Religious Studies (MA)

Why Leiden University

Choose Religious Studies at Leiden University

• At Leiden University, ambitious students gain access to cutting-edge scholarship while enjoying the freedom to shape their own academic path.
• Courses consist both of theory and applied practice, offering you hands-on experience; all the necessary research skills, tools and historical sources are made available.
• The Religious Studies programme is distinguished by its broad expertise and strong research profile, providing an excellent foundation for the academic study of religion across cultures and traditions. 
• Combining theoretical insight with practical application, the programme equips you with the research skills and methodological tools needed to engage critically with religious phenomena.
• A wide range of elective courses allows you to tailor your studies to your interests. You can specialise in a particular religious tradition, explore methodological approaches, or pursue themes within the study of religion.
• Our department brings together specialists with expertise spanning Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, offering diverse regional perspectives and a truly international learning experience. 
• The department's relatively small size fosters a supportive and informal atmosphere, with approachable lecturers and personalised academic guidance throughout your studies.

You will become part of a vibrant intellectual community. Leiden University is home to leading scholars in area studies, history, and the social sciences, creating rich opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and exchange. Students also benefit from access to exceptional academic resources, including the university's internationally renowned library collections.

The programme's specialised expertise, broad methodological training, and stimulating academic environment offer a unique educational experience that stands out both nationally and internationally.

A top-ranked university

Leiden University's Faculty of Humanities is consistently ranked among the top 30 Humanities faculties worldwide in the THE World University Ranking. At Leiden University, the oldest university in the Netherlands, you can access resources found nowhere else in the world, such as those of the famous Leiden University Library and its collections of original manuscripts and periodicals.

Flexibility to construct your own programme

The Religious Studies programme offers considerable flexibility, enabling you to design a degree that reflects your academic interests and career ambitions. You can choose from three specialisation areas, replace an elective with an internship or independent research project, and explore topics that may not be available at other institutions. All courses are taught by accomplished scholars who are active in their fields, while small class sizes encourage discussion, close interaction with lecturers, and a highly engaging learning experience.

Use the facilities of the Humanities Hub

The Humanities Hub in Leiden houses some great facilities to support your studies—like the AI Lab, Digital Lab, MediaLab, Translation Lab, Journalism Lab, Editorial Room, podcast studio, and film studio. Whether you're into AI, media, or storytelling, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to build hands-on skills. Best of all, these are exactly the kind of skills that stand out on the job market after you graduate. Want to find out more? Take a look here!

Benefit from our unique expertise

Leiden University is famous for its wide range of specialisms and outstanding scholarship, providing you with an excellent basis for the study of religion from a comparative, multidisciplinary perspective. Additionally, Leiden University houses a wealth of scholars working in area studies, history, and the social sciences, fostering conversations and the exchange of ideas.

An excellent start to your career

Your qualification from Leiden University is respected by organisations worldwide. But that's not the only advantage of studying at Leiden. We challenge you to think harder, analyse more vigorously, consider new perspectives, and apply what you learn to real-world situations. Our students learn how to become critical thinkers – a quality that will ensure they stand out in any future career.

Diversity and inclusion

We are convinced that our education can only flourish if everyone within the programme feels supported, respected and empowered to do their best work. We find it important to offer a learning environment that allows for different perspectives and points of view that students bring with them, depending on their ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, health, religion, age or socio-economic background. Every new generation sees the world from a new perspective – and our students are the newest generation. We look forward to hearing more about your perspective. Leiden University has been pursuing our diversity policy since 2014, with the aim of creating a diverse and inclusive learning and working environment for all staff and students.