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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes Arts and Culture History of Architecture and Urbanism
Header image History of Architecture and Urbanism

History of Architecture and Urbanism

The Master's track History of Architecture and Urbanism explores the evolution of cities, villages, and landscape design in Europe within the continuously changing global environment.

Cities, neighbourhoods, buildings, parks, and cultural landscapes define the setting of our everyday life. No other human-made artifacts document the evolution of social relations, economic trends, technological innovations, philosophical views on humans and nature, politics, society, and culture more eloquently than architecture and urbanism. Our built heritage connects us to our past and helps us to position ourselves in the world around us. It helps us envision our future. Moreover, the impact of cities and buildings on health is self-evident – urban planners gave us our water management systems, and architects designed functional public housing and healthcare buildings. They are fascinating works of architecture that impact people’s mental and physical health, happiness, and well-being.

This Master's track provides students with a rich and varied introduction to the history and theory of architecture and urban planning, cultural heritage, and healthy cities. It offers our students a progressive approach to architectural and urban history and theory, fit for our transforming times. Some of the courses we offer are affiliated with the Expertise Center Architecture, Urbanism and Health and give those interested in the health impacts of the built environment opportunities to explore these impacts from the perspective of architectural and urban design. Our master's degree allows students to specialize in architectural history and theory, cultural heritage, the health impacts of architecture and urbanism, or their complex links and connections. All of our graduates find attractive employment in their field immediately after the completion of the degree.


Facts & Figures
Degree
MA in Arts & Culture
Course type
Master
Duration
12 months (60 ECTS)
Croho code
60087
Language of instruction
English
Start
September
Faculty
Arts
Why study this programme in Groningen?

The MA track positions the evolution of the European city (including the post-socialist cities in Central and Eastern Europe) as intimately linked with trends and tendencies at the global scale.

  • At the University of Groningen, the history and theory of architecture and urbanism has a strong and distinctive profile. It is taught within the context of social, economic, political, cultural, and philosophical phenomena and geared towards the active participation of the students in the discourse on global urban tendencies. Embedded in a classical art historical context, this so-called 'Groningen school' expands its scientific explorations to meet the neighbouring spatial sciences and targets planners and policymakers, cultural heritage specialists, as well as historians and art historians.
  • Past, present, and future are seen as a continuum, the historian's expertise and research tools as constituting a methodology that is applicable throughout this continuum, its essence being the conviction that historical knowledge is key to tackling current and upcoming challenges, including human-made crises.
  • The University of Groningen promotes cooperation and actively collaborates with universities and institutions in the Netherlands and abroad: Delft University of Technology, Gent University of Technology, Berlin University of Technology, ETH Zürich, Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Dutch Cultural Heritage Agency, ICOMOS, International New Town Institute, and others.
  • The beautiful historic city of Groningen is well-known for being the liveliest student city in the Netherlands, with a vibrant international student population.
Programme

Starting with the European city, this Master's track provides students with the expertise and critical perspective to study both historical and contemporary urban processes in today's global setting. Historians, architects, urban planners, cultural heritage specialists, environmental scientists, medical professionals, and policymakers highly benefit from the courses offered in this track.

The Master's track has two distinct components. The first semester is organized around a number of courses that foster the intense cooperation between students (historians, architects, environmental scientists, etc.) and staff. The second semester encourages the students to develop their academic skills, culminating in individual research projects. Here the personal preferences, skills, and ambitions of the students are embedded in a custom-made programme that includes interaction with a range of different institutions and professionals (architectural firms, urban planning boards, healthcare institutions, heritage authorities, etc.).

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Cultural Heritage (10 EC)
Origins of Healthy City (10 EC)
Theories and Methodologies in Architectural and Urban History (10 EC)
Internship (10 EC)
Master Thesis (20 EC)

Curriculum


'Cultural Heritage' explores the ways in which we pass on historical relics to the future, what this says about our cultures and societies, and the tension between global trends and local identities.'Origins of the Healthy City' examines the relationship between healthy cities and urban policies. In 'Theories and Methodologies in Architectural and Urban History', students develop a critical overview of thoughts on function (type) and thoughts on form and style and do research into a specific European city (e.g., Prague, Berlin, Barcelona, Paris, Belgrade, and Budapest, amongst others); students actively participate in excursions and are encouraged to explore the cities in different contexts.

Programme options
History of Architecture and Town planning (track)

The Master's track confronts architectural and urban history and theory of the European city, focusing on the period after 1750, with contemporary urban tendencies at the global scale.

This results in a critical international perspective and the capacity to combine the body of knowledge of various disciplines within an overall historical framework.

More information about this option

Master's placement (specialization)

This Master's track includes an optional work placement for which you are awarded ECTS credit points.

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 recommended

Students are encouraged to spend a term abroad to complement the MA curriculum; especially the 2nd semester offers ample opportunities to opt for study, research, or internship at a foreign university or institution, thanks to our international network and exchange contracts in Germany, Belgium, Italy, Colombia, Spain, Poland, Hungary, and elsewhere. Furthermore, our collaboration with the International New Town Institute offers our students exchange projects in China and Kenya.

Entry requirements

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Art HistoryUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
American StudiesUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

With a Faculty Minor History in Art, Architecture and Landscape, you are eligible for admission to this Master's track only via the Master Admission Board

Communication and Information StudiesUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

With a Faculty Minor History in Art, Architecture and Landscape, you are eligible for admission to this Master's track only via the Master Admission Board

Arts, Culture and MediaUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

With a Faculty Minor (30 ECTS) History in Art, Architecture and Landscape, you are eligible for admission to this Master's track only via the Master Admission Board

English Language and CultureUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

With a Faculty Minor History in Art, Architecture and Landscape, you are eligible for admission to this Master's track only via the Master Admission Board

European Languages and CulturesUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

With a Faculty Minor History in Art, Architecture and Landscape, you are eligible for admission to this Master's track only via the Master Admission Board

History (part-time)University of GroningenNo additional requirements
Media StudiesUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

With a Faculty Minor History in Art, Architecture and Landscape, you are eligible for admission to this Master's track only via the Master Admission Board

Minorities & MultilingualismUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

With a Faculty Minor History in Art, Architecture and Landscape, you are eligible for admission to this Master's track only via the Master Admission Board

Dutch Language and CultureUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

With a Faculty Minor History in Art, Architecture and Landscape, you are eligible for admission to this Master's track only via the Master Admission Board

ArchaeologyUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Spatial Planning and DesignUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Human Geography and PlanningUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Art HistoryAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements
Landscape Architecture and PlanningAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements
History (part-time)All Research universitiesNo additional requirements
ArchaeologyAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements
Human Geography and PlanningAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements
Urban StudiesAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

Students with a Bachelor's degree in Art History, Architecture, Spatial Planning, Archaeology, History, Urban Studies or Design Studies are directly admissible to this Master's track. University of Groningen students with a BA in:

  • American Studies
  • Arts Culture and Media
  • Communication & Information Sciences
  • Dutch Languages and Cultures
  • English Language and Culture
  • European Languages and Cultures
  • Media Studies
  • Minorities & Multilingualism

with a Faculty Minor (30 ECTS) in History in Art, Architecture and Landscape are also eligible for admission to this Master's track only via the Admission Board.

Professionals and students with a background in a related field, such as architectural and urban history, urban studies, architecture, urbanism, urban design, public health, urban health, are welcome to apply to the track. The Admission Board will assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific track requirements, and will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies.

Checklist previous education (to upload to the Progress Portal): https://www.rug.nl/let/studeren-bij-ons/kunstgeschiedenis/arts-and-culture-history-of-architecture-and-town-planning-checklist-completed.docx

language test

Additional requirements English: A VWO diploma or a subject certificate for VWO English (mark 6 or higher), 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.

Registration procedure

Please use this step-by-step guide for more information regarding your eligibility and your specific application procedure.

After you complete your application, the Admissions Board will assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, and will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies.

The Admissions Board will then determine whether:

  • direct admission is possible
  • a student has to complete a pre-Master's programme first
  • a student cannot be admitted

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students15 August 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

Students with a Bachelor's degree in Art History, Architecture, Spatial Planning, Archaeology, History, urban studies or design studies are directly admissible to this Master's track. University of Groningen students with a BA in:

  • American Studies
  • Arts Culture and Media
  • Communication & Information Sciences
  • Dutch Languages and Cultures
  • English Language and Culture
  • European Languages and Cultures
  • Media Studies
  • Minorities & Multilingualism

with a Faculty Minor (30 ECTS) in History in Art, Architecture and Landscape are also eligible for admission to this Master's track only via the Admission Board.

Professionals and students with a background in a related field, such as architectural and urban history, urban studies, architecture, urbanism, urban design, public health, urban health, are welcome to apply to the track. The Admission Board will assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific track requirements, and will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies.

Checklist previous education (to upload to the Progress Portal): https://www.rug.nl/let/studeren-bij-ons/kunstgeschiedenis/arts-and-culture-history-of-architecture-and-town-planning-checklist-completed.docx

language test

Additional requirements English: A VWO diploma or a subject certificate for VWO English (mark 6 or higher), 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.

Registration procedure

Please use this step-by-step guide for more information regarding your eligibility and your specific application procedure.

After you complete your application, the Admissions Board will assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, and will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies.

The Admissions Board will then determine whether:

  • direct admission is possible
  • a student has to complete a pre-Master's programme first
  • a student cannot be admitted

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students15 August 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 18700full-time

Practical information for:

After your studies

Job prospects

The master's track opens a myriad of career opportunities, in the Netherlands and abroad, as has been proved over the years. Specifically, our graduates have found careers in the Province of South Holland, De Architects (architectural journalism), CeanConsluting (a management office), Vitruvianum (an architecture centre in Heerlen), the municipality of Groningen, real estate advisory office, architectural firms, and elsewhere.

Job examples

  • A Job in the Field of Journalism and Public Relations
  • A Job as an Advisor for Healthcare Institutions
  • A Job for Private or Public Architecture and Urban Platforms
  • Researcher or other Scientific Careers
  • A Job in the Field of Urban History and Consultancy for Municipal Agencies and Scientific Institutions
Research

The research of the Expertise Center reflects its roots in the history and theory of architecture and urbanism: it focuses on architectural and urban objects, their cultural values, and their performance (specifically in terms of health impacts). Topics range from urban biographies to designers' monographs, from building typologies to the issues at stake when modifying cultural heritage, from the morphology of post-war housing estates to the use and reuse of public space.

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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.
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The programme is flexible: I had the freedom to write about any topic that I liked

I have been passionate about architecture ever since I first set foot in the medieval Gothic church in my hometown as a child. It was not a religious experience for me - I was simply mesmerised by the structure, grandeur, and beauty of the building. It felt like strolling through a human-made forest, but with compound piers instead of trees.

During my Bachelor’s, I simultaneously explored the fields of art, architecture, and landscape, but my interest always gravitated towards architecture. What truly inspired me to pursue this Master’s degree was the programme's flexibility; I had the freedom to write about any topic that I liked. However, my interests evolved over time. Although medieval architecture initially fuelled my passion for architecture, learning about cultural heritage, Expressionism, different types of urbanism, typologies, and architectural styles caused a shift in my interests halfway through my Master’s degree. An intensive and highly informative excursion to Vienna and Prague contributed to this, too. Ultimately, my thesis focused on 21st-century English Neo-traditionalism, exploring its merits and political implications. My internship in Rotterdam, at a cultural heritage bureau where I studied Post ‘45 and Post ‘65 Dutch neighbourhoods, provided a refreshing change of scenery at the end of my studies.

During this time, I was fortunate to be offered a teaching position within the Bachelor’s programme at the University of Groningen, which I still hold today. I feel like my extensive background in architectural and urban history has set me up for success for life, to pursue whatever I want within our field - whether this is a continued career in academia through a PhD, or something else entirely.
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Research Master

Are you interested in a research oriented career? Please also check our Research Master's Programme of Arts & Culture.

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/
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.