Religious Diversity in a Globalised World (EM), Master Degree

University of Groningen, the Netherlands

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Study options for this course

The award	How you will study	Study duration	Course start	Domestic course fees	International course fees
Master Degree	find out	find out	find out	EUR 5000 per year	EUR 10000 per year

About Religious Diversity in a Globalised World (EM), Master Degree - at University of Groningen

In a globalised world, there is a need for experts on religion who can help explain and solve conflicts, and who can find common ground to bridge differences between groups with various religious viewpoints and political aims. In this unique international two-year programme we train these experts in understanding religious movements, identities, and diversity, and how such phenomena interact with wider social, cultural, political and economic environments, in both historical and contemporary contexts. It prepares you to make a difference in careers like diplomacy, international development, research, journalism, or social welfare.

The programme is offered by ReD Global, a network of European and Latin American universities and professional organizations, funded by the European Commission. If you are looking for a personalised learning experience in a world-leading interdisciplinary research environment, this is the programme for you!

The University of Groningen is the coordinator of the ReD Global programme. The main partners are Córdoba University and the University of Coimbra.

Programme

You start the first semester at the University of Groningen (UG), the Netherlands. In your second semester, you move to either Universidad de Córdoba (UCO) in Spain or Universidade de Coimbra (UC) in Portugal. In your second year, ReD Global students have the opportunity to select between a "Research Track" or a "Professional Track" which are done at one of our many partner universities or with one of our professional partners.

Semester 1

Focus: Foundational courses on theories & methods in the study of religions.
Disciplinary perspective: History, Anthropology, Sociology.
Period: Antiquity, contemporary.

Semester 2

Focus: Foundational courses on theories & methods in the Middle Ages, Humanism & early-modern history, incorporating and applying knowledge and skills on the study of religions.
Disciplinary perspective: History, Philosophy, Philology.
Period: Antiquity, Middle Ages, Early Modern, Contemporary.

Semester 3

Focus: Religious Diversity & Social Inclusion in multifarious contexts.
Disciplinary perspective: Trans-/interdisciplinary: e.g., Sociology, Political Science, Philosophy, Anthropology, Economics; each Research Track-Partner Institution defines a profile for 3rd semester offer with a distinctive "local flavour".
Period: Contemporary, building on historical knowledge and skills acquired during 1st year.

Semester 4

Focus: Thesis work (in any case co-supervised by 1st and 2nd semester hosts).
Disciplinary perspective: To be defined in consultation with supervisors.
Period: Historical + contemporary; students define focus, but in all cases need to link the historical with the contemporary (and vice versa).

Learn more about Religious Diversity in a Globalised World (EM), Master Degree - at University of Groningen

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Notes about fees for this course

Applicants of this programme are eligible for an EMJM Scholarship.

The EMJM Scholarship is a full scholarship provided to the most excelling full-time students selected by the Consortium. Students receive:

A monthly allowance of EUR 1.400 to cover travel, visa, installation and subsistence costs
A full (participation) fee waiver
Insurance in line with EACEA requirement

Selected students are eligible to receive support for a maximum of two years - the nominal duration of ReD Global, and as long as they continue to meet their academic obligations. This period covers study, research, placement activities, thesis preparation and defence, in line with the requirements of the EMJM.

Entry requirements

You can find all of the entry requirements on the programme website.

Fees, Funding and Scholarships at University of Groningen

The university is committed to recognising excellence in academic achievement through offering a number of scholarships for international students and researchers. Several scholarships are available for international students who are motivated to study Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD programmes, as well as for exchanges, short courses and research stays at our university.

Besides scholarships awarded by the University of Groningen, a number of grants awarded by the Dutch government, the EU and (inter)national organizations, such as World Bank or the Ford Foundation, can be used for study or research at the University of Groningen as well.

Find out what is available through our grant finder page.

Student reviews of University of Groningen

Find out what students say about University of Groningen

If I had to choose a Master's programme again, I would be on a flight to Groningen.

Ana Quintana, Mexico, Strategic Innovation Management

I gained a Bachelor's degree in Management & Marketing in Mexico City before I came to the Netherlands to undertake my Master's programme. During my Bachelor's studies, I spent a semester in Canada and I wanted to expand my international (study) experiences before starting work. I was keen to focus on innovation which is not usually offered in Mexico hence the combination of Innovation and Strategy in one programme directed me to Groningen.

My Master's thesis dealt with Innovation in family businesses and I now benefit from the intense research modules offered during the programme. Now I am working as a Promotion Manager in charge of the several customer loyalty programs offered by one of Mexico's biggest hotel chains. Although the Master's program was rather theoretical, I feel that it prepared me very well for my current job.

There was nothing about Groningen that I did not like: the city is just beautiful. I especially enjoyed going everywhere by bike, the variety of offers for students and, of course, the Queensday (now Kings Day) celebrations. Groningen has everything to make (foreign) students feel at home.

Looking back a year after my return to Mexico, I feel that I especially enjoyed getting to know Dutch culture. In addition, the courses offered and the beauty of the city made my stay in Groningen an unforgettable experience. If I had to choose a Master's programme again, I would be on a flight to Groningen.

I had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to expand my knowledge in the field of law

Lejla Terzimehic, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Global Criminal Law

Thanks to the European Commission Scholarship and the Talent Grant from the University of Groningen, I had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to expand my knowledge in the field of law that I am most passionate about, at one of the oldest and most prestigious European universities.

Being very intellectually challenging, the master programme truly met my expectations. Sharing knowledge with my colleagues, all coming from different legal traditions, and learning from inspiring professors enriched me with the skills I hadn't attained during my previous education.

What I found to be the most beneficial is that the Dutch education system which, taught us to develop a critical opinion on law-related issues. Moreover, this master programme had a unique approach in tackling controversial contemporary legal issues. Due to its strong comparative emphasis, it encouraged us to keep at constant track with our national law, which is of a huge significance.

Both the master and a 6-month long internship at the International Criminal Tribunal for The Former Yugoslavia strengthened my belief in Justice. Furthermore, besides this academic benefit, I believe that studying abroad unequivocally broadens our horizons and tests prejudices we even are not aware of.