‘In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.’ This is the first and perhaps the best-known sentence in the Bible. Do you want to understand how the Bible is being used, what effect that use has on its readers, and how that could be related to the origin of the biblical texts? Do you want to dedicate yourself to studying the different versions of the Bible, including the written, hand-printed, personalised and digital versions? Do you want to learn how to analyse the Bible using digital technologies and quickly gain insights into the context of specific translations? The Bible is inexhaustible and every translation and context encourages new and unique interpretations. If you choose to study the Bible at VU Amsterdam, you will gain a solid and firm foundation.
VU Amsterdam works with the Centre for Contextual Biblical Interpretation, which conducts research into the use of the Bible. In addition, lectures are held regularly and there are intercultural exchange programmes. Our pluralistic and globalised society raises new questions every day that require new answers. You will explore these questions from empirical, philosophical and theological perspectives. You will learn how to ask new questions of ancient and sacred texts and how to apply them, for instance, in a debate or as a spiritual counsellor in settings like healthcare institutions, prisons or the armed forces.
If you choose a programme that has the Bible as its central focus, you will of course also deal with the dynamics of other religions. At VU Amsterdam, everyone is welcome and all religions are able to exist side by side. That is what makes the atmosphere at our university so unique.
Choose your Bachelor's or Master's programme in biblical studies at VU Amsterdam
Find out which bachelor's and master's programmes include biblical studies in their curriculum and come study at VU Amsterdam. Make sure to check out the ‘Future’ tab of the programme webpage if you want to know what you can do after your studies. We hope to see you at one of our online activities or at an education fair abroad!
