MASTER'S PROGRAM IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES (RESEARCH ORIENTATION)

Issued pursuant to Decision No. 1488/QD-XHNV dated March 19, 2026, by the Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.

PART I. GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO THE TRAINING PROGRAM

1. Some information about the training program

- Program name:

+ Vietnamese: Religious Studies

+ English: Religious Studies

- Name of the training program:

+ Vietnamese: Religious Studies

+ English: Religious Studies

- Training program code: 8229009

- Language of instruction:Vietnamese

- Standard training duration:2 years

- Name of the degree awarded after graduation:

+ Vietnamese: Master's degree in Religious Studies

+ English: The Degree of Master in Religious Studies

2. Objectives of the training program.

2.1. General Objectives

The Master's program in Religious Studies aims to provide students with in-depth knowledge of the theories, schools of thought, and research methods of Religious Studies based on an interdisciplinary approach within the social sciences and humanities; to develop research capabilities, innovation, critical thinking, and the application of knowledge in analyzing and explaining religious phenomena in the context of contemporary society and international integration. Graduates will be able to apply their professional knowledge, scientific research skills, and digital technology to solve problems related to religion in relation to cultural, social, political, legal life and sustainable development; they will be capable of assuming professional positions in management, research, education, and related fields, and will also have the ability to continue their studies at the doctoral level and pursue lifelong learning.

2.2. Specific Objectives

- Specific Objective 1(O1): The program aims to perfect a comprehensive system of in-depth knowledge on the theory, schools of thought, and research methods of Religious Studies; general theoretical issues of Marxism-Leninism, Ho Chi Minh Thought, and the views of the Communist Party of Vietnam on beliefs and religions; and interdisciplinary knowledge of social sciences and humanities to analyze religious phenomena in the context of globalization and international integration. Learners will be able to apply theoretical foundations to analyze, compare, evaluate, and explain the characteristics, structure, functions, and changes in religious life in Vietnam and the world; thereby solving complex problems in the field of research, state management of beliefs and religions, and social development.

- Specific Objective 2(O2): This program develops in-depth skills and enhances scientific research capabilities, including research design and implementation skills; application of religious studies and interdisciplinary research methods (qualitative, quantitative, ethnographic fieldwork, textual analysis, policy analysis); data collection, processing, and analysis; writing reports and scientific papers; and providing creative conclusions and solutions to address practical problems in the fields of belief, religion, social management, and community development. Learners improve their skills in applying digital technology, teamwork, professional communication, and presenting research results in academic and professional environments.

- Specific Objective 3(O3): The program develops self-reliance in research and professional work, including the ability to self-learn, self-research, critical thinking, and innovation; proactively applying knowledge and skills to different work environments and adapting to changes in science, technology, and society. Learners demonstrate professional and social responsibility, an objective scientific attitude, respect for diversity of beliefs, religions, and cultures; have the ability to work independently or lead teams, guide research activities for others, and engage in lifelong learning for sustainable career development.

3. Admission Information

3.1 Admission method:Admission is based on the regulations of Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU-Hanoi).

3.2. Eligibility Criteria:

3.2.1. Educational requirements

Applicants must possess a university degree (or equivalent qualification or higher) in a relevant field, with a GPA of at least "good" or higher, or have published scientific papers related to their field of study or research. If applicants require supplementary courses, these must be completed before applying.

Diplomas issued by foreign educational institutions must undergo recognition procedures in accordance with the current regulations of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

3.2.2. Foreign language requirements

- Possess foreign language proficiency (in one of the following languages: English, Russian, French, German, Chinese, or Japanese) meeting the requirements of the training program at level 3 or higher according to the 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework for Vietnam. Foreign language proficiency can be demonstrated through one of the following diplomas or certificates:

+ A university degree or higher in a foreign language; or a university degree or higher where the program is primarily conducted in a foreign language;

+ A university degree or higher awarded by Vietnam National University, Hanoi, within the last two years, where the program's output meets the requirements of level 3 or higher according to the 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework for Vietnam;

+ A foreign language proficiency certificate equivalent to level 3 or higher according to the 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework for Vietnam, or equivalent, valid for 2 years from the date of the foreign language exam to the date of registration for the master's program, issued by institutions recognized by the Ministry of Education and Training and Vietnam National University, Hanoi. The Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities or the Rector of the University of Foreign Languages ​​will assess and be responsible for the authenticity of foreign language certificates issued by foreign organizations before recognizing their equivalence.

- Applicants who are foreign citizens must have a Vietnamese language proficiency level of 4 or higher according to the Vietnamese Language Proficiency Framework for Foreigners, or have graduated from a university (or equivalent qualification or higher) where the training program was taught in Vietnamese; and meet the requirements for a second foreign language as stipulated by the training program (if any).

3.2.3. Other requirements

- Has a clean personal record and is not currently under criminal investigation.

- I am healthy enough to study.

- Meet other requirements of VNU.

3.3. List of suitable industries

- This field is in the same group as Religious Studies.

- The field of study is defined in the training program standards issued by the Ministry of Education and Training.

- For cases where there are no established training program standards for the corresponding field or group of disciplines, the specialized unit must have a scientific and practical basis, determined by the Scientific and Training Council of the specialized unit and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, to identify the discipline with the closest professional foundation to the training program and determine the corresponding supplementary courses (if needed); report to VNU before enrollment and be responsible for this professional evaluation.

3.4. Projected enrollment size

- According to the quotas allocated annually by Vietnam National University, Hanoi (Expected 10-15 students/year).

- The detailed admission plan is implemented according to the Admission Regulations, the annual postgraduate admission guidelines of VNU, and the unit's admission plan approved by VNU (if any).

PART II. LEARNING OUTCOMES OF THE TRAINING PROGRAM

1. Knowledge Output Standards

PLO 01:Analyze and apply interdisciplinary knowledge systems in social sciences and humanities, along with basic knowledge of science and technology, to solve professional problems and activities in the field of Religious Studies.

PLO 02:To assess in-depth practical and theoretical knowledge of Religious Studies in order to effectively apply it to professional activities and to offer suggestions on issues related to beliefs and religions in a changing context.

2. Skill Output Standards

PLO 03:Skillfully combine religious studies research methods and interdisciplinary approaches to conduct independent research that meets scientific standards and evaluates issues related to beliefs and religions, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of organizations, communities, and society.

PLO 04:Communicating knowledge and research findings on beliefs and religions to diverse audiences through clear and understandable spoken and written forms, meeting the requirements of digital transformation and international integration.

PLO5:Proficiently using a foreign language at a level equivalent to level 4 of the 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework for Vietnam (B2 CEFR) to research professional documents, write scientific reports, and present and discuss specialized issues.

3. Output standards for autonomy and responsibility

PLO 06:To provide expert assessments, recommendations, and advice in professional or vocational activities that apply knowledge of Religious Studies.

PLO 07:Adapting to different work environments through proactive learning and continuous skill improvement, the ability to work independently and guide others, and the ability to evaluate and improve work quality based on acquired knowledge and skills in Religious Studies and interdisciplinary fields.

4. Job positions that students can take on after graduation.

- Group 1: Researchers and lecturers capable of undertaking research, organizing and managing research, and teaching university courses on beliefs, religions, culture, and society.

- Group 2: Officials and civil servants holding leadership and management positions in Party and State government agencies, mass organizations, international and non-governmental organizations, and other socio-political organizations who need to utilize knowledge of Religious Studies, approaches and research methods of Religious Studies, etc.

- Group 3: Management and practice staff involved in the development and preservation of religious and cultural heritage in museums, tourist areas, conservation areas, libraries, etc.

- Group 4: Experts in consulting, applying, and practicing religious beliefs and practices capable of (a) organizing, managing, supervising, and practicing policy application work, such as policy planning, policy implementation, and policy monitoring on religious beliefs and practices; (b) researching and advising on religious policies, such as researching policies on managing religious activities, assessing the impact of religious policies on community development, social development, and cultural preservation; (c) managing and operating research and application programs/projects related to the knowledge, approaches, and research methods of Religious Studies.

5. Opportunities for further learning and professional development after graduation.

- Possesses the ability to confidently research and solve problems arising during practical operations within agencies, organizations, and businesses.

- Capable of self-learning and independent research on theoretical and practical issues related to Religious Studies.

- After graduating with a Master's degree in Religious Studies, students can pursue doctoral studies in Vietnam or undertake specialized research abroad.

- After graduation, students can pursue further studies and research in various fields/specializations within higher-level training programs related to theoretical and practical issues concerning beliefs, religion, culture, and society...

PART III: TRAINING PROGRAM CONTENT

Note:One credit is equivalent to 50 hours of student-standard learning, including time spent observing lectures, guided learning, self-study, research, experiences, and participating in tests and assessments; for classroom teaching activities, one credit requires a minimum of 15 hours of lectures or 30 hours of practical work, experiments, and discussions, with one classroom hour counted as 50 minutes.

(1): Theory

(2): Practice, Experiment, Discussion

(3): Internship, Research, Self-study with assessment