Theology and Religious Studies: Western Esotericism
University of AmsterdamProgram Overview
The Theology and Religious Studies: Western Esotericism at University of Amsterdam is a MA programme in Humanities over 12 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of humanities. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the Theology and Religious Studies: Western Esotericism programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across Netherlands and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 12 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- English requirement: IELTS 7
- Tuition: EUR 14,700 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; EUR 1,984 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
- Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Theology and Religious Studies: Western Esotericism programme are prepared for diverse careers in humanities:
- Researcher / Academic
- Cultural Programme Manager
- Editor / Writer
- Translator / Interpreter
- Museum Curator
- Communications Specialist
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
- [\'42 credits for courses in Western Esotericism\', "18 credits for a Master\'s thesis."]
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
Previous education: The Masterâs in Western Esotericism is open to all students with a Bachelorâs diploma from the UvA, or a recognised equivalent from another accredited university in:\n- Religious Studies\n- Another university Bachelorâs diploma in the humanities or social sciences (only if you achieved 24 ECTS credits in the field of Religious Studies).\nThe level of the Bachelor\'s diploma from a foreign higher education institution must be equal to three years of Dutch university education (to be judged by the Examinations Board).\nProspective students with Bachelorâs degrees (university) other than those mentioned above can nonetheless apply for admission to the programme. The Examinations Board will in such cases take a look at the content of the prospective studentâs Bachelor programme, his/her study results and general motivation.
\nWritten request: Students can apply from 1 December until 1 April by filling out the digital application form and uploading the necessary documents via the website of the Graduate School of Humanities (www.gsh.uva.nl).
English Proficiency: IELTS 7 or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
EUR 14,700 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; EUR 1,984 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
Tuition fees: EUR 14,700 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; EUR 1,984 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
IELTS requirement: 7
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact University of Amsterdam directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.
About University of Amsterdam
University of Amsterdam
Amsterdam, Netherlands
public university in Amsterdam, Netherlands
University Profile- Application Deadline Mar, 2027
- Start Date Sep, 2026
- Language English
- Duration 12 months
