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Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
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Arts and Culture: Media, Culture and Environment Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

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Award Attendance Study Duration Start Domestic fees International fees
Master Degree On-Campus Full-time 1 years September €2694 per year €24830 per year

Course overview

Are you interested in the dynamic interrelations between media, arts and the environment? Then choose the Master's specialisation in Comparative Art & Media Studies.

Audiovisual media are essential to our society. Platforms, interfaces and networked infrastructures have become ubiquitous and influence all aspects of private and public life, and media culture is enmeshed with politics and the living world like never before. Digital media have not only radically reconfigured how we sense the world and create, exhibit and interact with film, television, art and cultural objects. Media also represent, communicate and contribute to global environmental crises.

Comparative Arts and Media Studies is one of the tracks of the master's programme in Arts & Culture. 

Five reasons to choose Comparative Arts and Media Studies at VU Amsterdam:

  • You will learn in a globally unique way to combine a focus on media, art, and environment.
  • You will have the opportunity to study cultural phenomena across various formats and art forms.
  • You will gain a strong conceptual and theoretical grounding.
  • You will learn to analyse concrete cultural, curatorial, and artistic practices.
  • You will gain media literacy skills to historically contextualise a fast-paced audiovisual culture

Summer School

Apply to VU Amsterdam Summer School and develop your academic skills in a focused and inspiring study abroad experience.

Campus Tour

Curious about the VU campus? Watch the full campus drone video on YouTube here.


Entry requirements

1. Academic requirements

Your previous education needs to be deemed equivalent to at least a Dutch academic Bachelor’s degree (wetenschappelijk onderwijs, WO) obtained at a research university (nominal duration 3 years).

2. Programme specific requirements

Direct admission to the Master's programme in Arts and Culture, with a specialisation in Contemporary Art History, is possible with an academic Bachelor's degree (WO) in art history, MKDA, or an equivalent degree. If you have an academic Bachelor’s degree in the Humanities (history, media studies, philosophy, cultural studies), you must have completed a minimum of 60 ECTS in art history/theory. You must also submit a complete application for review by the Admissions Board.

Due to a lack of distinction between applied and academic universities abroad, the level of academic theory that you have studied will be determined based on your course descriptions, literature lists and a sample of academic writing.

How to demonstrate that you meet the above requirements

You are required to indicate in the course description section of the Application Form how you meet the programme specific admission requirements.

Whether you meet the admission requirements, is determined by the Admission Board based on your complete application.

3. English-language proficiency requirements

You will have to demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency. You can find an overview of relevant information to demonstrate your English language proficiency on the language requirement page


Why study at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Studying with a green Conscience
VU Amsterdam champions sustainability and environmental responsibility with green buildings and parks on campus. Committed to climate change research and eco-friendly practices, we are at the forefront of promoting a greener future through innovative education and initiatives.

Be part of a diverse student community.
VU Amsterdam is known for its diverse and welcoming community, with students from over 120 countries. We create a supportive environment that fosters personal connections and collaborative learning, making it an ideal choice for international students seeking an inclusive academic experience.

An excellent history in education
Experience an affordable university in Amsterdam with nearly 150 years of excellence in science education and research. Join a vibrant community of international students and earn a prestigious degree in a rich academic environment. Choose us for a transformative educational journey!

Your gateway to Europe
VU Amsterdam is located in Amsterdam's thriving Zuidas business district, providing excellent access to Europe's cultural and professional opportunities. Studying here offers valuable internships and networking connections, placing you at the centre of a dynamic European landscape. Open doors to your future career with an education that connects you to the continent!


Related information

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