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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes Arts, Media and Literary Studies - Research
Header image Arts, Media and Literary Studies

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.
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Facts & Figures
Degree
MA in Arts & Culture (research)
Course type
Research master
Duration
24 months (120 ECTS)
Croho code
60829
Language of instruction
English
Start
February, September
Faculty
Arts
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 >1a1b2a2b
Research Methods: Research in Digital Archives (5 EC)
Theories of Culture and Research (5 EC)
Research Methods: Grounded Theory and Ethnographic Methods (5 EC)
Special Topics 1 (5 EC)
Theories and Analysis (5 EC)
Research Methods: Ecocritical Methods (5 EC)
Special Topics 2 (10 EC)
Arts and Media in Society (10 EC)
Research Design (5 EC)
Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
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 recommended
  • For an average of 16 weeks
  • Maximum of 30 EC
Entry requirements

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Arts, Culture and MediaUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

This programme has a selection procedure.

English Language and CultureUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

This programme has a selection procedure

European Languages and CulturesUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

With a specialization in literature, film and culture This programme has a selection procedure

Classical StudiesUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

With a specialization in literature, film and culture This programme has a selection procedure

American StudiesUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

This programme has a selection procedure

Media StudiesUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

This programme has a selection procedure

Middle Eastern StudiesUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

This programme has a selection procedure

Dutch Language and CultureUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

This programme has a selection procedure

Art HistoryUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

This programme has a selection procedure

Art HistoryUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

This programme has a selection procedure

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Dutch Language and CultureAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

This programme has a selection procedure

American StudiesAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

This programme has a selection procedure.

Arts, Culture and MediaAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

This programme has a selection procedure

European Languages and CulturesAll 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

Middle Eastern StudiesAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

This programme has a selection procedure

Media StudiesAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

This programme has a selection procedure

English Language and CultureAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

This programme has a selection procedure

Art HistoryAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

This programme has a selection procedure

Art HistoryAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

This programme has a selection procedure

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore 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). 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 studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore 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). 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 studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 18700full-time

Practical information for:

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, etc. 
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.

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marktdiverse locatiesMore information

Contact

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.
Read more

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.

Read more

Study associations

Synthesis

Synthesis is the new study association for all Research Master students from the Faculty of Arts. Synthesis is both a social network and a platform for the academic development of young scholars. Given our shared interest in academic research, Synthesis organizes a variety of seminars, lectures and workshops about academic skills or career strategy with interesting speakers from different fields.
Synthesis also aims to create and maintain an active Research Master community by organizing social activities such as drinks, dinners and fun trips. Join our Facebook group for more information.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/468316950175210/
Read more
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.