Program Overview
The Contemporary Theatre at Utrecht University is a MA programme in Arts & Design over 12 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of arts & design. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the Contemporary Theatre programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across Netherlands and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 12 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- English requirement: IELTS 6.5
- Tuition: EUR 15,167 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; EUR 2,006 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
- Location: Utrecht, Netherlands
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Contemporary Theatre programme are prepared for diverse careers in arts & design:
- Creative Director
- Graphic / UX Designer
- Art Director
- Curator
- Visual Artist
- Media Producer
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
- Theories And Concepts Of Theatre, Dance And Dramaturgy
- Contemporary Performance: Mapping The Field
- Performance Research Lab: Act I
- Performance Research Lab: Act II
- Internship Ma Contemporary Theatre, Dance And Dramaturgy
- Master Thesis Contemporary Theatre, Dance And Dramaturgy
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
- You have a Bachelor Degree (Equivalent to a Dutch Bachelor Degree) in: Theatre Studies; Dance Studies; Performance Studies, Performing Arts, Live Art, Contemporary Arts; Bachelor\'s programmes with a focus on (contemporary) Dramaturgy; Any university Bachelors programme that demonstrates a clearly identifiable interest in or affiliation with theatre, dance and/or performance studies.
- You are able to reflect on and query the functioning of theatre, dance and/or performance in contemporary culture, as demonstrated by your motivation letter and a writing sample.
- You have knowledge of and insight in theatre, dance and/or performance theory, history and/or dramaturgy, as shown by having taken at least 30 EC worth of courses in this field on Bachelor\'s level, 15 EC of which should be at advanced Bachelor\'s level (practical training not included), or an equivalent of this.
- You have knowledge of research methods particular to the Humanities, as well as working knowledge of the main concepts used in Theatre, Dance or Performance Studies, as shown by having taken at least 7.5 EC worth of courses in this field on Bachelor\'s level and a Bachelor\'s thesis, or an equivalent of this.
- You are able to design, perform, analyze and report on scientific research in theatre, dance and/or performance studies; and to investigate and report both in writing and orally on issues concerned with theatre and/or dance dramaturgy.
- Proof of your proficiency in English (CAE- Level B, CPC- Grade C).
English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
EUR 15,167 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; EUR 2,006 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
Tuition fees: EUR 15,167 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; EUR 2,006 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
IELTS requirement: 6.5
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact Utrecht University directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.
About Utrecht University
Utrecht University
Utrecht, Netherlands
Visit the university profile page to learn more about this institution.
University Profile- Application Deadline Apr, 2027
- Start Date Sep, 2026
- Language English
- Duration 12 months
