics, the development agenda is highly secular, and local religious and cultural systems are often not taken seriously. In my thesis I look at religious NGOs, and inquire whether they bring something new to the table in this regard. After graduating, I would like to pursue a PhD degree in order to learn more about this topic. In the future, I hope either to work as an academic or to establish my own NGO, one that strives to serve the interests and goals of local communities, not those of politicians or big companies.
Reconciliation is both a social and a political process.
The links between religion and conflict, peace and reconciliation in pre-modern and modern times are undisputed. However, recent religiously articulated violence and conflict both locally and globally has added another layer of complexity to the role of religion in the public sphere. Although religious motifs can be used to promote peace, religion can also be used to justify conflict and violence.
The Religion, Conflict and Globalization track provides an opportunity for the interdisciplinary study of the role religion plays in socio-economic and political conflicts, as well as in promoting sustainable peace and reconciliation. You will study how religion around the world influences people’s lives and connects them. Our teaching philosophy allows you to study and to conduct high level research that has a practical impact in the public domain.
I am the Coordinator of this track and am responsible for the Thesis seminars and Methodology clinics. The course ‘Religion, Violence and Conflict Transformation’ is one of the course units I teach. This course unit examines the discourse and practice of peacebuilding and conflict transformation. We will address topics such as the history and development of religiously articulated violence and religious peacebuilding, religion and reconciliation, transitional justice and religion, religion and conflict, fundamentalism and religious violence, women, religion and peacebuilding, and religion, ritual and peacebuilding.
My own research is conducted where religion, conflict, politics, peace and reconciliation intersect. It’s very important for me to conduct research that has a practical influence in the public sphere. A specific example of the practical application of my studies and research into reconciliation and transitional justice is my work as a consultant for various civic organizations in Zimbabwe. I’ve given workshops on peace, recovery and reconciliation, following two decades of political conflict, and have developed policy documents on these themes. I consider transitional justice to be part of the reconciliation process because I believe that reconciliation is both a social and a political process. So if you talk about reconciliation, you need to include events from the past and administer both retributive and restorative justice. My teaching is research driven, so students benefit from my past, present and on-going work.
The role of religion in contemporary societies is still not sufficiently understood.
Many disciplines do not explicitly address the role of religion in conflict, in the ways present-day societies are shaped, and in the ways people themselves shape their lives in a globalised world. This is puzzling but understandable given the dominance of the narrative of secularisation: social scientists long expected that the world would become less religious, following the example of Europe.
Although the recognition that this is not happening has begun to sink in, the persistence and prominence of the role of religion in contemporary societies is still not sufficiently understood either in academic research or in the work of policy-makers, NGO's and journalists. This is what we are trying to do in this MA programme.
Within this programme, I am involved in the course unit Global Dynamics and Local Cosmologies. This course unit is intended to give a broad background to the confrontation between different - religious and cultural - ways of ordering, perceiving and acting in the world that have taken place throughout history. We look at the confrontations between explorers and local populations, at the experience of colonialism, the globalisation of capitalism and our current, thoroughly globalised society. What has changed as a result of these confrontations and what remains the same? The Fundamentalism and Religious Violence course unit has a focus on more contemporary issues: what is fundamentalism and what are its causes? What are the consequences of labelling a certain group 'fundamentalist'? Is there something specific to religion that is connected with violence?
My own research in recent years has focused on a form of 'religious globalisation' radiating from Nigeria. Nigeria is one of the most religiously dynamic countries in the world, especially in the south where there are many Pentecostal churches that are very ambitious: they want to convert the whole world to Christianity. They use the most modern methods of evangelisation, media, and organisation. To many people, these kinds of churches form a gateway to a globalised, modern lifestyle. Several of these churches have established a presence in many different countries worldwide. The church I have been following has 'parishes' in most countries of the world, and is also present in the Netherlands.
In the Netherlands and Europe in general, religion and modernity are often thought to be antithetical - religion should be a private affair. This is very different from the way these Pentecostal churches see things. How do these opposing ways of viewing religion in relation to modernity interact and perhaps conflict, for example when it comes to gender and sexuality? That is what interests me.
Enhancing the knowledge and skills of the humanitarian sector.
After I graduated from the University of Stirling, Scotland, I chose to study Religion, Conflict and Globalization as I have always been fascinated with how religion plays a role within societies and cultures. I wanted to explore this further by doing a master's degree. I was also very aware about the negative attitudes held by many in my home country (the UK) towards religion, with the assumption that it causes conflict.
I also felt this assumption relates to the fear people have about the migration ‘crisis’ Europe is experiencing, with this fear particularly aimed towards Islam. I felt the Religion, Conflict and Globalization programme would satisfy my interests as it explores the role of religion within the context of globalization, conflict and peace, and migration.
In my master’s thesis, I researched Faith Based Organizations (FBO) within the local setting, paying specific attention to the religious narratives used by the Dutch FBO, the International Network of Local Initiatives with Asylum Seekers (INLIA) and how this – if at all – affects the day-to-day practices and decision making processes of the organization. I explored how FBOs operate in assisting displaced persons and elaborated on current literature by applying theory to my personal experiences of working as an intern at INLIA.
After graduating, I started as an intern in Research and Development at the Humanitarian Academy for Development (formerly Islamic Relief Academy), based in the UK. Now, I am Programme and Grants Coordinator at that same institution. In this role, I am responsible for developing relationships with institutions and funding agencies and I develop proposals and reports based on the funder's requirement. The projects I am involved in, aim to enhance the knowledge and skills of the humanitarian sector through capacity building, applied research, and leadership development.
If you do not have a bachelor's degree in either the Humanities or Behavioural and Social Sciences, generally speaking you will first need to complete a pre-master's programme before you can enter this master's programme. Below, you will find the complete programme.
1st semester (30 ECTS)
2nd semester (30 ECTS)
For the pre-master's programme, you will pay a so called compensation in stead of regular tuition fees. This compensation is the same for both EU and non-EU students.
If you are interested in a master's degree in religion, you might also consider one of our other programmes:
You are fascinated by religion, socio-cultural and political developments in a globalized world. You wish to better understand the interaction between religion, peace and conflict, migration, and gender. You want to know what impact various religions have on society and people and you are open to different worldviews. You are interested in sociology, politics, psychology and anthropology. Most of all, you want to know how religion is deployed in the public domain!
Master's students are expected to show a large degree of independence. If necessary you can make use of various forms of study supervision and study support. For example, you can contact a mentor or your study advisor. While writing your thesis, you will receive personal supervision from one of the lecturers.
<p>Immediately after arrival, students who gained their Bachelor's degree at a different faculty or university as well as international students will be allocated a mentor who will help them get to know the Faculty. You can also go to the study advisor if you have doubts about your abilities or for whatever reason run the risk of study delay. You will receive intensive supervision while writing your thesis. The Master's programme includes a thesis seminar, where attention is paid to how to tackle writing a Master's thesis, and where the progress of the process is monitored closely. You will also receive structural supervision from the lecturer who is the specialist in the field of your thesis.</p>