MA in Religious Diversity in a Globalised World (Research)
University of Groningen
Key Information
Campus location
Groningen, Netherlands
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
2 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
EUR 5,000 / per year **
Application deadline
01 May 2024*
Earliest start date
Sep 2024
* self-financing students
** EU/EEA students: €5,000 | non-EU/EEA students: €10,000
Introduction
What is the influence of religion on global developments? How does globalisation affect local religious traditions? What are the limits of tolerance and acceptance of religious diversity?
In a globalised world, there is a need for experts on religion who can help explain and solve conflicts, who can find common ground to bridge differences between groups with various religious viewpoints and political aims. In this unique international two year programme we train these experts in understanding religious movements, identities, and diversity, and how such phenomena interact with wider social, cultural, political and economic environments, in both historical and contemporary contexts. It prepares you to make a difference in careers like diplomacy, international development, research, journalism, or social welfare.
The programme is offered by ReD Global, a network of European and Latin American universities and professional organizations, funded by the European Commission. If you are looking for a personalised learning experience in a world-leading interdisciplinary research environment, this is the programme for you!
The University of Groningen is the coordinator of the ReD Global programme. The main partners are Córdoba University and University of Coimbra.
Why study this programme in Groningen?
- ReD Global partners are world-leading interdisciplinary research institutes in the domain of the Humanities & Social Sciences.
- International classroom with the best students selected worldwide.
- Personalised approach to teaching and learning.
- You can design your own learning pathway as of the second semester.
- Opportunity to select between a "Research Track" or a "Professional Track".
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
The Consortium will have up to 78 EMJM scholarships available for the best students across the world, divided over four student cohorts.
The Consortium provides a student insurance to all students enrolled in ReD Global, regardless of whether they have been awarded an EMJM scholarship.
Special needs support will be available to all students enrolled in ReD Global, regardless of whether they have been awarded an EMJM scholarship.
Curriculum
Semester 1
- Focus: Foundational courses on theories & methods in the study of religions.
- Disciplinary perspective: History, Anthropology, Sociology.
- Period: Antiquity, contemporary.
Semester 2
- Focus: Foundational courses on theories & methods in the Middle Ages, Humanism & early-modern history, incorporating and applying knowledge and skills on the study of religions.
- Disciplinary perspective: History, Philosophy, Philology.
- Period: Antiquity, Middle Ages, Early Modern, Contemporary.
Semester 3
- Focus: Religious Diversity & Social Inclusion in multifarious contexts.
- Disciplinary perspective: Trans-/interdisciplinary: e.g., Sociology, Political Science, Philosophy, Anthropology, Economics; each Research Track-Partner Institution defines a profile for 3rd semester offer with a distinctive "local flavour".
- Period: Contemporary, building on historical knowledge and skills acquired during 1st year.
Semester 4
- Focus: Thesis work (in any case co-supervised by 1st and 2nd semester hosts).
- Disciplinary perspective: To be defined in consultation with supervisors.
- Period: Historical + contemporary; students define focus, but in all cases need to link the historical with the contemporary (and vice versa).
Study abroad
- Study abroad is required
- For an average of 42 weeks
- Maximum of 90 EC
The first semester is taught in Groningen. In the second semester, you will follow courses either at Universidad de Córdoba, Spain or Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal. In your second year, depending on your specialization, you will study at one of the of the following universities: University of Groningen (The Netherlands), University of Córdoba (Spain), Coimbra University (Portugal), University of Bern (Switzerland), Universidad del Salvador (Argentina), Universidade de Brasilía (Brasil), P
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
In ReD Global, you receive a degree (double degree) from both your first and second semester hosting institution if you successfully complete the joint programme.
Job prospects
Following completion of this degree, you will be able to advise or write policy documents on different subjects - such as developmental assistance, or multicultural society. Job tracts include working for a government, in business, or at an NGO. Other options include media, or indeed education.
If you wish to pursue an academic career, you are perfectly prepared for obtaining a PhD-student position at national and international institutes and universities or start working as a researcher at a research institute, e.g. the Netherlands Institute for Social Research.
Job examples
PhD-student
With your PhD-proposal, you can gain admission to PhD programmes at national and international institutes and universities.
Consulting and Policy
In a globalized world, there is a need for experts who can help explain and solve conflicts that are further-reaching than ever before. You are able to provide well-founded advice on interreligious issues and multicultural society. This could mean working as a consultant or in an advisory position for the think-tank of a political party, for a body such as NATO or the UN, or for instance the Netherlands Institute of International Relations Clingendael.
Media and Journalism
The media often mis-portray religion, whether it is to do with terrorism or integration issues. Graduates of this programme will be able to add some much-needed nuance to the picture, whether at a publishing company, broadcasting, or a newspaper/news magazine.