Islam in the Contemporary West
| Specialisation of: | Theology and Religious Studies |
|---|---|
| Degree: | MA in Theology and Religious Studies |
| Mode of Study: | Full-time, part-time |
| Duration: | 1 year |
| Start date: | September, February |
| Language of instruction: | English |
| Location: | Leiden |
| Croho/isat code: | 60824 |
In the Islam in the Contemporary West specialisation, you will be focusing on the interaction between Muslims and Islam within a minority situation in the West, and the reactions it provokes in the Western societies. You will be studying these relations from different perspectives: legal, political, theological and cultural anthropological. You will be guided in your studies by a teaching staff with extensive knowledge of this subject, both theoretical and practical.
You will for instance be given the opportunity to investigate the increasing orthodoxy among Muslims, including the development of a new branch of Islamic jurisprudence, the fiqh al-aqalliyyât. In the social and political area, you will be studying the degree of organisation of Muslims, as well as the forming of an ‘Islamic’ identity. You will also be considering the legal aspects, such as how Muslims are increasingly trying to find a way to apply parts of the Sharia, for instance the prohibition on the levying of interest and marriage law.
Career
The master’s degree gives access to opportunities for pursuing a research-oriented career. Graduates often find employment as editors, journalists, policy advisors, counsellors or as teachers of religion or philosophy. Other career prospects include policy-making functions with regard to Islamic issues at ministries, embassies, or in the Immigration and Naturalisation Service. You may also become a teacher of Islam.
On completion of the master’s programme, Dutch-speaking students can follow a teacher education programme which leads to an upper secondary teaching qualification in Religion and Philosophy of Life.
Some figures about graduates of Theology and Religious studies
How successful are they in finding a job?
- 100 % found a job within six months.
- 86 % found their first job at academic or HBO (higher professional) level.
- 87 % held a position at academic or HBO level when the study was carried out.
In which sector do they find jobs?
- Research: 200
- Teaching: 133
- Publishing / book sector: 133
- Business services: 67
- Government / semi-government: 67
- Other: 40
What are their main tasks and responsibilities? (%)
Source: Employment Market Study among Leiden Graduates of Theology and Religious studies (2009, Student Career Service Humanities )
