Arts and Culture

specialisatie Art, Architecture and Interior before 1800

The MA Art, Architecture and Interior before 1800 offers a unique programme focused on the role of medieval and early modern art, architecture and the decorative arts in society.

Issues you will address cut across boundaries of geography, chronology and discipline. You will be studying art and architecture that played a crucial role in cultural exchange, as well as international networks of artists, architects and patrons.

Our innovative, interdisciplinary programme takes advantage of its close collaboration with prominent museums and institutions in Leiden, elsewhere in the Netherlands (the Rijksmuseum) and abroad (the Louvre). You will have direct access to world-class resources such as the University Print Room and prominent conservators and restorers.

You will be given the opportunity to combine in-depth research with internships at leading museums and institutions. This programme prepares you for a range of careers in academia, as well as for careers in institutions for heritage, auction houses, teaching, curatorship, art journalism and publishing.

specialisatie Contemporary Art in a Global Perspective

In the MA Art of the Contemporary World and World Art Studies at Leiden University you will be studying the developments in art in the broad context of visual culture.

In the Art of the Contemporary World and World Art Studies programme you will gain an understanding of the challenges presented by art history today, and explore developments in art in the broad context of visual culture – from social and political developments and developments in natural sciences to globalisation.

You will:

• develop specialised knowledge in three core areas: art from a global perspective, art in relation to science, and art theory and aesthetics;
• research a wealth of modern and contemporary art works from a cross section of mediums including photography, new media art, installation art, and more – while exploring their role as communicative mediums;
• view famous artworks first-hand at the many major galleries, museums and cultural institutes;
• gain a degree that qualifies you for a variety of professions including roles in cultural institutes such as museums and galleries, in the media sector, the art trade, journalism or public relations;
• learn how to promote collaboration between artists and art venues.

specialisatie Museums and Collections

In the MA specialisation Arts and Culture: Museums and Collections at Leiden University you will learn about the ethical, political and practical dilemmas that affect museums today.

The Master's programme will equip you with the skills and knowledge to play a key role in the future of museums and cultural institutions.

You will:

• Examine how the social functions of museums and collections are changing rapidly under political and economic pressure and the increasing overlap that exists between the traditional tasks of museum curators, departments of education, and management.
• Gain an understanding of the impact of globalisation and the changing geopolitical relations on the status of cultural heritage, including political, legal and museological aspects. You will study these issues within the context of the history and theory of collections and the cultural politics of museums and heritage.
• Access unique resources at the expansive range of major museums, collections, libraries and research schools within easy reach of Leiden University.
• Equip yourself for an exciting career in a range of roles in institutions including museums, galleries, (art) libraries and archives, as well as in the media sector or within journalism.