Understanding the global challenges of today 

We live in times of large global transitions and urgent threats. The environment, looted art and fake news dominate current media, museum exhibitions and performance arts. In this Bachelor's programme these debates take centre stage. Via the framework of cultural sociology, political science and philosophy, and via a broad historical perspective, the programme reflects on and analyses the times we live in and confront the challenges we face.

Why study Global Arts, Culture and Politics at the UvA?

• Focus on skills
  You acquire skills such as (academic) writing, creating (websites, videos, exhibitions), archival research, discourse analysis, public speaking, debating, programming, interview techniques and quantitative research. These valuable tools enable you to understand, analyse and to engage actively with global challenges through concrete real-life projects.
• Choice of four majors
  A unique, interdisciplinary programme: the degree offers you the possibility to specialise in four different majors: The Human and Artificial Intelligence; Art and Media; Reimagining Sustainability; and Culture and Social Justice.
• Global challenges
  You will study art as a medium, the big history of art and the relationship between power and representation. You look at culture and ecology and study sustainability from multiple perspectives: sustainability and rights (for example human, animal, and things rights), economy, health and urban sustainability. You research the politics of culture and learn to understand how contemporary culture is highly politicised: (social media) discussions on topics such as gender, racism and #metoo have a strong impact on theatre, music, and film culture. Artificial intelligence deeply influences our daily lives: in the way we listen to music on Spotify, consume (fake) news, or contact friends on WhatsApp. We analyse how this works, how it is it programmed, and what consequences AI has ethically, politically, and sociologically.
• Amsterdam
  You study in a vibrant community with an international outlook: you are taught by leading intellectuals focused on global developments in an international student environment. The programme offers many connections with the city of Amsterdam, which is a hub for cultural institutions. You will participate in projects in cooperation with our partners.
• World-class education
  The UvA is ranked 58th in the 2023 QS World Rankings, the highest ranked university in the Netherlands, 21st overall and 2nd in Continental Europe in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022: Arts & Humanities. The UvA also ranks 60th on the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022-2023.

After graduation

As a graduate, you have acquired the academic skills and knowledge to engage with today’s global challenges and transitions. You can choose to continue your studies by opting for a Master's programme related to your specific subject area. Towards the end of your course, you will be extensively supervised in choosing a suitable Master's if you wish to continue your studies. Following Global Arts, Culture and Politics, you will have a range of employment opportunities. For example, possible positions are diversity officer at a museum, policy officer at a heritage institution or editor at an online or offline medium.

Degree certificate

Global Arts, Culture and Politics is an accredited degree programme in Cultural Studies. Upon successful completion of the programme students will receive a legally accredited Bachelor's degree in Cultural Studies and the title Bachelor of Arts (BA).

Dutch-taught track

It is also possible to study Global Arts, Culture and Politics in Dutch.