Explore religion and its interconnections with society and culture
Are you interested in the vibrant world of religions? Do you want to study how sacred texts such as the Bible or the Quran have been formed and interpreted throughout the ages? Do you want to understand why religious images, buildings, clothes, and every day practices often provoke fierce debates or even violent conflicts?
The Research Master's programme in Religious Studies is a challenging, research-oriented programme that prepares you for participation in current debates in the international community of scholars of religion, and to make your own contributions to the field.
Specialisation
The programme combines an advanced grounding in the central themes and theories of the study of religion, with ample opportunity for specialisation. You can choose and develop your specific expertise in relation to one of the key research areas of our institute.
Religious texts and interpretative practices: This research area focuses on the study of religious traditions from the perspective of sacred texts: their interpretation and the religious rituals and practices associated with them, and discussions on the authority of religious texts.
Materiality and physicality of lived religion: This area focuses on the study of the use of the body and the senses in religious practices, such as praying, dancing, fighting, and fasting; the function of objects within the context of religious practices, such as images, buildings, food, clothing, and money; and public controversies.
As a student of this programme, you will become part of an international community of students, PhD researchers, postdocs, and senior scholars working together at a leading research institute. You will attend small-scale seminars and learn from renowned scholars, who will actively involve you in their own research.
AFTER GRADUATION
During this Research Master’s programme, you will develop the knowledge and skills to independently develop and carry out high-quality research in various branches of Religious Studies. As a graduate of this programme, you will have:
- A broad understanding of the entire field of Religious Studies.
- Thorough knowledge and methodological skills in a specific subfield.
- The knowledge and skills to present research results both orally and in writing.
- An international network of junior and senior scholars in the field of Religious Studies.
The programme also equips you for further advanced research, such as a PhD in Religious Studies or related disciplines (such as Islamic Studies or Anthropology), or for a career in one of the many fields that require advanced research skills.
Academic career
After successful completion of the programme, you are fully prepared to compete successfully for PhD positions in Religious Studies, Islamic Studies, or cognate disciplines (such as Anthropology). Your training also equips you to pursue non-academic career paths requiring advanced research skills.