How do processes of mediation influence artistic innovation? In what ways are the audio-visual arts, such as film, theatre and music, interrelated and which artistic values do they share?
What is the specific impact of audio-visual media upon individuals and culture? How do arts events contribute to our collective cultural memory, individual identity, and sense of place? And, through recent processes of globalisation, how does the transnational consolidation of the creative industries relate to the local organization, symbolic meaning, and marketing of music, film and theatre and their collective interpretation?
These are some of the issues addressed by the Film, Music, Theatre/ Performing and Audio-visual Arts degree within the Arts, Culture, and Media Department for Dutch and international students who want to study the arts in an international and digitally mediated context. Because the international perspective, this innovative three-year English-language Bachelor's degree specifically highlights the prominent role of arts as interactive forms requiring multidisciplinary theoretical paradigms. To accomplish this, the programme offers both a specialization framework ( Analysis and Criticism or Policy and Marketing ) and in-depth study into three of the most dominant internationally mediated and interconnected artistic forms within sonic and visual cultures ( Music , Film and Theatre). During the programme students acquire a fundamental understanding of the most relevant perspectives and methodologies for studying the arts as mediated processes including arts philosophy, arts cognition, media theory, arts aesthetics, and arts sociology. Because the programme develops a framework for thinking about the mediation of the arts in international contexts especially in a climate of increased competition and decreased funding, the themes of arts legitimization, globalisation, digitalisation, and intertextuality remain important issues from which to situate current patterns of evaluation, distribution, organization, and creativity.
During the programme, students enrol for two of these three arts disciplines for their major:
The Arts Culture and Media programme is unique because it offers an
The first semester surveys the history of the arts in society, from prehistoric times to today. You are introduced to the social function of the arts, while also developing your academic skills in writing and research.
In the second semester you follow the two arts discipline courses (film, music and theatre/performance). You also engage with arts philosophies relevant for the contemporary arts world. In short, the first year offers a diverse and grounded foundation for the following two years of the programme.
| Periods | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| All students: Introduction to Audiovisual Arts A (5 ECTS). International Students: Introduction to Audiovisual Arts B (5 ECTS). Dutch Students: Inleiding Kunstwerelden (5 ECTS) (10 EC) | ||||
| Arts Sociology I and II (10 EC) | ||||
| History and Theory of Arts and Media A and B (10 EC) | ||||
| Film 1A: Film Analysis (5 EC) | ||||
| Music 1A: Introduction to Classical Music (5 EC) | ||||
| Theatre 1A: Analysis, History and Theory (5 EC) | ||||
| Thinking about Art I: Philosophy of Arts (5 EC) | ||||
| Arts and Cognition (5 EC) | ||||
| Film 1B: Film Analysis (5 EC) | ||||
| Music 1B: History and Theory of American Popular Music (5 EC) | ||||
| Theatre 1B: Analysis, History and Theory (5 EC) | ||||
The second year focuses intently upon your arts specialisation of film, music or theatre. You study these discipline's history and theory while also choosing one of two frameworks related to contemporary professional arts worlds:
1. Arts Policy and Marketing 2. Arts Analysis and Criticism
Both tracks offer arts education as a focus. You also receive an introduction to the philosophical background of your arts specialisation, acquiring a more theoretical understanding of your chosen discipline.
| Periods | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods for the Arts (5 EC) | ||||
| Film II: Film History (10 EC) | ||||
| Mediality to Intermediality (10 EC) | ||||
| Music II: Topics in Classical Music (10 EC) | ||||
| Theatre II: History and Theory (10 EC) | ||||
| Arts Policy and Education (5 EC) | ||||
| Cultural Entrepreneurship I (5 EC) | ||||
| Film III: Film Theory (10 EC) | ||||
| Music III: Popular Music Theory and Analysis (10 EC) | ||||
| Narrativity Across Media (10 EC) | ||||
| Theatre III: Theory and Analysis (10 EC) | ||||
In the first semester of the third year you follow the minor of your choice. There are several options for this minor, for example a study abroad minor or a career minor. In the second semester you follow three courses: in your arts specialization and related to your framework. In this semester you also write your Bachelor's thesis, combining a topic related to your chosen arts discipline and professional framework.
| Periods | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Minor (10 EC) | ||||
| Minor (10 EC) | ||||
| Minor (10 EC) | ||||
| Evaluating the Arts (5 EC) | ||||
| Arts in Practice: Film Project, Theatre Project or Music Festival (10 EC) | ||||
| Cultural Entrepreneurship II (10 EC) | ||||
| Thesis (10 EC) | ||||
| Film/Music/Theatre in a Global Context (5 EC) | ||||
The first semester of Year 3 focuses on the Minor. These 'future-oriented' Minors should help you prepare for choosing a follow-on degree programme or a career. You can opt for a pre-Master's Minor, a Minor abroad, a career-oriented Minor, a teacher-training Minor or a University Minor.
| Programme options |
|---|
| Music (specialization) Studying music in Groningen in the Arts, Culture and Media Department offers students a broad spectrum of perspectives from which to situate music's role in culture and society. Within core modules, students learn to identify the aesthetic, historical and formal qualities connected to various music genres from baroque to jazz and from musique concrète to EDM. The programme provides an overview of relevant theoretical models, drawing in particular from the disciplines of cultural studies, ethnomusicology, musicology, media studies, and theories of race, gender, sexuality, and ethnicity. Individually and in groups, students engage in research projects that expose them to local, national, and international music cultures and phenomena. Here, they investigate the changing processes guiding music's mediation and institutionalisation in the twenty first century. Coordinator Music: k.a.mcgee@rug.nl Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MusicStudiesRUG |
| Film (specialization) The Film Studies track offers a specialization in the study of film as an art form, a medium, and a cultural practice. Students following this track become acquainted with a wide range of film genres and styles. They learn theoretical concepts from film and media theory to film philosophy, emotion studies, cognition and aesthetics. These perspectives enable students to examine the various shades of the film experience and to understand trends like techno aesthetics, transmedial storytelling and complex narration. Film students have full access to: devoted staff supervision and hands-on education; a national high-profile network of professional internships; a distinguished international network of associated academic partners for research and education. Groningen is a lively city with multiple (art house) cinemas. We offer great possibilities for ERASMUS exchanges to partner universities like the Freie Universität Berlin, Paris-Sorbonne, and many others. Last but not least, we regularly feature renowned guest lectures by outstanding artists, scholars and cultural critics. Course Coordinator: Dr. Annie van den Oever, a.m.a.van.den.oever@rug.nl Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groningenfilmstudies |
| Theatre and Performance Arts (specialization) The theatre and performance track offers in-depth study of all forms of theatre as historical, cultural and social practice, as well as the contemporary market and its related interdisciplinarity. Within this specialisation, students study the rich and diverse history and theory of theatre from ancient drama to dramatic, post-dramatic theatre, and experimental performance, acquiring insights into a number of perspectives and research methods. Through individual research and group projects, students focus upon the creation and perception of theatre; the goals and intentions of theatre makers; and the public's experiences and interpretations. During their studies, students of theatre and performance remain in constant contact with the contemporary theatre market by visiting a number of local and international productions and festivals, participating and organizing pre- and post-show discussions with theatre makers and contributing dramaturgically to the creative process of artists. Additionally, they are also asked to create a theatre project of their own and present it publicly in a theatre venue in Groningen. This way they also have the opportunity to come in contact with the practical side of the artistic process. Coordinator Theatre: l.d.m.e.van.heteren@rug.nl |
| Arts Analysis and Criticism (specialization) The Arts Analysis and Criticism Framework offers students intensive study into the three fundamental facets surrounding criticism of the arts in the contemporary arts worlds: (1) an aesthetic understanding of arts practices as inherently mediated phenomena; (2) a recognition and conceptualisation of the interdependence of the arts across disciplines and across media and finally (3) an examination of new and creative forms for evaluating the arts, motivated in particular, by digital media. Differentiating between these various critical aesthetic debates - such as those offered in the fields of arts ethics, performance theory, film theory, and arts and emotions - is an important aspect of this framework. For this framework, students enroll in courses in order to acquire a firm grounding in those three facets of arts media theory (mediation, intermediation, digitalisation), while also developing the written and evaluative skills to undertake their own unique forms of arts criticism and analysis. In short, the arts criticism and analysis framework provides students further grounding into the important debates reflective of contemporary arts criticism practices, which cross disciplines and media, while further cultivating greater understanding of the specific debates and concepts surrounding particular art forms. |
| Arts Policy and Marketing (specialization) The Arts Policy and Marketing Framework offers students an in-depth perspective on how the arts are organised in society. In this track, students examine how the production and mediation of the arts are marketed in a larger societal context. Furthermore, this frame investigates how the experience of the arts becomes meaningful for arts participants, including audience members, music fans, and arts professionals while also examining how these players impact the broader culture. Thus the framework devotes particular attention to examining to what extent local authorities value (or fear) the arts and their broader impact upon culture. The seminars introduce students to various core methods for studying the arts as a social activity, drawing heavily from social science methodologies. Furthermore, the grounding concepts for arts management and arts marketing as well as more broadly conceived cultural perspectives on the value of the arts within the domain of arts education and policy are also discussed. Thus the seminars incorporate concepts and methodologies from a variety of disciplines, especially from the social sciences, management sciences, cognitive sciences and public policy theory. Coordinator Arts Policy and Marketing: Quirijn Lennert van den Hoogen (q.l.van.den.hoogen@rug.nl) |
| Minors (minor) The fifth semester of your studies is dedicated to your Minor: a coherent set of future-oriented course units. It prepares you for a follow-on Master's degree program or for entering the labour market. You can opt for a Career Minor, a Minor abroad, an At work in the Netherlands Minor, a University Minor or a Faculty Minor. Use the link above to find out more about the content of these Minors. |
Additional requirements English: Minimum requirement of TOEFL iBT 90 (with a minimum of 21 on all items), or IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 6 on all items). Language Centre English Test (LCET) level C1 (B2 for no more than two components)
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| language test |
Minimum requirement of TOEFL iBT 90 (with a minimum of 21 on all items), or IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 6 on all items). Language Centre English Test (LCET) B2 on all items (preferably C1). |
| previous education |
Dutch VWO diploma, a German Abitur, an International Baccalaureate diploma, a European Baccalaureate or another diploma that is sufficient for acceptance to a Dutch university. Students with Dutch 'hbo-propedeuse' diploma also need to meet the language requirements as mentioned below. |
| other admission requirements |
This programme is offered completely in English. German students can also enter the Dutch programme through the option of an intensive course in Dutch level 1+2 at the University of Groningen during the summer. |
The degree programme will organize a matching procedure. Attendance is optional. The advice is not binding.
Wil je in september beginnen met een bacheloropleiding aan de Rijksuniversiteit Groningen? Meld je dan uiterlijk op 1 mei aan in Studielink. De opleiding geeft je de mogelijkheid om gebruik te maken van een matchingsactiviteit, om te zien of jij en de studie bij elkaar passen. Welke matchingsactiviteiten er precies zijn, verschilt per faculteit.
Heb je vragen over matching? Kijk dan op www.rug.nl/matching
If you intend to start with a bachelor degree programme at the University of Groningen in September, make sure to apply before May 1 in Studielink. The degree programme will give you the option to participate in a matching activity to see if you and the degree programme are a match. Which matchings activity they provide depends on the faculty and programme.
Any questions about matching? Check www.rug.nl/matching
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| language test |
Minimum requirement of TOEFL iBT 90 (with a minimum of 21 on all items), or IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 6 on all items). Language Centre English Test (LCET) level C1 (B2 for no more than two components). |
| previous education |
Dutch VWO diploma, a German Abitur, an International Baccalaureate diploma, a European Baccalaureate or another diploma that is sufficient for acceptance to a Dutch university. Students with Dutch 'hbo-propedeuse' diploma also need to meet the language requirements as mentioned below. |
| other admission requirements |
This programme is offered completely in English. German students can also enter the Dutch programme through the option of an intensive course in Dutch level 1+2 at the University of Groningen during the summer. |
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 01 May 2019 | 01 September 2019 |
| 01 May 2020 | 01 September 2020 | |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2019 | 01 September 2019 |
| 01 May 2020 | 01 September 2020 | |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2019 | 01 September 2019 |
| 01 May 2020 | 01 September 2020 |
| Nationality | Year | Fee | Programme form |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU/EEA | 2018-2019 | € 2060 | full-time |
| non-EU/EEA | 2018-2019 | € 8300 | full-time |
| EU/EEA | 2019-2020 | € 2083 | full-time |
| non-EU/EEA | 2019-2020 | € 8900 | full-time |
The Dutch government intends to halve the statutory tuition fees for specific groups of first year bachelor's students starting from the 2018/19 academic year.
Practical information for:
Once you have graduated, you will be qualified to work within organisations related to the arts, such as theatres, arts companies, concert halls, popular music venues, orchestras and museums. You could also work for a publishing firm, within government institutions, for research companies, or within public media organizations (radio, TV or internet). Your employment tasks will range from arts curatorship and arts research and evaluation to management and policy consultation.
In recent decades, the arts have undergone radical transformations and rapidly adapted to late-capitalist phenomena such as globalisation, digitisation and the democratisation of creative channels. Due to the increasing influence of culture and the creative industry within the world's expanding urban metropolises, notions of artistic autonomy, forcefully promoted in the 19th century, have re-emerged in philosophical and ideological discourse.
In light of this, the position of the arts in society demands new form of conceptualisation, definition and legitimatisation.
The Research Centre Arts in Society examines these transformations as well as the emerging values surrounding the arts and their role in society. The Research Centre is divided into five knowledge domains :
For more information visit our Research Centre Arts in Society page
