Culture and Change - Critical Studies in the Humanities, Master's Programme (Two-Year)

This is a two-year master’s programme in Cultural Studies which is based in the humanities but also uses methods, theories, and approaches from other fields, such as participatory design, critical museology, and artistic research. A distinguishing feature of this programme is the bridging of theory and practice. You will study culture in a broad sense and practically engage with different forms of cultural production as it takes place within institutions such as museums, theatres, arts venues, and in dialogue with stakeholders such as artists, curators, activists, collectives, and small enterprises. An important part of this multidisciplinary programme is to provide opportunities for you as a student to collaborate with cultural stakeholders and co-create your own productions, as well as build a community of peers.

This programme starts with new students every autumn semester. The first year focusses on getting to grips with key theoretical concepts and concerns in the field. We will draw on a wide range of material from film and visual art to performances and public monuments. This year also includes a course with multidisciplinary approaches to research design and methods, as well as a socially-engaged research course carried out in collaboration with external stakeholders. The programme progresses by gradually building student confidence and independence, both in terms of scholarship and by creating wider cultural networks. In the second year, we offer elective courses in more specialised subjects, and the programme concludes with students writing a 30 credits master’s thesis.

This programme is specifically designed to provide you with the skills, confidence, and qualifications to work in cultural production, cultural administration and enterprise, particularly in ways that are aware and ethically responsible. Working with a range of local stakeholders, and alongside peers, you will also get the opportunity to build a strong professional network. At the same time, the programme provides the necessary rigour to prepare students for doctoral studies within an interdisciplinary and international academic context.