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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes Arts & Culture - Research
Header image Arts & Culture

Arts & Culture

Are you interested in Art and Culture? Is a career in research something you aspire to? Then this is the Master's degree you are looking for.

In the two-year Research Master's degree in Arts and Culture, you can choose between two tracks.

The track in Arts, Media and Literary Studies offers you an advanced study of the arts. You will focus specifically on the role the arts play in processes of cultural change. Also, you will specialise in one of the involved art forms: literature, film, theatre, music or multimedia forms.

The new track Cultural Leadership aims to educate future leaders in the cultural domain, both national and international, enabling them to carry culture forward in a critical, sustainable, and creative manner.

Facts & Figures
Degree
MA in Arts & Culture (research)
Course type
Research master
Duration
24 months (120 ECTS)
Croho code
60829
Language of instruction
English
Start
February, September
Faculty
Arts
Why study this programme in Groningen?

Arts, Media and Literary Studies:

  • Intensive supervision by high-quality researchers in small groups
  • A challenging multidisciplinary approach

The Master's track Cultural Leadership:

  • prepares master students for a cultural field which quickly changes due to technological, pedagogical, political, and societal developments
  • combines theoretical and object-oriented courses
  • equips students with the knowledge and skills to develop an inspiring, responsible, and realistic vision on how we can carry culture into the future.
Programme
Programme options
Arts, Media and Literary Studies (track)

How do literature, film and theatre reflect and influence society, now and in the past? What role do the arts play in processes of cultural change? Find out in this track.

The two-year Master's track in Arts, Media and Literary Studies is a specialization within the two Research Master's degrees in Literary Studies and in Arts and Culture.

The programme in Arts, Media and Literary Studies provides you with an advanced investigation of the arts. You will focus specifically on the role the arts play in processes of cultural change. Also, you will study arts and culture in general and specialize in one of these art forms: literature, film, theatre, music, and multimedia forms.

The track has a multi-disciplinary approach. You will study the arts from perspectives such as history, philosophy and sociology. In addition, the programme is closely related to the multidisciplinary research carried out at the Groningen Research Institute for the Study of Culture (ICOG).

More information about this option

Cultural Leadership (track)

Culture and heritage are the sinews of a society. In an era marked by rapid change and technologies that open up new possibilities, ambitious and critical cultural leaders are required to foster the cultural core of a sustainable society.

More information about this option

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is optional
Entry requirements

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

For specific information on the entry requirements for the ReMA track Cultural Leadership, see: https://www.rug.nl/masters/cultural-leadership-research/#!requirements For specific information on the entry requirements for the ReMA track Arts, Media and Literary Studies, see: https://www.rug.nl/masters/arts-media-and-literary-studies-research/#!requirements

grade list

An excellent academic record: An overview of the results achieved so far within the Bachelor's degree programme and/or other university degree programmes is required

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A Curriculum Vitae (CV)

language test

Additional English language requirement: A VWO diploma or a subject certificate for VWO English (mark 6 or higher), minimum requirement of TOEFL iBT 100 (with a minimum score for speaking and writing of 25 (each)), or an IELTS score of 7 (with a minimum of 6.5 on all items). Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 185.

reference letter

Two personal letters of recommendation from staff members who can comment on the students' affinity with and capacities for research

(motivation-) letter

A letter outlining the prospective student's motivation for selecting the programme and Research Master's track, including their expectations and interests.

other admission requirements

Furthermore, the selection procedure is also based on an evaluation of degree certificates, individual results and the thesis or paper.

Selection procedure

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

For specific information on the entry requirements for the ReMA track Cultural Leadership, see: https://www.rug.nl/masters/cultural-leadership-research/#!requirements For specific information on the entry requirements for the ReMA track Arts, Media and Literary Studies, see: https://www.rug.nl/masters/arts-media-and-literary-studies-research/#!requirements

grade list

An excellent academic record: An overview of the results achieved so far within the Bachelor's degree programme and/or other university degree programmes is required.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A Curriculum Vitae (CV)

language test

Additional requirements English: A VWO diploma or a subject certificate for VWO English (mark 6 or higher), minimum requirement of TOEFL iBT 100 (with a minimum of score for speaking and writing of 25 (each)), or an IELTS score of 7 (with a minimum of 6.5 on all items). Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 185.

reference letter

Two personal letters of recommendation from staff members who can comment on the students' affinity with and capacities for research.

(motivation-) letter

A letter outlining the prospective student's motivation for selecting the programme and Research Master's track, including their expectations and interests.

other admission requirements

Furthermore, the selection procedure is also based on an evaluation of degree certificates, individual results and the thesis or paper.

Selection procedure

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 18700full-time

Practical information for:

After your studies

Job prospects

As a graduate of this programme you are well prepared for a career in research. Depending on your specialization you can explore the areas of the Arts and Culture, both at universities, other research institutes and leadership positions in the cultural field.

Research

Participation in Research Colloquia and Activities

Students can participate in activities – guest lectures, research presentations and so on of the research theme groups within the Research Centre for Arts in Society of the Groningen Research Institute for the Study of Culture (ICOG).

Research Schools

It is possible for research master students to participate in seminars, courses and summer schools organized by the Dutch national research schools.

These 'schools' are organized for the training of PhD and research MA students. You need to select 10 ECTS (usually 2 x 5 ECTS) from their programme offer. They also organize a variety of research related events and activities, in which you are, in most cases, very welcome as a research master student. These events give you the opportunity to deepen your disciplinary profile and to become acquainted with leading researchers and with peers in your field.

Apply nowBrochureEventsContact
Master's Weekdiverse locatiesMore information

Contact

  • Ask Your Question Here (please fill in this contact form, we will answer you as soon as possible.)
  • Caroline Dijkema (Study Advisor)
    Email: rema.arts.culture.advice rug.nl
  • Rebecca Elektra Raddatz (Student Ambassador Arts Media and Literary Studies)

Master's degree programmes in Archaeology, Arts & culture or Literary Studies

The Faculty of Arts also offers one year master’s degree programmes in Archaeology, Arts & Culture and Literary Studies.

Read more

Study associations

IK

IK is the study association of Arts, Culture and Media at the University of Groningen. IK organizes various study-related activities and aims to create an atmosphere in which students can study successfully. Activities organized by IK include an introduction camp, a careers week and a trip abroad.
https://studyassociationik.com/

Synthesis

Synthesis is the new study association for all Research Master students from the Faculty of Arts. Synthesis is both a social network and a platform for the academic development of young scholars. Given our shared interest in academic research, Synthesis organizes a variety of seminars, lectures and workshops about academic skills or career strategy with interesting speakers from different fields.
Synthesis also aims to create and maintain an active Research Master community by organizing social activities such as drinks, dinners and fun trips. Join our Facebook group for more information.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/468316950175210/
Read more
Study support

Each Master's degree programme has a study advisor whom you can contact if you have questions or need advice about your degree programme and other study-related matters. Everything you discuss will be treated confidentially. If you have a more complex problem, for example study delay, a performance disability or if you are ill for a long time, you should contact a student counsellor.

In addition, you can also follow various courses at the Study Support section of the Student Service Centre (SSC), for example on study stress and holding presentations.