How are religion, conflict and peace related? How can anthropological research contribute to a better understanding of lifeworlds? And what are the boundaries of tolerance in societies?
Religion matters in society: 85% of the world's population identify themselves as religious. And religion is an important factor in many national and international political, cultural and social issues. For instance in relation to climate change, sexual health, meaning making, heritage, radicalization, migration, integration, conflicts and peacebuilding, and discussions about (religious) diversity and identity.
Experts in the field of religion are therefore needed in a world in which religion is an integral and permanent part of everyday life.
At the Faculty of Religion, Culture and Society, within the one-year MA in Theology and Religious Studies, we offer various specialisation tracks that, each from an interdisciplinary approach, study the phenomenon of religion in relation to specific topics:
Do you join us in making a difference? Challenge yourself and study the religion factor in culture and society.
The tracks comprise of several course modules (30 ECTS in total), an internship (10 ECTS) and a master's thesis (20 ECTS).
All English taught tracks are fulltime. For part-time options, please contact the study advisor.
40 hours of class and self-study per week on average
1 ECTS = 28 hrs. of study. One year contains of 60 ECTS. In the first year, 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.
Check the individual websites of our tracks for specific information.
| Programme options |
|---|
| Anthropology of Religion and Culture (track) What if you could see the world from different perspectives? What can we learn from cultural differences? How can these insights contribute to understanding local, regional and global challenges? In a world of religious and cultural diversity, understanding cultural differences is key to addressing challenges like migration and climate change. This MA equips you with the skills to explore specific lifeworlds across various contexts in order to gain a thorough understanding of the role of religion and culture in different societies. This MA in the anthropology of religion is unique in the Netherlands, and is characterised by its holistic, comparative and ethnographic approach. Holistic because it investigates themes as they are embedded within the totality of local lifeworlds, for example in the topics of food, sexuality and religion. Comparative research helps in understanding differences and similarities, and through ethnographic research you get a deep insight into the complex worlds of the people living them. It gives you a better understanding of the other, as well as of yourself. The ethnographic hands-on experience is an integral part of the programme. The MA also critically reflects on the 'traditional' anthropological method itself (i.e. from 'global north' to 'global south'). Anthropology challenges you by making the strange familiar, and the familiar strange. |
| Religion, Conflict and Globalization (track) 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. |
| Religion and Pluralism, Ancient & Modern (track) Since time immemorial, there has been a tension between 'us' and 'them'. Which role did in- and exclusion play in antiquity? What are the boundaries of tolerance in societies, in past and present? In Europe, this tension is strongly felt in relations between Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Partly due to present migration from Islamic countries, questions of political identity and 'belonging' are still strongly linked to religious persuasion. This MA-track focuses on the (internal) diversity, existence and coexistence of the three major monotheistic religions, and how these relationships have shaped our contemporary societies. You will explore the impact of religious diversity on social identify formation across the Graeco-Roman world, Late Antiquity, the medieval era, and the modern period, analysing the role of tolerance acceptance, as well as rejection and exclusion, in their mutual relationships over the past two thousand years. You will focus on a historical and philological analysis of the textual sources documenting the contacts among these religious traditions, by approaching them from different angles and with diverse methods: archaeology, codicology, paleography, epigraphy, textual analysis and interpretation. |
| Heritage and Religion (track) How can museums deal with collections from colonial pasts? What is the significance of religious heritage in a secular society? And how is heritage be used by minorities to protect their traditions? Heritage has become a significant topic in contemporary debates. In the coming years, many religious buildings will lose their original function. National and European budgets are dedicating millions of euros to the development of plans to address religious heritage buildings, and their re-use. Tourism and pilgrimage to religious objects, sites, and festivals are booming, which raises questions about sustainability and impact. At the same time, large-scale migration and secularization are changing the religious identities of communities, and the way they perceive the past. The demands of preservation of at risk material and immaterial heritage in the face of war, displacement, population shifts, and climate change are great. How are preservation concerns balanced with available resources, and conflicting interests? This is a unique interdisciplinary track at the interface of religion, identity, history, politics, and heritage studies. It challenges you to contribute your own voice and position to these debates. And during your placement, you will be able to apply your critical and analytical skills to current challenges and developments facing the heritage sector nowadays. |
| Spiritual Care (track) "De mens kan niet leven van brood alleen", wordt weleens gezegd. Maar waar leeft de mens dan nog meer van? Hoe ervaren mensen zin in hun leven, ook tijdens ingrijpende gebeurtenissen? Iedereen wordt voor keuzes gesteld op het terrein van gezondheid en ziekte, leven en dood. Als student Geestelijke Verzorging verdiep jij je in de cruciale rol van zingeving en levensbeschouwing bij ingrijpende gebeurtenissen. Je leert om mensen bij te staan, te begeleiden en te adviseren in crisissituaties, zowel in de eerste lijn als binnen een zorginstelling. Tijdens de opleiding ontwikkel je bovendien een diep begrip van je eigen levensbeschouwelijke identiteit, en leer je dit duidelijk en krachtig te verwoorden. Met deze bagage op zak ben jij vervolgens in staat om met kennis en creativiteit in te spelen op zin- en levensvragen van anderen.De master is beroepsgericht en heeft een open, kritische en wetenschappelijke benadering van het werkveld van de geestelijke verzorging. De opleiding is geaccrediteerd door de SKGV (Stichting Kwaliteitsregister Geestelijke Verzorgers), en kan ook in deeltijd worden gevolgd.Deze opleiding in Groningen is niet gebonden aan één specifieke religie of levensbeschouwing. Als je wilt gaan werken met een ambtelijke binding aan een levensbeschouwelijk genootschap, dan heb je aanvullende scholing nodig. |
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/exchange-programme/partner-universities
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| previous education |
Enrollment in the MA is possible if you hold a Bachelor's degree in Religious Studies, Theology, or another Bachelor in Arts/Humanities (for instance International Organizations, Middle Eastern Studies, Philosophy), Political Sciences or Social Sciences (for instance 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. If you have completed a Bachelor's degree other than in one of the disciplines described above, you still have direct access to the MA if you:
Students can also be admitted via a pre-master's programme. NB: There are specific admission requirements for the Dutch-taught Master's track Spiritual Care (Geestelijke Verzorging). For more information, see the programme page of this track: www.rug.nl/gv 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); Pearson Academic: 66 (62 on Reading, 54 on Listening and Speaking, 62 on Writing); LanguageCert Academic: 70 (65 on each part). 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. |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| Hebrew Language 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. |
| Classics (part-time) | 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. |
| History (part-time) | 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. |
| Arabic Language 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. |
| Islam en Arabisch | 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. |
| Middle Eastern 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. |
| Ancient Near Eastern 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. |
| Sociology | 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. |
| Ancient Cultures | 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. |
| Religious Studies | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
| Theology | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
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 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| previous education |
Enrollment in the MA is possible if you hold a Bachelor's degree in Religious Studies, Theology, Arts/Humanities (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. If you have completed a Bachelor's degree other than in one of the disciplines described above, you still have direct access to the MA if you:
Students can also be admitted via a pre-master's programme. NB: There are specific admission requirements for the Dutch-taught Master's track Spiritual Care (Geestelijke Verzorging). For more information, see the programme page of this track: www.rug.nl/gv 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); Pearson Academic: 66 (62 on Reading, 54 on Listening and Speaking, 62 on Writing); LanguageCert Academic: 70 (65 on each part). 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. |
| 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 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
| Nationality | Year | Fee | Programme form |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU/EEA | 2025-2026 | € 2601 | full-time |
| non-EU/EEA | 2025-2026 | € 19200 | full-time |
Talent Grant and NL Scholarship are available for non-EU students.
All applicants with a non-Dutch qualification will have to pay an application fee.
Practical information for:
If you want to become a teacher of religion in secondary education you can additionally follow the Educational Master's programme. If you want to pursue an academic career, you can follow one of the tracks track as a specialization within the Research Master's programme.
With a degree in Theology and Religious Studies, you can work as an advisor or policymaker. You can find a job in the media and in journalism, or enter the field of education. You can also pursue a research career at a university or research institution. As a spiritual caregiver you can work in care facilities.
Check our alumni page to find out where our alumni ended up after graduating.
The programme directly benefits from cutting-edge research carried out within the three departments of the faculty:
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.
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.
If you do not have a bachelor's degree in either the Humanities, Arts or Behavioural and Social Sciences, generally speaking you first need to complete a pre-master's programme before you can enter this master's programme. Below, you will find the complete programme of the English taught tracks of the one-year master's programme in Theology and Religious Studies..
1st semester (30 ECTS)
2nd semester (30 ECTS)
For the Dutch taught track Spiritual Care (Geestelijke Verzorging) also applies a pre-master programme, generally speaking. You can read more about the details - and the exemptions - on this page.
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.
