The master's programme in Arts and Culture focuses on culture in the making. Culture can refer to the products of intellectual and artistic creativity, such as scholarly and literary texts or works of art. It also indicates the cultural practices that shape the everyday life of people, and is expressed in their individual tastes and forms of associating with one another. Finally, culture is at the heart of the processes through which people explicate and contest ethical, aesthetic, and political meanings and values.
The MA specialisation Modern Political Culture critically explores modern and contemporary politics. You will study the relationship between political ideas, discourses, and practices in their broader cultural and social contexts. The programme first introduces you to several relevant theories, methods, and concepts for the study of political culture. It then guides you through key problems and challenges in modern politics. You will study subjects such as the different forms of and tensions within democracy; the construction and representation of national identities; and the origins of political violence and its legacies. Cases you can analyse include recent populist movements across the globe and the multiple ‘crises’ of contemporary democracies; nationalist groups and identity politics; as well as the logics of violence within instances of genocide, armed conflict, and in internal political conflicts. You will approach all these subjects in an interdisciplinary manner, using the tools and methods of a variety of academic disciplines such as history, political philosophy, cultural studies, and political science. At the same time, you will be trained in the use of advanced research and writing skills. Finally, under the supervision of an expert in the field you will apply your newly acquired theoretical and thematic knowledge by writing an original thesis on a case of modern political culture.
Other specialisations in this master's programme:
Are you interested in or about to start a Master's programme at Maastricht University? Our interactive UM Campus Tour offers you the opportunity to navigate through our faculty and facilities. Discover and learn what it is like to live and study in our vibrant city. Watch the video or take the UM Campus tour.
Experience Maastricht University: find out more about one of the most international universities in Europe, immerse yourself in your programme of choice, and explore our beautiful city. The next Master’s Open Day is on Saturday 23 March 2024.
We regularly offer Instagram Live Q&A sessions for students who are interested in our master's programmes. Our student ambassadors will answer all your questions about the programme of your choice and studying in Maastricht. For more information and registration, take a look at our Master events page.
If you do not satisfy the admission requirements of this Master's programme you may be able to enrol in a Pre-master's course year. Check out the Pre-master information and learn more about the programme, the courses and the requirements.
Find out what it's like to live and study in Maastricht:
In the support section, you can find out more about practical matters and UM regulations, such as:
Visit 'Support' for prospective
students
Visit Maastricht University
regulations to find the EER of your
study programme
For general info, please contact us at:
+31 43 388 5388
study@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Bonnefantenstraat 2
6211 KL Maastricht
Chat with us (Mon-Fri from 8.30 to 17.00 CET)
For more info on a programme's
content, visit the programme's
contact page or order a brochure