Arts, Cognition and Criticism

Rijksuniversiteit Groningen

						
							This track studies the role of the arts in culture from a multi-disciplinary perspective, drawing on cognitive sciences, hermeneutics, narrative & critical theory, discourse analysis & arts sociology.


					
open_in_newstudy website

locatieGroningen
diplomaMA 
typeregulier, 60 EC
start1 september
taalvolledig English
opleidingsduur12 maanden voltijd
accreditatiesNVAO
croho-code60087
numerus fixusnee
honoursnee
Culture can be understood as a complex cognitive process through which humans articulate and negotiate their individual and collective consciousness, identities, values and understanding of the world. The arts have always played an important part in this process.
The interdisciplinary Arts, Cognition and Criticism track focuses on how culture is transmitted, innovated and critiqued through the arts, with course topics such as: the arts and reflective imagination; value-negotiation through storytelling; or social and political functions of the arts. Students are trained in methods from the cognitive sciences, hermeneutics, narrative and critical theory, discourse analysis and art sociology. They develop a keen theory-based insight into the role of the arts in cultural dynamics, and hands-on capacities for critical analysis and interpretation of art-works, debates and developments in the arts, in connection to their social background.
Our enthusiastic staff has an international research reputation and excellent connections to arts and culture institutions. This makes this an attractive track for students who want to work or pursue their research in the arts and culture field.
Sign up now for the Master's week from 24-28 March!


					

Waarom aan de University of Groningen?

The ACC track in Groningen offers:

a stimulating international environment in a typical Dutch city with a strong cultural infrastructure
a motivated international staff with high research reputation and links to national/international art worlds
a cutting-edge interdisciplinary program with a range of methods
choices that allow you to connect the critical approaches to your own art discipline(s) and to shape your profile as a critical researcher and professional

Studieprogramma

opbouw
1e jaar

opbouwThis is a one-year MA track (60 EC). In semester 1 you follow:

4 20 EC from the programme core courses;
5 EC from the other tracks within the Arts and Culture MA program (Music, Theatre and Performance Studies; Film and Contemporary Audiovisual Media; Arts, Policy and Cultural Entrepreneurship).
5 EC either from the programme core or other tracks

In semester 2 you write your MA thesis (20 EC) and finish with an internship/traineeship (10 EC). The latter can be replaced by ano

During the first semester you acquire core theories, methods and concepts to study the role of the arts in culture. 20 ECTS must be chosen from the core courses in the programme which include Arts and the Public Sphere; Mimesis, Narrative and Identity; Media, Materials and Makers; Applied Cultural Criticism; Art and Knowledge; and Capita Selecta in Arts Education. Alongside this you choose one or two electives (10EC total), one of which must be outside of the core courses in the programme.

	1	2	3
	periode
Arts and the Public Sphere	5 EC
Mimesis, Narrative and Identity	5 EC
Optional course 1 keuzevak	5 EC
Media, Materials, Makers: Art and/as Research keuzevak	10 EC
Capita Selecta in Arts Education		5 EC
Optional course 2 keuzevak		5 EC
Applied Cultural Criticism keuzevak		5 EC
Art and Knowledge keuzevak		5 EC
Ma Internship stage			10 EC
Master's Thesis afstuderen			20 EC

specialisaties

specialisatie Master's Placement

This Master's track includes an optional work placement for which you are awarded ECTS credit points.

It is your responsibility to find a placement yourself, but the Office for Student Affairs can offer help with this where necessary.

Onderwijs

taal van onderwijs	100% en
avondonderwijs	n.v.t.
afstandsonderwijs	n.v.t.

study guidance

If you have any questions or doubts about your studies, you can always contact the study advisor. He or she knows the ins and outs of the programme and can assist with your academic planning. Study advisors are impartial and everything discussed with them is treated confidentially. They can also help connect you with the necessary persons or departments to resolve your problems.

study abroad

Students are encouraged to do their placement (which may also consist of additional courses) in an international context.

Toelating en kosten

startmomenten

1 september 2025

aanmelding deadline : 15 augustus 2025
wettelijk tarief : € 2601 (€1301 in het eerste jaar)
instellingstarief : € 16300
niet-EU/EER studenten : € 19200

1 september 2026

aanmelding deadline : 15 augustus 2026
collegegeld nog niet bekend

Please use this step-by-step guide for more information regarding your eligibility and your specific application procedure.

After you complete your application, the Admissions Board will assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, and will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies.

The Admissions Board will then determine whether:

direct admission is possible
a student has to complete a pre-Master's programme first
a student cannot be admitted

toelatingseisen

vooropleiding
Students with a Bachelor's degree in Arts, Culture and Media are directly admissible to this Master's track. University of Groningen students with a BA in:
- American Studies
- Communication & Information Sciences
- Dutch Languages and Cultures
- English Language and Culture
- European Languages and Cultures
- History
- Media Studies
- Minorities & Multilingualism
with a Faculty Minor (30 ECTS) in Arts & Culture, Arts, Cogniton and Criticism track, are also admissible to this Master's track.

Students with a Bachelor's degree in a related field are welcome to apply to the track. The Admissions Board will assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific track requirements, and will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies.

taaltoets
Additional requirements English: A VWO diploma or a subject certificate for VWO English (mark 6 or higher), minimum requirement of TOEFL iBT 90 (with a minimum of 21 on all items), or IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 6 on all items). Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency.

De stad

studievereniging

IK

IK is the study association of Arts, Culture and Media and Art History at the University of Groningen. IK organises various cultural events and allows students a chance to gain practical experience in the world of arts and culture, such as making a movie or organising a concert. Activities organised by IK include an introduction week, a career event and a trip abroad.

Keuzehulp

1/45 University of Groningen
Arts, Cognition and Criticism

€ 303 gemiddelde kamerhuur

12 eerstejaars

66% vrouw

? uur contacttijd/week

100% Engelstalig

instelling	opleiding	instroomeisen
University of Groningen	Heritage and Religion	+ aanv. eisen
Utrecht University	educatie en communicatie educational	geen aanvullende eisen
University of Amsterdam	Lerarenopleiding Kunstgeschiedenis en Culturele en kunstzinnige vorming educational	geen aanvullende eisen