Master of Arts in Theology and Religious Studies
Explore the intersection of religion, culture, and society through interdisciplinary research and specialization tracks.
Best for:Best for students with a bachelor’s degree in religious studies, anthropology, sociology, or related humanities disciplines who seek to specialize in the cultural and societal dimensions of religion.
Overview
This one-year Master of Arts programme at the University of Groningen examines the role of religion in modern societies, focusing on its impact on conflict, peacebuilding, cultural identity, and global issues. Students engage with interdisciplinary approaches to understand how religion shapes and is shaped by political, social, and cultural dynamics. The programme offers five specialization tracks—Religion, Conflict and Globalization; Anthropology of Religion and Culture; Heritage and Religion; Religion and Pluralism; and Spiritual Care—each addressing distinct yet interconnected themes. Ideal for those passionate about religious studies, anthropology, and cultural analysis, the programme prepares graduates for careers in academia, policy, and international organizations.
What you'll do
- Engage in interdisciplinary research on the role of religion in contemporary societies, combining theoretical and empirical approaches.
- Develop specialized expertise in one of five tracks: Religion, Conflict and Globalization; Anthropology of Religion and Culture; Heritage and Religion; Religion and Pluralism; or Spiritual Care.
- Participate in seminars, workshops, and fieldwork to explore real-world applications of religious and cultural studies.
- Conduct independent research projects under faculty supervision, culminating in a master’s thesis.
- Collaborate with peers and faculty to analyze case studies, cultural phenomena, and societal issues related to religion.
- Develop critical thinking and analytical skills to interpret complex cultural and religious dynamics.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies, Anthropology, Sociology, Cultural Studies, or a related humanities discipline.
Degree offered: Master of Arts (MA)
Language: English; proficiency sufficient for academic study and thesis writing (no specific test score mentioned).
Instruction: English (except for the Spiritual Care track, which is taught in Dutch).
- Strong academic background in religious studies, anthropology, or a related field.
- Ability to conduct independent research and write academic papers.
- Fluency in English for coursework and thesis writing.
- Critical analytical skills to interpret cultural and religious phenomena.
- Open to international applicants; no specific nationality restrictions mentioned.
- No age restrictions or prior experience caps.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
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How to apply
Deadline: 2027-05-01
Applicants must submit their application through the University of Groningen’s official portal. Required documents include a CV, a letter of motivation, academic transcripts, and proof of English proficiency (if applicable). Some tracks may require additional materials such as a research proposal or portfolio. The application process is competitive, and selection is based on academic merit and fit with the programme’s objectives.
- CV
- Letter of motivation
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s degree)
- Proof of English proficiency (if not from an English-taught programme)
- Portfolio or research proposal (track-specific)
Contact
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.