The history and culture of the Netherlands between 1550 and 1750 are uniquely relevant to world history. Not only because of the country's economic, political and military power, but also its prominent role in science, the visual arts, architecture, literature and publishing. During the Golden Age of the Dutch Republic the city of Amsterdam quickly developed into one of Europe's great cities. Its mercantile networks spanned the corners of the Globe. 

The Amsterdam Centre for Golden Age Studies is the leading institution for research in this field.

Programme structure and curriculum

The Research programme Dutch Golden Age is a track of the Research programme Art Studies that prepares its participants for a related PhD programme. It provides students with a thorough introduction to current research on Dutch history and culture, as well as the skills to allow for a successful continuation of their studies. Upon completion of the programme, students will be able to conduct research in the rich collections related to Dutch history and art preserved in libraries, archives and museums.

This programme yields 120 ECTS credits:

• 90 credits for courses and tutorials
• 30 credits for a thesis project

Language of instruction

In order to participate successfully in the scholarship of this field, students must be able to read and understand Dutch fluently. Some of the courses in this programme use English, most of the courses use Dutch.

Special remarks

It is possible to study the Golden Age from a regular Research programme in History and Dutch Literature (both taught in Dutch). Students must then take the core courses from those degree programmes and choose electives from Golden Age courses. Their thesis should preferably be multidisciplinary, but this is not obligatory. Graduates’ degree certificates will not mention their Golden Age specialization.