This programme examines how religion is negotiated, practiced, and contested across different areas of the public sphere. It puts related concepts such as identity, secularity, and modernity at the center of study, beginning with a primary focus on Europe and then moving to international comparisons. The curriculum looks both at general public discourses about “religion” (for example, legal or social exemptions) and at how particular faiths are framed in society — for instance, Christianity as cultural heritage, Islam as a perceived “challenge,” or Buddhism as a contemporary life philosophy. In doing so, it departs from many conventional religious-studies degrees that concentrate mainly on practice within religious communities.
Students gain analytical tools to assess conflict constellations surrounding religion in plural societies and to engage those conflicts constructively. The programme aims to equip graduates for careers addressing the dynamics of multicultural, democratic societies by teaching them to design sustainable, solution-oriented strategies. The degree is delivered by the Institute for the Study of Religion in collaboration with the Institute of Sociology, and offers a voluntary double-degree pathway through a partner arrangement with Università Roma Tre (Italy).
Key facts and programme details
This MA examines how religion is discussed, contested and negotiated across different parts of the public sphere. You can follow either a home-track (full degree at the hosting university) or a double-degree track (which includes study at a partner university). Both pathways center on critical, interdisciplinary analysis of religion’s role in society, preparing you to interpret public debates and contribute to policy, education, cultural, or legal discussions involving religion.
The curriculum is organized around a set of foundational and thematic modules. An Introductory Module sets out the main theoretical approaches, while a Research Debates module deepens your understanding of current scholarly controversies. A Methods module gives hands-on practice with the theories and empirical techniques needed to research religion in public life. Three thematic topic modules—Education and Research, Politics and Law, and Society and Culture—provide arena-specific case studies and tools for analysis. By the end of the programme you will be able to:
Students follow the same set of modules in the 1st, 2nd and 4th semesters. The distinction between tracks occurs in the 3rd semester: double-degree students spend that semester at a partner university, while home-track students use it to undertake a supervised research project or to complete a study-relevant internship. The double-degree option thus builds international experience and institutional networks, while the home track allows deeper local research or professional practice.
Program requirements (concise)
Winter Semester (International)
31 May 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Graduates are prepared for professional roles that address religion-related processes and dynamics in multicultural democratic societies. Typical career paths include policy advice and public administration, work in NGOs and civil society organisations, intercultural consultancy, cultural institutions, education and media, and roles in international organisations.
The programme also provides a solid foundation for academic research and further study (PhD). Its emphasis on conflict analysis, negotiation, and empirical methods equips graduates with transferable skills for developing solution-oriented strategies in public policy, community engagement, and organisational contexts.