Study programme
Programme structure
Below you can find the regular programme of the Master's in Heritage and Memory Studies.
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Heritage and Memory TheoryPeriod 16
This module offers an introduction to some core texts in heritage and memory studies, so that you will acquire knowledge of the key theoretical concepts. You will develop skills in discourse analysis, critical reading of texts and conceptualising heritage and memory issues and learn to apply these skills to actual cases.
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Stolen, Displaced, Returned? Looted Objects and Restitution in Colonial and Nazi ContextsPeriod 16
This course examines looted art from Nazism to colonialism, asking how Nazi-era legal claims reshaped debates on imperial plunder. Students explore legal, moral, and museum perspectives, engaging with urgent questions of restitution, justice, and contested cultural heritage today.
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Free-choice electivesPeriod 26
Choose from a broad range of electives. Recommended for the focus on restitution is the coursw Method and Practice of Provenance and Restitution Research which introduces provenance research in contexts from Nazi-looted art to colonial collections. You’ll examine methods, sources, and debates on restitution, conduct your own project, and join excursions to relevant collections and institutions to connect theory with practice.
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Who Owns the Past?Period 2Period 312
This course explores the politics of heritage and memory through the lens of (Dis)possession. Engaging themes such as race, restitution, repair, and climate, students examine how heritage embodies both possession and dispossession, shaping contemporary debates, nationalism, and colonial legacies.
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Current Issues: Excursion AbroadPeriod 46
You will practice analysing the theoretical, ethical and practical implications of site interpretations. Abroad, you will hold a presentation at a specific site/museum related to your research topic.
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Free-choice electivePeriod 56
You can tailor your study programme to your own interests by choosing from a broad range of electives offered by the Faculty of Humanities. See the Course Catalogue for an overview of Heritage and Memories Studies electives.
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Master’s Thesis Heritage and Memory StudiesPeriod 4Period 5Period 618
The Master’s Thesis is a central component of the programme. It enables you to write an original work of research under the supervision of one of the staff members. The research topic will be determined in consultation with the thesis seminar lecturer and your thesis supervisor.
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Master's Internship Heritage and Memory StudiesPeriod 1Period 2Period 330
A five-month internship lets you further develop your professional heritage skills and network, while offering scope for practical experience, specialist, knowledge and theoretical reflection.
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Work-experience period
The Dual Master's programme Heritage and Memory Studies offers a unique combination of practical experience, specialist knowledge and theoretical reflection, all of which come together in the extensive work-experience period.
Scope of the internship
During your internship in a heritage organisation you contribute to the realisation of a heritage project, be it through research, conceptual design or practical execution. You could be investigating the experience of certain urban or rural landscapes, organising events to increase community engagement in heritage protection, assisting in shaping governmental or non-governmental (international) heritage policy, or researching the cultural-historic contexts of heritage objects or sites. Your tasks could include those of an editor, event organiser, product developer or policy adviser.
How it works
As a student, you yourself are responsible for finding an internship organisation that matches your specific interests. In doing so, you begin to explore the professional field in which you will later be working. The programme coordinator provides advice and contacts throughout this process.
Be aware that many internships in the Netherlands require basic proficiency in the Dutch language. As such, you may also seek an English-language internship abroad. Also bear in mind that some internships might not be (adequately) paid.
Internship allowance
Students taking a dual Master's programme might in some cases be eligible for a reimbursement.
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Bologna Exchange Programme
The University of Amsterdam–University of Bologna programme is an international Erasmus+ exchange programme for postgraduate students and staff. Bologna students and staff join the UvA programme in the first semester (September—January), while UvA students who are enrolled in the Dual Master's in Heritage and Memory Studies can participate in the programme during the second semester (February—June).
UvA students will have the opportunity either to follow courses or combine coursework with an internship (minimum 18 EC) in Bologna. If you wish to follow this trajectory, you can submit a plan of activities and a motivation letter to our Master's programme coordinator:
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Can I do an internship abroad?
Yes, it is possible to do an internship abroad provided it meets the programme’s requirements.
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Why is this programme called a ‘Dual Master’s programme’?
The term ‘dual’ refers to the fact that the programme combines academic courses with a supervised work placement (internship) that allows students to gain practical experience while still studying.