The two-year Research Master's in Religious Studies offers an inspiring research environment in which you develop the research skills to conduct your own research project in the field of religious studies. You will explore key issues, theoretical perspectives and methodological questions in the field of religious studies and engage in ongoing research with faculty members.
The Research Master’s in Religious Studies focuses on the history and presence of religious and spiritual diversity in Europe and in its wider Mediterranean, Eurasian and Transatlantic context. The programme emphasises the processes of religious diversification in different socio-cultural contexts. It trains you in both the historical as well as the empirical study of religious cultures, countercultures and spiritualities, including the interdisciplinary study of ideas, narratives, practices, institutions and their interactions.
The Research Master’s programme offers several specialisations in the field of religious studies. You can choose to focus on Spirituality and Esotericism in Western Culture, Religion and Spirituality in Contemporary Societies or Spirituality and Religion in Islam. You can furthermore tailor your programme to your interests by taking a broad range of electives in these and other areas.
You will also have the opportunity to study with leading specialists in the field of religious studies. In a tutorial setting, you will receive supervision from these specialists for your own research projects. In addition, the presence of numerous museums and famous libraries in the city centre of Amsterdam will make the study of religion at the UvA an exceptional experience.
Unique research environment
Multiple specialisations, including Western Esotericism
Study with leading specialists
Museums and libraries around the corner
As a Religious Studies graduate, you will have developed analytical and research skills relevant to a career in the field of religious studies. In addition, you will have access to a range of other employment opportunities in which a critical, curious, and academically-trained mind is essential.
The Research Master's programme Religious Studies is an accredited degree programme. After successful completion of this programme, you will receive a legally accredited Master’s degree in Theology and Religious Studies and the title Master of Arts (MA).