Dual Master’s in Curating Art and Cultures
A hands-on interdisciplinary programme blending theory, research, and museum practice to train the next generation of professional curators.
Best for:Best for students with a passion for art, culture, and exhibition design who seek a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to curatorial studies and wish to gain practical experience through museum internships.
Overview
This two-year Dual Master’s programme at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and the University of Amsterdam prepares students to become professional curators by combining academic study with practical experience. Students engage in theoretical and disciplinary foundations while gaining direct exposure to museum environments through a year-long internship at partnering institutions. The programme is designed for those passionate about art, culture, and exhibition-making, offering a unique blend of classroom learning and real-world curatorial practice. Graduates emerge with both theoretical expertise and hands-on skills, ready to contribute to the cultural sector. The curriculum is interdisciplinary, ensuring graduates are versatile and well-equipped for diverse roles in museums and cultural institutions.
What you'll do
- Develop and refine theoretical and disciplinary foundations in art and cultural studies through academic coursework.
- Engage in hands-on curatorial practice by designing and contributing to exhibitions in museum settings.
- Conduct independent research on art and cultural topics, culminating in a master’s thesis.
- Participate in a year-long internship at a partnering museum or cultural institution, gaining practical curatorial experience.
- Collaborate with faculty, museum professionals, and peers to develop exhibition concepts and curatorial projects.
- Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world curatorial challenges, bridging the gap between academia and practice.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, or a related field (e.g. Art History, Cultural Studies, History, or equivalent).
Degree offered: Master of Arts (MA)
Language: English; proficiency sufficient for academic study and museum practice
Instruction: English
- Strong academic writing and research skills
- Ability to analyze and interpret art and cultural phenomena
- Basic proficiency in digital tools for curatorial work (e.g. databases, presentation software)
- Creativity and critical thinking in exhibition design
- No specific nationality restrictions
- Open to international applicants
- No age restrictions
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
Admissions not verified
A catalogue listing does not mean applications are open or funding is guaranteed. Check the source for your intake.
- Intake
- Not confirmed by the source
- Duration
- Not confirmed by the source
- Teaching language
- Not confirmed by the source
- Taught / research mode
- Not confirmed by the source
- Study mode
- Not confirmed by the source
- Campus
- Not confirmed by the source
- Prerequisites
- Not confirmed by the source
- Application instructions
- Not confirmed by the source
- Tuition
- Not confirmed by the source
- Funding
- Not confirmed by the source
How to apply
Deadline: 2027-04-01
Applicants must submit an online application through the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam portal. Required documents include a CV, a letter of motivation, academic transcripts, and a portfolio or writing sample demonstrating research or curatorial interests. Some programmes may require additional materials such as letters of recommendation.
- CV
- Letter of motivation
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s degree)
- Portfolio or writing sample
- Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
Contact
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.