About the programme

This international and innovative Master's programme in the Religious Roots of Europe (RRE) gives students a unique opportunity to explore the three major European religions - Christianity, Judaism and Islam - and the impact of these religions on European culture and society. Find information below, and more information at religious-studies.net.

What makes the programme at UCPH unique?

The aim of the RRE programme is to expose students to the traditions, formative processes, and mutual interactions in the ancient world of the three most influential religions at the root of European culture and history: Christianity, Judaism and Islam. In this regard the programme is unique.

What specialisations does the field of study offer?

As a graduate of this programme you will be qualified for scholarly work, e.g. in PhD-programmes, as well as for teaching. You will also be able to enter into specialised occupations in government institutions or organisations dealing with culture, integration, diplomacy etc. and in private companies for example with business relations with the Middle East.

Admission and application

To apply for admission to this master's degree programme, you must have completed a qualifying bachelor’s degree or a similar Danish or international degree programme which is assessed to be relevant. Apply for admission via the application portal.

Below, you can read more about admission requirements and which documents to upload in the application portal. 

Academic admission requirements

Here you'll find the different academic requirements depending on which qualifying degree you hold.

A maximum of ten students will be admitted to the programme at the University of Copenhagen each year.

The selection of students is based on the fulfillment of the following admission requirements:

A Bachelor's degree in a field of study that is relevant to the programme (e.g., theology, religious studies, classical philology, Semitic languages, ancient history, classical archeology). The applicant must have, or anticipate getting, a Bachelor's degree from a recognized and internationally acknowledged university.

Documented proficiency in one or more "classical" languages (i.e., 15 ECTS in Hebrew, Greek, Latin, or Arabic - 10 in Latin and 5 in Greek is e.g. sufficient, etc.).

The selection of students is furthermore based on the relevance of the Bachelor's degree in terms of field of study, as well as on the grades achieved, and on the number of courses and ECTS-points that students have gained in relevant study areas (e.g., theology, religion, ancient history, culture and language).

Check which master’s programmes at UCPH your bachelor programme is pre-approved for admission to. Please note that the admission tool is only available in Danish.

To gain admission to a Master's programme at University of Copenhagen, applicants must document qualifications on par with the Danish secondary school 'English level B' with a weighted grade point average of at least 3,0.

We accept the following four ways of documenting this:

1) English level B with a weighted grade point average of at least 3,0

Proof* of English language proficiency level B (Danish secondary school) with a weighted grade point average of at least 3,0 or English level A (Danish secondary school) with a weighted grade point average of at least 3,0 

2) English is your native language

The Faculty of Theology  accepts the University of Purdue view that if you are a citizen from the following countries, you do not need to present an English Language Proficiency exam:

  • Anguilla, Antigua, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Barbuda, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Canada (except Quebec), Dominica, Grand Cayman Islands, Grenada, Guyana, Irish Republic, Jamaica, Montserrat, New Zealand, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos Islands, United Kingdom: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, & Wales and United States of America.

3) You have studied in English

Studies completed in the English language and/or in an English speaking country. For example, if you have studied your Bachelor’s degree in Australia, you are not required to complete an English language proficiency exam.

4) English is your second language (English proficiency test)

Applicants with English as their second language (except Scandinavians) must pass an IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge English test before being admitted. We accept the following tests and scores:

• IELTS-test (British Council) with a minimum score of 6.5
• Computer-based TOEFL-test with a minimum score of 213 points
• Paper-based TOEFL-test with a minimum score of 560 points
• Internet-based TOEFL-test with a min score of 83 points
• Passed Cambridge English Certificate: minimum level C1, e.g. the CPE or CAE

IELTS and TOEFL language tests older than 2 years are not accepted (from the application deadline). There is no limitation for validity for the Cambridge tests.

* An official certified copy is a copy of an original document that has been certified as a true and correct copy by a person who is authorised to witness a statutory declaration. Official certified copies are usually a photocopy of the original document stamped, signed and verified by an official in your country. Each country varies in whom is qualified to certify documents, however generally speaking your university, lawyers and embassies can certify documents for you, so that we can verify that what we have is a true replica of the original (and therefore determine if you are eligible for the MA with us).

Application Procedure for EU/EEA and Swiss Citizens

  • Make sure to check the admission requirements.
  • Prepare relevant enclosures.
  • From 15. January to 1. March you can send your application through the online application portal
  • After the application deadline, your application will be evaluated by an academic admissions committee.
  • You will receive a response no later than 15 June.

Late application based on availability
If the maximum student intake is not met after 1. March applications are processed, late application is available.

  • The application portal opens: 10. June
  • Application deadline: 20. June

Help with your application

Guide to the online application platform

Checklist for Documentation

In order to make sure we have all the information needed to evaluate your past achievements and future potential, you are required to submit the following items together with the application form:

Documentation of degree

  • An original or certified copy* of your academic transcript from your Bachelor degree. If the transcript is in a language other than English or a Scandinavian language, please include an official English translation.
  • A certified copy* of your Bachelor diploma. If you are yet to receive your diploma, please provide a letter from your university stating the date when the diploma will be issued.

Documentation of classical language and relevant courses

  • Documented proficiency in at least one "classical" language (i.e., 20 ECTS in either Hebrew, Greek, Latin or Arabic; or 10 ECTS in two "classical" languages)
  • Course descriptions of courses undertaken in your Bachelor degree relevant to the programme you are applying for. These can be in the form of photocopies from your university's academic handbook/course lists or print-outs from the university's website. They should describe what was required of you to complete the courses, what was studied and hours of study. These course descriptions allow us to understand exactly what you have studied in your prior degree, and help us to determine whether you meet the requirements and are eligible for the MA programme.

Statement of Purpose

  • A Statement of Purpose (motivational letter). Explaining why you wish to apply for the proposed MA programme.

CV

  • An updated version of your C.V. (curriculum vitae)/résumé.

Copy of your passport

  • A copy of your passport. Should you have more than one passport (citizenship) please copy the passport with which you will use to travel to Denmark. 

English proficiency, level and grade

  • 1) Proof of English language proficiency level B (Danish secondary school) with a weighted grade point average of at least 3,0 or
  • 2) Acceptable TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge Advanced English test scores no more than two years old (from the application deadline) or
  • 3) Proof that English is your native language or
  • 4) Proof that English was the language of instruction in your prior education at bachelor level.

See the full language requirements

* An official certified copy is a copy of an original document that has been certified as a true and correct copy by a person who is authorised to witness a statutory declaration. Official certified copies are usually a photocopy of the original document stamped, signed and verified by an official in your country. Each country varies in whom is qualified to certify documents, however generally speaking your university, lawyers and embassies can certify documents for you, so that we can verify that what we have is a true replica of the original (and therefore determine if you are eligible for the MA with us).

Application Procedure for Non-EU/EEA Citizens

  • Make sure to check the admission requirements.
  • Prepare relevant enclosures.
  • From 15. November to 15. January you can send your application through the online application portal.
  • After the application deadline, your application will be evaluated by an academic admissions committee.
  • You will receive a response no later than 15 June.

Help with your application 

Guide to the online application platform

Checklist for Documentation

In order to make sure we have all the information needed to evaluate your past achievements and future potential, you are required to submit the following items together with the application form:

Documentation of degree

  • An original or certified copy* of your academic transcript from your Bachelor degree. If the transcript is in a language other than English or a Scandinavian language, please include an official English translation.
  • A certified copy* of your Bachelor diploma. If you are yet to receive your diploma, please provide a letter from your university stating the date when the diploma will be issued.

Documentation of classical language and relevant courses

  • Documented proficiency in at least one "classical" language (i.e., 20 ECTS in either Hebrew, Greek, Latin or Arabic; or 10 ECTS in two "classical" languages)
  • Course descriptions of courses undertaken in your Bachelor degree relevant to the programme you are applying for. These can be in the form of photocopies from your university's academic handbook/course lists or print-outs from the university's website. They should describe what was required of you to complete the courses, what was studied and hours of study. These course descriptions allow us to understand exactly what you have studied in your prior degree, and help us to determine whether you meet the requirements and are eligible for the MA programme.

Statement of Purpose

  • A Statement of Purpose (motivational letter). Explaining why you wish to apply for the proposed MA programme.

CV

  • An updated version of your C.V. (curriculum vitae)/résumé.

Copy of your passport

  • A copy of your passport. Should you have more than one passport (citizenship) please copy the passport with which you will use to travel to Denmark. 

English proficiency, level and grade

  • 1) Proof of English language proficiency level B (Danish secondary school) with a weighted grade point average of at least 3,0 or
  • 2) Acceptable TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge Advanced English test scores no more than two years old (from the application deadline) or
  • 3) Proof that English is your native language or
  • 4) Proof that English was the language of instruction in your prior education at bachelor level.

See the full language requirements

* An official certified copy is a copy of an original document that has been certified as a true and correct copy by a person who is authorised to witness a statutory declaration. Official certified copies are usually a photocopy of the original document stamped, signed and verified by an official in your country. Each country varies in whom is qualified to certify documents, however generally speaking your university, lawyers and embassies can certify documents for you, so that we can verify that what we have is a true replica of the original (and therefore determine if you are eligible for the MA with us).

Danish Citizens/ EU/EEA Citizens with a degree from a Danish or EU/EEA University

Application Deadlines
Second round of applications
10 - 20 June

(for admission 1 September)

Applicants with citizenship from outside EU/EEA or Switzerland are required to pay an application fee of 750DKK (approx. 100 EUR) when applying for one or more Master’s degree programmes. Click here for exemptions and further information. The fee will be deducted from the tuition fee if the application is successful.

If you hold a citizenship from outside EU/EEA/Switzerland, you are covered by the rules of tuition fee.

The tuition fee applies per year and is DKK 53,500 per year.

Please note that tuition fees are not refunded once your study has commenced.

Scholarships and loans

The Faculty of Theology only has a very limited number of Danish Government Scholarships available – generally less than four per year. The Scholarship is only granted as partial tuition fee waivers, and not as an amount that covers basic living costs.

General information about scholarships and loans at UCPH

Faculty specific information about Danish Government Scholarship

Associate Professor Martin Ehrensvärd, PhD, PCC, is the academic coordinator of the programme. You can ask him about most things related to the programme such as:

  • Academic requirements
  • Study environment
  • Programme structure

E-mail: meh@teol.ku.dk

Academic officer Anja Mee Foldberg is admission officer of the programme. You can ask her about:

  • Admission requirements
  • Application
  • Study start

E-mail: admission@teol.ku.dk

Application deadlines

Study start in September

1 March at 23:59

Application deadline for Danish applicants and applicants from within the EU, EEA and Switzerland.
Open for applications from 16 January. You will receive a reply by 10 June.

15 January at 23:59

Application deadline for applicants from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland.
Open for applications from 15 November. You will receive a reply by 1 May.

Admission statistics Religious Roots of Europe 2023
Admitted 8
Admission distribution (legal right/other) 0% / 100%
Applicants 14
Age average 40
Legal gender distribution (cpr. - m/f) 50% / 50%
Nationality (dk/international) 62% / 38%
Available spots Yes

Programme structure

The MA in the Religious Roots of Europe is a two-year programme concluding with the master’s thesis. You can select from and combine a range of courses over the duration of your studies.

In total, the Programme is assigned 120 ECTS credits, consisting of four terms of full-time study, each covering 30 ECTS credits. The Programme consists of modules that vary in the number of ECTS credits allotted (modules are marked as boxes in the figure below). The modules of every single term must be examined before the student can be examined for the modules of the next. There is a steady progression culminating in the fourth term with the master’s thesis. It follows that the master’s thesis should be assessed as the final module in the Programme.

Year 1

First semesterSecond semester
The Study of Ancient Religion
15 ECTS

Holy Scriptures: Judaism, Christianity and Islam

10 ECTS

The Emergence of Judaism, Christianity & Islam

15 ECTS

Language

10 ECTS

 

Interaction Among the Religions

10 ECTS

Year 2

Third semesterFourth semester

Interreligious Relations: Defining Moments, Current Encounters

10 ECTS

Master's Thesis

30 ECTS (continued)

Text: Jewish, Christian or Islamic Tradition

10 ECTS

 

Thesis Colloquium

10 ECTS

 

Career opportunities

The importance of expertise in religion and in its role in society and culture is increasingly recognised. As a graduate of this programme you will be qualified for scholarly work, e.g. in PhD-programmes, as well as for teaching. You will also be able to enter into specialised occupations in government institutions or organisations dealing with culture, integration, diplomacy etc. and in private companies with business relations with e.g. the Middle East. 

Four Nordic universities have joint their resources on this programme which gives you a wide range of choice in specialised thematic subjects. The programme is offered in English. 

For more information about the contents of the programme, see religious-studies.net

The Religious Roots of Europe (RRE) is the first joint Master's programme at The University of Copenhagen and is offered by The Faculty of Theology in cooperation with three other Nordic universities (Aarhus University, Lund University, University of Oslo). Joint Master's programmes are desirable because of their natural international scope and due to the pooling of the competencies of more universities.

The aim of the RRE programme is to expose students to the traditions, formative processes, and mutual interactions in the ancient world of the three most influential religions at the root of European culture and history: Christianity, Judaism and Islam. In this regard the programme is unique.

The three religions have traditionally been studied more or less separately. The RRE programme is about studying the three religions together in their formative period from a comparative perspective, using a variety of approaches, including historical, philological, social scientific, feminist and literary ones.

  • International experience.
  • Advanced knowledge about the religious traditions at the root of European culture in their formative periods.
  • A deep understanding of the formative processes of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, the parallels and differences between the three traditions, and the interaction of their followers.
  • The ability to understand, describe and apply relevant scholarly theories and methods.
  • Skills to communicate about the subject matter and about theoretical insights, and skills to transmit the acquired methods to others, both orally and in writing.
  • The tools to evaluate critically the role of the three religions in contemporary society.

The importance of expertise in religion and in its role in society and culture is increasingly recognised. As a graduate of this programme you will be qualified for scholarly work, e.g. in PhD-programmes, as well as for teaching. You will also be able to enter into specialised occupations in government institutions or organisations dealing with culture, integration, diplomacy etc. and in private companies for example with business relations with the Middle East.

Very many different jobs. So far about 20 % of our alumni have gone on to doing PhD work. 

Here are some areas where RRE graduates work:

Public administration, university administration, mission organisation, other NGOs, social and integration work, ministry, diplomacy, recruitment agency, partner in HR, private company.

Some numbers:

By September 2018, 109 students graduated. And here is the list of places where 27 RRE-graduates have been or are doing PhD-studies:

  • Lund University
  • University of Ghana
  • Aarhus University
  • University of Heidelberg
  • Norwegian School of Theology, Oslo
  • Faculty of Theology, Oslo
  • University of Helsinki
  • Texas A&M University
  • University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
  • Martin Luther Universität, Halle, Wittenberg
  • Humboldt Universität, Berlin
  • University of Sheffield
  • University of Edinburgh
  • Yale University
  • Oxford University
  • International Islamic University of Malaysia
  • Saint Petersburg University
  • Lvov University
  • University of Michigan
  • Bergen University

In addition, five RRE graduates teach at university level: University of Florida, Seton Hall in New Jersey, Norwegian University of Science and Theology, Trondheim, and the University of Southern Denmark.

Student life

About half of the students in any given year come from countries outside of Scandinavia. Further, you will be studying at all three universities in the programme (Lund, Oslo, in addition to Copenhagen), and this produces a truly international atmosphere. Wherever you choose to apply – and are admitted – you will be based for the duration of your studies, and therefore courses taught at the other three universities will partly consist of state of the art e-learning.

However, twice pr. semester, for one or two weeks, you will take part in compact seminars. These seminars include fairly intense face-to-face teaching, combined with fairly intense social interaction. Since its inception in 2009, the students in the programme have enjoyed these seminars immensely, not least because they get to spend IRL time with all of their fellow students. The total number of students in a year is 15-20.

Weekly, or every two weeks, during the first semester you will attend a two-hour tutorial together with the other students based at the University of Copenhagen. The tutorials partly aim at teaching general subjects within the science of religion such as cognition, ritual, mysticism, evolution, and partly their aim is to provide help with writing papers, writing correct English etc.

Finding Housing

Please visit University of Copenhagen general information about finding housing

Contact student guidance

Application and admission

Questions regarding: 

  • Admission requirements
  • Application
  • Study start

Contact

Student Hub

The academic student counsellors are here to help with questions related to admission, studies, study environment and career.

Contact

Student Hub

Location

  • Faculty of Theology, South Campus, Karen Blixens Vej 16, DK-2300 København S.

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