Systematic Theology (specialisation)

Entry requirements

A completed Bachelor's degree in Theology or related area

A proficiency in English

In order to take part in this programme, you need to have fluency in both written and spoken English. Non-native speakers of English* without a Dutch Bachelor's degree or VWO diploma need one of the following:

• A TOEFL score of ≥575 (paper based)
• An IELTS score of ≥6.5
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a mark of C or higher

Months of entry

February, September

Course content

The Master's specialisation in Systematic Theology focuses on public theology and how to incorporate ways of thinking about God into issues and debates in the public domain in the face of growing secularisation. It explores the meaning and implications of Christian doctrines and how to draw on compassionate values of the Christian faith to contribute to the welfare of society. Students learn how to formulate critical theological perspectives on questions of meaning of life and a viable civil society in our contemporary situation.

This programme is closely connected with the Systematic Religious Studies research group meaning you can work with and learn from experts in the field of theology in the public sphere. You also have freedom to design your programme with electives that match your interests.

What will you learn?

• Gain a background on philosophy of religion, feminist theology and spirituality studies as well as the more conventional subjects fundamental theology, dogmatic theology and theological ethics
• Focus on issues and debates in society as possible ways of thinking about God
• This programme is not just geared towards Europe but also places developments in a global perspective
• Get valuable experience designing, conducting and presenting your own research
• Learn how to formulate critical theological perspectives on questions of meaning of life and a viable civil society in our contemporary situation

Career prospects
Graduates from this programme can find themselves in a number of different career tracks:

• Academic researcher
• Educator
• Policy maker
• Spiritual care

Learn more via the Radboud University contact form.

Fees and funding

There are various scholarships available for studying at Radboud University. Some of the opportunities are described below. A full list, including detailed information, can be found on our scholarships and grants page at our website.

Radboud Scholarship Programme

Open to a select number of excellent international students. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,209). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Orange Tulip Scholarship

Open to students from Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Indonesia, South-Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and China. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,209). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Fulbright-Radboud Scholarships

Open to excellent American students. The grant will be paid in 12 monthly instalments of 1,050 euros. International travel and the cost of the residence permit will be covered, and an extra allowance of €1150 will be paid on arrival.

Sino-Dutch Bilateral Exchange Scholarship

Open to excellent students from China. Consists of a contribution of € 16,113 towards the total costs of one year of study or research in the Netherlands.

DIKTI-Neso Scholarships

Aimed at lecturers at higher education institutions in Indonesia who wish to pursue a PhD or Master's at a university in the Netherlands. A DIKTI scholarship includes allowances for living expenses, insurance, travel costs, tuition fees and more.

Indonesian Education Scholarship (LPDP)

Open to excellent Indonesian students under the age of 35. Involves a full scholarship.

Holland Scholarship Programme

Open to excellent students from Canada, America, India and Turkey. Scholarship consists of 5,000 euros payed at the start of study.

Dutch Student Finance

EU/EEA students and Swiss students under 30 years of age are eligible if they are working at least 56 hours per month in the Netherlands, or have been living in the Netherlands for five years or more. Dutch student finance consists of four components: a basic grant, a supplementary grant (depending on the parental income), a student travel product, and a loan.