Arts, Media and Literary Studies

Are you curious, eager to learn and ready to shape the role of the arts and the media in society and culture? Then you are the right person for this Research Master!

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

Arts, Media and Literary Studies equips students with knowledge and skills to become researchers and experts on the role that the arts, literature and media play in society, now and in the past. The programme offers a rich multi- and interdisciplinary framework within which students can specialize in one of the following disciplines or combinations of disciplines, under close supervision of a highly qualified research faculty:

arts and culture education,
cognitive studies of arts, media and culture,
cultural studies,
digital humanities,
film studies,
history of art, architecture and landscape,
literary studies
media and journalism studies,
music studies,
theatre and performance studies.

Facts & Figures

Degree: MA in Arts & Culture (research)
Course type: Research master
Duration: 24 months (120 EC)
Croho code: 60829
Language of instruction: English
Start: February, September
Faculty: Arts

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Why study this programme in Groningen?

Innovative research perspectives and methods to analyse the changing forms and roles of the arts, media and literature in our globalizing world
Solid disciplinary profiling, in a stimulating inter- and multidisciplinary framework
A cosmopolitan and intellectually stimulating learning environment, with highly qualified staff, excellent international research networks and contacts with professional worlds
Small groups, with interactive, innovative and intensive coursework

Programme

Students learn to apply and expand these approaches in research projects that they design and conduct individually or in groups.
A common course, Arts and Media in Society, which allows students to explore one or more challenging hot issues regarding the arts and media in society, involves participants from across and beyond academia. Examples of such issues would be 'The arts, media and literature: practices of social exclusion or inclusion?', 'Trust and reliability in society, viewed through the arts, media and literature', or 'The mutual impact of technology and the arts, media and literature'.

	Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >	1a	1b	2a	2b
Theories of Culture and Research (5 EC)
Research Methods in Arts, Media and Literary Studies (10 EC)
Theories and Analysis (5 EC)
Special Topics (5 EC)
Arts and Media in Society (10 EC)

	Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >	1a	1b	2a	2b
Specialisation 1 (10 EC) To be comprised of masterclasses, tutorials, studies abroad, or a research traineeship
Specialisation 2 (10 EC) To be comprised of masterclasses, tutorials, studies abroad, or a research traineeship
Specialisation 3 (5 EC) To be comprised of masterclasses, tutorials, studies abroad, or a research traineeship
Research Master's Thesis AMLS (30 EC)

Curriculum

All students participate in the programme's shared core, consisting of a combination of theory-driven and method-driven courses. Alongside this common core, students build their own disciplinary profile by choosing electives from other Master programmes. These can be both within the faculty (in programmes such as media studies, art history, literary studies, film studies, etc.) and outside (in the faculties of religious studies, philosophy, or behavioral sciences), depending on the students' int

Electives can even be taken outside our university. Students also take a total of 10 ECTS offered by a national research school, which allows them to extend their knowledge to other approaches and establish contact with peers and scholars from other universities.

In their second year, students hone their research skills in specialisation modules. These specialisations can take the form of a tutorial or of research internships, in which students join a research project led by a senior researcher (we strongly advise students to do at least one research internship). Such an internship can also be a project conducted for and with stakeholders in the world of the arts and the media. An internship is typically completed with the writing, publishing and public presentation of a paper or report, at a conference or for targeted professional or broad audiences.

Students are encouraged to spend (part of) the specialisation semester abroad, facilitated by the International Office. For all internships, tutorials and international stays, they can draw on the staff's excellent national and international research networks and on a rich range of contacts with stakeholders, such as museums, cultural institutions, archives, municipalities, educational institutions, regional, national and European institutions and policy makers.

Please note that individual courses may possibly still change in the event of a programme change.

Programme options
Master's placement (specialization) During this Master's track, you can follow a research placement for ECTS credit points where you get the opportunity to participate and getting more involved in research. It is your responsibility to find a placement yourself, but the Office for Student Affairs can offer help with this where necessary.

Study abroad

Study abroad is optional
For an average of 16 weeks
Maximum of 30 EC

It is possible to spend one semester at a university abroad. This is to be organized by the students themselves.

Entry requirements

Admission requirements

Specific requirements	More information
previous education	Prospective students are required to have knowledge at Bachelor's level of art history, art education, media and journalism studies, film studies, literary studies, music studies, theatre studies, or cultural theory and cultural studies. Examples of these types of Bachelor's programmes are: a modern European language and culture study (with a specialization in literature, film and culture) American Studies Arts, Culture and Media Media Studies Classical Studies (with a specialization in literature, film and culture) Middle Eastern Studies other related fields
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 language requirement English: 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) or 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.

Transfer options

Transferring from...

All Research universities

University of Groningen

Study programme	Organization	Transition
English Language and Culture	All Research universities	Additional requirements More information: This programme has a selection procedure
European Languages and Cultures	All Research universities	Additional requirements More information: With a specialization in literature, film and culture This programme has a selection procedure
Classics (part-time)	All Research universities	Additional requirements More information: With a specialization in literature, film and culture This programme has a selection procedure
American Studies	All Research universities	Additional requirements More information: This programme has a selection procedure.
Art History	All Research universities	Additional requirements More information: This programme has a selection procedure
Dutch Languages and Cultures	All Research universities	Additional requirements More information: This programme has a selection procedure
Middle Eastern Studies	All Research universities	Additional requirements More information: This programme has a selection procedure
Media Studies	All Research universities	Additional requirements More information: This programme has a selection procedure
Arts, Culture and Media	All Research universities	Additional requirements More information: This programme has a selection procedure

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Arts, Culture and Media	University of Groningen	Additional requirements More information: This programme has a selection procedure.
American Studies	University of Groningen	Additional requirements More information: This programme has a selection procedure

Selection procedure

Application deadlines

Type of student	Deadline	Start course
Dutch students	15 October 2025	01 February 2026
	01 May 2026	01 September 2026
	15 October 2026	01 February 2027
EU/EEA students	15 October 2025	01 February 2026
	01 May 2026	01 September 2026
	15 October 2026	01 February 2027
non-EU/EEA students	15 October 2025	01 February 2026
	01 May 2026	01 September 2026
	15 October 2026	01 February 2027

Admission requirements

Specific requirements	More information
previous education	Prospective students are required to have knowledge at Bachelor's level of art history, art education, media and journalism studies, film studies, literary studies, music studies, theatre studies, or cultural theory and cultural studies. Examples of these types of Bachelor's programmes are: a modern European language and culture study (with a specialization in literature, film and culture) American Studies Arts, Culture and Media Media Studies Classical Studies (with a specialization in literature, film and culture) Middle Eastern Studies other related fields
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) or 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 student	Deadline	Start course
Dutch students	15 October 2025	01 February 2026
	01 May 2026	01 September 2026
	15 October 2026	01 February 2027
EU/EEA students	15 October 2025	01 February 2026
	01 May 2026	01 September 2026
	15 October 2026	01 February 2027
non-EU/EEA students	15 October 2025	01 February 2026
	01 May 2026	01 September 2026
	15 October 2026	01 February 2027

Tuition fees

Nationality	Year	Fee	Programme form
EU/EEA	2025-2026	€ 2601	full-time
non-EU/EEA	2025-2026	€ 19200	full-time

Practical information for:

Dutch students International students

After your studies

Job prospects

Arts, Media and Literary Studies prepares students for successful careers as researchers in academic and non-academic contexts and for leading positions in cultural, educational or governmental institutions, in the creative and media industries, and as cultural mediators or entrepreneurs. As a graduate of this track, you will have an analytical, critical and independent attitude towards the arts and culture. You will be well prepared for a research career in the areas of literature, arts and culture, both at universities and private research institutes. A high percentage of our graduates manages to obtain a PhD position within a year after graduating; other graduates find jobs in media companies, cultural organizations, arts and cultural policy departments, and more.

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 now Brochure Events Contact

Contact

Ask Your Question Here (please fill in this contact form, we will answer you as soon as possible.)
Dr. Thijs Lijster (Programme Coordinator)
Email: t.e.lijster rug.nl
Caroline Dijkema (Study Advisor)
Email: rema.arts.culture.advice rug.nl
Rebecca Elektra Raddatz (Student Ambassador)

An excellent preparation for any future job that is research focused

My name is Rebecca and I am in my second year of the ReMA Arts, Media and Literary studies. During my undergraduate degree, I studied English Literature and became interested in pursuing a PhD. This is why I've decided to enrol in this Master at the University of Groningen. The research aspect particularly appealed to me, and now that I am nearing the end of the programme, I can definitely say that it has been an excellent preparation for any future job that is research focused.

I particularly enjoyed courses like “Grounded Theory & Ethnographic Methods,“ which were instructive in research methods that go beyond literary analysis. In general, I value the interdisciplinarity of the programme. I’ve always had many different research interests and I’ve been given a lot of opportunities to combine these in the past one and a half years.

Attend the Master’s Week sessions
If you are still unsure about whether this programme is for you, I’d really recommend attending one of the Master’s Week sessions. I’ve done this myself when I applied and it was really informative, especially since you are also told a little bit about living in Groningen during these meetings. It is a very lively city which offers many opportunities to get involved with student societies. I am part of Flanor, the literary society, for example, but I am also taking dancing lessons and took part in a play last year. There are many more societies beyond these, so you are sure to find something that interests you! It is also very easy to meet up with the new friends you’ve made since everything is very central in Groningen. This is one of the aspects I enjoy most. I love that I can just message a friend about a meeting a few minutes in advance rather than having to plan long term. And if drinking coffee in one of our many cafés is not for you, we also have many great museums and parks, so there is no lack of things to do.

Student Rebecca Elektra Raddatz

NL Scholarships

The University of Groningen offers NL Scholarships to international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who want to do their master’s in the Netherlands. Read more on the NL Scholarships and on how to apply.

Master's degree programmes in Literary Studies and Arts & Culture

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

Student profile

Are you curious, eager to learn, to understand and help shape the role of the arts/one of the arts and that of the media in society, and in culture? Are you up to some intellectual challenge? Does the idea of working in small, often multidisciplinary teams and in an international research environment appeal to you? Are you excited by the prospect of bringing academic research to bear on real issues in our societies? Then this programme might be the good choice for you.

Study support

If you have any questions or doubts about your studies, you can always contact the study advisor. She knows all the ins and outs of the program and personal planning. Study advisors are impartial and everything that is discussed is treated confidentially. They can also help you find the right institutions and student desks for your problems.