Arts and Culture
Do you have broad interests and are you a critical thinker? Do you enjoy discussing current social issues? Do you want to understand their historical roots and engage in philosophical reflection? If so, the bachelor's programme in Arts and Culture is the right choice for you.
You will learn to understand Western culture by looking at how it shapes and is shaped by art, science, technology, media and politics. You will explore the issues of modern society from a variety of perspectives. This interdisciplinary approach (based on philosophy, literature and art studies, history, and science and technology studies) will teach you to understand and frame complex social issues.
You will learn to think analytically, make connections across a variety of perspectives and develop strong argumentation skills. This will make you an attractive employee in a variety of jobs. Arts and Culture graduates work, for instance, as consultants for cultural institutions, policy advisors for governments, journalists and researchers. However, most graduates will opt for a master's degree before they enter the job market.
Information for Dutch-speaking students
All teaching materials are provided in English and students are attending English-taught lectures and tutorials. However, the programme will also offer you the possibility to write your exams, papers and BA thesis in Dutch if you are a Dutch-native speaker.
Fast facts
- You will study the interactions between science, art, media, and politics
- You can become a consultant in the cultural sector, a journalist, policy officer, researcher, etc.
- 3-year, full-time bachelor's, taught in English
- No numerus fixus, starts in September
- Weekly: 10 contact hrs, 30 hrs self-study
- You will get a BA in Arts and Culture
- Binding Study Advice (at least 42 out of 60 ECTS credits in year 1)
Florian Damke, Student Ambassador Arts and Culture
Florian comes from Germany and is currently studying Arts and Culture at Maastricht University.
Why Florian chose the bachelor's programme in Arts and Culture:
“I want to understand what is happening around me in society and why people are the way they are. In this bachelor’s programme, we are learning and researching what European society is and where it came from. Diving into the philosophical, political, and economic backgrounds that brought us where we are today, will help me understand why certain things are happening. This is crucial knowledge if we want to find solutions. At some point in my life, I would love to become a writer. Preferably for a journalistic organisation that is focused on critical research and portrayal of contemporary issues.
In the past, I have struggled with education systems that demand from students to simply listen and refrain from engaging actively with the material. I found the learning methods at Maastricht University to be more focused on active students that flourish in discussions and personal research with little monitoring from supervisors. These qualities were my main reason to come to Maastricht. My favourite spots in Maastricht may vary according to the season. For example, on summer days, I enjoy sitting by the river across the Landbouwbelang building, which is cultural freezone in an old grain warehouse. Whereas in fall and spring I very much enjoy the Stadspark, which then offers beautiful scenes of either red and yellow leaves.”
“Learning methods at Maastricht University are more focused on active students that flourish in discussion and personal research.”
Follow Florian:
Online information events

Are you a prospective student and interested in one of our bachelor's programmes?
We would like to offer you several online resources which can give you a feel of what it is like to study at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, and provide you with some answers to questions you might have. You can visit a Virtual Open Day, compare our bachelor's programmes or make an online personal appointment for more information about the programme of your choice. You can also register for one of our Online Experience Days.
Compare the FASoS bachelor's programmes

Are you curious which of our bachelor’s programmes suits you best? Would you like to know what your career opportunities are after finishing one of our four bachelor’s programmes? Are you still unsure which bachelor’s programme to choose? Below you find a useful tool to compare our bachelor’s programmes in terms of content, student profile, and career prospects.
Compare the FASoS bachelor's programmes!
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More about Arts and Culture on our Virtual Open Day
Experience what it’s really like to study at UM:
- Explore our facilities
- Learn about student life in Maastricht
- Hear what students say
UM Campus Tour
Are you in the final year of secondary school and are you in the process of admission to one of our Bachelor's programmes? Our UM Campus Tour offers prospective students the opportunity to explore the city, our faculty buildings and facilities for students. Discover and learn what it is like to live and study in our vibrant city.
Bachelor's Open Day
Find out more about one of the most international universities in Europe, experience our unique approach to teaching, immerse yourself in your programme of choice, and explore our beautiful city. The next Bachelor's Open Day is on 8 October 2022.
Student testimonials

My dream is to contribute to more diversity and inclusion in the student population, especially by helping and encouraging ‘first generation students’.
Arts and Culture is the #1 Arts and Culture bachelor’s programme in the Netherlands: Keuzegids 2022
Keuzegids 2022Arts and Culture is the #1 Cultural Sciences bachelor's programme in the Netherlands: Elsevier 2019
Elsevier Best Studies 2019UM is the sixth best Young University in the world
Times Higher Education 2020 Young Universities RankingNews
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Bachelor thesis prizes for FASoS students
Thursday, June 16, 2022Bachelor students Nino Luijten (Arts and Culture) and Matthias Reiners (European Studies) have won the 2021 UM thesis prizes.
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Bachelor thesis prizes for FASoS students
Tuesday, February 2, 2021Jette Banning (BA European Studies) and Greta Magnani (BA Arts and Culture) received the Thesis prize 2020.
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Two Bachelor's Thesis prizes for FASoS students
Tuesday, February 11, 2020During the Dies Natalis 2020 two FASoS students were presented with the Bachlor's Thesis Prize.
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Visit 'Support' for prospective students
Visit Maastricht University regulations to find the EER of your study programme

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