Program Overview

Introduction to the Master's Program in Art History and Curatorial Studies

The Master Program in Art History and Curatorial Studies at the University of Groningen is a vibrant master's program that attracts students from all over the globe. It teaches students to become intellectually thorough, socially engaged, and professionally successful art historians.

Program Description

The program combines a rigorous, research-driven curriculum with hands-on experience in curatorial practice, working closely together with stakeholders in museums, galleries, alternative art spaces, and heritage institutions. It offers courses on early modern, modern, and contemporary art, while also highlighting transhistorical and transcultural means. The program includes courses on artistic research in collaboration with the art academy and explores contemporary conservation issues with a view to eco-critical approaches in art history.

Curriculum

The first semester consists of one required course, Art History Now, and two courses that complement the student's specialization. All students go on an excursion abroad in the second semester. The program includes:

• Art History Now: Theory, Method, Historiography (10 EC)
• Material Religion + Museums and Religion (10 EC, optional)
• Objects: Collecting and Conserving (10 EC)
• Practices: Curating and Creating (10 EC, optional)
• Excursion (5 EC)
• Master Thesis (20 EC)
• Tutorial (5 EC)
• Museum Placement (30 EC)

Program Options

• Master's Placement (specialization): This Master's track includes an optional work placement for which you are awarded ECTS credit points.
• Study abroad: All students have the option to study abroad.

Entry Requirements

• Dutch diploma
• International diploma

Admission Requirements

• Previous education: Students with a Bachelor's degree in Art History and Arts, Culture, and Media (including Visual Art program) are directly admissible to this Master's track.
• Language test: 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) or Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency.
• Other admission requirements: Selection for the Curatorial Programme takes place at the end of the first semester among students of the master's track in Art History.

Transfer Options

• Transferring from other research universities: No additional requirements.

Registration Procedure

After completing the application, the Admissions Board will assess whether the educational/academic background meets the specific program requirements.

Application Deadlines

• Dutch students: 15 August 2026
• EU/EEA students: 01 May 2026
• non-EU/EEA students: 01 May 2026

Tuition Fees

• EU/EEA: € 2601 (full-time)
• non-EU/EEA: € 19200 (full-time)

Job Prospects

The experience gained and the network cast during an internship improve the position in the job market. Possible job examples include:

• Employee of an institution that focuses on art and culture
• Museum curator
• Museum educator
• Independent curator

Research

Conducting research in the field of Art History is one of the most wonderful challenges you can face as a Master's student. The field of research is extensive, including analyzing and interpreting works of art, focusing on the technique of the artist and material properties of the artwork, the museological and social context, theoretical approaches, and archival research.

Study Associations

• IK: The study association of Arts, Culture, and Media and Art History at the University of Groningen. IK organizes various cultural events and allows students a chance to gain practical experience in the world of arts and culture.