Are you a current student? For the programme of this academic year, check the course guide.

Study programme of Arts and Culture Studies

Each academic year of this programme consists of two eighteen-week semesters. Each semester has two periods of nine weeks, which are concluded with essays, presentations and exams. Each subject is linked to a number of credits, EC (European Credits). 1 EC equals a study load of 28 hours.

Multiple perspectives on art and culture
The first year introduces you to different forms of art and culture, from the ancient Greeks to the present. We consider depth important: we train specialists with good subject knowledge who have a well-founded vision of their own. We opt for a geographical focus: Europe and America - although cases from other regions are certainly also covered. Because you will immerse yourself in various art disciplines, you will gain a multifaceted perspective on art and culture. You will go out to see art; you will regularly visit museums, theatres, concert halls and cinemas. And you will get to know the different sides of the field and work on your academic skills, such as searching and analysing literature, writing papers and giving presentations.

Own interests and Bachelor's thesis
In the second and third year, you will expand your knowledge and explore the subjects you find most interesting. At the end of the third year, you can do independent research and write a bachelor's thesis on it. In many courses you will be lectured by people working in the cultural sector and you and your fellow students will regularly visit cultural institutions to see how things work in practice.

Curriculum

  • Curriculum year 1

    During the first year of the English-taught Bachelor’s programme in Arts and Culture Studies, you will build a solid repertoire of knowledge about the history of the western arts and discover a plurality of theories about them. In addition, you will acquire the skills necessary to analyse texts, music and images (both moving and still), and you will learn how to reflect on them in academic English.

    View curriculum year 1

  • Curriculum year 2

    In the second year of the English-taught Bachelor’s programme in Arts and Culture Studies you will deepen and broaden the knowledge acquired in the first year and extend the georgraphical focus to include areas, such as the Hispanic and French speaking world, as well as minority cultures, such as indigenous cultures in Canada and the United States.

    View curriculum year 2

  • Curriculum year 3

    In the third year, theory and practice are combined and you will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills to find solutions to social issues of topical relevance. This will be done as part of a minor. We offer a variety of minors on a social theme, varying from gender and other forms of diversity to migration and big data. Choosing one of these themes will help you put focus in your programme, making it easier to set yourself apart from others when entering the labour market.

    View curriculum year 3

This programme has a binding study advice

Minimum ECTS
45
This study programme consists of 60 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) per year. At the end of the first year you will need to have accumulated a minimum of 45 ECTS in order to receive a positive BSA to continue your studies in the second year. Failing to meet this minimum requirement and receiving a negative BSA means that you are no longer allowed to continue with your studies. Of course, we will consider outstanding circumstances such as sickness or other personal factors. Your study advisor or mentor will regularly discuss your study results with you so that you are not faced with any surprises.

Study abroad

During your Bachelor's programme, you will have the opportunity to go abroad for your studies, internship and/or thesis. You will learn to look at things from the perspective of a different culture and you will meet new people; it is an experience that will enrich your life. What’s more, it will look great on your CV. Please see the International Office web page for information about meetings, scholarships, internships and other practical information.

Additional challenge

Do you want an extra challenge during your studies? Do you find it interesting to think about current, social themes from different academic perspectives? Discover what the Radboud Honours Academy has to offer to achieve your maximum potential during your time as a student.