Origins of Abrahamic Religions

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What do the sacred texts of Jews, Christians and Muslims have in common? In which historical and cultural contexts did these religions emerge and how did they interact? Find out in this programme.

In contemporary discourse about religion, the origins and sacred texts of Judaism, Christianity and Islam play an important role. Understanding these origins and the traditions associated with them is vital for assessing modern claims.

In this internationally unique Master's degree programme, you will explore the formative stages of the monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Central to this programme is a comparative perspective.

As a contested concept, the term Abrahamic Religions challenges us to think about what is shared, different or contested between the various expressions of Jewish, Christian and Islamic traditions and the interactions between their adherents in the ancient world. How were sacred texts produced and transmitted? How were they authorised and appropriated in shifting historical and cultural contexts?

You will acquire in-depth knowledge of the separate traditions and communities, and gain deeper understanding of their origins and interaction. Your expertise will enable you to contribute to the contemporary cultural and academic debate about religion.

Job perspectives
As a graduate you can become an advisor and policymaker on interreligious issues and multicultural society. You may work in cultural organisations and companies in the public sector. In addition, you can work in the media. You can become a teacher of religion or philosophy. If you want to pursue an academic career, you can take the research Master in one year as a stepping-stone.

Job examples

* Consulting & PolicyYou are able to provide well-founded advice on interreligious issues and multicultural society. You can use this expertise in an advisory position at cultural organizations, in companies or in the public sector. Your knowledge equips you for policymaking positions in this field.


* Media & JournalismThe current debate often refers to perceived historical realities. Your expertise in the formative periods of Judaism, Christianity and Islam enables you to ask critical questions concerning modern-day claims about these religious traditions. You can use your knowledge and skills as an editor at a publishing company, broadcasting company, newspaper or news and current affairs magazine. You could also work as a freelancer.


* EducationOnce you have completed this Master's programme you will have enough knowledge of the subject to become a secondary school teacher in the subject of Religious Studies and Philosophy or Social Studies. You could also opt for a position in higher vocational education, for example teaching Theology at a university of applied sciences. As you also need didactic skills as a teacher, it is advisable to do a Master's in Education after you have completed your regular Master's programme.


* 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.

Programme
* 1 year The MA programme in Origins of Abrahamic Religions consists of three thematic course units (30 ECTS) and a thesis (20 ECTS). 10 ECTS are reserved for a practical placement.



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
Courses

* Revealed Knowledge: Sacred Texts in Judaism, Christianity and Islam (10 EC)

* Jews, Christians and Muslims in the Ancient Mediterranean (10 EC)

* Methodology clinics

* Master Thesis (20 EC)

* Placement (10 EC)

* Texts of Terror: Violence, Power and Politics (10 EC)

Study abroad
* Study abroad is optional
* For an average of 20 weeks
* Maximum of 30 EC

Dutch studentseen overzicht van behaalde resultaten in de gevolgde bacheloropleiding met een toelichting op de gevolgde vakkenEen (Engelse) taaltoets is alleen van belang indien je geen VWO-diploma hebt. Als minimumeisen gelden TOEFL 237 computerWO-bachelor Theologie, Religiestudies, Letteren, Wijsbegeerte of Sociale Wetenschappen geeft toegang tot dit masterprogramma. Andere bacheloropleidingen geven toegang via een schakelprogramma.Een brief met motivatie voor toelating tot dit programma, evenals een curriculum vitae maakt deel uit van de toelatingsprocedure.Voor dit programma gelden geen speciale taaleisen voor Hebreeuws, Grieks of ArabischNederlandse studenten sturen de gevraagde documentatie per mail naar onderwijs.ggw@rug.nl, ook als een drempelloze toegang van toepassing is.International studentsTOEFL: 237 computer basedBachelor degree in Theology, Religious Studies, Arts, Philosophy or Social Sciences (e.g. Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology)Students with another bachelor degree may be admitted via a bridging programmeA letter of motivation to the admissions committee explaining the choice for this study programme (max. 1 page) is required, just as an overview of your bachelor programme and a Curriculum Vitae in OAS (Online Application System)There are no specific language requirements for this programme with regard to Hebrew, Greek or Arabic. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 TOEFL paper-based test score : 580 TOEFL iBT® test: 92

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)