Biblical Exegesis Radboud University

Overview

Students will investigate and discuss the relation between Bible texts and ethics. How do the texts aim to change the behaviour of their readers? These texts are a crucial point of reference for theological reflection and provide direction in contemporary society and church.

Students will learn to read the Old Testament and the New Testament in their original languages and learn to understand these books in their original context. The program offers students the necessary tools to study the biblical texts, focusing on such aspects as grammar, sentence structure, literary devices and plot construction. Since these texts function in distinct cognitive environments, students will familiarise themselves with various ancient Near Eastern and ancient Eastern Mediterranean frameworks of experience and thought.

In a globalising world more and more institutions require skills in theological communication and hermeneutics. Biblical Exegesis students know how to analyse important texts. Our graduates have an analytical attitude and the strong empirical skills to formulate critical theological perspectives on questions of meaning of life and a viable civil society in our contemporary situation. In addition, the programme teaches you how to think independently and critically about the way Christian doctrine can give meaning contemporary issues.

Future career opportunities

The Master’s programme Theology has a strong emphasis on career prospects by allowing students to focus on one professional path in their third year: research, education, spiritual care or religion and policy.

Besides the mentioned professions, graduates of the Master’s specialisation in Biblical Exegesis from  Radboud University can also choose careers as journalists, museum curators and archivists.

The academic research profile provides students with an extensive background in academic research within the field of theology. You are qualified to continue with a doctoral programme at various universities in the European Union or in other parts of the world. Radboud University’s Special Faculty of Theology has some vacancies for junior researchers. You can also make private arrangements with one of the chairs of the faculty or its affiliated organisations to study as an external doctoral candidate.

Students who obtained a Master of Arts degree in Theology at Radboud University are employed in various leadership positions in dioceses, religious congregations, universities and colleges.

Possible occupations

• reseacher
• teacher
• journalist
• policy advisor
• spiritual care
• museum curators
• archivist