Urban and Cultural Geography

Urban and Cultural Geography is a compelling master's program offered by Radboud University that explores the complex spatial dynamics of cities and cultural landscapes in a globalized world. This program provides students with a multidisciplinary perspective, combining insights from geography, sociology, anthropology, and urban planning to analyze how cities function, evolve, and shape cultural identities. Throughout the curriculum, students will examine topics such as urbanization processes, spatial justice, cultural diversity, sustainable urban development, and the role of public spaces. The program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical skills, encouraging students to engage in qualitative and quantitative research methods, GIS analysis, and fieldwork. Radboud University’s strong research community and international orientation create an enriching environment for students to develop a comprehensive understanding of urban and cultural phenomena. The program prepares graduates for careers in urban policy, cultural consultancy, research institutes, NGOs, and international organizations, where they can contribute to creating inclusive and sustainable urban environments. With a focus on critical thinking and interdisciplinary approaches, students will gain the ability to analyze complex urban issues and contribute to innovative solutions. The program is designed for students with a background in geography, social sciences, or related fields who are passionate about understanding the cultural and spatial dimensions of cities. Through a combination of coursework, individual research, and collaborative projects, students will acquire the skills necessary to analyze and influence the development of urban spaces and cultural landscapes worldwide.

The Arts & Culture Master’s has four specialisations: two are English-taught and the other two are Dutch-taught. As electives, you can choose courses belonging to the other specialisations. The Dutch-taught specialisations sometimes offer English courses. The specialisations are:

Creative Industries

In this specialisation, you’ll come to understand the field that is buzzing with creativity: where art meets commerce, and where culture generates innovation and social cohesion.

Tourism and Culture

In this English-taught specialisation, you will combine historical, literary, art-historical and other disciplinary approaches to become an academic expert in cultural tourism.

Kunstgeschiedenis (i.e. Art History)

This specialisation delves into art, archaeology and architecture.

Kunstbeleid en mecenaat (i.e. Arts Policy and Patronage)

You’ll not only focus on the art pieces themselves in this specialisation but also the social significance of art and culture.

A completed Bachelor’s degree

A Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent, from a research university) in a related field to Creative Industries: preferably Cultural Studies, or a Bachelor of Arts with at least 45 EC in Art History, Cultural Studies and/or Cultural Policy.

Proof of English proficiency

• TOEFL score of ≥575 (paper based) or ≥90 (internet based), all subscores ≥22
• IELTS score of ≥6.5, and all subscores ≥6.5
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE), with a mark of C or higher
• successful completion of a Bachelor's programme that was taught completely in the English language in one of the following countries: EU/EEA-countries, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United States of America

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

There are various scholarships available for studying at Radboud University. Some of the opportunities are described below. A full list, including detailed information, can be found on our scholarships and grants page at our website. 

Radboud Scholarship Programme

Open to a select number of excellent international students. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,083 in 2019/2020). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Orange Tulip Scholarship

Open to students from Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Indonesia, South-Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and China. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees  (€2,083 in 2019/2020). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Radboud Faculty of Arts Study Funds

Students who receive either the Radboud Scholarship or the Orange Tulip Scholarship are eligible for an additional grant to assist with study costs. The grant consists of 2,500 euros paid in 10 instalments throughout the year.

Fulbright-Radboud Scholarships

Open to excellent American students. The grant will be paid in 12 monthly instalments of 1,050 euros. International travel and the cost of the residence permit will be covered, and an extra allowance of €1150 will be paid on arrival.

Sino-Dutch Bilateral Exchange Scholarship

Open to excellent students from China. Consists of a contribution of € 16,113 towards the total costs of one year of study or research in the Netherlands.

DIKTI-Neso Scholarships

Aimed at lecturers at higher education institutions in Indonesia who wish to pursue a PhD or Master's at a university in the Netherlands. A DIKTI scholarship includes allowances for living expenses, insurance, travel costs, tuition fees and more.

Indonesian Education Scholarship (LPDP)

Open to excellent Indonesian students under the age of 35. Involves a full scholarship.

Holland Scholarship Programme

Open to excellent students from Canada, America, India and Turkey. Scholarship consists of 5,000 euros payed at the start of study.

Dutch Student Finance

EU/EEA students and Swiss students under 30 years of age are eligible if they are working at least 56 hours per month in the Netherlands, or have been living in the Netherlands for five years or more. Dutch student finance consists of four components: a basic grant, a supplementary grant (depending on the parental income), a student travel product, and a loan.

The Master's programme in Urban and Cultural Geography at Radboud University offers students an in-depth exploration of the complex interactions between urban environments and cultural dynamics. This interdisciplinary programme is designed to equip students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills to analyze the social, spatial, and cultural processes shaping cities and regions. Students learn to critically assess issues such as urban development, spatial planning, cultural identity, and social sustainability. The curriculum covers diverse topics including urbanization processes, cultural heritage, space and place theory, and policy analysis, enabling students to understand the multifaceted nature of urban spaces and the cultural phenomena within them.

The programme emphasizes a combination of academic rigour and applied skills, preparing graduates for careers in urban planning, cultural management, policy advisory, research, and consultancy roles. Courses are often complemented by case studies, fieldwork, and project-based learning to ensure practical relevance and experiential knowledge. Students are encouraged to develop their research capabilities through a thesis project, which involves original inquiry into a specific aspect of urban and cultural geography.

Radboud University also fosters an international environment, attracting students from around the world, which enriches class discussions and broadens perspectives on global urban and cultural issues. The university’s strong connections with local urban authorities, cultural institutions, and international partners provide additional opportunities for internships and collaborative projects. Graduates of this programme are well-prepared to contribute to solving complex urban and cultural challenges in diverse contexts, promoting sustainable and inclusive urban development. The programme is typically one year full-time or part-time over two years, with a balanced focus on theoretical frameworks and practical application, ensuring students can apply their knowledge effectively in their future careers.