Master of Arts in Architecture, Cities, Landscapes: History and Heritage
Explore the intersection of architectural history, heritage studies, and urban sustainability in Amsterdam’s vibrant cultural landscape.
Best for:Best for graduates in humanities, social sciences, or architecture with a passion for urban heritage, sustainability, and interdisciplinary research.
Overview
This Master of Arts programme at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam integrates architectural history and heritage studies to examine how spatial environments shape society. Based in Amsterdam—a UNESCO World Heritage city—students investigate societal challenges like climate change, urban diversity, and decolonial perspectives through interdisciplinary analysis. The curriculum blends historical inquiry with contemporary heritage practices, encouraging creative approaches to urban sustainability and cultural preservation. Ideal for graduates with a background in humanities, social sciences, or related fields, the programme emphasizes critical thinking and practical applications in heritage management and urban planning.
What you'll do
- Develop a multidisciplinary analytical approach to studying architecture, cities, and landscapes through historical and heritage lenses.
- Investigate societal challenges such as climate change, urban diversity, and sustainable reuse of abandoned sites.
- Engage in critical analysis of spatial environments and their cultural, social, and historical significance.
- Collaborate on research projects addressing contemporary urban and heritage-related issues.
- Participate in fieldwork, case studies, and interdisciplinary discussions to deepen understanding of heritage preservation.
- Contribute to academic and public discourse on urban heritage and sustainability through research and presentations.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, History, Humanities, Social Sciences, or a related field
Degree offered: Master of Arts (MA)
Language: English; IELTS overall band 7.0 with minimum 6.5 in each component (listening, reading, writing, speaking) OR TOEFL iBT 100 (paper-based 600, computer-based 250)
Instruction: English
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
- Ability to conduct interdisciplinary research
- Familiarity with urban heritage and sustainability concepts
- Proficiency in academic writing and research methodologies
- No nationality restrictions
- No age limits
- No prior work experience required
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
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How to apply
Deadline: 2027-04-01 (Europe/Amsterdam)
Applicants must submit their application through the official Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam portal. Required documents include a CV, motivation letter, academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and a research proposal or portfolio if applicable. The application process is competitive and requires careful attention to deadlines and documentation.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s degree)
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Research proposal or portfolio (if required)
Contact
Admissions Office· Master’s Admissions Coordinator
https://vu.nl/en/education/master/architecture-cities-landscapes-history-and-heritage
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