Master of Cultural Studies
Leuven, Belgium
DURATION
1 Years
LANGUAGES
English, Dutch
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
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EARLIEST START DATE
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TUITION FEES
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STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Introduction
Culture Studies is expressed in many different forms – ranging from dance, literature, and photography, to material and (im)material heritage – and is transmitted through different media, from live to digital. The program combines theoretical reflection and a more hands-on approach via an internship in the cultural sector.
The master combines an analysis of contemporary culture in the broadest sense and in different media with an understanding of policy and immerses you in the practice of cultural work via an internship.
You study the relationship between art, society, and all the media and techniques that shape our culture today. You will focus on cultural phenomena (both art and popular culture) and investigate how they work in practice today. You acquire a broad, interdisciplinary perspective on culture with attention to both policy and topical national and international debates in various media and cultural practices. You also pay a lot of attention to the digital society and practical cultural competencies.
The program links theoretical reflection to practical competencies, which you develop during an internship in the cultural sector and the elaboration of a group project. You learn to function within a group or larger organization, to organize a project, to apply for funding and to present your work to your peers.
You can choose between two trajectories within the program:
- The creative practices track focuses on contemporary art and culture creation, across the boundaries of genres and media, with a lot of attention for the creative industries.
- The cultural memory and identity track focuses on the impact of the cultural past on the contemporary cultural landscape, and the relationship between culture and forms of identity.
Curriculum
Master's Thesis
- Master's Thesis
Internship
- Internship
- Short Internship
- Core Courses
- Cultural Studies: Capita Selecta
- Cultural Policy
- Methods of Cultural Studies
- Tracks
Creative Practices
- Photography and Visual Culture
- Film and Literature
- Online Publishing
- European Diversity and Cultural Policy
- European Contemporary Dance and Dance Studies.
- Cultural Economics
- Introduction to Curatorial Studies
- Music, Interculturality, and Globalization
- Pop Music
- Jazz
Cultural Memory and Identity
- Theatre, Theory, and Culture
- Changing Cultures in Europe
- Contemporary Latin American Cinema
- Highlights in European Literature
- Cultural Memory
- Digital Cultural Heritage
- Central and Eastern European Cultures and Identities
- Cultural Heritage: Interdisciplinary Debates and Challenges
Ideal Students
Student Profile
- You have a strong interest in culture in the broadest sense of the word and in theoretical reflections on culture.
- You are involved in the cultural field and you follow contemporary cultural affairs in various media.
- You are well-read and fluent in several languages (especially English).
- You have a good knowledge of Western culture and an interest in other cultures and new cultural phenomena.
- You have good writing and communication skills.
- You are critical and eager to learn.
- The master's program is both theoretical and practical. It is essential to learn to work and function in a team.
Career Opportunities
Both a hands-on and theoretically oriented Program, the Master of Arts in Cultural Studies prepares students for careers in a wide range of fields. A great many of our graduates become public servants and cultural policy officers at all levels of government (local, regional, national, and international); others enter into the broad field of the creative industries (music, television, print, and online media).
Admissions
Program delivery
The courses are fully taught in English and also available in Dutch.
Program Outcome
- Credits: 60 ECTS
- Degree Type: Master
- Specifications: Master of Arts.
Program Tuition Fee
Why study at KU Leuven
What sets us apart as a university?
A highly-ranked university
KU Leuven is among the best 100 universities in the world according to both Times Higher Education World Rankings and QS World University Rankings. All of KU Leuven’s disciplines proudly belong to the top 100 of their field. Furthermore, KU Leuven was ranked by Reuters as the most innovative university in Europe in 2016.
Research-based education
Education at KU Leuven is research-based, which means students will learn from the same professors who are performing the ground-breaking research you read about in the press. New insights are instantly integrated into classes and students are encouraged to perform their research. In our FabLab, students can use several high-tech machines to create whatever they want – all free of charge.
Affordable tuition fees
Higher education is highly valued in Belgium and therefore subsidised by the government. This allows KU Leuven to keep tuition fees relatively low, which gives you a price/quality ratio very few top-100 universities can match. We take pride in keeping our programs as accessible as possible to allow the brightest students from around the globe to join our courses.
International student life with respect for diversity
According to Times Higher Education, KU Leuven is in the top 50 of most international universities worldwide with staff and students from over 150 different nationalities. For all our international students, the Pangaea student center is their home away from home. Our university also strives for diversity and inclusion and wants to work together on a pact for more respect.
Scholarships and Funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please visit the university website for more information.
Info Sessions
KU Leuven combines the best of both worlds by hosting both online and live info sessions. You choose how, where and when to get your information in your search for the right program
Rankings
KU Leuven is among the best 100 universities in the world according to both Times Higher Education World Rankings and QS World University Rankings. KU Leuven’s disciplines proudly belong to the top 100 of their field. Furthermore, KU Leuven was ranked by Reuters as the most innovative university in Europe in 2016.