Are you fascinated by films, music or theater? Do you love to discuss what art is, how to interpret a particular movie, pop song and performance and to study the effects that media can have on our societies? Then Arts, Culture and Media should become your Bachelor's programme.
In our Bachelor’s programme students acquire a deepened analytical, historical and theoretical understanding of (a) two art forms chosen from film, music, theater/performance, visual arts or literature; and (b) specialized scholarly knowledge in one of two frameworks: ‘Arts, Policy and Cultural Entrepreneurship’ or ‘Analysis and Criticism.’ This broad multi- and interdisciplinary combination makes it unique.
Studying works of art like music videos, novels or computer games in a scholarly way – how they are produced, distributed, used, perceived, appreciated and how they function socially – this is what our Bachelor’s programme is about. It thus paves the way for a variety of professional avenues into the field of arts and media. Our students have found jobs as critics, scholars, curators, organizers of art events, members of art councils and many more.
In our programme students enrol in one or two of the arts disciplines offered by our own department: Film, Theater, Music. Literature and Visual Arts can be chosen as second arts discipline only.
Please see our blog on recent topics concerning the arts in society: http://artsinsociety.eu/
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 theater/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 |
| Arts Sociology I and II (10 EC) | ||||
| Introduction to Audiovisual Arts A and B (10 EC) | ||||
| Life Imagined: The Arts in Culture A and B (10 EC) | ||||
| Thinking about Art I: Philosophy of Art (5 EC) | ||||
| Film I (10 EC) | ||||
| Music I (10 EC) | ||||
| Theatre I (10 EC) | ||||
| Arts and Cognition (5 EC) | ||||
The second year focuses intently upon your arts specialisation of film, music or theater. 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 Cultural Entrepreneurship 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 ch
| Periods | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Empirical Methods: Arts Policy Education (10 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) | ||||
| Cultural Entrepreneurship (10 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 (30 EC) | ||||
| Evaluating the Arts (5 EC) | ||||
| Film/Music/Theatre Advanced Seminar (5 EC) | ||||
| Arts in Practice: Film Project, Theatre Project or Music Festival (10 EC) | ||||
| Organisation and communication in the Arts (10 EC) | ||||
| Thesis (10 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 |
| Theater and Performance Arts (specialization) The theater and performance track offers in-depth study of all forms of theater 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 theater from ancient drama to dramatic, post-dramatic theater, 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 theater; the goals and intentions of theater makers; and the public's experiences and interpretations. During their studies, students of theater and performance remain in constant contact with the contemporary theater market by visiting a number of local and international productions and festivals, participating and organizing pre- and post-show discussions with theater makers and contributing dramaturgically to the creative process of artists. Additionally, they are also asked to create a theater project of their own and present it publicly in a theater venue in Groningen. This way they also have the opportunity to come in contact with the practical side of the artistic process. Coordinator Theater: 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 Cultural Entrepreneurship (specialization) The Arts Policy and Cultural Entrepreneurship 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 Cultural Entrepreneurship: 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, a University Minor or a Faculty Minor. |
If you have passed the VWO (pre-university education) exam in English, you satisfy the language requirement.
If you have passed the VWO (pre-university education) exam in English, you satisfy the language requirement.
If you have passed the VWO (pre-university education) exam in English, you satisfy the language requirement.
If you have passed the VWO (pre-university education) exam in English, you satisfy the language requirement.
Language requirement 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). Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 180. For more information, see: https://www.rug.nl/let/studeren-bij-ons/bachelor/aanmelding-en-inschrijving/language-requirements-ba
The degree programme will organize a matching procedure. Attendance is optional. The advice is not binding.
The Faculty of Arts believes students can decide for themselves whether they match with their chosen programme based on the available bachelor programme information, by visiting the Open Days, and by participating in a Webclass and/ or Student for a Day. If you are unable to attend one of these activities, a final opportunity for matching is to contact one of the students of the programme in June.
If you have any further questions about matching, check out: www.rug.nl/matching
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 01 May 2023 | 01 September 2023 |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2023 | 01 September 2023 |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2023 | 01 September 2023 |
The Faculty of Arts believes students can decide for themselves whether they match with their chosen programme based on the available bachelor programme information, by visiting the Open Days, and by participating in a Webclass and/ or Student for a Day. If you are unable to attend one of these activities, a final opportunity for matching is to contact one of the students of the programme in June.
If you have any further questions about matching, check out: www.rug.nl/matching
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Language requirement 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). Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 180. |
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 01 May 2023 | 01 September 2023 |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2023 | 01 September 2023 |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2023 | 01 September 2023 |
| Nationality | Year | Fee | Programme form |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU/EEA | 2022-2023 | € 2209 | full-time |
| non-EU/EEA | 2022-2023 | € 10189 | full-time |
The Dutch government is halving tuition fees for first-year students in higher education.
Practical information for:
If you want to continue with a Master's degree programme after your graduation, as most students do, you will have a wide range of programmes to choose from. With a Bachelor's degree in Arts, Culture and Media, you have access to the following Master's tracks at the University of Groningen:
Once you have graduated, you will be qualified to work within organizations related to the arts.
You can work within organizations 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
Hi there! My name is Giulia Cristofoli and I am an Arts, Culture and Media (ACM) student specializing in Theatre and Literature. I am from Brazil and this is my 3rd year living in Groningen. Asides from my studies, I work part-time, but I have also started an art magazine. My favourite hobby is taking dance lessons. I also enjoy reading, spending my days in the sun and hanging out with my friends.
What attracted me to ACM was the variety of topics covered by the course. I love art in general and I found it difficult to only focus on one discipline. The programme allowed me to choose two art disciplines to delve deeper without letting go of the others. It was the perfect opportunity to investigate the world of art in a broader context and still get into specifics on my preferred topics. The way the course was organized enabled me to first get a taste of the options and then choose within my range of interests. Not to mention that ACM was a way for me to stay close to what I love – art – without necessarily having to produce art (let us just say that I am not a gifted artistic genius).
Read more about Giulia and why she chose to studie Arts, Media and Culture in Groningen!
Hello! My name is Andreea and I am from Romania. I study Arts, Culture and Media with a specialization in Music and Film. If I am not studying, you will probably see me enjoying an artistic event or volunteering at a cultural or student organization. I am interested in a variety of topics, from law to religion to fashion, so if you need a conversation partner, do not hesitate to contact me!
I chose to study Arts, Culture and Media because I have always been interested in art although I was never the best at creating it. I could spend hours on end at an art gallery even if my painting skills were never above average and I wholeheartedly appreciate early rock music despite the fact that I cannot play an instrument. Consequently, this degree represented the perfect way for me to establish a relationship with art and to be able to approach it from a theoretical standpoint, inevitably deepening my passion for it.
Self-development outside your studies
‘I think it’s important to gain a practical
understanding of the arts world. That’s why I did (and still
do!) volunteer work at several art institutions alongside studying
for my Bachelor’s degree. I was also actively involved in IK,
the ACM study association, as the secretary of the Museum
Committee, and as chair of the Party and Introduction committee
I’ve organized several parties and the introduction camp.
That was so much fun. As one of the international student
ambassadors for ACM I inform prospective international students
about the programme. Last month I went to a recruitment fair in
Germany.
I have learned a lot from being actively involved in the study
programme, the association and the Faculty – not only by
working in a project team, but also by chairing a committee,
monitoring its tasks and being responsible for an activity.
Groningen is a lively city with a rich cultural life and there is
always something to see and experience. All the culture, sport and
leisure facilities and amenities provide excellent opportunities
for self-development outside your studies.’
I chose to study Arts, Culture and Media as I've always had a keen interest in art history and the creative machineries that make daily life so much more interesting. After trailing down various paths in life, studying other courses and working in a professional environment, I decided to follow my passion and it proved to be the most challenging of them all. The Arts aren't a rigid set of rules - unlike other studies which I have done- therefore learning it is completely at your own capacity to understand it. This promotes independence and thinking critically about what you are learning.
My time at BNN taught me how to work hard and accurately in an informal atmosphere and how a public broadcasting company operates. I acquired new skills, such as writing press releases and dealing with audience reactions. I also discovered my strengths and weaknesses and decided which direction I want to take after I graduate.
I would advise other students to do a placement because it gives you a unique opportunity to look behind the scenes of a potential working field. Apart from acquiring new skills, you also find out whether a particular sector lives up to your expectations. But the most important thing is that you can build up a network, which will stand you in good stead in the future.
There’s always something going on at BNN: from an evening recruiting subscribers at the Kamasutra fair, to supervising the press backstage during the Golden Oldies concert in Koninklijk Theater Carré, to getting Rihanna to do a BNN promo on Facebook. I was particularly proud to see my own press releases in the newspapers, on nu.nl and broadcast on NOS op 3 and the like. But I certainly won’t forget the ‘regular’ hours in the office either.
I’m really happy with my choice!
After studying Nursing for two years, I decided to rekindle my dormant interest in art and culture. I moved from Elburg to Groningen, and started the degree programme in Arts, Culture and Media. The programme is theoretical in nature, but motivates you to discover the practical applications, and offers you the opportunity to explore the various artistic disciplines in depth. In addition, you also follow course units in sociology and philosophy, for instance. ACM is tougher than it sounds, but with some commitment on your part, it’s perfectly possible to combine it with other activities. For example, I’m the PR Officer for the Party and Introduction Committee of the study association, where I’ve met lots of cool people from many different countries. I’m really happy with my choice!
‘I work as a programmer and decide the artistic policy of the Felix Meritis cultural centre, as well as the theatre programme for the Welcome to the Village festival. My job is to ‘know what’s going on’, not only in the artistic world but also in society as a whole. I am continuously busy creating links between current affairs, artists, the works and the audience. On a practical level, this means I go to a lot of performances, read blogs, newspapers and specialist literature, and invest in a professional network. Programmers are also constantly working on fundraising, marketing and communication, finances and internal policy. The programme was absolutely essential to my work; as well as a thorough knowledge of theatre, it also provided me with a sociological and philosophical foundation. It’s precisely that link with other parts of society that you need to create a relevant artistic programme.’
Volunteer at the safety collection of the EYE Film Museum in Amsterdam
Studying film in Groningen gives you so many opportunities to broaden and/or deepen your interest in the field. Attending the Summer Film School in Antwerp, volunteering at the university's film archive and enjoying the support of dedicated staff members really helped channel my career orientation.
ERASMUS exchange student from Complutense University Madrid
I highly recommend the Film and Media Studies department at the University of Groningen. I was a visiting student here in 2014, and I had the chance to study film in all its variants, focusing on theory and history, analyzing movies, and making an audiovisual essay. I couldn't like it more! What impressed me in particular was the enthusiasm of the professors and their assistants in teaching as well as their domain of the subjects. They also created extracurricular activities and the classes were equally effective in both practice and theory. I felt really welcomed by the whole department and therefore I highly recommend you to study there. If film is the field you would like to make yours and you have the opportunity to do so, go ahead!
Freelance writer for De Filmkrant and Moviescene.nl, editor for Stand van Stad (The film edition), contributor to Movie Insiders podcast, Cineragua Festival, Glasnost Radio
For me, studying in the Film and Media Studies program was a way to use my already existing love for film, and mould that into a theoretical framework. I was challenged to dismantle movies, and put them together again. I still use these academic theories and techniques in my work as a film critic. You learn to watch film in another, elaborate way.
Are you at secondary school and want to know what studying at university is like? The Arts, Culture and Media programme is offering a web class! This online course from the University of Groningen is specially designed for secondary school students.
If you are interested in an Arts, Culture and media web class, register here.
