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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes Theology & Religious Studies - Research
Header image Theology & Religious Studies

Theology & Religious Studies

How are religion, conflict and peace related? What are the boundaries of tolerance in societies, in past and present? And what is the significance of religious heritage in a secular society?

In this Research Master's programme, you will study how religion is embedded in historical and contemporary cultural contexts, and what the relationships are between religion and other cultural domains such as science, philosophy and politics. You will explore the impact of local and global socio-economic and political developments on religion, and how religion in turn contributes to these developments.

By following multiple core modules, you will acquire an overview of current debates in the study of religion and develop key research skills. In addition, we offer different specialization routes within which you can develop your individual research profile and skills. Your individual, tailor made route within the programme consists of a combination of optional modules from one of the one-year master's specializations, research traineeships, (individual) tutorials and writing a thesis and a research proposal. The final specialisation occurs in the Research Master's thesis, which forms the basis of a PhD thesis proposal or an application for research funding.

A lecturer whose research interests in religion matches yours best, will act as your supervisor throughout the programme.
Facts & Figures
Degree
MA in Theology & Religious Studies (research)
Course type
Research master
Duration
24 months (120 ECTS)
Croho code
60827
Language of instruction
English
Start
September
Faculty
Religion, Culture and Society
Why study this programme in Groningen?
  • Best Research Master's programme in Theology and Religious Studies in The Netherlands
  • Taught by leading experts with a world-class reputation
  • Small classes with intensive supervision.
  • Students can follow their own research interests
  • Focus on the dynamic relationships between religion, culture and society
Programme

In the first year the programme consists of the two compulsory core modules (20 EC), a compulsory course unit on generic academic skills (5 ECTS), a course unit on field specific research skills (5 ECTS), three specialization modules (15 EC), a tailor-made (individual) tutorial (5 EC); a research traineeship (5 EC), and a specialization elective (extra module, tutorial or research traineeship) (5 EC).

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Specialization: optional course units (15 EC, optional)

Three course units from the 1-year Master's tracks.

Theories of Religion and Culture (10 EC)

You will encounter important ideas that have influenced the development of the study of religion, and become acquainted with the key figures who shaped these ideas, analyze influential texts, and discuss issues posed by the introduction of new concepts and methods.

Field specific research skills (5 EC, optional)

Methodology elective from one of 1-year Master's tracks.

Philosophy of Science (10 EC)

This course offers a critical understanding of what today is called 'science' and 'scientific method.'

Generic academic skills (5 EC)

Including Writing in English

Research Traineeship (5 EC)

A research activity, such as writing a book review, doing an archive search, making a field trip, holding interviews, giving a presentation, or participating in a summer school.

Specialization: Elective (5 EC, optional)

Extra course unit from 1-year track, or tutorial, or traineeship

Specialization: Tutorial (5 EC, optional)

Mainly individual sessions with a researcher whose expertise matches your interest with special assignments

In the first semester of the second year you preferably go abroad to take extra courses, tutorials and research traineeships (30 ECTS). Alternatively, you do your specialization course units, tutorials and research traineeships in the Netherlands. The programme will be completed with a master's thesis (25 EC) and a research proposal (5 EC).

N.B.: Presentational skills, and skills to write a research proposal are trained throughout the two years programme in a series of workshops and in monthly meetings with PhD members of the Graduate School.

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Research Traineeships (15 EC)

Three trainee-ships

Specialization: Elective (5 EC, optional)

Extra course from 1-year track, or tutorial, or traineeship

Specialization: optional course unit (5 EC, optional)

One course unit from one of the 1-year Master's tracks.

Specialization: Tutorial (5 EC)

Mainly individual sessions with a researcher whose expertise matches your interest with special assignments

Thesis (25 EC)

Final thesis of your research.

Writing Research Proposal (5 EC)

Research Proposal for PhD-position

Study load

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 8 hrs. of lessons per week at the Faculty, the rest of the hours is reserved for preparation of the classes and studying.

Curriculum

Two core modules (20 EC); research classes, tutorials, and trainee-ships in all fields of Theology and Religious Studies (40 EC); Thesis/Research Proposal (25/5 EC), and six optional modules (30 EC) from our Master's programmes in Religion, Conflict and Globalization; Heritage and Religion; Religion and Pluralism, Ancient & Modern.

Programme options
Religion, Conflict and Globalization (specialization)

What is the role of religion in modern society? How does globalisation affect local religious traditions? When does religion appear to inspire both violence and peace?

Looking around the world today, it is clear that religion plays a role in many of the major conflicts going on at various levels. Furthermore religion plays an important role in people's lives worldwide, and has become one of the major ways people connect with each other across the globe. However, the persistence and prominence of the role of religion in contemporary societies is still not sufficiently understood in academic research and in the work of policy-makers, NGO's and journalists.

This degree programme addresses the pivotal place of religion in the dynamics of globalization that shape present-day societies. The programme is interdisciplinary, examining political, social, psychological and cultural dimensions. You will learn to:

  • investigate the consequences of globalization for religious practices and individual, ethnic and national identities
  • examine how secular frames and identities are implicated in conflicts involving religion
  • understand the relationship between religion, conflict and peace-building
  • analyse national and international conflicts, and learn how they are interwoven with religious interests and opinions

More information about this option

Heritage and Religion (specialization)

Are you fascinated by history and culture? Want to help shape today's cultural landscape? Find out what defines “heritage”? Learn how museums plan exhibitions or how heritage policies are created?

Memory produces identity. That is why heritage is crucial for our sense of continuity in rapidly changing societies.Governments, national and international organizations need to make sense of the past as they make policies for and invest in heritage. The aim of this master's degree is to give you the theoretical and practical education necessary to take an active role in this exciting and growing field.

Why study heritage at a faculty of Theology and Religious Studies? Because most of the heritage around us stems, one way or another, from religious practices and ideas. If you want to understand heritage in all its facets, you want to study with experts who know the full story behind material and intangible heritages both locally and abroad.

The track Religion and Cultural Heritage in the Master's Programme in Theology and Religious Studies combines broad cultural competence with a high-level academic research training and the practical skills relevant for today's job market. Through concrete projects and internships, you can gain hands-on experience in the field.

More information about this option

Religion and Pluralism, Ancient & Modern (specialization)

How did the Romans view religious-political differences? How did ancient Jewish, Christian, and Muslim authorities use authoritative texts?

Tension between group solidarity and productive relations with ' others' has been part of human history for as long as evidence exists. In Europe it has played out most enduringly in relations among the monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Today, in the face of mass migration from Muslim regions, questions of political identity and belonging remain bound up with religious affiliation. This one-year degree programme focuses on relations between Jews, Christians and Muslims in the antique world and how these relations have formed our modern society. We will explore concepts as religious pluralism, politics, and their many interfaces globally in particular.

In this track you will:

  • examine the literary sources of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam in a historically informed way in order to bring critical perspectives to modern interpretations;
  • identify continuing issues in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic self-definition, toleration of difference, and exclusionary or conversionist tendencies;
  • map a range of ancient possibilities for coexistence or conviviality and their opposites under changing conditions.

More information about this option

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is recommended
  • 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: https://www.rug.nl/ggw/education/prosstud/exchangeprogrammes/partneruniversities

Entry requirements

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Arabic Language and CultureAll Research universities

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • assessment interview
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

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 Anthropology and Development SociologyAll Research universities

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • assessment interview
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

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 and CultureAll Research universities

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • assessment interview
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

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 (part-time)All Research universities

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • assessment interview
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

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.

Humanistic StudiesAll Research universities

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • assessment interview
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

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.

Islam en ArabischAll Research universities

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • assessment interview
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

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.

TheologyAll Research universities

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • assessment interview
  • (motivation-) letter
Religious StudiesAll Research universities

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • assessment interview
  • (motivation-) letter
History (part-time)All Research universities

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • assessment interview
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

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.

SociologyAll Research universities

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • assessment interview
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

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.

Psychology (EN)All Research universities

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • assessment interview
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

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 StudiesAll Research universities

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • assessment interview
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

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 CulturesAll Research universities

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • assessment interview
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

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.

PhilosophyAll Research universities

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • assessment interview
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

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.

Global Responsibility & LeadershipAll Research universities

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • assessment interview
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

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.

Classics (part-time)All Research universities

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • assessment interview
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

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.

Hebrew Language and CultureAll Research universities

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • assessment interview
  • (motivation-) letter
International Relations and International OrganizationAll Research universities

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • assessment interview
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

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.

International Development StudiesAll Research universities

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • assessment interview
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

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 MediaAll Research universities

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • assessment interview
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

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 HistoryAll Research universities

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • assessment interview
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

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 SciencesAll Research universities

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • assessment interview
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

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 programmeOrganizationTransition
Religious StudiesUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • assessment interview
  • (motivation-) letter
Liberal Arts and SciencesUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • assessment interview
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

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.

TheologyUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • assessment interview
  • (motivation-) letter
TheologyUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • assessment interview
  • (motivation-) letter
European Languages and CulturesUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • assessment interview
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

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.

PhilosophyUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • assessment interview
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

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 (part-time)University of Groningen

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • assessment interview
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

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.

HistoryUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • assessment interview
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

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.

Classics (part-time)University of Groningen

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • assessment interview
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

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.

Global Responsibility & LeadershipUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • assessment interview
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

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.

International Relations and International OrganizationUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • assessment interview
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

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 MediaUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • assessment interview
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

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 HistoryUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • assessment interview
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

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 StudiesUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • assessment interview
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

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 StudiesUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • assessment interview
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

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.

Minorities & MultilingualismUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • assessment interview
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

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.

Psychology (NL)University of Groningen

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • assessment interview
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

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.

Psychology (EN)University of Groningen

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • assessment interview
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

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.

SociologyUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • assessment interview
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

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 requirementsMore 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.

grade average

On average, grades for Bachelor-2 and Bachelor-3 courses should be 7.5 or higher (on a scale of 1 to 10). The quality of the bachelor's (or master's) thesis is very important.

grade list

A grade list of the marks of your bachelor's degree programme with an explanation of the followed courses. The bachelor's programme must have been completed at a pace and with results that warrant the expectation of successful completion of the Research Master's programme in two years.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

In English

assessment interview

After selection based on the motivation letter, the grade list and other information, an interview with the student is part of the procedure.

language test

Sufficient knowledge of English: a TOEFL score of at least 100 (internet, with a minimum score for reading/listening/speaking of 21, writing 24), or a minimum score of 7.0 in IELTS (International English Language Testing System; overall; 6.5. on parts) is required. As an alternative to the above-mentioned TOEFL and IELTS scores, a comparable Cambridge Proficiency score (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency) or a certificate from the University of Groningen Language Centre with a CEFR C1 or higher score will also be accepted.

Exemption granted if:

  • You have a Dutch VWO certificate;
  • You are a native speaker of, and have completed your full secondary level education in: the USA, Canada (only when taught in English), the UK, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand.
  • You have completed a full-time Bachelor's programme (nominal duration of at least three years) in: the USA, Canada (only when English taught), the UK, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand.

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.

reference letter

Two letters of recommendation by professors who are well acquainted with your work as a student; these letters may be sent to us separately.

(motivation-) letter

A letter of motivation to the admissions board, outlining your interest in the programme, including your motivation and expectations (max. 1 page), accompanied with:

  • Writing sample of an academic paper, preferably your Bachelor's (or Master's) Thesis
  • Proposal for a study plan

Registration procedure

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.

  • After you submit your application in Studielink, you will receive a message from Studielink stating that the University of Groningen (UG) has to verify your educational background through the Progress Portal. You will receive a separate email with your login details (make sure to also check your spam folder).
  • Check the application guide for international students for more information about the admissions procedure.
  • Students with a Dutch bachelor's degree send all the documentation by mail to studentoffice.rcs@rug.nl.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore 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.

grade average

On average, grades for Bachelor-2 and Bachelor-3 courses should be 7.5 or higher (on a scale of 1 to 10). The quality of the bachelor's (or master's) thesis is very important.

grade list

A grade list of the marks of your bachelor's degree programme with an explanation of the followed courses. The bachelor's programme must have been completed at a pace and with results that warrant the expectation of successful completion of the Research Master's programme in two years.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

In English

assessment interview

After selection based on the motivation letter, the grade list and other information, an interview with the student is part of the procedure.

language test

Sufficient knowledge of English: a TOEFL score of at least 100 (internet, with a minimum score for reading/listening/speaking of 21, writing 24), or a minimum score of 7.0 in IELTS (International English Language Testing System; overall; 6.5. on parts) is required. As an alternative to the above-mentioned TOEFL and IELTS scores, a comparable Cambridge Proficiency score (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency) or a certificate from the University of Groningen Language Centre with a CEFR C1 or higher score will also be accepted.

Exemption granted if:

  • You are a native speaker of, and have completed your full secondary level education in: the USA, Canada (only when taught in English), the UK, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand.
  • You have completed a full-time Bachelor programme (nominal duration of at least three years) in: the USA, Canada (only when English taught), the UK, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand.

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.

reference letter

Two letters of recommendation by professors who are well acquainted with your work as a student; these letters may be sent to us separately.

(motivation-) letter

A letter of motivation to the admissions board, outlining your interest in the programme, including your motivation and expectations (max. 1 page), accompanied with:

  • Writing sample of an academic paper, preferably your Bachelor's (or Master's) Thesis
  • Proposal for a study plan

Language requirements

ExamMinimum score
C1 Advanced (formerly CAE)C1
C2 Proficiency (formerly CPE)C2
IELTS overall band7
IELTS listening6.5
IELTS reading6.5
IELTS writing6.5
IELTS speaking6.5
TOEFL internet based100

Registration procedure

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.

  • After you submit your application in Studielink, you will receive a message from Studielink stating that the University of Groningen (UG) has to verify your educational background through the Progress Portal. You will receive a separate email with your login details (make sure to also check your spam folder).
  • Check the application guide for international students for more information about the admissions procedure.
  • Students with a Dutch bachelor's degree send all the documentation by mail to studentoffice.rcs@rug.nl.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 20800full-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:

After your studies

Job prospects

A degree in Theology and Religious Studies (research) provides a perfect background for:

  • admission to PhD programmes at national and international institutes and universities;
  • positions outside academia for which academic research skills are required;
  • positions as civil servant, advisor or policymaker with local and national government;
  • teaching positions.

Check our alumni page to find out where our alumni ended up after graduating.

Job examples

  • PhD position
  • Independent scholar
  • Secondary education teacher
  • Civil servant or policy advisor at national or local government
  • Position in publishing
Research

Research

The programme directly benefits from cutting-edge research carried out within the three departments of the faculty:

  • Jewish, Christian and Islamic Origins. The research and teaching carried out in this department focuses on the formative stages of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Your lecturers study their dynamic interrelationship in the context of ancient Near Eastern, Graeco-Roman and late antique cultures.
  • Comparative Study of Religion. In this department, religion is addressed in all its forms and appearances. Anthropologists, sociologists and psychologists are working together to critically investigate lived religion: religious practices and discourses as part of the daily lives of people, embedded in diverse socio-cultural and political frameworks around the world.
  • Christianity and the History of Ideas. The scholars in this department focus on the impact of the Christian intellectual tradition in the past as well as the possibilities of a rapprochement of religion and the secular in our time.

The course units are taught by internationally recognized scholars. 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.

Research Centres and activities

Much of the research connects with the activities of:

These centres and research groups regularly invite speakers and organise events where students, PhD students and staff engage in lively discussions.

Graduate School

The Research Master's Programme is part of the Graduate School of Religion, Culture and Society.

Apply nowBrochureEventsContact
masteravondMore information
Master's Weekdiverse locatiesMore information

Contact

  • ambassadors (our student ambassadors are happy to tell you more about the programme)
    Email: prospectives.rcs rug.nl
  • Kees van den Ende MA (study advisor)
    Email: studyadvice.rcs rug.nl
    Telephone: 050-363 9382
  • Drs. Thea de Boer (study advisor)
    Email: studyadvice.rcs rug.nl
    Telephone: 050-363 5581

Other degree programmes in religion

If you are interested in a master's degree programme in religion, you might also consider one of our other master's programmes:

Read more

Study associations

Gerardus van der Leeuw

Gerardus van der Leeuw is the study association of the Faculty of Religion, Culture and Society at the University of Groningen.
Besides broadening activities (for example, lectures or career events) for both the Religious Studies and Theology programs, they organize relaxing activities such as get-togethers and trips abroad.
http://www.gerardusvanderleeuw.nl/
Read more
Student profile

The two-year research programme is offered to highly qualified and motivated students, who have a wide-ranging interest in religion and who wish to study in a challenging academic environment that stimulates personal ambition and development. You will be prepared to carry out postgraduate academic research.

Study support

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.

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.