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Is the West really as secular as we think? Equip yourself to understand how the world we live in is shaped by religion through our unique programme, combining cultural history, politics & philosophy.
Although often described as secular, Europe is in fact more religious than we think. Western culture, politics, art, literature, and law have been fundamentally shaped by Christian ideas and practices. Learning to detect the role of religion in Western history and society will provide you with unique skills for a thorough understanding of contemporary cultural, social and political phenomena.
Religion, in particular Christianity, has set a deep mark on Western culture in land- and cityscape, in art and architecture, and in literary traditions. Christian concepts continue to be strongly manifest in the history of ideas. Domains including human rights, liberty and democracy, and social policies have all been stimulated and shaped by Christianity. Even the very concept of the secular stems from Christian theology. The analysis of us living in a secular world is thus too unsophisticated to do justice to the relevance of the religious factor in our culture.
Job perspectives
You can advise or write policy documents on different subjects, such as developmental assistance or the multicultural society. You could work for the government, in business or at an NGO. You may also work in the media or as a teacher of religion in secondary education. Would you like to stay in academia, you can choose to apply for a placement in the Research Master. You can complete this two-year programme in one year.
Job examples
* Consulting & PolicyYour knowledge about the position of religion in the public domain will enable you to advise upon or write policy documents on a number of different subjects ranging from multicultural society to the conservation of religious heritage. You could find a job with central government but also at organizations and foundations in the cultural sector. This could, for example, be the Museum Catharijneconvent in Utrecht or the Stichting Oude Groninger Kerken.
* Media & JournalismA number of publishers have shown renewed interest in religion and society. With your knowledge and skills, you can make an expert contribution to publications in this field. You could also use your expertise as an editor at a broadcasting company, newspaper or current affairs magazine.
* AcademiaIf, during your studies, you come to the conclusion that you would like to stay in academia, you can choose to apply for a place in the Research Master's after your regular Master's programme. If you are admitted, you can complete this two-year programme in one year. The Research Master's is a good stepping stone towards a PhD position or a research post at a national or international knowledge institute.
* EducationOnce you have completed this Master's programme, you will have sufficient knowledge of the subject to be able to teach Religious Studies or Social Studies in secondary education. Alternatively, you could opt for a position in higher vocational education. As you also need didactic skills as a teacher or lecturer, it is advisable to do a Master's in Education after you have completed your regular Master's programme.
Programme
* 1 year The programme consists of four course units (30 EC), a placement (10 EC) and a thesis (20 EC including a thesis training course unit) in which key concepts and the strategy of thesis writing are taught.
Specialisations / Tracks
* Master's Honours Programme "Leadership: Making the Difference"(honours program) Honours programme of the University (15 EC).
For students who have a Bachelor Honours degree and who have attended a University College or were actively involved in (student)organizations besides the regular master programme.
Programme schedule CoursesThe Invention of the Secular (10 EC) Christian Cultural Heritage 1 (5 EC) Master Thesis (20 EC) Placement (10 EC) Christian Cultural Heritage 2 (5 EC) Theorizing Religion in the Public Domain (10 EC)
Study abroad
* Study abroad is optional
* For an average of 20 weeks
* Maximum of 30 EC
Want to improve your English level for admission?
Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.
- ✔️ Flexible study schedule
- ✔️ Experienced teachers
- ✔️ Certificate upon completion
📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.
Funding opportunities
Several scholarships are available for international students who are motivated to study Bachelors, Masters and PhD programmes, as well as for exchanges, short courses and research stays at our university.
Accreditation
NVAO (nl)