Study Programme

The Master’s specialisation in History of Church and Theology is taught at the Special Faculty of Theology. It has a course load of 180 EC* (three years). All the courses are 10 EC and the Master’s Thesis is 20 EC.

History of Church and Theology seminars

Students of the specialisation History of Church and Theology are required to take the History of Church and Theology seminar in year one and two.

The following themes are studied in these seminars:

  • Sources of ecclesiastical discipline
  • Famous prosecution trials in the history of Christianity
  • Popes and Heretics
  • Romans and Christians
  • The religious roots of terrorism and totalitarism


Discipline seminars

Students have to follow three discipline seminars in the first and second year.

  • Biblical Exegesis*
  • Practical Theology
  • Systematic Theology

Students can replace one seminar by another seminar or specialisation course, to the discretion of the examination board.
* Students are required to have a basic knowledge of Hebrew and Greek to be admitted to this course.

History of Church and Theology courses

Students must choose one of the following courses:

  • Church History
    The course Church History focuses on the topics of the research programme of the Chair in Church History: discipline in the Roman Catholic Church, orthodoxy and heterodoxy. All periods of Church History will be covered.
  • Canon Law
    This course focuses on the present state as well as on the history of the judicial system of the Roman Catholic Church.


Set electives

In the first year, students must take at least one of the following courses:

  • Philosophy Of Religion
  • Greek & Hebrew*
  • Religious Studies

* Students are required to have a basic knowledge of Hebrew and Greek to be admitted to this course.

Master’s thesis

Your Master's thesis consists of an individual research project, which allows you to investigate a topic of your choice within the field of church history under the close supervision of our expert staff.

Professional and research specialisation

Students can choose one of five professional specialisations. This specialisation will determine the structure of your third year. You can choose from the following specialisations:


More details

Read more about the courses, reading requirements and course schedule in the online prospectus.

Instruction modes

Curriculum

  • Curriculum year 1

    The first year consists of four seminars (4 × 10 ec), a specialisation course (10 ec), and elective space (10 ec).

    View curriculum year 1

  • Curriculum year 2

    The second year consists of four seminars (4 × 10 ec), and your master's thesis (20 ec).

    View curriculum year 2

  • Curriculum year 3

    In the third year of the Master's programme in Theology, you select one trajectory as a professional specialisation. This specialisation will determine the structure of your third year. You can choose from the following specialisations:

    View curriculum year 3

  • Curriculum year 3

    The academic research year offers the opportunity to prepare for PhD-research or to study abroad. The programme consists of writing an academic article (20 ec) and writing a research proposal (10 ec). You can choose from the seminars of the Faculty of Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies (PTRS/FFTR) and NOSTER to complement the programme (30 ec). The research topic and programme will be decided on after the exam committee has consulted a supervisor.

    View curriculum year 3

  • Curriculum year 3

    You will take 30 ec of required courses on religion and policy. In addition, you will do an internship (15 ec) and write a theological reflection (5 ec). Finally, you can fill in your free space (10 ec) with relevant courses. 

    View curriculum year 3

  • Curriculum year 3

    In addition to professional internship and supervision, the program includes six courses with overviews that provide the foundations of the discipline, task introductions that clarify understanding in job aspects of the profession, and practica in which skills are practiced and research tasks are performed.

    View curriculum year 3

  • Curriculum year 3

    The educational master of the Radboud Teachers' Academy trains master's graduates for a first grade teaching qualification in secondary education. With a diploma from this master's program you can start working in the upper grades of HAVO and VWO. The program for the school subject religion & philosophy starts in September

    View curriculum year 3

Study abroad

During your Master’s programme, you will have the opportunity to go abroad for your studies, internship and/or thesis. You will learn to look at things from the perspective of a different culture and you will meet new people; it is an experience that will enrich your life. What’s more, it will look great on your CV.

Please see the International Office web page for information about meetings, scholarships, internships and other practical information.

Additional challenge

Do you want an extra challenge during your studies? Do you find it interesting to think about current, social themes from different academic perspectives? Discover what the Radboud Honours Academy has to offer to achieve your maximum potential during your time as a student.