Religion and Cultural Heritage

The Bachelor's degree programme in Religion and Cultural Heritage at the University of Groningen offers students a comprehensive understanding of the diverse religious traditions, beliefs, practices, and their impact on societies throughout history. This multidisciplinary program combines insights from history, anthropology, archaeology, and cultural studies to explore how religions shape cultural identities, social structures, and historical developments. Students will examine major world religions such as Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and indigenous beliefs, as well as more recent religious movements and secular trends. The curriculum emphasizes critical analysis of religious texts, archaeological findings, and contemporary religious phenomena, fostering a nuanced perspective on faith and its role in human life. Throughout the programme, students will engage in comparative studies, fieldwork, and internships, gaining practical skills in research, interpretation, and cultural heritage management. The programme also pays close attention to the preservation and interpretation of religious artifacts, monuments, and sites, highlighting the importance of cultural heritage in understanding our past and shaping the future. The interdisciplinary approach equips graduates with the ability to analyze religious and cultural phenomena within their broader societal contexts, preparing them for careers in museums, cultural organizations, academia, or policy-making related to cultural heritage and religious diversity. The programme promotes critical thinking, intercultural dialogue, and ethical awareness, encouraging students to appreciate the diversity of religious expressions and their significance for individual and collective identities. With access to the university’s excellent resources and expert faculty, students will develop both theoretical knowledge and practical competencies necessary for contributing meaningfully to the preservation and understanding of religious and cultural heritage worldwide.

The Master's programme in Religion and Cultural Heritage at the University of Groningen offers an in-depth exploration of the complex relationships between religion, culture, and society, both historically and in contemporary contexts. This multidisciplinary programme is designed for students who are interested in understanding how religious beliefs, practices, and institutions have shaped cultural identities and societal structures throughout history and continue to do so today. Students will engage with a diverse array of themes including sacred texts, religious rituals, pilgrimage, material culture, museums, and heritage management, as well as the role of religion in social conflicts and intercultural dialogue.

The programme combines theoretical approaches from religious studies, anthropology, history, and cultural studies with practical insights into heritage management and preservation. Students will have the opportunity to study different religious traditions, including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and indigenous beliefs, offering a comprehensive and comparative perspective. Courses focus on the analysis of religious artifacts, architecture, and texts, alongside fieldwork and internship possibilities to gain practical experience in heritage institutions and museums.

Throughout the programme, students develop critical skills in research, analysis, and interpretation, preparing them for careers in academia, cultural heritage management, museum work, intercultural relations, and policy-making. The curriculum includes modules on the history of religions, religious iconography, ethics and religion, interfaith dialogue, and heritage conservation techniques. In addition to coursework, students are encouraged to undertake individual research projects, culminating in a master's thesis that contributes to ongoing scholarly debates in the field.

The programme is characterized by its international and interdisciplinary environment, with teaching staff and fellow students from various cultural backgrounds. The University of Groningen's strong links with cultural heritage institutions, religious organizations, and international networks provide students with valuable opportunities for networking, internships, and participation in conferences. Graduates of this programme will be well-equipped to critically engage with religious and cultural issues in a globalized world, whether in academic, institutional, or policy roles, contributing to a deeper understanding and preservation of religious heritage across societies.

Admission requirements

A grade list of the marks of your bachelor's degree programme with an explanation of the followed courses.

Other requirements

1. cijferlijst A grade list of the marks of your bachelor's degree programme with an explanation of the followed courses.
2. taaltoets cijfer TOEFL: 580 paper/237 computer/92 internet; IELTS: 6.5 (6.0 on each part) (not for native speakers)
3. vooropleiding (ISPAC: vereiste vooropleiding) Bachelor's degree in Theology, Religious Studies, Arts, Philosophy, Social Science (e.g. Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology) or Spatial Sciences. Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature. Students with another bachelor's degree may be admitted via a bridging programme.
4. schriftelijk verzoek A letter of motivation to the admissions committee explaining the choice for this study programme (max. 1 page) is required, just like an overview of your bachelor's programme, a Curriculum Vitae and a writing sample of an academic paper in OAS (Online Application System).

Tuition fees for the Bachelor’s program in Religion and Cultural Heritage at the University of Groningen vary depending on the student’s nationality. For EU/EEA students, the annual fee is approximately €2,200, which covers the academic year and includes access to university facilities and resources. Non-EU students pay a higher tuition fee, around €11,000 per year, reflecting the different funding structures and access policies for international students. The program is primarily funded through these tuition fees, which are paid in full at the start of each academic year. Additionally, the university offers a range of scholarships and financial support options to help students finance their studies. Dutch and EU students may be eligible for government grants or student loans provided through Dutch national programs, which can significantly reduce the financial burden. International students are encouraged to seek external scholarships from their home countries or international organizations. The University of Groningen also offers pre-arranged payment plans, allowing students to spread payments across multiple installments rather than paying the full amount upfront. Some students may also qualify for part-time work during their studies to support their finances, with the university’s location providing opportunities for part-time employment in the local community. The cost of living in Groningen is an important consideration; estimated expenses for housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses range from €800 to €1,200 per month. The university’s international office provides detailed guidance on financial planning and available funding options. It is recommended that prospective students prepare a detailed budget that includes tuition fees, living expenses, books, supplies, and health insurance costs. Overall, the financing of the Religion and Cultural Heritage program at the University of Groningen is designed to accommodate both Dutch/EU students and international students through a combination of tuition fees, scholarships, government grants, and work opportunities, ensuring that students can undertake their studies with manageable financial planning.

The Bachelor's degree in Religion and Cultural Heritage at the University of Groningen offers students an in-depth exploration of religious expressions, beliefs, practices, and their influence on cultural development throughout history and across different societies. The program combines questions of theology, history, anthropology, and archaeology, providing a multidisciplinary perspective on religion and its role within cultural heritage. Students will study a variety of religious traditions, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and indigenous beliefs, gaining insight into their origins, development, and contemporary significance. An emphasis is placed on understanding how religious artifacts, sites, and texts are preserved, interpreted, and integrated into modern society, thereby highlighting the importance of cultural heritage management.

The curriculum is designed to develop critical thinking skills by analyzing religious phenomena within social, political, and cultural contexts. Courses include topics such as religious history, textual analysis, archaeological methods related to religious sites, and the ethics of cultural heritage preservation. The program also emphasizes practical skills, including fieldwork, archival research, and digital heritage documentation, preparing students for careers in museums, heritage organizations, religious communities, or further academic research.

Students have the opportunity to engage in internships to gain real-world experience in cultural heritage institutions or religious organizations. Additionally, the program promotes international perspectives, encouraging exchange programs and collaboration with partner universities abroad to broaden students’ understanding of global religious and cultural heritage issues. The interdisciplinary approach fosters a comprehensive understanding of how religious beliefs shape art, architecture, festivals, and rituals, and how these elements can be conserved and appreciated in diverse cultural contexts.

Graduates of the program will be equipped with knowledge of the historical development of major world religions, skills in iconography, textual analysis, and heritage preservation techniques. They will be prepared to work in roles such as cultural heritage managers, museum curators, religious advisors, or project coordinators in interfaith and intercultural dialogue initiatives. Overall, the program aims to produce well-rounded professionals capable of contributing to the safeguarding and interpretation of cultural heritage related to religion, fostering mutual understanding and respect among different cultures and faiths.