Master of Arts in Contemporary Art History
Explore cutting-edge contemporary art from the 1960s to today, blending critical analysis with digital and process-based practices in Amsterdam’s vibrant art scene.
Best for:Best for scholars and artists with a passion for contemporary art, digital media, and critical analysis who wish to specialize in art history with a modern, interdisciplinary approach.
Overview
This Master of Arts programme in Contemporary Art History at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam focuses on the intersection of art, technology, and society in the Anthropocene era. Students engage with visual, digital, and process-based artworks while developing critical writing and analytical skills through specialized courses on art criticism, new media, and fieldwork. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, including field trips to Amsterdam’s pioneering contemporary art institutions. Ideal for scholars and practitioners seeking to deepen their understanding of modern art’s challenges and opportunities in a globalized world.
What you'll do
- Develop critical writing and analytical skills through specialized courses on art criticism and contemporary art theory.
- Explore digital and process-based artworks, including new media art, through dedicated coursework and hands-on projects.
- Participate in field trips to contemporary art institutions in Amsterdam to apply analytical skills in real-world settings.
- Engage with interdisciplinary approaches to understanding art in the context of the Anthropocene and globalized information society.
- Collaborate with peers and faculty to produce research and creative projects that contribute to the broader discourse on contemporary art.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor of Arts or equivalent in Art History, Humanities, or a related field
Degree offered: Master of Arts (MA)
Language: English; proficiency demonstrated by one of the following: Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (A1), Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (A1), IELTS overall band score of 7.0, TOEFL internet-based score of 100, TOEFL paper-based score of 600, TOEFL computer-based score of 250
Instruction: English
- Proven academic background in Art History or a related discipline
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
- Ability to conduct independent research and write coherent academic arguments
- Basic proficiency in digital tools for art analysis (e.g., digital archives, media platforms)
- No specific nationality restrictions
- No age restrictions
- No prior work experience requirements
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
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A catalogue listing does not mean applications are open or funding is guaranteed. Check the source for your intake.
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How to apply
Deadline: 2027-04-01
Applicants must submit their application through the official VU Amsterdam portal. Required documents include a CV, a letter of motivation, academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and a research proposal or portfolio if applicable. Ensure all documents are uploaded before the deadline.
- CV
- Letter of Motivation
- Academic Transcripts
- Proof of English Proficiency
- Research Proposal or Portfolio (if applicable)
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