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Bridging Gaps Programme

How to apply

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Formal requirements

To be considered for participation in the programme, you must meet the following criteria:

1. At time of applying, you are registered as a theology student in an advanced stage of a Bachelor’s programme (undergraduate student), enrolled in a Master’s programme (graduate student), or in the early stages of a PhD programme.
2. You are no older than 40 years old.
3. You have (or are able to obtain) an recommendation letter from the dean or a professor from your home university (see ‘How to apply’).
4. You are able to demonstrate a good command of English (spoken and written). You are able to write a research paper (in English) according to academic standards. You are able to present research in front of a group in an academic setting.
5. You are able to function in unfamiliar contexts within a diverse group, and you are comfortable engaging with people who hold different perspectives. You are physically and mentally fit to travel, take part in all elements of the programme, and can function independently when needed.
6. You can take responsibility, and are able to live independently. The students will have private rooms with shared kitchen areas, where they have to provide for themselves (cooking, cleaning, laundry, groceries, planning etc.)
7. For the duration of your stay, you are able to commit to the programme fulltime.
8. You have submitted an application before the deadline, following the instructions that can be found on this website. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Selection criteria

There are always more applications than available places in the programme. The selection committee makes a decision according to the following criteria.

In considering the applications, priority will be given to students who would otherwise not have access to similar opportunities. We encourage students from diverse backgrounds, and those who occupy marginalized positions, to apply.

The selection committee takes the following criteria into consideration:

• Consistency, originality, contextuality, and thoroughness of the research proposal. Proposals should have clear relevance for the context of the student, and your research should be able to benefit from you taking part of the programme. We look forward to receive a proposal with any thematic approach, and we are specifically interested to receive proposals that include a critical hermeneutical lens, focusing on for example feminist, postcolonial, ecological, queer, and indigenous/local theologies.
• Economic, social and cultural situation (precedence is given to applicants from underprivileged circumstances)
• International experience of the applicant (precedence is given to applicants who have had fewer previous international opportunities.)
• Stage of study—preference is given to students who are at a stage in their academic career where they will be able to contribute meaningfully to the programme, as well as benefit optimally from participating. The selection will include applicants in their BA, MA and PhD stage.
• Your academic specialisation. The committee will ensure that the applicants can be matched with supervisors at the Faculty of Religion and Theology of the VU and the PThU.
• Potential contribution of the VU or PThU to your field of research
• Geographical distribution
• Gender representation
• Religious background—preference is given to those who have a strong relationship with their local and/or national church.
• Any other factors relating to the diversity of the group.

Academic Research

During the programme, you will work on writing an academic paper, for which you will submit a proposal as part of your application.

Your proposal is submitted through the application form (see: How to apply?) and includes the topic/research question, a working title, and a research plan.

Please take the following things into consideration when formulating your proposal:

• You must be able to carry out your research from start to finish in the Netherlands. The programme has quite a busy schedule, and you can count on being able to work on your research approximately one day a week on average. (This adds up to approximately 96 hours over the course of the programme).
• You will work closely with your supervisor in the Netherlands, who may ask that you modify your proposed research plan. You do not also need a supervisor from your home institution. Your research in the Netherlands may be part of a bigger project (e.g. a chapter for your Master’s thesis), but make sure that you can be somewhat flexible about your topic and/or methodology.
• You must be able to do your research while you are here. This means that, for example, it will be difficult to conduct interviews in your home country as part of your research. In general, it is best to be able to rely on literary research.
• The paper will be written in English, and must meet academic standards. It will be approximately 30 pages long.

The requirements are formulated to ensure that the Bridging Gaps participants can benefit as much as possible from the programme. If you have questions or concerns about any of the requirements, feel free to discuss this with the programme coordinator before applying or at any other point in the process.