Program Overview

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Introduction to the Master's Programme in Theology and Religious Studies

The University of Groningen offers a Master's programme in Theology and Religious Studies, which is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the role of religion in modern society. The programme is taught by internationally recognized scholars and offers a unique blend of theoretical and practical knowledge.

Programme Structure

The Master's programme in Theology and Religious Studies is a one-year, full-time programme that consists of several specialisation tracks. These tracks include:

• Religion, Conflict and Globalization (RCG)
• Anthropology of Religion and Culture (ARC)
• Heritage and Religion (HR)
• Religion and Pluralism, Ancient & Modern (RP)
• Spiritual Care (Geestelijke Verzorging)

Programme Details

The programme comprises several course modules (30 ECTS in total), an internship (10 ECTS), and a master's thesis (20 ECTS). All English-taught tracks are full-time, and part-time options are available upon request.

Study Load

The average study load is 40 hours of class and self-study per week. One ECTS is equivalent to 28 hours of study, and one year contains 60 ECTS.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes a range of courses that provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the role of religion in modern society. Students can choose from a variety of specialisation tracks, each with its own unique focus and approach.

Specialisation Tracks

The programme offers several specialisation tracks, including:

• Anthropology of Religion and Culture (ARC): This track focuses on the study of various lifeworlds in all their complexity, exploring how religion and culture shape societies.
• Religion, Conflict and Globalization (RCG): This track equips students to critically analyse the role of religion in global dynamics and its impact on contemporary conflicts.
• Heritage and Religion (HR): This track is an interdisciplinary programme that studies the significance of religious heritage in a secular society.
• Religion and Pluralism, Ancient & Modern (RP): This track focuses on the (internal) diversity, existence, and coexistence of the three major monotheistic religions and how these relationships have shaped contemporary societies.
• Spiritual Care (Geestelijke Verzorging): This track is a Dutch-taught programme that focuses on the role of spiritual care in modern society.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the programme, students must have a Bachelor's degree in Religious Studies, Theology, or another relevant field. Students who have completed a Bachelor's degree in a different field may be eligible for the programme if they have completed a university minor in a relevant field or have demonstrated the completion of 30 ECTS worth of subjects in the previous degree programme that have introduced them to specific disciplines.

Language Requirements

Students must demonstrate proficiency in English, with a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 90.

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees for the programme vary depending on the student's nationality and the programme form. EU/EEA students pay a lower tuition fee than non-EU/EEA students.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the programme can pursue a range of careers, including roles in education, research, and spiritual care. The programme also provides a solid foundation for further academic study, such as a PhD.

Research

The programme is closely linked to the research carried out within the three departments of the faculty: Jewish, Christian and Islamic Origins, Comparative Study of Religion, and Christianity and the History of Ideas. The programme benefits from the cutting-edge research carried out in these departments, and students have the opportunity to engage with leading scholars in the field.

Pre-Master's Programme

Students who do not have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field may be eligible for the pre-master's programme, which provides a foundation for further study in the field of Theology and Religious Studies.

Study Associations

The study association for the Faculty of Religion, Culture and Society is Gerardus van der Leeuw, which organises a range of activities for students, including lectures, career events, and social activities.

Study Support

The programme provides a range of study support services, including mentorship, study advice, and thesis supervision. Students are expected to show a large degree of independence, but support is available when needed.