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Master in Study of Religions and Secular Thought

Master in Study of Religions and Secular Thought

The 2024-2025 programme is subject to change. It is provided for information purposes only.

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    • Programme title
      Master in Study of Religions and Secular Thought
    • Programme mnemonic
      MA-PRELA
    • Programme organised by
      • Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences
    • Degree type
      Master 120 credits
    • Tier
      2nd cycle
    • Field and branch of study
      Human and social sciences/Philosophy
    • Schedule type
      Daytime
    • Languages of instruction
      french
    • Theoretical programme duration
      2 years
    • Campus
      Solbosch
    • Category / Topic
      Human and social sciences - History, history of art, and archaeology/Human and social sciences - Philosophy
    • Jury President
      Guillaume DYE
    • Jury Secretary
      Guillaume DYE

    Presentation

    Details

    General information

    Degree type

    Master 120 credits

    Theoretical programme duration

    2 years

    Learning language(s)

    french

    Schedule type

    Daytime

    Campus

    Solbosch

    Category(ies) - Topic(s)

    Human and social sciences - History, history of art, and archaeology/Human and social sciences - Philosophy

    Organising faculty(s) and university(ies)
    Infor-études

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    Presentation

    Through a systematic comparative study of religion as a phenomenon, this Master programme provides participants with academic training in the study of religion using the tools of human sciences. The programme is based on the concepts of free thought and critical analysis. Students learn about the religions of the world and humanism, and have the opportunity to specialise in key disciplines in this field.

       

    Classes are held at the Interdisciplinary Centre for Religious and Secular Studies (CIERL), which is home to over 50 academics specialised in religious and secular issues. It is located in a Brussels town house near the Bois de la Cambre park. The main lecture classes are given in the Centre's specialised library, which allows immediate access to literature and research tools. This Master programme, which favours a neutral and scientific approach of the topics covered, is therefore at the cutting edge of contemporary analytical research. It is born out of a tradition that has been an integral part of ULB since its early days.

    Access conditions

    Programme

    The programme covers two academic years (120 credits). It includes a common core of courses (30 credits), one of two optional modules—‘Diachronic religious studies’ or ‘Contemporary religious studies’—(30 credits), one of two focuses—‘Analysis of religious issues’ or ‘Secular moral support’—(30 credits), and a dissertation (30 credits).

    In practice, courses are distributed as follows:

    Religious and secular studies – theoretical lecture classes 40%

    Religious and secular studies – seminars 25%

    Dissertation 25%

    Work placement 10%

    What's next ?

    Prospects

    Graduates of the Master in Religious and Secular Studies can find work in research, but they can also pursue a career in other sectors, such as information, diplomacy, or cultural affairs. A Master's degree in Religious and Secular Studies is a valuable asset for any job that involves intercultural aspects: research; analysis of religious topics (press, media, political cabinets, law enforcement, municipal administrations, etc.); delegate or advisor for official associations active in secular moral support (in cities, hospitals, prisons, or the armed forces); etc.