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

Why study Museums and Collections at Leiden University?

This master's programme will equip you with the skills and knowledge to play a key role in the future of museums and cultural institutions. During the programme you will examine how the social functions of museums and collections have developed in the past centuries, and how they are now changing rapidly under political and economic pressure. You will become aware of the increasing overlap that exists between the traditional tasks of museum curators, departments of education, and management. You will come to understand the complicated ethical and legal issues concerning 'contested' museum objects and the debate on restitution of acquisitions from the colonial period.

Explore the impact of current issues on museums and heritage

You will gain an understanding of the impact of globalisation and the changing geopolitical relations on the status of cultural heritage, including political, ethical, 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

Access unique resources at the expansive range of major museums, collections, libraries and research schools within easy reach of Leiden University. At the end of the programme you will be ready 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.

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

A Leiden University degree

Leiden University Master's graduates are sought-after employees at (inter)national organisations. Our graduates are known for their combination of robust academic training, in-depth and relevant knowledge, and critical, multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving.