archive
13:00
13:30
14:00
14:30
15:00
15:30
16:00
16:30
17:00
17:30
18:00
18:30
Jurgen Bey Opening presentation at Open Sandberg 2023
Q: Is it allowed to take my dog to school?
A: Unfortunately, dogs or other pets are not allowed, except for guide dogs or similar.
MORE FAQ

Notes to Future Students — Student Anastasija Kiake in conversation with Public Sandberg

CRITICAL STUDIES

The Critical Studies Department offers a two-year Master’s programme in critical thought and inquiry. The programme provides an open, interdisciplinary environment for the development of an independent research practice while giving students a rigorous grounding in contemporary critical theory and political thought. We are especially interested in forms of study and inquiry at odds with traditional academic frameworks, including practice-led research and experimental approaches to critical and speculative writing.

Over the course of their studies, participants have the possibility to pursue a self-initiated research project with great autonomy, working individually or collectively with our team of supervisors. Research projects are presented in a series of regular colloquia, which serve as spaces for collective discussion and exchange. Additionally, participants are provided with the support and resources for the development of collaborative projects related to their research, such as publications, screenings, or symposia.

Alongside the research trajectory, participants take part in an intensive programme of seminars, lectures, and workshops. This programme provides a thorough introduction to key debates in critical theory and continental philosophy, explores alternative modes of research and knowledge production, and supports participants in the development of a writing practice. In tandem with this, specific themes are addressed in depth during regular lectures and seminars by visiting speakers.

STRUCTURE

The Critical Studies curriculum is structured around weekly theory seminars, bi-weekly writing workshops, monthly guest talks and research colloquia, and tutorials with supervisors. In each of the three terms that comprise our academic year, the writing and theory courses focus on different themes and are taught by different core tutors. Classes are usually scheduled on three weekdays (currently, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays); alongside the scheduled classes, students work independently on coursework and their own research projects.

STUDENTS

Critical Studies welcomes applicants from a range of backgrounds, including writers, theorists, artists, activists, editors, curators, educators, and other cultural practitioners interested in exploring points of convergence between research, practice, and writing. Critical Studies explicitly welcomes applicants who want to diverge from a trajectory that they have previously embarked on, seeking an environment that offers space for further development and experimentation.

Design Department presentation at Open Sandberg 2023
Tennis
Q: Do different departments collaborate?
A: There are some occasional collaborative workshops and seminars across departments, but generally each department follows their own trajectory. There are also a number of student initiatives which collaborate across departments.
MORE FAQ
Nuet är där mina kroppar möts (Presence is where my bodies align)
Una película sin película A film without a film
Future Crystals of the Anthropocene
Dirty Art Department presentation at Open Sandberg 2023
escribas modernas
The Most Glorious Day On Earth
Out of Service
Shuffering and Shmiling
st Anthony's Wilderness
Untitled (ongoing night light series)
Trapped in a glaze like in fossilised amber
Untitled
Si puedo y es facíl, estoy cansada
Bursting Bubbles- Another Truth
Q: What does a studio look like?
A: All departments, apart from Fine Arts, share a communal space. The Fine Arts students have individual studios within their department space (first years share one studio space, and second years have one to themselves).
MORE FAQ
Mushroom Dreams
Fine Art performance at Open Sandberg 2023
Q: Is there an age limit for candidates?
A: There is no age limit.
MORE FAQ
The Middle Station
Goodie Bags
Sunkiss2
Untitled
FOGIIV
Arita Porcelain Industry 有田の陶磁器産業
Creamsicle Dress with Drippy Collars
Pod
Studio for Immediate Spaces presentation at Open Sandberg 2023
Dream of desert land x1
Ghostly Voices, Noise and Static
Vavanguèr
Untitled
Do What You Love
Graduation project
In Medias Res
Fabulous Future
Scenario 02
find me a house
Neighbours of Zero
Q: What’s the duration of the study?
A: All programs are full-time two-year courses. You earn 60 ECTS points per year (European Credit Transfer System).
MORE FAQ
Artificial Times presentation at Open Sandberg 2023
Q: Are study years one and two intertwined?
A: Both study years of the main departments share the same space and follow the same seminars. There isn’t a strict divide between the years across each department.
MORE FAQ
Graduation project
Input Party
Your Future
The Apple Pie
Explained
p.i.a. services
Monarchy Energy
Peach Tree, Ambiguous
The Window
Q: Can I apply to all temporary departments?
A: Temporary departments are two-year programs developed according to urgent world issues. The two new temporary departments starting in 2023 are Artificial Times and Planetary Poetics which are open for applications.
MORE FAQ
Q: Is it possible to apply without a bachelor in arts?
A: Yes, anyone with a bachelor's level degree or equivalent can be accepted. A convincing portfolio and practice related to art and a clear idea of what you would like to achieve in two years are as important.
MORE FAQ
 wait, I thought I was supposed to be a generous cook in a greasy kitchen - true stories told
A smokers theatre
Konzert fur Spielzug und schwimmbad
gut
How to Read a Spread with The Pendant Tarot Deck
The Pendant
Bracing Bodies
Q: What are the expenses of living in Amsterdam?
A: In addition to the tuition fee, costs vary depending on your personal situation and individual choices. Nevertheless, it's advised to count on at least € 1.130 living expenses per month.
MORE FAQ
The Pendant
Hier praten we liever niet over
Places of Belonging
Places of Belonging
Q: Are the studies collective or individual?
A: Everyone follows their own trajectory and graduates individually. Frequently there are collective projects and collaborative workshops and seminars.
MORE FAQ
This Window is A World
Unsettling presents Sydney Lowell at Open Sandberg 2023
workshop
Asian Union
workshop
Open Sandberg 21