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:
- Academic Research (English)
- Religion and Policy (Dutch)
- Spiritual Care (Dutch)
- Teaching course religious studies/life orientation (Dutch)
More details
Read more about the courses, reading requirements and course schedule in the online prospectus.
Instruction modes
A form of lecture in which information is presented verbally by one or more lecturers.
A large gathering around a particular topic in which experts share knowledge, usually through a workshop and lectures.