Arts, Media and Society

The Bachelor's Degree programme in Arts, Media and Society at Leiden University offers students an interdisciplinary and comprehensive exploration of the complex relationships between arts, media, and societal developments. This programme is designed to provide a deep understanding of how visual arts, media representations, cultural expressions, and societal issues intersect and influence one another in different historical and contemporary contexts. Students will engage with critical theories, analytical methods, and practical skills to examine the role of arts and media in shaping public opinion, identity, politics, and cultural diversity. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, research projects, and hands-on experiences, participants will develop their ability to analyze artistic and media outputs critically, recognizing underlying social and political implications. The curriculum covers various topics including media theory, cultural history, visual culture, and societal change, fostering a nuanced perspective on how creative expressions serve as reflections of and catalysts for societal transformations. Leiden University’s strong research orientation ensures that students are exposed to cutting-edge debates and issues in the field, preparing them for careers in media, arts management, cultural policy, journalism, or further academic research. The programme emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application, encouraging students to critically engage with contemporary societal challenges and to contribute thoughtfully to cultural discourses. Internationally oriented and enquiry-based, the Arts, Media and Society programme aims to equip graduates with the analytical tools, cultural awareness, and ethical considerations necessary for operating in diverse and dynamic environments. Upon completion, graduates will possess a sophisticated understanding of how arts and media influence social change, as well as the skills to analyze, interpret, and contribute to cultural and media-related fields in a responsible and informed manner.

The Bachelor's programme in Arts, Media and Society at Leiden University offers a comprehensive exploration of the complex relationships between arts, media, and societal dynamics. Throughout this three-year program, students will examine how artistic expressions and media influence social change, cultural identities, and public discourse across different historical and contemporary contexts. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, fostering critical thinking and analytical abilities necessary for understanding the role of arts and media in shaping societal narratives. Students will engage with diverse disciplines such as cultural studies, media studies, sociology, and history, gaining insights into themes like identity, politics, communication, and digital transformation. The programme emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, encouraging students to analyze case studies, participate in projects, and develop research competencies. Courses include topics such as media and society, art theory and practice, digital culture, and social activism. Moreover, students will have opportunities for internships and collaborations with cultural institutions, media organizations, and research projects, facilitating real-world experience. Leiden University also provides an international learning environment, attracting students from around the globe, which enriches classroom discussions with diverse perspectives. Graduates of this programme are equipped for careers in media production, cultural management, public relations, journalism, or further academic research. They gain a broad understanding of how arts and media interact with societal structures and issues, preparing them to analyze and influence contemporary cultural phenomena thoughtfully and effectively.

Admission requirements

It is essential that at the start of your Arts, Media an Society programme you have a good level of proficiency in written and spoken English, as the programme is taught in English, and you will have to do all your studying and writing in English. It is therefore important to include in your application proof of your English proficiency. You do not need to provide proof of your level of proficiency if you: * have completed your education in Canada (except Quebec), the USA, the UK, Ireland, New Zealand or Australia; * have obtained an (English-taught) International Baccalaureate. If the above does not apply to you, you will have to provide proof of your proficiency, by means of one of the tests below. You have to organise the test yourself. Leiden University accepts three kinds of official tests: * The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic modules only. Minimum score of 6.5. * The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Minimum scores are 570 (paper-based) / 230 (computer-based) / 90 (internet based). Original test results should be sent directly by the Educational Testing Service. The TOEFL institution code for Leiden University is 0504. Institutional TOEFL tests are not accepted; * Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English/ Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (grade A-C)

Other requirements

1. taaltoets cijfer It is essential that at the start of your Arts, Media an Society programme you have a good level of proficiency in written and spoken English, as the programme is taught in English, and you will have to do all your studying and writing in English. It is therefore important to include in your application proof of your English proficiency. You do not need to provide proof of your level of proficiency if you: * have completed your education in Canada (except Quebec), the USA, the UK, Ireland, New Zealand or Australia; * have obtained an (English-taught) International Baccalaureate. If the above does not apply to you, you will have to provide proof of your proficiency, by means of one of the tests below. You have to organise the test yourself. Leiden University accepts three kinds of official tests: * The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic modules only. Minimum score of 6.5. * The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Minimum scores are 570 (paper-based) / 230 (computer-based) / 90 (internet based). Original test results should be sent directly by the Educational Testing Service. The TOEFL institution code for Leiden University is 0504. Institutional TOEFL tests are not accepted; * Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English/ Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (grade A-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

The financing for the Arts, Media and Society bachelor's program at Leiden University primarily involves a combination of government funding, tuition fees paid by students, and occasionally scholarships or grants. As a Dutch higher education institution, Leiden University benefits from the Dutch government’s funding policies that support higher education institutions in the Netherlands, ensuring that the university can offer quality education at competitive rates. Tuition fees for Dutch students are regulated by the government and are generally lower than those for international students. International students, including those from the European Union/EEA countries and non-EU countries, pay higher tuition fees, which are set annually and publicly available on the university’s website.

Students are responsible for covering their tuition costs, but they also have access to various financial aid options. Dutch residents can apply for student grants and loans through the Dutch government’s Student Finance (Studiefinanciering) system, which provides financial support during their studies. International students may explore scholarships offered by Leiden University, such as the Excellence Scholarship or other talent scholarships aimed at attracting high-achieving students from abroad. These scholarships can help mitigate the cost of tuition and living expenses, making the program more accessible to a diverse student body.

Living expenses are an important component of financing studies at Leiden University, as students must budget for accommodation, food, transportation, insurance, and study materials. Leiden is known for its high quality of life, and students often find that costs can vary based on accommodation choices—rental apartments, university housing, or shared housing are common options. The university collaborates with various housing organizations to assist international students in finding affordable accommodation options.

In addition to scholarships and loans, students may seek part-time employment during their studies to supplement their income. The Netherlands has a robust job market, especially in university towns like Leiden, and students are permitted to work part-time within certain legislative limits. The university provides career services and job portals to facilitate student employment opportunities.

Funding sources at Leiden University are supplemented by research grants and project-based funding for certain specialized programs or extracurricular activities, although these are more relevant to postgraduate studies. For undergraduate programs like Arts, Media and Society, the primary financing model relies on government funding, student fees, scholarships, and personal or family financial support.

International students are advised to plan their finances carefully before beginning their studies and to explore all available financial aid options early in the application process. Leiden University is committed to supporting students throughout their academic journey, offering guidance on financial planning and access to various funding opportunities to make higher education accessible and affordable.

Arts, Media and Society at Leiden University is a comprehensive interdisciplinary program that explores the complex relationships between arts, media, and social phenomena. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of how various forms of artistic expression and media influence, reflect, and shape societal issues and cultural identities. Students engage with critical theories and methodologies from the fields of cultural studies, media studies, sociology, and the arts, enabling them to analyze contemporary cultural developments and historical contexts. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, encouraging students to develop analytical, research, and communication abilities that are essential for careers in cultural analysis, media consultancy, arts management, and related fields. Throughout their studies, students have opportunities to participate in projects, internships, and collaborations with cultural institutions, media organizations, and artists, providing real-world experience. Leiden University’s international environment promotes diverse perspectives and encourages global thinking, making the program suitable for students interested in cultural dynamics across different societies. The program also offers a variety of electives and specializations allowing students to tailor their education according to their interests, whether in visual arts, media production, digital culture, or social impact of arts. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue careers in cultural policy, journalism, media, arts management, and academia, or to continue their studies at the master's level. The program’s structure balances mandatory core courses and flexible electives, ensuring a broad yet specialized education. With a strong emphasis on critical thinking and societal engagement, Arts, Media and Society prepares students to become informed and thoughtful contributors to cultural and media discourses both locally and internationally.