Media Studies (research MA)

This two-year UvA research master's approaches media through an interdisciplinary, humanities-oriented lens, treating media simultaneously as cultural discourse and practice, as technological infrastructure, and as a significant political and economic actor. Its theoretical grounding draws on political science, sociology, science and technology studies, literary studies, history, and philosophy, giving students established approaches for studying media within contemporary culture, and students engage with core theoretical concepts and current debates while developing their own research practice, culminating in a thesis. Closely linked to the university's one-year Media Studies master's, the research track lets students specialise in one of four areas: archival and information studies, digital culture paired with new media, cross-media work alongside television, or film studies. Students also have scope to build a customised path, centred on small-group tutorials focused on specific research areas and rounded out with electives, master classes, and seasonal schools, supported by Amsterdam's active art and media scene.