
Overview
Key research areas
Are you interested in the vibrant world of religions? Do you want to study how sacred texts such as the Bible or the Quran have been formed and interpreted throughout the ages?
Do you want to understand why religious images, buildings, clothes, and everyday practices often provoke fierce debates or even violent conflicts? Do you want to be able to contribute to analyses of the interplay between religion and politics in the context of globalization and migration?
The Religious Studies programme at Utrecht University combines an advanced grounding in the central themes and theories of the study of religion, with ample opportunity for specialisation. You can choose and develop your specific expertise in relation to one of the key research areas of our institute such as:
- Religious texts and interpretative practices: This research area focuses on the study of religious traditions from the perspective of sacred texts: their interpretation and the religious rituals and practices associated with them, and discussions on the authority of religious texts.
- Materiality and physicality of lived religion: This area focuses on the study of the use of the body and the senses in religious practices, such as praying, dancing, fighting, and fasting, and the function of objects within the context of religion, such as images, buildings, food, clothing, money, movies, and digital media.
- Religious diversity in contexts of globalization and migration: This research area focuses on the role of religion in public controversies and political developments concerning, for instance, gender equality, sociocultural transformation, political and religious fundamentalism, and conflict resolution.
Career Prospects
After completion of the programme, you are fully prepared to compete successfully for PhD positions in Religious Studies, Islamic Studies, or cognate disciplines (such as Anthropology). Your training also equips you to pursue non-academic career paths requiring advanced research skills.
The multidisciplinary and transnational approach of this Research Master’s programme is especially beneficial here.
The skills and expertise you will acquire in this programme are in demand with a wide range of organisations within and outside of Europe, such as NGOs dealing with religious and cultural diversity or cultural heritage, media and publishing houses, museums, and so forth. In combination with a didactic qualification, you will also be qualified for positions in the educational sector.
Accreditation
Accredited by the NVAO - Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders.
Get more details
Visit official programme websiteProgramme Structure
Courses include:- Core Themes in the Study of Religion
- Doing Research in Religious Studies
- Theories and Methods in the Study of Religion
- Humanities Today
- Religious Texts and Interpretive Practices
- Materiality and Corporeality of Lived Religion
Check out the full curriculum
Visit official programme websiteKey information
Duration
- Full-time
- 24 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting
- Apply before , International
- Apply before , EEA/EU
- Apply before , National
-
Language
Credits
Delivered
Disciplines
Religious Studies & Theology Christian Studies Islamic Studies View 4 other Masters in Islamic Studies in NetherlandsExplore more key information
Visit official programme websiteAcademic requirements
We are not aware of any academic requirements for this programme.
English requirements
Other requirements
General requirements
You will be considered for admission to the Research Master’s programme in Religious Studies if you can demonstrate the following knowledge, insight, and skills:
- A relevant Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in the humanities or in one of the social sciences.
- Proven interest in Religious Studies, as evidenced in a minimum of 30 EC in a relevant field at the Bachelor’s level.
- A high standard of academic achievement, as evidenced in an overall grade point average and a Bachelor’s thesis grade equalling “good” or better in the applicable national system.
Make sure you meet all requirements
Visit official programme websiteTuition Fee
-
International
17280 EUR/yearTuition FeeBased on the original amount of 17280 EUR per year and a duration of 24 months. -
EU/EEA
2168 EUR/yearTuition FeeBased on the original amount of 2168 EUR per year and a duration of 24 months.
Funding
Studyportals Tip: Students can search online for independent or external scholarships that can help fund their studies. Check the scholarships to see whether you are eligible to apply. Many scholarships are either merit-based or needs-based.
Double-check all fees
Visit official programme websiteCheck for additional visa info
Visit official programme websiteCheck for any work restrictions
Visit official programme websiteFresh content
Updated in the last 3 months
Check the official programme website for potential updates.