Why Dutch Art ?

I knew I wanted to study art history and I was particularly interested in Dutch art.

This MA programme appealed to me because it is a one-year programme in which I can broaden my basic knowledge of art history, and specialise in Dutch art, without committing to two years of studying. The programme is compact and organised.  I thought it would give me the opportunity to broaden my base in art history, since I did not really know yet what career I wished to pursue. I knew I wanted to study in Amsterdam, because I studied here before as an exchange student at which point I was drawn to the Dutch people’s enthusiasm toward art. It is a unique opportunity to study in English while being surrounded by another language and culture.

Eventually I would like to work in a museum or teach at a university. I am currently considering programs for next year and would eventually like to pursue a PhD.

About the programme

If you are looking for a survey course on Dutch art that is certainly not what this programme is. The course encourages you to read more into the history of art and the progression of scholarship that surrounds it than into the artworks themselves. There is also a great emphasis on learning how to exploit the various research institutions in the Netherlands.

Each class we are required to take was carefully chosen. We have three mandatory courses in the first semester. In the second semester you can choose one course that will be followed at the same time that you are writing your thesis. The classes are work groups, so they are quite intimate. You have to study very independently and go to class prepared to discuss. The first semester was really intense but I got so much out of it. Looking back it has considerably broadened my knowledge about art history and the art world. It is also interesting to hear the different perspectives from the other students, because everyone has a different background, both culturally and educationally.

I am really happy with the programme. It is very comprehensive and each course offers a completely different approach. For “Dutch Art History and Museums” we went every week to a different museum where we were sometimes required to give presentations. We also had a weekend excursion to Gent, Bruges and Antwerp. The programme provides a great deal of freedom in that you can focus your extended research on topics that appeal to your interest.

Students receive a lot of direct professorial support. We meet every two weeks with our programme director, where from week one she’ll be pushing you to consider possible thesis topics.

For this programme you need to be willing to learn to translate some Dutch. Language courses are available at the INTT (Institute for Dutch language) here at the university.

About the Universiteit van Amsterdam

 I studied here two years ago and I really loved it here. The university is big and spread out all over the city.
The research facilities the university offers are good, but it is the ones outside of the institution that make studying Dutch art in the Netherlands invaluable. The university libraries have a lot of resources, but they are closed on the weekends. The access to university computers is great. There are computer labs in most of the UvA buildings so there is always one nearby. Some of the residences also supply internet connections.

Living in student accommodation really ads to the social atmosphere of your stay here. I live in the city centre with mainly Humanities students.

I recommend joining the International Student Network. It is a really good way to meet people from all over the world as well as to learn a bit about Amsterdam and Dutch culture.   

About the city and the Netherlands

Amsterdam is a great city. I love it. It’s big, but small at the same time. You can effortlessly get around to every place and there is always something to do. Having a bike makes everything in the city more accessible and it is a cheap way to get around, but make sure you watch out for the trams, cars, taxis, busses and tourists.

There is always something to do here. There are small movie theatres, clubs, cosy bars, small, independent shops and it is always possible to escape the city in little cafes. Amsterdam has a great atmosphere. It's alive. There are people around 24 hours a day which makes it a very secure city; you never feel unsafe. People are very nice and accommodating.

This MA programme is meant for students who

Are interested in art history, museology or a combination of both. It is not an easy programme, but it is rewarding.

Tip for new students

Make sure you have enough money for books and for your spare time.