UNIVERSITY OF AMSTERDAM · NETHERLANDS
Spirituality and Religion Pre-Master's Programme
Diploma · Taught in en
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
7.0
IELTS
€2k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Diploma
Level
- 12 monthsDuration
- 30 or 42 ECTSCredits
- Guaranteed Master's AdmissionProgression
- SeptemberStart Date
This Pre-Master's programme in Spirituality and Religion is designed for students who hold a Bachelor's degree from a University of Applied Sciences (HBO) or an academic Bachelor's degree that does not provide direct entry to the Master's in Spirituality and Religion. It serves as a preparatory year, equipping you with the necessary academic foundation to progress to the Master's program. Successful completion of this programme within one year guarantees admission to the Master's in Spirituality and Religion. Please note that a diploma or certificate is not awarded for the Pre-Master's itself, as its primary purpose is to bridge the academic gap for Master's entry. International students requiring a visa should be aware that Dutch immigration authorities issue visas for this programme for a maximum duration of one year.
Curriculum
The programme's credit load varies depending on your previous academic background. If you have an academic Bachelor's degree, you will complete 30 ECTS, as you are exempt from the two Academic Skills courses. Students with a University of Applied Sciences (HBO) degree will complete the full 42 ECTS. English-taught alternatives will be provided for Dutch-language courses for students who do not meet Dutch language requirements.
- Pre-Master's Year
- Academic Skills pre-Master's
- Secrets of the West 1: Culture and Counterculture before Modernity
- Secrets of the West 2: Culture and Counterculture in the Modern Period
- Religie en spiritualiteit in Nederland 1: concepten en theorieën
- Religie en spiritualiteit in Nederland 2: geleefde religie
- Religiewetenschappen: geschiedenis en filosofie
Frequently asked questions
- What is the Spirituality and Religion Pre-Master's Programme?
- This programme is designed for students with a Bachelor's degree that does not grant direct entry to the Master's in Spirituality and Religion. It serves as a preparatory year to equip you with the necessary academic foundation for Master's admission.
- What are the tuition fees for this programme?
- Tuition fees are calculated per ECTS. For a 42 ECTS programme, the fee is €1,885.80, and for a 30 ECTS programme, it is €1,347. There is a maximum fee of €2,694.
- How long is the programme and does it guarantee Master's admission?
- The programme lasts for 12 months and successful completion guarantees admission to the Master's in Spirituality and Religion.
- What are the English language proficiency requirements?
- You need an IELTS Academic score of 7 overall with a minimum of 6.5 on each sub-score, or a TOEFL iBT score of 100 overall with specific minimums for each section.
- How do I apply for the Pre-Master's programme?
- You must first apply for the Master's programme in Studielink. The Admissions Board will then determine if the Pre-Master's is necessary for your admission.
- What are the application deadlines?
- For non-EU/EEA nationals, the application must be completed by March 1, 2026. For EU/EEA and Dutch nationals, the deadline to complete the application is May 15, 2026.
Entry requirements
University of Applied Sciences (HBO) Bachelor's DegreeRequired for admission to the Pre-Master's programme.
Academic/Research University Bachelor's DegreeRequired if it does not grant direct access to the Master's in Spirituality and Religion.
IELTS Academic7 overall, with a minimum of 6.5 on each sub-score.
TOEFL iBT (tests before 26 Jan 2026)100 overall, with a minimum of Reading: 24, Listening: 22, Speaking: 25, Writing: 24.
You may be exempt from English language tests if you have completed a fully English-taught Bachelor's or Master's degree from specific countries (US, Canada except Quebec, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Ireland) or if your degree certificate/transcript explicitly states that the entire program was taught in English. All English language test results must be taken within two years of your application submission. It is not possible to submit an application and then provide a language certificate later.
Fees
Tuition (international)The tuition fee for a pre-Master's programme is calculated per ECTS. For a 42 ECTS programme, the fee is €1,885.80. For a 30 ECTS programme, the fee is €1,347. There is a maximum fee of €2,694.
Tuition (home)The tuition fee for a pre-Master's programme is calculated per ECTS. For a 42 ECTS programme, the fee is €1,885.80. For a 30 ECTS programme, the fee is €1,347. There is a maximum fee of €2,694.
Living—
All students applying for a (pre-)Master’s programme with a non-Dutch degree must pay a non-refundable application fee of €100. This fee is waived if you hold a Dutch Bachelor's degree, have paid the fee for another UvA Master's program in the same or previous academic year, or started a UvA Master's program recently.
How to apply
1. 1. Submit an enrolment request in Studielink for the Master's ProgrammeBegin your application by submitting an enrolment request for the Master's in Theology and Religious Studies (Theologie en Religiewetenschappen) in Studielink, the Dutch national online system. Do NOT apply directly for the Pre-Master's programme. Submit this request at least 48 hours before the application deadline to receive your UvAnetID in time for the next step.
2. 2. Submit a complete application in SISOnce you have your UvAnetID, complete all steps of the Master's application process in SIS (University of Amsterdam's Student Information System). This includes submitting all required application documents, such as proof of your English language proficiency, by the application deadline. The non-refundable application fee of €100 for non-Dutch degree holders must also be paid at this stage.
3. 3. Await the Admission DecisionThe Admissions Board will assess your prior education. They will determine if you are directly admissible to the Master's, admissible after completing the Pre-Master's, or not admissible to either programme.
4. 4. After Admission DecisionIf you are deemed admissible to the Pre-Master's programme, you will receive a conditional admission letter outlining the next steps for your full enrolment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Spirituality and Religion Pre-Master's Programme?
+
This programme is designed for students with a Bachelor's degree that does not grant direct entry to the Master's in Spirituality and Religion. It serves as a preparatory year to equip you with the necessary academic foundation for Master's admission.
What are the tuition fees for this programme?
+
Tuition fees are calculated per ECTS. For a 42 ECTS programme, the fee is €1,885.80, and for a 30 ECTS programme, it is €1,347. There is a maximum fee of €2,694.
How long is the programme and does it guarantee Master's admission?
+
The programme lasts for 12 months and successful completion guarantees admission to the Master's in Spirituality and Religion.
What are the English language proficiency requirements?
+
You need an IELTS Academic score of 7 overall with a minimum of 6.5 on each sub-score, or a TOEFL iBT score of 100 overall with specific minimums for each section.
How do I apply for the Pre-Master's programme?
+
You must first apply for the Master's programme in Studielink. The Admissions Board will then determine if the Pre-Master's is necessary for your admission.
What are the application deadlines?
+
For non-EU/EEA nationals, the application must be completed by March 1, 2026. For EU/EEA and Dutch nationals, the deadline to complete the application is May 15, 2026.