MA in Religion and Pluralism, Ancient & Modern
Groningen, Netherlands
DURATION
1 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
01 May 2025*
EARLIEST START DATE
01 Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
EUR 18,700 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* Dutch I EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA students
** for Non-EU|for EU/EEA EUR 2,530
Introduction
How did the Romans view religious-political differences? What potential for pluralism exists in modern monotheisms and secularisms?
The tension between group solidarity and productive relations with 'others' has been part of human history for as long as evidence exists. In Europe, it has played out most enduringly in relations among the monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Today, in the face of mass migration from Muslim regions, questions of political identity and belonging remain bound up with religious affiliation. This one-year degree program focuses on relations between Jews, Christians, and Muslims in the antique world and how these relations have formed our modern society. We will explore concepts as religious pluralism, politics, and their many interfaces globally in particular.
Why study this program in Groningen?
- the integrated approach of religious pluralism, politics, and their many global interfaces
- focus on the historical context of modern societies
- taught by internationally recognized experts in the field
- opportunity to pursue your own research interests
- expertise on various religions taught at non-denominational university
- the best MA program in Theology and Religious Studies in the Netherlands.
Curriculum
The program consists of one key module on Religious Diversity in the Greco-Roman World (10 ECTS), Research Methods (5 ECTS), three electives (5 ECTS each), a thesis (20 ECTS), and a placement (10 ECTS).
If you would like to specialize in religious diversity in the modern world, you can follow electives (15 ECTS) from the track Religion, Conflict and Globalization in stead of 'Texts of Terror', ''Othering in Early Islam' and 'Reception and Re-Use of Authoritative Texts'.
Courses
- Religious Diversity in the Graeco-Roman World (10 EC)
- Texts of Terror (5 EC)
- 'Othering' in Early Islam (5 EC)
- Historical Methods in Early Christianity (5 EC)
- Reception and Re-Use of Authoritative Texts (5 EC)
- Internship (10 EC)
- Master's Thesis + thesis seminar (20 EC)
Study load
40 hours of class and self-study per week on average
1 ECTS = 28 hrs. of study. One year contains 60 ECTS. You will have on average 6 hrs. of lessons per week at the Faculty, the rest of the hours is reserved for the preparation of the classes and studying.
Program options
Master's Honours Programme (honors program)
Study abroad
- Study abroad is optional
- For an average of 20 weeks
- Maximum of 30 EC
We have various exchange contracts with universities both inside and outside Europe, enabling students to follow part of their degree program at a foreign university. Another option is to take an internship or to do part of the research work abroad.
Admissions
Career Opportunities
If you want to become a teacher of religion in secondary education you can additionally follow the Educational Master's program.
Job prospects
As a graduate, you can become an adviser and policymaker on interreligious issues and multicultural society. You may work in cultural organizations and companies in the public sector. In addition, you can work in the media. You can become a teacher of religion or philosophy. If you want to pursue an academic career, you can follow this track as a specialization within the Research Master's program.
Job examples
- Consulting & Policy
You are able to provide well-founded advice on interreligious issues and multicultural society. You can use this expertise in an advisory position at cultural organizations, in companies, or in the public sector. Your knowledge equips you for policymaking positions in this field.
- Media & Journalism
The current debate often refers to perceived historical realities. Your expertise in the formative periods of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam enables you to ask critical questions concerning modern-day claims about these religious traditions. You can use your knowledge and skills as an editor at a publishing company, broadcasting company, newspaper or news, and current affairs magazine. You could also work as a freelancer.
- Education
Once you have completed this Master's program you will have enough knowledge of the subject to become a secondary school teacher in the subject of Religious Studies and Philosophy or Social Studies. You could also opt for a position in higher vocational education, for example teaching Theology at a university of applied sciences. As you also need didactic skills as a teacher, it is advisable to do a Master's in Education after you have completed your regular Master's program.