PhD Position: Interreligious Dialogue in the Classroom
A qualitative study exploring the implementation and power dynamics of interreligious dialogical learning in Flemish schools.
Best for:Researchers with a background in social sciences or theology interested in ethnographic methods and religious education.
Overview
The Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies and the Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology at KU Leuven are seeking a doctoral student to investigate interreligious dialogical learning (IDL) within the Flemish educational system. This research project, titled 'Interreligious Dialogue between Promise and Power', examines how dialogic practices are experienced by teachers and students, focusing on issues of power, normativity, and inclusion. The successful candidate will employ qualitative and ethnographic methods to analyze how these practices are negotiated and contested in schools. You will join an interdisciplinary team and contribute to a critical understanding of religious diversity in contemporary education. The position offers a collaborative environment with intensive supervision from experts in theology and anthropology.
What you'll do
- Conduct qualitative and ethnographic research on interreligious dialogical learning in Flemish schools.
- Collect empirical data through participant observation, interviews, and document analysis.
- Analyze the role of power, normativity, and inclusion in educational dialogic practices.
- Synthesize empirical findings with theoretical frameworks from theology, anthropology, and educational sciences.
- Author scholarly articles and complete a doctoral dissertation.
- Present research findings at national and international academic conferences.
- Participate in interdisciplinary research seminars and team activities.
- Contribute up to 20% of time to teaching assistance or faculty service.
Requirements
Degree required: Research Master’s degree in Theology, Religious Studies, Educational Sciences, Social Sciences, Anthropology, or a closely related discipline.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: Dutch (required for fieldwork); English (required for academic writing).
Instruction: English and Dutch
- Demonstrable interest in qualitative empirical research.
- Strong interest in religious education and interreligious dialogue.
- Analytical skills and ability to work independently.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in Dutch.
- Good command of English for academic writing.
- Must hold or be on track to complete a relevant Master's degree by the start date.
- Must be eligible for admission to the doctoral program at the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-16
Interested candidates should contact the project leads, Prof. Marianne Moyaert or Prof. Nadia Fadil, via email for further information and application instructions. Ensure all required academic documentation is prepared for the doctoral admission process.
- CV
- Academic transcripts
- Cover letter
- Research proposal
Contact
Marianne Moyaert· Professor
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.