Religious Studies

The Master's Programme in Religious Studies at Leiden University offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the diverse beliefs, practices, and historical developments of religions around the world. This programme provides students with the opportunity to delve deeply into the study of major world religions such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and Hinduism, as well as indigenous and new religious movements. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, cultural awareness, and analytical skills, equipping students with the tools needed to interpret religious phenomena in various social, cultural, and historical contexts.

Students will engage with a wide range of scholarly methods, including textual analysis, ethnography, historical research, and philosophical inquiry. The programme emphasizes both a global perspective and an appreciation for local religious expressions, enabling students to understand how religion influences and is influenced by societal dynamics. Leiden University’s rich academic environment provides access to extensive resources, including libraries, archives, and experienced faculty members who are experts in their respective fields.

Throughout the programme, students can choose specializations that align with their interests, such as Religious History, Theology, or Comparative Religion. They are encouraged to participate in interdisciplinary projects and collaborate with colleagues from related disciplines like Anthropology, History, and Philosophy. An integral part of the programme is an internship or research project, which offers practical experience and opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.

The Master's in Religious Studies prepares graduates for careers in academia, education, intercultural dialogue, policy-making, and heritage management. It also provides a solid foundation for further research at the doctoral level. The programme is ideal for students passionate about understanding the complexities of religion in contemporary society and those interested in contributing to cross-cultural understanding and dialogue. With an international student body and a globally oriented curriculum, Leiden University’s Religious Studies programme fosters an inclusive learning environment that encourages critical reflection and scholarly excellence.

The Master's in Religious Studies at Leiden University offers an in-depth exploration of religious traditions, beliefs, practices, and their influence on societies throughout history and in contemporary contexts. The programme is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of various religious phenomena, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and other faiths, as well as secular and non-religious worldviews. Students will examine the historical development of religions, their doctrinal foundations, ritual practices, ethical systems, and their roles within cultural, political, and social frameworks.

The curriculum combines theoretical approaches with empirical research methods, enabling students to analyze religious texts, artifacts, and communities critically. Courses cover topics such as religious philosophy, theology, myth, symbolism, and religious diversity, as well as contemporary issues like secularism, religious pluralism, and religious conflicts. Special attention is given to understanding how religions interact with issues of identity, nationalism, gender, and globalization.

Leiden University's programme emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, encouraging students to draw insights from history, anthropology, sociology, and theology. Through lectures, seminars, and independent research projects, students develop analytical skills, critical thinking, and a nuanced perspective on religious phenomena.

The master's programme also offers opportunities for fieldwork, internships, and engagement with religious communities, providing practical experience and fostering a deeper understanding of real-world religious dynamics. Graduates of this programme will be well-equipped for careers in academia, cultural and religious organizations, journalism, policy advising, or further research.

With expert faculty members and access to extensive resources at Leiden University, students are supported throughout their academic journey in exploring the profound and diverse expressions of religion across the globe. This programme aims to cultivate informed, reflective, and culturally sensitive scholars capable of analyzing complex religious landscapes and contributing thoughtfully to societal debates on religion and belief.

Admission requirements

See website www.unileidenmasters.nl for details.

Other requirements

1. minimum kennis (ISPAC: overige vereisten) Zie www.unileidenmasters.nl
2. minimum kennis (ISPAC: overige vereisten) See website www.unileidenmasters.nl for details.
3. vooropleiding (ISPAC: vereiste vooropleiding) Bachelorgraad in Public Administration of een nauw gerelateerde studie (zie www.unileidenmasters.nl)
4. vooropleiding (ISPAC: vereiste vooropleiding) BA degree in Public Administration or a closely related field (see website www.unileidenmasters.nl).

The financing of the Religious Studies program at Leiden University is primarily structured through a combination of Dutch government funding, tuition fees, and additional financial support options for students. As a public university in the Netherlands, Leiden University receives significant funding from the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, which contributes to the overall operational costs and enables the university to offer competitive educational programs at various levels. Tuition fees for the master's program in Religious Studies are set annually and vary for students depending on their residency status. For EU/EEA students, the tuition fee for this program is aligned with the statutory fee, which is set by the Dutch government and is generally lower than the non-EU/EEA fee. Non-EU/EEA students pay a higher tuition fee, which helps cover the additional costs associated with international students.

Students enrolled in the Religious Studies program have access to a range of scholarships and financial aid options. These include the Holland Scholarship, which supports excellent students from outside the EU/EEA who wish to pursue their studies in the Netherlands, as well as university-specific scholarships offered by Leiden University. Moreover, there are opportunities for students to obtain grants or loans through Dutch national schemes, such as the Dutch student finance system, which provides loans and grants to both domestic and international students under certain conditions.

Leiden University also encourages students to seek external funding opportunities, including scholarships offered by their home countries or private foundations interested in supporting students in the field of religious studies or related disciplines. The university’s international office provides guidance and support in applying for these opportunities, ensuring that students are aware of all available options to finance their education.

In addition to direct government and institutional support, students can explore part-time employment opportunities on or near the university campus to supplement their income. The city of Leiden offers various student jobs, internships, and research assistant positions that can help students cover living expenses and reduce financial burdens. The university also provides financial planning workshops and counseling services to help students manage their budgets effectively during their studies.

Overall, the financing of a Religious Studies degree at Leiden University is designed to be accessible and supportive, combining public funding, institutional scholarships, external grants, and employment opportunities. This multi-faceted approach aims to make higher education in religious studies feasible for a diverse international student body, promoting academic success and cultural exchange within the university community.

Religious Studies at Leiden University offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary program designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of religious phenomena, beliefs, practices, and their roles within various cultures and societies. The program emphasizes the historical development of religions, their contemporary expressions, and their influence on global issues such as politics, migration, and cultural identity. Students explore a wide range of topics, including biblical studies, philosophy of religion, religious traditions across the world, and the intersection between religion and society. The curriculum combines theoretical frameworks with practical analysis, encouraging critical thinking and open dialogue about the diversity and complexity of religious life.

The program is structured to offer flexibility, allowing students to choose elective courses that align with their interests, whether they focus more on theology, anthropology, history, or cultural studies. Leiden University’s focus on an international and interdisciplinary approach ensures students gain a broad perspective and develop analytical skills relevant to global religious dynamics. The program typically includes lectures, seminars, case studies, and fieldwork opportunities, often emphasizing comparative and cross-cultural analysis to deepen understanding.

Students enrolled in the program benefit from the university’s strong connections with global religious communities and scholars, providing valuable networking opportunities, internships, and participatory research projects. The program prepares graduates for careers in academia, education, cultural heritage, policymaking, or non-governmental organizations dealing with religious issues. The teaching language is primarily English, attracting an international student body, and the program adheres to high academic standards with active involvement of leading experts in the field. Overall, Leiden’s Religious Studies offers a rigorous, engaging, and globally relevant education that equips students with the knowledge and skills to critically analyze religious phenomena and contribute meaningfully to discussions on religion in contemporary society.