The MAGMa Erasmus Mundus program offers a two-year interdisciplinary Master’s degree in Managing Art and Cultural Heritage in Global Markets. It is designed for students who aim to become professionals in the creative industries, heritage institutions, and the global arts economy. Through this program, students explore how art and cultural heritage can be managed, valued, and circulated in a rapidly evolving international context.
Co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, MAGMa Erasmus Mundus enables students to study across prestigious universities in Europe, gaining access to practical and academic training, expert faculty, and strong international networks. It brings together the strengths of heritage studies, cultural economics, management, and digital innovation—making it ideal for students passionate about arts, museums, creative markets, and cultural diplomacy.
Project Status
- Status: Ongoing
- Start date 01-09-2022
- End date 31-10-2028
- Action Type: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master
- Universities Involved
- Countries Involved
The MAGMa Erasmus Mundus program is a Master’s in cultural heritage and art management, offered by leading European universities with a global focus.
| University of Glasgow |
| Erasmus University Rotterdam |
| University of Lisbon |
| IESA Arts and Culture |
| United Kingdom |
| Netherlands |
| Portugal |
| France |
This cross-border collaboration allows students to gain an international perspective while studying and researching in the heart of Europe’s academic and industrial hubs.
Description of the MAGMa Erasmus Mundus Program
The MAGMa Erasmus Mundus program trains students to understand and manage art and heritage as global commodities and cultural expressions. It explores how cultural goods and services are exchanged, preserved, and represented in local and international markets. Students gain skills in policy analysis, museum and exhibition management, cultural heritage law, arts marketing, and more—preparing them for leadership roles in both public and private cultural sectors.
Key Features of the MAGMa Erasmus Mundus Program
- Multidisciplinary approach combining cultural studies, economics, law, and management
- Study across four leading European institutions
- Work placements with museums, NGOs, cultural agencies, or creative firms
- Emphasis on global perspectives in cultural heritage and the arts economy
- Scholarship opportunities covering tuition, travel, and living costs
Mobility Tracks of the MAGMa Erasmus Mundus Program
Students move across different universities in each semester:
- Semester 1 in Lisbon at ISCTE Instituto Universitário de Lisboa
- Semester 2 in Paris at IESA Arts and Culture
- Summer School in Glasgow at University of Glasgow (optional)
- Semester 3 in Rotterdam at Erasmus University Rotterdam
- Winter School in Mumbai (optional)
- Semester 4 in the city of your choice:Â To complete your dissertation, you will choose one of the above locations to return to, based on your dissertation topic.
Admission Requirements
To apply for the MAGMa Erasmus Mundus program, you need:
- A Bachelor’s degree in humanities, arts, cultural studies, social sciences, or related fields
- English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 overall or equivalent)
- Motivation letter
- Academic transcripts
- Two academic references
- CV/Resume
- (Optional) Proof of relevant work experience or portfolio in cultural/art sectors
How to Apply for MAGMa Erasmus Mundus Program
- Visit the official website
- Check eligibility and required documents
- Register and fill the online application form
- Upload all supporting documents
- Submit the application before the deadline
- Wait for shortlisting and interview (if required)
Tips to Win the MAGMa Erasmus Mundus Program
- Showcase a strong passion for art, heritage, or culture in your motivation letter
- Highlight any work or volunteer experience in museums, cultural NGOs, galleries, etc.
- Demonstrate international perspective and adaptability
- Get recommendation letters from academic staff familiar with your research potential
- Keep your CV clear, relevant, and well-organized
Application Timeline
- Opens: October
- Deadline: February
- Enroll: Starting September following selection
Curriculum Structure of the MAGMa Erasmus Mundus Program
- Semester 1 (Glasgow): Theoretical foundations in cultural studies and heritage
- Semester 2 (Rotterdam): Cultural economics, management, market strategies
- Semester 3 (Paris): Cultural policy, digital innovation, law and heritage
- Semester 4 (Lisbon): Thesis + Internship
Coordinator Contact
For general enquiries: magma@glasgow.ac.uk
For academic-related enquiries:Â Dr Allan Madden, Programme Director:Â allan.madden@glasgow.ac.uk
For admissions/application-related enquiries: Fill out the enquiry form here
For administrative-related enquiries:Â MAGMa@glasgow.ac.uk
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the MAGMa Erasmus Mundus program about?
The MAGMa program is a two-year Master’s degree that focuses on managing art and cultural heritage in global markets, blending cultural studies with management and policy.
Who can apply for the MAGMa Erasmus Mundus program?
Graduates with a background in humanities, social sciences, or cultural studies are encouraged to apply for the MAGMa Erasmus Mundus program.
Does the MAGMa Erasmus Mundus program offer scholarships?
Yes, the MAGMa program offers Erasmus+ funded scholarships that cover tuition, living allowance, and travel.
What careers can I pursue after completing the MAGMa Erasmus Mundus program?
Graduates of the MAGMa program can work in museums, cultural policy, international organizations, creative industries, and NGOs.
What is the mobility structure of the MAGMa Erasmus Mundus program?
Students of the MAGMa Erasmus Mundus program study across four European universities: in the UK, Netherlands, France, and Portugal.
