12 monthsProgramme duration
5,613 EURTuition Fee/year
01 Mar, 2026Application Deadline
SepStarting Month
Programme overview
Main Subject
Performing Arts
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Get in touch: join KU Leuven’s Webinars
Discover all that KU Leuven has to offer via one of KU Leuven’s Webinars about KU Leuven, admissions & applying, housing, and more.
Culture is expressed in many different forms – ranging from dance, literature, 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 competences.
The Master of Cultural Studies programme links theoretical reflection to practical competences, 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 organisation, 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.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Performing Arts
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Get in touch: join KU Leuven’s Webinars
Discover all that KU Leuven has to offer via one of KU Leuven’s Webinars about KU Leuven, admissions & applying, housing, and more.
Culture is expressed in many different forms – ranging from dance, literature, 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 competences.
The Master of Cultural Studies programme links theoretical reflection to practical competences, 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 organisation, 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.
Brochures
Admission Requirements
Students with a degree obtained at an institution of the Flemish Community:
After admissions procedure
Students with an academic BA in one of the following fields: arts, literature, history can be admitted to the programme.
Admission decisions will be based on the applicant's undergraduate diploma and on the required documents. A thorough knowledge of various sectors of contemporary Western culture (literature, cultural theory and art history), as demonstrated by the bachelor curriculum or relevant work experience, is required.
(1) for the undergraduate courses that the applicant considers most relevant to the Master of Arts in Cultural Studies, a brief course description (one half to a full page) according to the standard guidelines for an ECTS study guide. These course descriptions may be in Afrikaans, Dutch, English, French, or German;
(2) Applicants who hold a degree awarded by an English-speaking university from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom or the United States are exempt from this requirement.
After preparatory programme
Preparatory programme: Master of Cultural Studies (Leuven) (6 credits).
Students with an academic bachelor’s degree in the Humanities eligible for the Master of Cultural Studies who do not, however, have an initial knowledge of one of the following fields: literature, cultural theory, art history.
Students with a degree obtained at an institution outside the Flemish Community:
Diploma requirements
Candidates should hold an academic Bachelor degree in one of the following fields: Arts, Literature, Cultural Studies or History.
Admission decisions will be based on the applicant's undergraduate diploma and on the other required documents. A thorough knowledge of various sectors of contemporary Western culture (literature, cultural theory and art history), as demonstrated by the Bachelor curriculum or relevant work experience, is required.
Language requirements
Applicants who hold a degree awarded by an English-speaking university from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom or the United States are exempt from this requirement.
Additional requirements
For the undergraduate courses that the applicant considers most relevant to the Master of Arts in Cultural Studies, a brief course description (one-half to a full page) should be added to the application file. The course description should contain a brief description of the course objectives, the main topics treated, the workload per course unit, and the course materials used. These course descriptions may be in Afrikaans, Dutch, English, French, or German.
Tuition fees
International
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
How to get a full scholarship
Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to see you into university? Find out how to boost your chances of getting one.
Scholarships to study abroad
Find scholarships to study abroad with our lists of international scholarships – categorized by country, by subject, and by type of student.
Scholarship Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all your questions about scholarship applications, including tips on how to find scholarships and chances of success.
Get closer to your dream programme
Your consent preferences have been set.
Time to start exploring.
Your account has been removed.
You can still browse the site or sign up again once you have parental consent.
Get closer to your dream programme