Theology & Religious Studies
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:
- 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; taught in Dutch)
Applicants have to prove their English language skills either by an internationally recognized language test or upon previous studies. Usually English language skills can be proved by the following documents:
- TOEFL iBT*
- IELTS Academic
- A Cambridge English qualification
- Higher education degree completed in English
- Secondary education completed in English in a country or school qualification accepted by the university
- An English subject and grade on your secondary school leaving certificate that meet the university’s requirements
- Other
Important: Accepted methods and minimum results depend on study programme and the country where you completed your education. Check the official requirements for your chosen study programme.
*Use the Kastu promo code LTU1000102 when registering for TOEFL iBT and receive a 5% discount.
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). A reading package will be provided in advance. At the start of the programme, 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:
- have completed the university minor Anthropology, Religion in the Modern World, or Art and Religion as well; or
- you can demonstrate the completion of 30 ETCS worth of subjects in the previous degree programme that have introduced you to specific disciplines, depending on the Master's track you would like to choose.
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
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.
Job prospects
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.
