The Master’s specialisation in Systematic 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.
Systematic Theology seminars
Students of the specialisation Systematic Theology are required to take the Systematic Theology seminar in year one and two.
The following themes are studied in these seminars:
- The relation between revelation, actuality, and authority.
- Creation and redemption from the perspective of incarnation.
- The development of the concept of social justice in the social teachings of the church.
- The impact of cultural diversity on questions of meaning of life.
Discipline seminars
Students have to follow three discipline seminars in the first and second year.
- Biblical Exegesis*
- History of Church and Theology
- Practical Theology
* Students are required to have a basic knowledge of Hebrew and Greek to be admitted to this course.
Systematic Theology courses
Students must choose one of the following courses:
- Dogmatic theology
This course offers reflections on the development of Christian doctrine through different historical periods, the diversity of concepts of faith in different cultural contexts and the importance of theology in public life. Students will read primary sources from modern theology.
- Theological Ethics
Students will increase their knowledge of the historical development of moral theology and theological ethics, going beyond the well-known views to include the intrinsic dynamics that led to the formation of modern-day theological ethics.
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 systematic theology under the close supervision of our expert staff. Systematic theology research includes exploring relevant literature and resources (both sacred texts of Christianity as well as classic and modern criticisms) and analysing empirical data that has already been collected by, for example, practical theologians.
Professional and research specialisation
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:
- 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.
Before starting your Master education, you should apply for approval of your Master programme. More information can be found in the online courseguide.
Instruction modes
A form of lecture in which information is presented verbally by one or more lecturers.
A group of people with a particular goal or task that they collectively try to achieve in a results-oriented way.