Graduate Degree Programmes

The Graduate School of the Faculty of Humanities is responsible for offering a number of MA and MPhil programmess and for the training and supervision of PhD candidates. The Leiden Institute for Religious Studies offers two master programmes.

MA programmes

The Leiden Institute for Religious Studies offers two MA programmes. 

Information about application and registration in Leiden, and other practical information for international students can be found at the website for prospective students.


Master of Arts in Religious Studies 
Language of instruction: English 
This one-year programme covers a multitude of tracks, such as biblical studies, history of Christianity, philosophy of religion and sociology/psychology of religion, each with its own research focus and methodology. 

Prospective Student Website 

Master of Arts in Religious Studies: Islam in the Contemporary West
Language of instruction: English
This one-year programme focuses on the study of contemporary Islam in the European context. Islam in approached predominantly from a literary and historical perspective. In addition, the different Islamic trends are also considered from a sociological perspective, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary research.

Prospective Student Website

PhD/Doctorate

The highest degree awarded in the Netherlands is that of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Earning a PhD at Leiden takes about four years of study and consists of independent research under the supervision of a professor.  

Website PhD/Doctorate Religious Studies    

Ecclesiastical Programmes

After their MA studies many candidates also holding a BA diploma in Theology enroll in a two-year professional training (in Dutch) offered by the Protestant Theological University or the Remonstrantse Broederschap, preparing them for ordination to the Protestant ministry. For admission requirements please check Website Protestant Theological University or website Remonstrantse Broederschap (in Dutch). 

Last Modified: 27-01-2012