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Study the art of the present
Contemporary Art History equips you with skills and critical insight to be able to comment on, judge, present, and write about art of the present.

In having explored the critical strategies artists propose to come to grips with the present, you will have developed a nuanced view on the globalised contemporary society. You will have the skills to reflect on, engage with, and research burning issues – from a perspective open to including the sensorial, experimental, aesthetic, and the creative.

On completing this Master’s programme, you are prepared for a position in which substantial knowledge and research skills in the field of contemporary and digital art are required, such as organising exhibitions, galleries, events, or (art) festivals, writing about art for newspapers, magazines or online-media, working in public programming or educational departments of museums, the city council, festival organisations, in public or private archives, or pursue research on a freelance basis or within academia.

VU Online Master's Event

Thursday 26 November 2026

International Master's webinar

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What can you do after your Master's degree?

Entering the job market

After finishing the Master's programme Arts & Culture: Contemporary Art History, you can start working in various job fields. You will be well-qualified for a position in the field of contemporary and digital art, such as:

curating exhibitions, events or festivals;
writing about art for newspapers, magazines or online media;
working in public programming or educational departments of museums or city councils;
working in public or private archives;
conducting research on a freelance basis or within academia.

Opting for a PhD/specialization

With a Master’s in Arts & Culture, you are entitled to apply for PhD programs in the Netherlands and abroad. You can also consider pursuing a Research Master’s program, which is specifically meant to prepare you for a PhD trajectory.

Want to apply for Contemporary Art History?

Check the admission requirements

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