Religious Diversity in a Globalised World (Erasmus Mundus)
What is the influence of religion on global developments? How does globalisation affect local religious traditions? What are the limits of tolerance and acceptance of religious diversity?
In a globalised world, there is a need for experts on religion who can help explain and solve conflicts, 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 - both in 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 University of Coimbra.
Cambridge C1/CAE or Cambridge C2/CPE certificate with a min. score of 180.
IELTS Academic: overall score 7 (min. 6.5 in all categories
TOEFL iBT*: overall score 100 (min. 21 in Reading ,Listening and Speaking, 24 in Writing)
TOEFL iBT*: overall score 5 (min. 4 in Reading and Speaking, 4.5 in Listening, 5 in Writing)
Bachelor's degree in Theology, Religious Studies, or another Bachelor in Arts (e.g. International Organizations, Middle Eastern Studies, Philosophy), or Social Sciences (e.g. Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology, Political Sciences). 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.
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
On average, grades for Bachelor-2 and Bachelor-3 courses should be 7.5 or higher (on a scale of 1 to 10). The quality of the bachelor's (or master's) thesis is very important.
Curriculum Vitae
Letter of Motivation in English (maximum 750 words), including a motivated statement on the applicant's preference for the ReD Global 2nd semester hosting institution.
Two academic letters of reference
A sample of academic writing in English: i.e. your thesis or 10-15 pages of other academic coursework preferably related to the programme you are applying to.
Certified copies of academic transcripts and, if applicable, a list of courses, including course credits, pending completion. If documents are not in English, the applicant should additionally provide a certified translation.
After selection based on the motivation letter, the grade list and other information, an interview with the student is part of the procedure.
Optional: official proof of (socio-)economic vulnerability. The highest-ranked applicants may be offered a ReD Global EMJM scholarship. In case of equal ranking, the Programme Examination Committee may give preference to candidates with a vulnerable status.
Job prospects
Following completion of this degree, you will be able to advise or write policy documents on different subjects - such as 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.
If you wish to pursue an academic career, you are perfectly prepared for obtaining a PhD-student position at national and international institutes and universities or start working as a researcher at a research institute, e.g. the Netherlands Institute for Social Research.
Job examples
- PhD-student
With your PhD-proposal, you can gain admission to PhD programmes at national and international institutes and universities.
- Consulting and 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. You are able to provide well-founded advice on interreligious issues and multicultural society. This could mean working as a consultant or in an advisory position for the think-tank of a political party, for a body such as NATO or the UN, or for instance the Netherlands Institute of International Relations Clingendael.
- Media and 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.
