BA Arts, Media and Society Leiden University

Artistic and (digital) media are increasingly shaping our culture and world. In this BA programme you will examine contemporary art practices in order to find new perspectives on global issues.

Arts, Media and Society is a three-year, English-taught programme (a specialisation of the BA in Art History).

By providing a unique view on complex issues, art plays a distinct and highly relevant role in today’s society. It is also an indispensable force for good in any democratic society. In the Arts, Media and Society bachelor’s programme you’ll see how contemporary art engages with society about global issues, such as terrorism, biotechnology, ecology, and politics. You’ll also learn how art, film, photography and digital media are shaping our society and how the arts and media can help provide strategies for social and political activism.

As a student of Arts, Media and Society, you will examine contemporary art practices in order to find new perspectives on global issues. At the Faculty of Humanities, you will make an in-depth study of:

• Historical and contemporary developments in art
• Developments in (digital) media
• The role of art in society
• The cultural value of arts

Why Arts, Media and Society at Leiden University?

• It’s a small-scale, highly international programme taught in English and linked to Leiden University’s globally acclaimed bachelor’s programme in Art History.
• You will be based in the beautiful city of Leiden, close to great contemporary museums and media institutions in Leiden, Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
• The programme can fall back on an extensive national and international network of scholars, artists and scientists.

Is this programme for you?

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you care about today’s pressing challenges and are you fascinated by the way that art and artists reflect and comment upon these issues – for example, the work of Ai Wei Wei?
• Do you believe that contemporary art can make a contribution to how we view the most pressing real-life issues?

Then the Bachelor in Arts, Media and Society is for you!