B.A. in Theology and Religious Studies

Different religions under one roof: dialogical learning in an interfaith setting

When you choose Theology and Religious Studies, you enter the rich and fascinating world of religion and faith. VU Amsterdam is known as a safe space where different religions coexist, side by side. You develop an academic view of what religion and theology mean. You are in constant dialogue with your fellow students.

In the Theology and Religious Studies programme, you can choose your own path. The programme consists of core courses, in-depth courses related to your profile, and electives. The core courses are taught in English and followed by all students, meaning that you study alongside students from different countries, cultures, and faiths. You will learn about the principles and practices of Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and Islam. Attention is paid to historical developments, doctrines, ethics, and the shared practices and imagery of different religions. You also delve into hermeneutics and the social sciences.

The courses linked to your profile familiarise you with specific disciplines. There are three options:

• Interested in academically studying religion in historical and contemporary contexts? You can focus on courses in Religious Studies. If you want to specialise in Buddhism or Hinduism, select this profile.
• Want to delve into the Koran and Hadith? Select Islamic profile courses.
• Prefer to focus on the theology of a the Christian tradition? Then the theological profile is for you. If you want, you can choose to follow courses within the tradition of one of the Christian seminaries, such as the Baptist seminary, the Evangelical-Reformed, or the Mennonite-Anabaptist seminary. You can also opt for following an Evangelical-Reformed track within this profile.

Do you need help? Our studyadvisors are there to help you.

The start date of this programme is September 1st.

In the first year, you will take courses in theology and religious studies and explore a profile, Theories of Religion. You will study diverse religious traditions intensively and learn to study them comparatively. You will also work on your research skills in the Research Lab.

• World Religions
• Exploring a profile: Theories of Religion
• Historical roots of contemporary religious issues
• History of world Philosophies
• Christianity
• Judaism
• Islam
• Religious myths and rituals
• Research Lab

In the second year, you will learn religious studies and social science methodologies. Much attention is paid to understanding contemporary religion. You will select three electives from a range of options, such as Buddhism, Mindfulness & Psychology, and Yoga, Business and Leadership.

In the first semester, you follow a minor of your own choosing. In the second semester, you take the courses in interreligious relations and comparative religious ethics. You also work in the Research Lab and write your Bachelor’s thesis.