Master of Arts in Theology and Religious Studies
Explore interdisciplinary tracks in peace studies, spiritual care, or discipline-specific research in a one-year English-language programme.
Best for:Best for students with a bachelor’s degree in theology, religious studies, humanities, or related fields who seek to specialise in peace studies, spiritual care, or digital humanities within a structured yet flexible academic framework.
Overview
This one-year Master’s programme at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers a multidisciplinary approach to Theology and Religious Studies, with three distinct tracks: Peace, Trauma, and Religion (in English), focusing on conflict studies; Exploring a Discipline (in English), allowing deep dives into areas like Buddhism, Islam in the West, or Digital Humanities; and Spiritual Care (in Dutch), addressing pastoral care in healthcare, prisons, and military settings. The programme blends theoretical and practical insights, preparing graduates for careers in academia, policy, or professional fields. It is designed for students with a strong interest in religious and theological inquiry, offering flexibility to tailor studies to individual academic or career goals. The curriculum emphasizes critical analysis, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world applications of religious and theological knowledge.
What you'll do
- Engage in advanced study and research within one of three specialised tracks: Peace, Trauma, and Religion; Spiritual Care; or Exploring a Discipline.
- Develop critical analytical skills to interpret religious and theological texts, historical documents, and contemporary issues.
- Participate in seminars, workshops, and fieldwork related to your chosen track, including potential placements in healthcare, prisons, or military settings for Spiritual Care track students.
- Conduct independent research and write a master’s thesis under faculty supervision, demonstrating expertise in your selected area of focus.
- Collaborate with peers and faculty on interdisciplinary projects, fostering a holistic understanding of religious and theological themes.
- Engage with contemporary debates in religious studies, ethics, and humanities through discussions, presentations, and publications.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in Theology, Religious Studies, Humanities, or a related field from a recognised institution.
Degree offered: Master of Arts (MA)
Language: English; IELTS overall band 7.0 with minimum 6.5 in each component (listening, reading, writing, speaking) or TOEFL iBT score of 92 (paper-based: 580, computer-based: 237).
Instruction: English (for Peace, Trauma and Religion; Exploring a Discipline tracks) / Dutch (for Spiritual Care track)
- Strong academic writing and research skills in the humanities or related disciplines.
- Ability to critically analyse complex theological and religious texts.
- Proficiency in conducting independent research and synthesising findings.
- Familiarity with interdisciplinary approaches to religious and ethical inquiry.
- No specific nationality restrictions; open to international applicants.
- No age restrictions.
- No prior work experience required.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
Admissions not verified
A catalogue listing does not mean applications are open or funding is guaranteed. Check the source for your intake.
- Intake
- Not confirmed by the source
- Duration
- Not confirmed by the source
- Teaching language
- Not confirmed by the source
- Taught / research mode
- Not confirmed by the source
- Study mode
- Not confirmed by the source
- Campus
- Not confirmed by the source
- Prerequisites
- Not confirmed by the source
- Application instructions
- Not confirmed by the source
- Tuition
- Not confirmed by the source
- Funding
- Not confirmed by the source
How to apply
Deadline: 2027-04-01
Applicants must submit their application through the official Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam portal. Required documents include a CV, a letter of motivation, academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and a research proposal (for the Exploring a Discipline track). For the Peace, Trauma, and Religion track, a statement of purpose outlining your interest in peace studies is also required. The Spiritual Care track may require additional documentation related to Dutch language proficiency.
- CV
- Letter of motivation
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s degree)
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL scores)
- Research proposal (for Exploring a Discipline track)
- Statement of purpose (for Peace, Trauma, and Religion track)
- Proof of Dutch language proficiency (for Spiritual Care track, if applicable)
Contact
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.