Arts and Culture Studies

Arts and Culture Studies at Radboud University offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary programme that explores the rich and diverse landscape of arts, culture, and society. This Bachelor's degree is designed for students who are passionate about understanding the role of arts and culture in shaping societies, identities, and historical developments. Throughout the programme, students will engage with a wide array of topics such as visual arts, music, literature, media, and performance arts, examining their cultural significance and societal impact. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, encouraging critical thinking, cultural analysis, and artistic reflection. Students have the opportunity to study cultural theories, history of arts, and contemporary cultural phenomena, equipping them to analyze and interpret cultural expressions from various perspectives. The programme emphasizes an international and diverse approach, fostering an understanding of different cultural contexts and global issues. Students will also develop essential skills in research, communication, and project management, preparing them for careers in museums, cultural institutions, media, education, and creative industries. The university’s close connections with cultural organizations and expertise in arts research provide students with valuable internships, workshops, and collaborative projects. The small class sizes ensure personalized attention and foster an engaging learning environment where students are encouraged to actively participate, debate, and produce original work. By the end of the programme, graduates will possess a broad cultural literacy, a nuanced understanding of the arts, and the skills necessary to critically engage with cultural developments locally and globally. The programme aims to inspire students to become reflective, culturally-aware citizens and professionals who can contribute meaningfully to the arts and society.

Year one: The first year of our BA programme introduces you to a comparative history of the arts (considering literature and theatre, music and fine arts, film as well as digital culture), to theories of culture, and to methods of analysis. It also encourages you to consider the question of the importance of art: how to appreciate the value of art and culture in today’s society.

Year two: The second year broadens your scope and includes courses offering both European and North American perspectives - on popular culture, American music and art, cultural diversity, globalisation, and intertextuality.

Year three: The third year deepens your understanding of culture, with three in-depth courses on visual, mass and urban culture, and three courses reflecting on different aspects of the culture industry: Popular Aesthetics, Screen Cultures and The Culture of Fashion.

Language requirements
You should have sufficient proficiency in the English language in order to be admissible. No proficiency in the Dutch language is required. Should you have obtained a high school diploma from a European country in which you have taken English in the final examinations, then in some cases you do not have to provide a separate language certificate. You will find a list of these diplomas on the specific programme web pages. Proficiency in the English language can be proven by meeting one of the following conditions:
• You have a diploma from the list of European diplomas, as mentioned above.
• You have a Dutch VWO diploma.
• You have a German ‘Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife’ with English as ‘Grundkurs’ or ‘Leistungskurs’ in the ‘Abitur’.
• You have an International Baccalaureate.
• You have a European Baccalaureate with English Language 2 or 1.
• You have obtained a diploma equivalent to or higher than the Dutch VWO level from an institution where the language of instruction is English in one of the member states of the EU/EEA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the USA.
• You are a citizen of Australia, Canada (with exception of Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, or the USA. Should you not meet one of the conditions mentioned above, then, in general, you should provide one of the following language certificates. Some programmes may have further language requirements, so please check the web page of the programme you’re interested in carefully. 
• IELTS Academic: A minimum overall score of 6.0, apart from Chemistry and Molecular Life Science, which require an minimum overall score of 6.5. Please check programme specific web pages for information on minimum sub-scores.
• TOEFL iBT: A minumum overall score of 80, apart from Chemistry and Molecular Life Sciences, which require a minimum score of 90. Please check programme specific web pages for information on minimum sub-scores.
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): minimum mark of C.
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): minimum mark of C.

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

Governmental student finance: EU/EEA students might qualify for a student loan from the Dutch government. To be entitled to this loan, you need to work for fourteen hours a week (56 hours a month) in the Netherlands (next to your studies). If you are entitled to receive the student loan from the Dutch government, you may receive up to € 1,000 per month, in addition to your salary. After graduation, you will need to pay back the loan. In order to determine how much you need to pay back each month, the Dutch government will take your financial situation (such as income) into account. More information is available on www.duo.nl

The Master's programme in Arts and Culture Studies at Radboud University offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the arts and culture in various societal contexts. This programme focuses on exploring the role of arts and culture in contemporary society, historical development, and their influence on social change. Students will engage with a wide range of topics including visual arts, performance arts, media, and cultural policies, equipping them with analytical skills and critical insights necessary for careers in cultural management, policy-making, museology, and academia. The curriculum is designed to foster both theoretical understanding and practical skills through seminars, projects, and internships. Courses cover cultural theory, museology, arts management, cultural policy, and digital culture, among others. The programme emphasizes research skills, encouraging students to develop their own research questions and methodologies. Internationally oriented, the programme attracts students from diverse backgrounds, promoting a rich exchange of perspectives. Graduates will be prepared for roles in cultural institutions, NGOs, governmental agencies, and international organizations that require expertise in arts and cultural analysis, management, and policy development. The university's campus offers excellent resources including dedicated research centers, libraries, and collaboration opportunities with cultural organizations. The programme typically takes one year to complete for full-time students, with options for part-time study available. Admission requirements include a relevant Bachelor's degree, a motivation letter, and proof of proficiency in English. The programme's interdisciplinary approach ensures graduates are well-equipped to analyze and influence cultural sectors both within the Netherlands and internationally, making them valuable contributors to cultural discourse and policy.