Religion, Conflict and Globalization
How are religion, conflict and peace related? How does globalization affect local religious traditions? How do religious and secular parties interact in debates on conflict, migration and gender?
Religion is involved in many of the major conflicts that the world is currently facing, and at various levels. At the same time, religion is also an essential part of people's lives, and has become an important basis for solidarity between people all over the world.
Despite the importance of religion in society and politics, NGOs, governments and journalists alike often have misguided understandings of the role of religion in the modern world, and the meaning that it holds for various peoples, relying on simplistic and outdated assumptions. This can lead to misunderstandings, tensions, and missed opportunities for dialogue, with potentially serious consequences.
This MA track equips you to critically analyse the role of religion in global dynamics, and its impact on contemporary conflicts, and you will explore how religious interests, practices, and diverse identities intersect with conflicts and peacebuilding.
The programme is interdisciplinary and comprehensive - including political, social, psychological, cultural and legal dimensions. During the year, you can specialise in themes such as conflict and peacebuilding, migration and gender.
Cambridge C1/CAE or Cambridge C2/CPE certificate with a min. score of 180.
IELTS Academic: overall score 6.5 (min. 6.0 in all categories)
TOEFL iBT*: overall score 90 (min. 18 in Reading and Listening, 20 in Speaking, 21 in Writing)
TOEFL iBT*: overall score 4.5 (min. 4 in Reading, Listening, and Speaking, 4.5 in Writing
Enrollment in the MA is possible if you hold a Bachelor's degree in Religious Studies, Theology, or another Bachelor in Arts, Humanities (e.g. International Organizations, Middle Eastern Studies, Philosophy), Political Sciences or Social Sciences (e.g. Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology). A reading package will be provided in advance. At the start of the programme, we assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature.
If you have completed a Bachelor's degree other than in one of the disciplines described above, you still have direct access to the MA if you:
- have completed the university minor Anthropology, Religion in the Modern World, Art and Religion, or Climate Change and Inequality; or
- can demonstrate the completion of 30 ETCS worth of subjects in the previous degree programme that have introduced you to Politics, Philosophy, Gender Studies, Migration, Development Studies, or Human Rights.
Students can also be admitted via a pre-master's programme.
A selection of previous education programmes is shown below under 'Transfer options'. However, this list is not complete. If your study programme is not listed, this does not automatically mean that you will not be admitted to the Master's programme. In case of doubts or questions, feel free to contact the study advisor: studyadvice.rcs@rug.nl
Job prospects
Following completion of this degree, you will be able to advise or write policy documents on different subjects - including developmental assistance, or multicultural society. Job tracts include working for a government, in business, or at an NGO. Other options include media, or indeed education. Those who wish to pursue an academic career can follow this track as part of the 2-year Research Master's programme.
Check where our alumni end up after graduating on our alumni page.
Job examples
- Consulting & Policy
In a globalized world, there is a need for experts who can help explain and solve conflicts that are further-reaching than ever before. More specifically, this could mean working for the think-tank of a political party, for a body such as the Netherlands Institute for Social Research, or indeed the Netherlands Institute of International Relations Clingendael.
- Media & Journalism
The media often mis-portray religion, whether it is to do with terrorism or integration issues. Graduates of this programme will be able to add some much-needed nuance to the picture, whether at a publishing company, broadcasting, or a newspaper/news magazine.
- Education
Upon completing the degree, you will have enough knowledge to teach in Religious Studies, Philosophy, Social Studies and others - in secondary education. You could also opt for a position in higher vocational education. As didactic skills are required for teaching, it is advisable doing a Master's in Education, once having completed this course.
