Architecture

Specialisation of: Arts and Culture
Degree: Master of Arts in Arts and Culture
Mode of Study: Full-time, part-time
Duration: 1 year
Start date: September, February
Language of instruction: English
Location: Leiden
Croho/isat code: 60087
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Architecture is a specialisation in the MA in Arts and Culture. In this specialisation you not only study architectural history from the perspective of the architects, their designs and the way in which their work is implemented, you also pay attention to clients, the public and how the public responds to architecture and the built-up environment.

Central themes include:

  • Italian baroque
  • exchanges between Italy and the Low Countries in the period from 1500 to1750
  • alternative architecture discourses in the 20th century, from regionalism and traditionalism to neo-baroque
  • architecture theory, where thinking on the impact of buildings on the public is key, as in classical rhetoric or the sublime.

In Leiden you will study these themes in close co-operation with the Dutch interuniversity art history institutes in Rome and Florence. Excursions are a structural part of the programme.

The MA in Art History is a comprehensive one-year programme that offers you the chance to explore art history across a broad range of specialisations. The programme is unique in that it studies works of art, buildings, material culture and design from the Middle Ages up to the present day.

Research interests of the staff include:

  1. Western architecture in the Late Medieval and Early Modern period, in particular issues of patronage and reception in Renaissance and Baroque Italy and the Low Countries
  2. Twentieth century architecture
  3. Global developments in architecture in a comparative perspective
  4. Architectural theory, more particularly architecture’s rhetoric and public significance

The Department of Art History also offers a two-year Research master’s programme.

What our alumni say

Azinta Plantenga

“I learned a lot during my study about the objects that I now actually see in my work. “

“Although art and art history have always fascinated me, it took some time before I realised that I wanted to work in this field. After completing my bachelor’s in Languages and Cultures of China at Leiden University, I moved to China to gain work experience. It was in Beijing that I really got into the art world. I loved it so much that I decided to focus on this area and to return to Leiden to take a Master’s in Arts and Culture.

Before I could start the master’s, I first had to do a pre-master’s programme. This programme proved to me that applied art and design was the right direction for me. I did a research internship at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, where I had my first opportunity to put my research experience into practice. Another big advantage of this internship was the chance to meet a lot of good contacts: one of these was Uniquole, a project consultancy that organises exhibitions on Dutch applied art and design.

While completing my master’s thesis, I joined the company as art historian and project assistant. I recently started to work at the Stedelijk Museum as research assistant, where I carry out research on different objects in the collection. Both these positions give me every opportunity to apply my research skills. The good work ethic that I acquired during my study, as well as the ability to handle deadlines, are skills that are important assets in my work today.

The Design and Decorate Art Studies programme was a good introduction to the different subjects that form part of my specialist field. I would recommend this master’s to everyone who is interested in applied art and design. There is an immense amount of knowledge available within Leiden University. The excellent training that I received during my study from true specialists taught me a lot about the objects that I am now seeing in my everyday work.

Azinta Plantenga
Art historian and project assistant at Uniquole
Research assistant at the Stedelijk Museum