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 assessments. 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 programme introduces you to different forms of art and culture and ways to analyse them. We consider depth important: we train specialists with good subject knowledge who have a well-founded vision of their own. We analyse a broad repertoire of artworks from different historical periods and cultures. We opt for European, American, and planetary views on culture. Because you will immerse yourself in various art disciplines within an international classroom, 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. You will know your field of expertise inside out and work on your academic skills, such as searching for and analysing academic sources, 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 take introductory courses that will give you a good foundation for your continued studies. Besides knowledge about the repertoire of different art disciplines (literature, theatre, visual arts, music and film), you will also acquire important analytical and academic skills and learn about various cultural and critical theories. You will explore the relationships between arts, culture, and society, and look at the place of the arts in current debates. As part of the mentoring programme, during which you are mentored by a teacher and a second- or third-year student, you will start your personal and professional development (PPD). At the end of the academic year, you will visit the festival your fellow students organise to complete their PPD with in the third year.

    Please note that this study programme is for prospective students. Current students can find their programme in the course guide. 

    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, as well as develop your analytical and communicative skills, by taking both compulsory courses and electives. You will gain new insight into relevant research methods and learn to critically evaluate various forms of art and culture. You will also apply these skills during the festival organised by the third-year students. In the minor space, you decide for yourself how you want to fill part of your programme.

    Please note that this study programme is for prospective students. Current students can find their programme in the course guide. 

    View curriculum year 2

  • Curriculum year 3

    In the third year, you will follow compulsory courses and you will write your Bachelor's thesis. Your personal and professional development timeline will be completed with the organisation of a festival together with your peers for the course Working in the Cultural Field. n addition, there is a free space in which you can choose courses to further develop yourself and broaden your studies by taking courses from other programmes. Choosing these courses 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 Honours Arts | Radboud University has to offer to achieve your maximum potential during your time as a student. 

In the Bachelor's in Arts and Culture Studies, students gain practical experience during multiple assignments. An example of such an assignment is this documentary that was created by students as part of the course Moving Documentaries.