Utrecht University

Overview

The Master’s in Cultural History and Heritage at Utrecht University offers an in-depth exploration of how the past is examined and how heritage is shaped, interpreted, and utilized in contemporary society. This program merges cultural-historical theory with practical public history through a blend of research opportunities, an internship, and a thesis project.

• Degree: Master’s programme
• Field: Cultural History & Heritage / Public History
• Academic focus: Cultural history, cultural theory, heritage studies, historical research methods
• Mandatory internship: Placement in a museum, heritage organization, research internship, or an internship abroad
• Thesis: Research-based final project
• Language of instruction: English
• Credits & duration: 12 months
• Application: Submit through the university application portal

What you'll study

The program combines advanced coursework with supervised research and a public-history-focused internship. Your curriculum will consist of core modules, elective courses, and a thesis.

Core courses (examples)

• Understanding Culture in the Modern World: Theoretical Perspectives
• Public History: Toward a Participatory Historical Culture
• Sources and Methods of Cultural History

Internship and thesis

• Internship (mandatory): A practical placement in a cultural or research setting, such as a museum, heritage agency, or research institute, or a research internship linked to Utrecht University projects, or an internship abroad.
• Thesis: A research-based final project where you apply cultural-historical concepts and methods to a specific topic.

How you build your programme

Depending on your interests, you can tailor your curriculum around themes such as heritage and public memory, cultural institutions, media and democracy, postcolonial perspectives, and various other topics within cultural history.

Entry requirements

Prospective students should possess a relevant academic background that meets the program's standards. A strong GPA is typically required, reflecting your performance in prior coursework.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master’s in Cultural History and Heritage are well-equipped for diverse career paths in cultural institutions, heritage management, research, and public history sectors. Opportunities may include roles in museums, archives, cultural policy development, and education, among others.