Programme description

We begin each year by coming together as a research community. Year 1, year 2, and all teachers share their current projects and we map shared concerns. We also launch the previous semester’s publications, go on excursion and take time to eat together.

Year 1 and 2

The core work of the programme, across all four semesters, is your own study – practice-based research entwined with theory and writing classes. You have monthly meetings with tutors, attend the reading group and our Monday Research Days. These are filled with lectures and workshops given by guest artists, writers and other creative specialists.

Thesis

Your thesis is a 2-year project. In year 1, you develop a detailed plan related to your artistic interests. In year 2, you expand this into a 10,000 word thesis.

Annual exhibition and excursion

In 2025/2026, students will exhibit at Paradise. This is a gallery where early career artists are given the opportunity to present their work and develop their presentation skills. Paradise is a collaboration between West The Hague and the KABK.

Each year, we plan an excursion to a cultural centre within the EU.

Courses & ECTS credits 2024-2025

The Master Artistic Research programme amounts to 120 ECTS and lasts two academic years.

See below the curriculum overview for Years 1 and 2.

In the first year of the programme you orient yourself in the new environment and explore resources that you need. Emphasis is also on experimentation with new approaches to making and finding focus for your own artistic research trajectory.

Courses Semester 1ECTS
Studio Based Research 114
Theory and Writing 19
Research Mondays 12
We are a Research Community 11
Excursion 11
Professional Practice 12
Hidden Ecologies1
Total study points per semester30
Courses Semester 2ECTS
Studio Based Research 212
Theory and Writing 29
Research Mondays 23
Public Presentation of Work 13
Publication Project 12
Worlds in the Ethical Sense1
Total study points per semester30

The second year of the programme provides a deep dive into your research questions. As you dig towards the core of your artistic interest, you will also realise and share your findings in a designed thesis and public presentation of artistic work.

Courses Semester 1ECTS
Studio Based Research 310
Theory and Writing 311
Research Mondays 32
We Are a Research Community 21
Public Presentation of Work 23
Excursion 21
Professional Practice 21
Hidden Ecologies 21
Total study points per semester30
Courses Semester 2ECTS
Studio Based Research 4

17

Theory and Writing 47
Research Mondays 43
Professional Practice 31
Publication Project 2
2
Total study points per semester30

In the first year of the programme you orient yourself in the new environment and explore resources that you need. Emphasis is also on experimentation with new approaches to making and finding focus for your own artistic research trajectory.

Our approach to learning and assessment

The artistic work you make and present, the discussions you contribute to, and the writing you complete are the ways you will learn. The teaching that supports this progress towards an MA takes the following forms:

  1. Regular one-to-one tutorial support with both practice, theory and writing tutors.
  2. Group critiques, which are scheduled throughout your study.
  3. Group and individual training in text analysis and academic writing within the reading group.
  4. Discursive exposure to the work of visiting artists and other specialists. Critical feedback on your own work from these visitors.
  5. Exhibiting, as a finalising stage of research, is explored through public exhibitions.
  6. Cultural exposure. Well designed and targeted excursions.
  7. Assessments. At the end of each semester, your tutors will complete a written assessment of your progress. This will focus on the stated learning goals of the department and look back across the semester.

Interested in applying?

Application deadline: 1 March

Review the entry requirements and prepare your portfolio & other essential documents.

Admission requirements

OER 2024-2025

Education and Examination Regulations

You can find information about the regulations and provisions dealing with the organisation of the programme and the assessments and examinations related to it in the Education and Examination Regulations (in Dutch: Onderwijs- en examenregeling; OER)