Program Overview

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Introduction to the Program

The University of Groningen offers a unique master's program in Religious Diversity in a Globalised World (EM), a research master that delves into the complexities of religion in a globalized world. This program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate and understand the diverse religious landscapes of the world.

Program Description

The program is a two-year, full-time research master that focuses on the study of religious diversity in a globalized world. It is offered by the ReD Global consortium, a network of European and Latin American universities and professional organizations, funded by the European Commission. The University of Groningen is the coordinator of the ReD Global program, with main partners including Córdoba University and University of Coimbra.

Facts and Figures

• Degree: MA in Theology & Religious Studies (research)
• Course type: Research master
• Duration: 24 months (120 EC)
• Croho code: 60827
• Language of instruction: English
• Start: September only
• Faculty: Religion, Culture and Society

Why Study This Program in Groningen?

The program offers several unique benefits, including:

• An international classroom with the best students selected worldwide
• Receiving a diploma from two institutions
• Studying at different institutions, combining travel and study
• Specialized knowledge and teaching from specialists in different areas of expertise, with a personalized approach
• Living in different cities and being close to the social/religious problems students will be assessing
• Opportunity to select between a "Research Track" or a "Professional Track"

Program Structure

The program is structured into four semesters, with the first semester taught in Groningen. In the second semester, students follow courses either at Universidad de Córdoba, Spain, or Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal. The third semester offers a choice between the "Research Track" or the "Professional Track," with students either following courses at one of the seven ReD Global Partner Institutions in Europe and Latin America or doing an internship at one of the ReD Global non-Academic Associated Partners (professional organizations). The fourth semester is dedicated to thesis work, which can be carried out at the most suitable location, determined by the student and their supervisors.

Study Load

The program requires an average of 40 hours of class and self-study per week. One ECTS equals 28 hours of study, and one year contains 60 ECTS, with an average of 8 hours of lessons per week on site, and the rest reserved for preparation and studying.

Curriculum

The curriculum is divided into four semesters, each with a specific focus:

• Semester 1: Foundational courses on theories & methods in the study of religions, with a disciplinary perspective from History, Anthropology, and Sociology, focusing on Antiquity and Contemporary periods.
• Semester 2: Foundational courses on theories & methods in the Middle Ages, Humanism & early-modern history, incorporating and applying knowledge and skills on the study of religions, with a disciplinary perspective from History, Philosophy, and Philology, covering Antiquity, Middle Ages, Early Modern, and Contemporary periods.
• Semester 3: Focus on Religious Diversity & Social Inclusion in multifarious contexts, with a trans-/interdisciplinary approach, and a distinctive "local flavour" defined by each Research Track-Partner Institution, focusing on Contemporary contexts, building on historical knowledge and skills acquired during the first year.
• Semester 4: Focus on thesis work, co-supervised by the first and second semester hosts, with a disciplinary perspective to be defined in consultation with supervisors, and a historical + contemporary focus, where students define their focus but need to link the historical with the contemporary (and vice versa).

Study Abroad

Study abroad is a required component of the program, with an average duration of 42 weeks and a maximum of 90 EC. The first semester is taught in Groningen, and in the second semester, students follow courses either at Universidad de Córdoba, Spain, or Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal. In the second year, depending on specialization, students study at one of the ReD Global partner universities.

Entry Requirements

Admission to the program requires:

• A Bachelor's degree in Theology, Religious Studies, or another Bachelor in Arts (e.g., International Organizations, Middle Eastern Studies, Philosophy), or Social Sciences (e.g., Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology, Political Sciences).
• A grade average of 7.5 or higher (on a scale of 1 to 10) for Bachelor-2 and Bachelor-3 courses.
• A certified copy of academic transcripts and, if applicable, a list of courses, including course credits, pending completion.
• Sufficient knowledge of English, with a TOEFL score of at least 100, a minimum score of 7.0 in IELTS, or a minimum score of 71 in Pearson Academic.
• Exemptions are granted for native speakers of English or those who have completed their full secondary level education in English-speaking countries.
• Two completed reference forms (in English).
• A Letter of Motivation in English (maximum 750 words), including a motivated statement on the applicant's preference for the ReD Global 2nd semester hosting institution.
• Optional: official proof of (socio-)economic vulnerability.

Transfer Options

The program accepts transfers from various study programs, including:

• Ancient Near Eastern Studies
• Hebrew Language and Culture
• Philosophy, Politics and Economics
• Literature and Society
• Classics (part-time), Classical Studies
• Minorities & Multilingualism
• History, History (part-time)
• Arabic Language and Culture
• Islam en Arabisch
• European Studies
• Latin American Studies
• Philosophy
• Middle Eastern Studies
• South and Southeast Asian Studies
• Humanistic Studies
• International Relations and International Organization
• European Languages and Cultures
• Sociology
• Psychologie (NL), Psychology (EN)
• Political Science
• Communication Science
• Ancient Cultures
• Taal- en Cultuurstudies
• Spaanse Taal en Cultuur
• Arts and Culture Studies
• International Development Studies
• International Studies
• Global Responsibility & Leadership
• Religious Studies
• Theology
• Arts and Culture
• Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology
• Liberal Arts and Sciences

Registration Procedure

The program starts on September 1st only. Application deadlines are:

• May 1st for non-EU students (encouraged to apply before April 1st due to visa procedures).
• January 15th for eligibility for a scholarship.

Selection Procedure

Eligible applicants receive weighted scores for:

• Grades in relevant subjects (60%).
• Research (including degree projects) and relevant professional experience (20%).
• Curriculum Vitae and Motivation letter (10%).
• Recommendation letters (10%).

Top-ranked pre-selected applicants with a minimum score of 80% are invited for an online selection interview. The highest-ranked applicants may be offered a ReD Global EMJM scholarship, with preference given to candidates with a vulnerable status in case of equal ranking.

Tuition Fees

Participation fees are:

• EUR 5,000 per year for EU/EEA passport holders.
• EUR 10,000 per year for Non-EU/EEA passport holders.

Participation fees are waived for students awarded an EMJM Scholarship.

After Your Studies

Upon completion of the program, students receive a degree (double degree) from both their first and second semester hosting institutions. The program prepares students for careers in diplomacy, international development, research, journalism, or social welfare, and for pursuing a PhD.

Job Prospects

Graduates can work as:

• PhD-students
• Consultants or advisors on interreligious issues and multicultural society
• Media and journalism professionals
• Researchers at institutes or universities

Research

The program benefits from cutting-edge research carried out mainly within two departments of the Faculty of Religion, Culture and Society:

• Jewish, Christian and Islamic Origins
• Comparative Study of Religion

The course units are taught by internationally recognized scholars, providing an up-to-date overview of the state of the art in the subjects studied.

Research Centres

The program connects with the activities of:

• Centre for Religion, Conflict and Globalization
• Centre for Religion, Health and Wellbeing
• Centre for Religion and Heritage
• Institute of Indian Studies
• Qumran Institute
• CRASIS: Culture, Religion and Society in Graeco-Roman Antiquity

Study Associations

The program is associated with the Gerardus van der Leeuw study association, which organizes broadening activities and relaxing events for students.

Study Support

The program offers a novel curricular element, the Learning Progression Route (LPR) entitled “Effective Communication for a Religiously Diverse World." Master's students can also make use of various forms of study supervision and study support, including mentors and study advisors.

Disclaimer

Funded by the European Union, the views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.