How have Christians through the ages given meaning and expression to their ideas and expectations? How have they explained the meaning of Jesus Christ’s life both within their own communities and to outsiders? Students of the Master’s specialisation in Church History are trained to investigate historical developments with a critical and analytical eye.

What will you learn?

In this specialisation, you study the historical developments of Christian traditions and discipline, so as to understand Christian belief in contemporary society better.

History is not a fixed entity. Re-examining long-existing sources could lead to new insights on the course of events. Students are made to understand what we now consider an axiom was not always so and students are given the tools to discover axioms of the past so they can better understand sources of the past. Students will learn to make sound and historical analyses by taking familiar sources but asking new questions, by finding and analysing long forgotten sources and by re-examining sources but taking into account the cultural context of the time it was produced. Their analyses could give new light on historical events that in turn could give us new insights on current societal and cultural issues

Radboud University’s Master’s specialisation in History of Church and Theology is unique in that it combines the study of the history of Christianity with the study of the juridical system of the Roman Catholic Church. Students will learn how to interpret historical sources of all ages, by analysing them with knowledge of the culture and values of the era in which they were produced.

Career prospects

Master’s specialisation in History of Church and Theology

In a globalising world, more and more institutions require skills in theological communication and hermeneutics. Church historians have in-depth knowledge of Canon Law and the history of Christian beliefs and doctrines. They can analyse historical developments and are able distinguish when people use historic events to suit their purpose and contradict them when necessary. In addition, the programme teaches you how to think independently and critically about the way Church History and Canon Law can give meaning to contemporary issues.

Job positions

The Master’s programme in Theology strongly enhances career prospects by allowing students to focus on one professional path in their third year: research, education, spiritual care or religion and policy.