Religious and spiritual plurality in the Western world

The Research Master’s in Religious Studies focuses on the history and presence of religious and spiritual diversity in Europe and in its wider Mediterranean, Eurasian and Transatlantic context. The programme emphasises the processes of religious diversification in different socio-cultural contexts. It trains you in both the historical as well as the empirical study of religious cultures, countercultures and spiritualities, including the interdisciplinary study of ideas, narratives, practices, institutions and their interactions.

A diverse programme

The Research Master’s programme offers several specialisations in the field of religious studies. You can choose to focus on Spirituality and Esotericism in Western Culture, Religion and Spirituality in Contemporary Societies or Spirituality and Religion in Islam. You can furthermore tailor your programme to your interests by taking a broad range of electives in these and other areas.

You will also have the opportunity to study with leading specialists in the field of religious studies. In a tutorial setting, you will receive supervision from these specialists for your own research projects. In addition, the presence of numerous museums and famous libraries in the city centre of Amsterdam will make the study of religion at the UvA an exceptional experience.

Why study Religious Studies at the UvA?

• Multiple specialisations
  Our programme offers you the unique opportunity to become engaged with research on spirituality and Western Esotericism, contemporary and historical topics within the study of Islam and the role of religion and spirituality in contemporary society.
• Ideal study environment
  The extraordinary research environment of our programme includes, among others, the Centre for Hermetic Philosophy and Related Currents ( the world-leading institute in the field of Western Esotericism), the UvA library with its exceptional special collections, the Embassy of the Free Mind (museum and library including the Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica-collection) and last but not least, the City of Amsterdam with its vibrant religious and spiritual life in history and presence.
• Self-driven research
  The programme offers several specialisations, but you will also have the opportunity to pursue your own research interests.

After graduation

As a Religious Studies graduate, you will have developed analytical and research skills relevant to a career in the field of religious studies. In addition, you will have access to a range of other employment opportunities in which a critical, curious, and academically-trained mind is essential. 

Degree certificate

The Research Master's programme Religious Studies is an accredited degree programme. After successful completion of this programme, you will receive a legally accredited Master’s degree in Theology and Religious Studies and the title Master of Arts (MA).