Programme overview

The study programme in a nutshell

The Erasmus Mundus International Master in Managing Art & Cultural Heritage in Global Markets (MAGMa) is a partnership between five European universities: the University of Glasgow, the Institut d’Etudes Supérieures des Arts in Paris, the University of Lisbon and the University Institute of Lisbon, and Erasmus University Rotterdam. Over the course of two years, you will explore issues that influence the market for art and cultural heritage. The programme covers the social, historical, cultural and physical contexts of culture and heritage – past, present and future – as well as critical methodologies.

The MAGMa programme comprises lectures, discussion-based seminars, work placements, project-based teamwork, e-learning, written assignments and exams, and oral presentations. In the final semester of the second and final year, you will return to one of the partner universities to conduct research and write a Master’s thesis on a topic of your choice, under the supervision of a team from at least two universities.

What you will learn

You will examine the practical, legal and ethical implications of business models for art and cultural heritage and their sustainability within the market, including emerging markets. You will also learn to reflect on changing perceptions of value in art and culture, and on the relationships between art markets and cultural institutions, the nature of local versus global art worlds, the role of public and private collections, existing cultural institutions and new models in the creation of cultural heritage.

You will explore the relationships between art and cultural institutions and their local and global audiences, and the many ways in which such organisations generate economic and cultural impact within their communities. Finally, you will examine the role of the art market in the creation of collections, and the role of curators and national bodies in fostering a vibrant and dynamic arena where contemporary artists can flourish and diversify.

Duration of the programme

The programme consists of mobility periods spread over two years, during which you will study at a combination of partner universities and take a mix of core and elective modules. Teaching is delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars, with guest lectures and opportunities for work placements. You will spend the final period at one of the partner universities, where you will write your Master’s thesis under the supervision of a team comprising staff from at least two universities.

The programme also includes an optional two-week summer and winter school in years 1 and 2. Successful students receive multiple degrees and a professional certificate from all consortium partners.

Below you will find the course overview for the 2025–2027 intake.

Study programme overview
 

Year 1

You will spend Semester 1 in Lisbon at the University Institute of Lisbon (ISCTE) and University of Lisbon (FLUL) studying Art Management and Art Markets, and Semester 2 in Paris at IESA Arts & Culture. IESA offers two study track options:

• rt MarketArt Markets
• Cultural Heritage of the Future

Year 2

You will spend Semester 3 in Rotterdam at Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR), at the Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication (ESHCC). You will be able to choose between two study tracks:

• Cultural Tourism
• Economics of Cultural Heritage

Year 1 and 2 (semesters 1-3)

You will complete three online courses at the University of Glasgow.

Year 2, Semester 4

You will return to or stay in one of the four locations (Lisbon, Paris, Rotterdam or Glasgow) to complete your dissertation depending on your choice of research topic. Supervisor allocation will be based on staff subject background and research interests.