MA in Arts and Culture - Contemporary Art in a Global Perspective

Leiden University

In the MA Contemporary Art in a Global Perspective at Leiden University you will study developments in art in the broad context of visual culture.

Why study Contemporary Art in a Global Perspective at Leiden University?

In this specialisation from our master's in Arts and Culture, 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 and theory – from social and political developments to developments in the natural sciences and globalisation.

Focus on three core areas

You will develop specialised knowledge in three core areas: art from a global perspective, art in relation to science, and art theory and aesthetics. You will also examine the role of museums and art venues and how artists relate to these.

Research art in its various media

During the programme, you will research a wealth of modern and contemporary art works from a cross section of media including photography, new media art, installation art, and more – while exploring their role as communicative agents. You will come across famous artworks first-hand at a wide range of art venues, museums, galleries and cultural institutes.

Contemporary Art in a Global Perspective Degree

Contemporary Art in a Global Perspective at Leiden University is an accredited degree programme. After successful completion of this programme, you will receive a master’s degree in Arts and Culture and the title Master of Arts (MA).

Career prospects

Create a world of opportunities with a master's degree from Leiden University.

What our graduates do

Your MA in Arts and Culture degree will qualify you for a wide range of professions in the public, private and non-profit sectors, including cultural institutions, publishing, media, and public relations, depending on the specialisation you have chosen. You will also be qualified to pursue a PhD and a career in academia.

Our Arts and Culture graduates are currently working with companies including Hoogsteder & Hoogsteder, Sdu Publishers, Valiz publishers, Primavera Press, the Repeat Group, Gavelers Auctioneers and Lyppens, and at art venues such as BAK Utrecht and museums including the Haags Gemeentemuseum, the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, and the Museum De Lakenhal in Leiden.

Examples of the diverse roles of our graduates include:

• Curator at a museum
• Collections manager at a natural history museum
• Project officer for heritage at a government agency
• Art teacher at a secondary school
• Auctioneer at an online auction house
• Research consultant at a recruitment company
• Teacher of art and theory at an art school
• Freelance artist and illustrator
• Newspaper critic
• Director of a publishing company
• PhD candidate