Programs/Bachelor/Humanities, social sciences, communication and arts
Bachelor

International Bachelor Arts and Culture Studies

★ StudyPath verdict
6.8/10
Best for students drawn to interdisciplinary study of arts, culture and society at Erasmus University Rotterdam; weigh the broad perspective and strong research environment against limited programme-specific outcome transparency.
Tuition · Intl
?
intl not published · EU: €2,694 ↗
Duration
3 years
180 ECTS
Start
Sep 26
apply by May 26
Language
English
IELTS 6.5+
Accred.
NVAO
NVAO 2021
Admission
Open
no intake cap
Enrolled/yr
118
DUO ↑15% ↗
Intl. %
?
no data yet
S:F ratio
34:1
institution-wide ↗
Min. English
6.5
IELTS required
Entry route
Any VWO
profile required ↗
Satisfaction
3.9/5
NSE 2026 ↗
Employment
?
no data yet
Median salary
?
no data yet
Alumni
?
no data yet
↗ Real values are sourced; tiles marked “?” aren’t collected yet · Enrolled/yr is live from DUO · Satisfaction/outcomes are live from StudiekeuzedatabaseLast sync: 27 Jun 2026
About this program
The International Bachelor Arts and Culture Studies (IBACS) at Erasmus University Rotterdam offers a unique approach to arts and culture. As an IBACS student, you will study the world of arts and culture from a sociological and economic point of view, but you will also be familiarised with theories on media, policy, marketing, and aesthetics. You will explore the dynamic arts and culture sector. In this world, creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship are the key concepts. These characteristics not only apply to artists, but they are also increasingly essential for you: the future arts and culture specialist working behind the scenes to shape and engage with the world of art and culture. The contemporary cultural landscape requires creative professionals with analytical skills and in-depth knowledge of cultural policy, arts education, art markets, audiences, heritage, cultural organisations, creative industries, and entrepreneurship in a global perspective. Besides building a theoretical foundation, you will also put your broad knowledge about the arts and culture into practice during the compulsory internship.
Institution’s own description (HOVI via Studiekeuzedatabase)
English180 ECTSBachelor of ArtsField area: Language & CultureSector: Kunst en CultuurCode of Conduct (intl.)Full-timeBachelor
Teaching formats
Group assignmentIndividual assignmentLectureLiterature studyOral presentationResearchSeminarTutorial
About Erasmus University Rotterdam
Erasmus University Rotterdam, named after the famous Dutch humanist, is a leading research university founded in 1913. Home to Rotterdam School of Management (RSM), one of Europe's top business schools, and strong medicine program. Located in modern, architecturally innovative Rotterdam.
Living in Rotterdam
Student cost of living
Rent · room
€580/mo
Monthly total
€850–€1,600
Cost of living
Medium
Population
651k

Modern, innovative, and business-oriented. Rotterdam is less touristy than Amsterdam, offering a more authentic Dutch experience. The city is known for its contemporary architecture and entrepreneurial spirit.

View city guide →
Specializations
Tracks from HOVI
Culture and EconomicsGraduation track
In the specialist field Culture and Economics, you study the art world from a cultural economic perspective. Artists, art and cultural institutions and the public all have to deal
Culture and SocietyGraduation track
When choosing the 'Culture and Society'-track you get acquainted with up-to-date sociological theories and will develop relevant research skills in studying these art worlds. You
Culture and MediaGraduation track
Central to this specialisation are the creation, distribution and consumption of various media and media products and the role of media in the communication of culture. Cultural i
Arts and Culture Honours ProgrammeHonourstraject
If you are an ambitious and talented student, we offer you more academic challenges, more opportunities to delve deeper into particular topics, and the chance to work with an arts
Source: HOVI via Studiekeuzedatabase
Curriculum
Course structure by year
?No curriculum data yet
Career outcomes
Graduate surveys · field-group level
Where bachelor graduates continue
Kunst- & Cultuurwetenschappen57%
Mediastudies (1-jarig)17%
Field-group estimates from national graduate surveys via Studiekeuzedatabase — not measured per programme
Progression & cohort
Official register statistics
Continue to year 278%
Complete this degree51%
Continue studying after graduating52%
Women among first-years89%
Say workload is “just right”65%
Official register statistics (1cijferHO · 2025) via Studiekeuzedatabase
Student voices
National Student Survey (NSE) — first-party reviews coming
3.9/5overall satisfaction · NSE 2026 · 71 respondents
Content & set-up3.7
Teachers4
Atmosphere4.3
Involvement & contact3.9
Study guidance4
Testing & assessment3.8
Facilities4
Career preparation3.2
Teachers' English4.5
Would choose again3.8
Source: Nationale Studenten Enquête via Studiekeuzedatabase (Studiekeuze123/LCSK)
Application timeline
Application deadline
2026-05-01
Non-EU deadline
2026-04-01
Application deadline
2027-05-01
Non-EU deadline
2027-04-01
Upcoming open days
Open day
3 Oct 2026
Admissions
Minimum language scores · from StudyInNL
  • Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: C1
  • Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English: C2
  • IELTS overall band: 6.5
  • TOEFL computer based: 90
  • TOEFL internet based: 90
Scholarships
?No data yet
Internships
?No data yet
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