Cultural Studies

Culture is expressed in many different forms – ranging from dance, literature, photography, to material and (im)material heritage – and is transmitted through different media, from live to digital. The Cultural Studies program from KU Leuven combines theoretical reflection and a more hands-on approach via an internship in the cultural sector.

KU Leuven organizes regular online info sessions. You can find more information on the KU Leuven website.

About the program

The master combines an analysis of contemporary culture in the broadest sense and in different media with an understanding of policy and immerses you in the practice of cultural work via an internship.

You study the relationship between art, society and all the media and techniques that shape our culture today. You will focus on cultural phenomena (both art and popular culture) and investigate how they work in practice today. You acquire a broad, interdisciplinary perspective on culture with attention to both policy and topical national and international debates in various media and cultural practices. You also pay a lot of attention to the digital society and practical cultural competences.

The program links theoretical reflection to practical competences, which you develop during an internship in the cultural sector and the elaboration of a group project. You learn to function within a group or larger organisation, to organize a project, to apply for funding and to present your work to your peers.

Career perspectives

Both hands-on and theoretically oriented, the Master of Cultural Studies offers career opportunities in fields including all levels of cultural policy-making and management in the public sector (local, regional, national, international) as well as the creative industries (music, television, print and online media).

You can choose between two trajectories within the program:

• The creative practices track focuses on contemporary art and culture creation, across the boundaries of genres and media, with a lot of attention for the creative industries.
• The cultural memory and identity track focuses on the impact of the cultural past on the contemporary cultural landscape, and the relationship between culture and forms of identity.

• You have a strong interest in culture in the broadest sense of the word and in theoretical reflections on culture.
• You are involved in the cultural field and you follow contemporary cultural affairs in various media.
• You are well-read and fluent in several languages (especially English).
• You have a good knowledge of Western culture and interest in other cultures and new cultural phenomena.