Turning your most deeply held beliefs into academic research

Theology and Religious Studies: Research

The Research Master’s programme is a two-year programme (120 EC). It consists of in-depth training in specialized research and allows advanced studies in all major subdomains in theology and religious studies. It is obligatory to also follow courses in The Netherlands School for Advanced Studies in Theology and Religion (NOSTER).

First year

The first year starts with a course in Hermeneutics where you will be taught how to understand the other, especially when they believe and practice differently. You will take three courses and do a research internship that provides insight into the chosen field of study. Furthermore, you will develop your academic skills in writing an article and in preparing and delivering a conference paper. In addition, you will read two classical works.

Second year

In the second year, you will further deepen and broaden your academic expertise. Furthermore, you will design a proposal for your thesis and a PhD dissertation. The programme ends with the master’s thesis.

This programme is also part of the School of Religion and Theology’s Talent Policy.

Part-time study

Would you like to study this programme part-time? Lectures are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The start date of this programme is September 1^st.

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Thursday 27 November 2025

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1st year

Programme

The research master's programme consists of:

4 Research Modules of the chosen specialisation (2 in the first year, 2 in the second year)
2 other modules of the student's own choice (Professional Modules or Research Modules from another specialisation)
7 General Required Modules (5 in the first year, 2 in the second year): Hermeneutics, Academic Writing, Academic Presenting, Classics, and Research Design I and II
One of the research courses must be filled in by courses or workshops from a national research group, e.g. NOSTER.
Internship and Thesis

Courses

Hermeneutics
Classics
Academic Writing
Academic Presenting
Research Design 1
Research Design 2
Internship

For the full programme, view the Studyguide.

Full-time students of the Research Master's programme Theology & Religious Studies are very much encouraged to study part of their programme abroad. Preparations should be started as early as possible through conversations with the programme director. Students may benefit from one of our Erasmus+ contracts with universities in Europe or from one of our Memoranda of Understanding with universities outside Europe.

Students may study abroad in the second semester of the first year, or the first semester of the second year. The Master thesis must be written under the supervision of a VU staff member.

Study and research religion and theology at one of the best ranked faculties and in a multicultural city.
Participate in a diverse, multi-religious community of learners.
Enjoy a unique combination of structure and flexibility in your programme.
Be part of several research centres, for example:
Profit from the strong bonds between the School of Religion and Theology and various societal organizations and initiatives.

Many have used the programme to prepare themselves for research intensive jobs in professional fields such as:

researcher, policy advisor, and/or (speech) writer for research institutes, media, NGOs, or government at local, regional and national level and the business community;
education (at secondary as well as higher professional education level);
further specialization in churches, the media, coaching and spiritual care (for instance in health care and penitentiary system).
The PhD programme, offered by the Graduate School of the School of Religion and Theology at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, could be the next logical step in your academic career.
After having completed this programme, many students start a PhD project at our university or elsewhere. Students who wish to pursue their theological or religious studies at a doctorate level are strongly advised to complete this Research Master's programme.

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Theology and Religious Studies: Research

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Change your future with the Theology and Religious Studies Research programme

Change your future with the Theology and Religious Studies Research programme

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