World Religions

Language of Instruction: Dutch

In this programme you can make a thorough study of the religion of your choice. In the propedeuse (first year) an introduction is given to Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and the antique religions. Subjects addressed include concepts, stories, customs and the historical, cultural and social background of these religions. In addition, you are introduced to comparative religious studies, religious psychology, philosophy and religious sociology.

The bachelor's degree programme

After the first year you choose one religion as your specialization. You will study in depth the fields from the first year, besides paying attention to ethics, anthropology of religion and the problems regarding the interpretation of texts. An important element is acquiring proficiency in the language in which the religious sources were written. You learn the language belonging to the chosen religion, thus enabling you to study the sources of that religion in their most original form. Regarding this language education, the programme works closely together with the language programmes of the Faculty of Humanities. The faculty has a world-wide reputation, especially in the field of non-Western languages and cultures.

Another option is to choose for a general, comparative religious study programme or for a study of contemporary developments of a religion. Then, instead of reading the sources in the mother language, use is made of methods and techniques from social studies.

See for more information the department website (in Dutch)

Practical Studies

Following the basic programme, the World Religions programme can be combined with one of the 'practical studies' or PraktijkStudies (International Management & Culture, European Union Studies, Journalism and the New Media, Book and Publishing or the Educational minor) or with other options and, possibly, an internship.