This programme prepares participants for entry into a related PhD programme. The programme is dedicated to the interdisciplinary study and analysis of contemporary culture. It seeks to enhance analytical skills and to train students to explore a field of study and an object of inquiry that is not necessarily deducible from or reducible to disciplinary traditions.

Programme outline

The programme yields a total of 120 ECTS credits: for three core courses, electives, tutorials and a supervised individual research project (Master's thesis). Students with a related Master's degree should be able to complete the programme in one year (70 ECTS credits).

The specific number of credits a student is required to obtain through coursework is determined by the admissions committee and is based on the student's previous qualifications. Fulfilment of all of the requirements will take at least two years.

Detailed course information

For detailed course descriptions, follow the link below to the UvA Course Catalogue.

Courses

The core courses and electives all take the form of seminars devoted to the detailed study of texts, cultural objects, theories and methodologies in the field of cultural analysis. Tutorials are small groups of up to five students who work together under specialists' supervision. They provide an intellectually challenging and stimulating context in which students can narrow their focus. The core courses, electives and tutorials provide the training and preparation necessary for writing the Master's thesis (which can also serve as the basis for future research, such as for a PhD).

Research activities

Students are encouraged to participate in additional ongoing research activities, including international workshops and conferences organised through ASCA. Recent ASCA guest lecturers have included: Anselm Haverkamp, Diane Crane, Judith Butler, Cesare Casarino, Szusa Baross, Geoffrey Hartman, Murray Pratt and Sam Weber.

Thesis

The Master's thesis is a research project carried out by the student under the supervision of two members of the academic staff involved in the programme. The subject of the thesis must be mutually agreed upon by the student and the academic adviser(s). Researching and writing the thesis takes at least six months.

For further information on Faculty thesis guidelines, please see the link below.

Degree requirements

Upon successful completion of the Master's programme, students receive a Master's degree in Cultural Analysis and the title Master of Arts (MA).

Credit transfer

Students who show exceptional promise during a regular or professional Master's programme are encouraged to continue their studies in a research programme. Once students are admitted to the research programme, they can transfer credits earned during their previous course of study towards their Research Master's degree. The examination committee determines which courses qualify for transfer.