About CRCS

The Center for Religious and Cross-cultural Studies (CRCS) was established in 2000 as a master’s degree program focusing on the cross-cultural study of religion as a complex and vital aspect of human experience in all its diversity and as a social identity. The academic study of religion at CRCS uses interdisciplinary approaches such as anthropology, sociology, philosophy, history, theology, political science, gender, and cultural studies, etc. Students from Indonesia and abroad, from various faith and religious backgrounds, learn about each other from and with faculty and staff members who also come from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds.

Career Prospects

• Lecturers in various public and private universities
• Researchers in various government and private institutions
• Teachers at various levels of education at schools
• NGO activists
• Authors
• Staff members in various institutions

Speciality of CRCS

Up to the moment, CRCS is the only interdisciplinary academic program focusing on religious studies at a non-religiously affiliated university in Indonesia. CRCS is an international study program that uses English as a teaching language. Assignments, final papers at the end of the semester, and the thesis should be written in English. However, students are allowed to write a thesis in Bahasa Indonesia, but they should write a 20-page thesis summary in English. The lecturers come from various universities at home and abroad. Regularly, CRCS has received prominence guest lecturers and professors from various universities around the world and also become a destination for international student exchange.

In CRCS, students come from diverse religions, ethnicities, countries, and cultural backgrounds. They study and learn from one another about their religion and other people’s religions. The students learn side by side in class with the faculty members that also come from diverse backgrounds. This diversity enriches and nurtures the students and lecturers in viewing the diversity itself.

Every year, 3 to 5 students win research grants such as from the Asia Research Institute at the National University of Singapore. Also they have chances to participate in various international conferences in various countries.

Degree

Master of Arts – M.A.

Vision

CRCS aims to be an educational and research institution in religious and cross-cultural studies with eminence and international reputation to promote the development of a democratic, multicultural and just society in Indonesia. 

Mission

• To organize postgraduate education in the field of religious and cross-cultural studies that emphasize interdisciplinary, critical, and professional perspective;
• To conduct research in the field of religious and cross-cultural studies to produce in-depth knowledge beneficial to stakeholders;
• To conduct community service to promote the values of a democratic, multicultural, and just society.

Curriculum

Recognizing the complexity of the study subjects, the RCS developed three study clusters: (a) inter-religious relations; (b) religion, culture and nature; and (c) religion and public life. These areas are reflected in the courses offered as well as directions of its research.

The courses offered by CRCS consist of required and elective courses. Each course has a weigh of 3 credits. Students are required to take 5 required courses (15 credits) and 7 elective courses (21 credits) at a minimum from 11 elective courses (33 credits) that are offered. Besides that, students also required to do research and thesis writing (8 credits) as a final assignment.

Total credits that must be completed by students are 44 credits, consist of 12 courses (36 credits) and thesis (8 credits). That 44 credits could be accomplished within 4 semesters (2 years). The required courses and elective courses could be completed within 2 semesters or within 3 semesters. The fourth semester is specifically for research and thesis writing.

The required courses offered in semester one (1) and two (2) aim to fulfill the realm of knowledge and understanding as well as the intellectual competence of graduates. While elective courses offered in semesters 1, 2 and 3 aim to fulfill graduates’ competencies in the realm of practical skills and managerial abilities.

Students can take elective courses according to their study interests. Besides elective courses offered, students can take elective courses offered in other study programs both within UGM and outside of UGM. The maximum number of elective courses could be taken by students at the outside of the study program is 2 courses (6 credits). Those courses must be in accordance with thesis topic and must obtain approval from the academic supervisor. In determining their grade, students are evaluated not only based on their final assignments but also on their weekly assignments (response papers).`

In the first semester, the program is formulated to introduce the basics of religious studies with scientific principles. Various religions are introduced, then interdisciplinary approach related to religious studies are provided. Theories about religion and culture are also taught. A variety of required and optional reading materials are provided in each course. Each lecturer gives lecture assignments such as weekly responses and presentations regarding the reading material provided and the final project.

In the second semester, students are thought advanced knowledge about main issues in the study of Religion and Cross-culture. In this semester, the research methodology course is given with the aim that students start thinking about research topics. The final task of the research methodology is a thesis proposal.

In the third semester, in addition to taking elective courses, for those who have not yet completed the minimum number of weights (36 credits) in the second semester, students will attend a thesis proposal seminar. After participating in a thesis proposal seminar, students can start thesis research accompanied by a supervisor lectured assigned in the decree of Graduate School.

In the fourth semester, students will focus on research and thesis writing according to their study interests in religious and cultural studies. Student theses reflect mastery of lecture and scientific materials in religious and cultural studies.

List of Offered Courses

No.	Required Course	Code	Credit
1	World Religions	SPSAG6101	3
2	Academic Study of Religion	SPSAG6103	3
3	Inter-religious Dialogue: Theories and Practices	SPSAG6204	3
4	Research Methods of Religious Studies	SPSAG6205	3
5	Advanced Study of Religion: Islam	SPSAG6206	3
	Advanced Study of  Religion: Hinduism	SPSAG6207	3
	Advanced Study of  Religion: Christianity	SPSAG6208	3
	Advanced Study of  Religion: Buddhism	SPSAG6209	3
	Thesis	SPSAG6299	8
	Elective Course
1	Religion, Violence, and Peacebuilding	SPSAG6120	3
2	Religion and Film	SPSAG6121	3
3	Religion, Body, and Sexuality	SPSAG6122	3
4	Religion, State, and Society	SPSAG6224	3
5	Religion and Globalization	SPSAG7129	3
6	Religion and Human Rights	SPSAG7130	3
7	Religion, Science  and Ecology	SPSAG7136	3
8	Indigenous Religions: The Emergence of post-Cartesian Ethnographies	SPSAG6136	3
9	Disaster, religion, and Science	SPSAG3137	3
10	Religion and Public Life	SPSAG7122	3
11	Religion and Tourism	SPSAG6234	3

Output Competence

Behavior

• Students are able to show open and critical attitudes towards interdisciplinary studies and socio-cultural and religious issues.
• Students able to show their concerns with the establishment of a dialogue, inclusive, just and sustainable society

Mastery of knowledge

• Students are able to analyze theories and methods in religious studies with an interdisciplinary approach
• Students are able to explain religious complexities: belief systems, practices, organizations based on the perspectives of their adherents, religious transformation, and their relations to other public lives (culture, politics, economics, environment, etc.). 

Specific Skill

• Students are able to design interfaith dialogues, conflict resolutions, peace buildings and activities of sustainable community development.
• Students are able to design researches related to socio-religious issues

General Skill

• Students are critical to literature and able to analyze cultural-religious discourses and realities
• Students are able to communicate scientific findings related to socio-religious issues through writing and oral communication

Length of The Offered Program

Students must complete a minimum of 44 credits for 4 (four) semesters and no later than 6 (six) semesters including a thesis.

Tuition Fee per Semester

Registration fee IDR 500,000.

Tuition for CRCS’ Master’s Program is IDR 9,000,000 each semester.

Admission

Applicants who meet the requirements below can apply to become ALB Study Program students:

1. The original or legalized copy of the undergraduate degree certificate.
   The undergraduate degree certificate or equivalent from an accredited study program in the field of religious and cultural studies or other fields. For overseas applicants must have an equalization document of an undergraduate degree certificate from DIKTI.
2. An original or legalized copy of the academic transcript.
   Having an original or legalized copy of the academic transcript, with GPA as follows:

1. 1. ≥ 2.50 on a scale of 4 or equivalent, for applicants who graduated from an A-accredited study program, or;
   2. ≥ 2.75 on a scale of 4 or equivalent, for applicants who graduated from B-accredited study programs, or;
   3. ≥ 3.00 on a scale of 4 or equivalent, for applicants who graduated from C-accredited study programs.
2. Certificate of study program accreditation at undergraduate level or equivalent, with the following conditions:
   1. The study program accreditation is current accreditation and is evidenced by a scan of a valid accreditation certificate or accreditation print screen from the BAN-PT page.
   2. Study Program whose accreditation is in the process of extension is proven by receipt of the submission of accreditation forms to DIKTI, not a letter of statement from the related higher education institution.
   3. Specifically for overseas applicants, the evidence of accreditation is the Decree of Equalizations of an overseas graduation certificate from DIKTI.
   4. If the accreditation document is invalid, it will not be processed any further
3. Certificate of Academic Potential Test results with a minimum score of 450 and proven by a valid certificate, which is 2 years in maximum from the date of issuance of the certificate (select one):
   1. BAPPENAS Academic Potential Test (TPA)
   2. Postgraduate Academic Potential Test (PAPs) UGM
   3. Academic Potential Ability Test (TKPA HIMPSI)
4. Certificate of English proficiency test results and proven by a valid certificate, which is 2 years in maximum from the date of issuance of the certificate. The recognized English language proficiency certificates are (select one):
   1. Academic English Proficiency Test (AcEPT) from UGM with a minimum score of ≥ 149, or;
   2. International English Testing System (IELTS) of institutions recognized by IDP with a minimum score of ≥ 4.0, or;
   3. ITP of IIEF with a minimum score of ≥ 400, or;
   4. Test of English Proficiency (TOEP) from the Indonesian Test Service Center (PLTI) recognized by the Higher Education for lecturer certification with a minimum score of ≥ 26.
5. Confidential recommendations from 2 (two) people who know prospective students at a former level of education. Academic Advisors and/or other persons deemed authorized, for example the employer of the prospective student’s workplace. A link to provide recommendations online will be sent by the UGM UM Committee to the recommendation giver via email. Make sure the recommender’s e-mail address is an active e-mail address.
6. Letter of physical health from hospitals, health centers or clinics that have permission from the government/private sector.
7. Special requirements: A description of future planned of prospective students in participating in the Masters Program which contains planned topics/research interests, reasons and expectations for participating in the chosen program, and plans after graduation from CRCS.
8. Letter of study permit or study assignment from an institution for those who are already working.
9. If you have locked the data, a photocopy of the registration file in hardcopy format should be sent to the Office of the CRCS: Postgraduate School Building Lt. 3 Jl. Teknika Utara, Pogung, Sleman Yogyakarta.

Schedule and Registration Procedure

Registration is open every semester online through http://um.ugm.ac.id with the following procedure.

1. Make a registration account in the http://um.ugm.ac.id
2. Register online on the page by uploading the required documents. All documents were uploaded, except for the recommendation letter. Letters of recommendation must be filled in directly by the recommendation giver online.
3. Pay the registration fee through the multi-payment system of Bank Mandiri, BNI, BRI, DIY BPD, CIMB NIAGA and Bank Syariah Mandiri (BSM).
4. Print proof of registration that will be used for registration purposes if it is accepted as a prospective graduate student.

If you need technical assistance regarding registration, please contact CRCS’ academic staff.

Office address

UGM 3rd Floor Graduate School Building,
Gadjah Mada University Jl. Teknika Utara,
Pogung, Sleman, Yogyakarta, 55281
Website: crcs.ugm.ac.id
Email address: crcs@ugm.ac.id
Telephone: (0274) 544976