Interdisciplinary Arts
In short
Our society is complex and constantly in motion. That's why we need someone like you, not afraid to look beyond existing frameworks. During the Interdisciplinary Arts programme (iArts) you do exactly that. In this study programme we combine art, academic reflection and entrepreneurship which will teach you to creatively address social issues. We work across disciplines, connect systems, and give artistic practice centre stage. This makes our students decisive change agents of the future. Are you ready to be part of this movement?
Study support
You’re not alone in this
Alumni story
Looking back on student life
Explore from home?
Join an online session
Internships as part of your studies
Learn outside the classroom
What will you become?
Explore possible careers
Join our Open Day
Ask all your questions, soak up the atmosphere and experience what it’s like to study here. Whether you already know what you want or are still deciding, discover what truly suits you during the open day.
Try an Experience Day?
Experience a programme from the inside. During an experience day, you’ll follow a schedule together with other prospective students.
Why study Interdisciplinary Arts at Zuyd?
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Unique in Europe
The only higher professional study programme where art, science, and entrepreneurship come together.
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Your own path
Shape your international art programme and discover where your strengths lie.
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Entrepreneurial and creative
Learn how to find your niche and make your mark in the creative world.
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Make an impact
Collaborate with different disciplines and sectors and become a true changemaker.
Study in the student city of Maastricht
You will study Interdisciplinary Arts at our location in Maastricht, an inspiring place where experimentation and collaboration are central. In addition to the open studios, you will have access to our workshops: metal, wood, plaster, graphics, ceramics, print, soft and hard materials, media, and AV. Here you can experiment with materials and resources to give shape to your ideas and come up with new ones. You will work alongside with students from other programmes, which will inspire and stimulate your creativity. Are you excited yet?
A changemaker has a critical attitude. Sustainability is part of that. In our workshops, we use materials sparingly and reuse them wherever possible. We encourage you to work consciously, seek alternative solutions, and explore circular processes.
We are Zuyd. We are close-knit, sincere and confident
Programme Structure
At Interdisciplinary Arts you start with a propaedeutic year. This is followed by in-depth learning, collaboration and plenty of practical work. Internships, projects and personal guidance help you grow at your own pace. You’ll become increasingly independent in what you do and why you do it.
Your first year
The first year of the Interdisciplinary Arts programme is an exploration. You will learn the basics of interdisciplinary work and develop the skills you need to combine art, research, and entrepreneurship. You will do so within three learning pathways: Baseline, Project-Based Learning and Research & Development Lab.
Baseline: building your toolbox
Baseline consists of a number of courses that allow you to develop your artistic and academic skills. Think about techniques, methods, and theoretical frameworks you need as a maker. You build up a toolbox, so to speak, with which you can shape your creative ideas during Project-Based Learning.
Project-Based Learning: learning by making
In Project-Based Learning, we dive straight into the practical side of your Interdisciplinary Art studies. You will work on projects in which you research current issues and develop artistic concepts. This requires a combination of problem analysis, research, planning, concept development, creation, production, collaboration, documentation, and evaluation. You will learn how to analyse a problem, come up with a concept and then develop it into a concrete product or intervention. At the end of each project period, you look back on the process with students from different years and (guest) teachers during Documentation & Evaluation Week. This is where you reflect on yourself within the project.
Research & Development Lab: your fascinations as a starting point
In the Research & Development Lab, you get the space to explore your own fascinations. What drives you as a creator? How does your work relate to social issues? You will use the tools from Baseline to conduct in-depth research and reflect on the ethical and social value of your artistic interventions.
During your first year, you will be taught by a team of regular lecturers from different disciplines. We guide you, challenge you and help you find your own voice. The propaedeutic year of the Interdisciplinary Art programme is intensive, but above all inspiring. A taste of the impact can have on the world as a maker!
Advanced study and practical experience
After the first year of the Interdisciplinary Arts programme, you’ll gradually dive deeper into putting your skills into practice. You’ll continue to sharpen your artistic abilities, engage with social issues, and take increasing ownership of your learning process.
In the second year, the three learning pathways introduced in year one remain the foundation of your Interdisciplinary Art studies. However, whereas in your first year you mostly experimented within the walls of the academy, you’ll now begin to step outside more actively. This means:
- You collaborate with guest lecturers and interdisciplinary professionals from the field;
- You work within a Project-Based Learning framework on real, socially relevant cases put forward by professional partners – from commercial companies to scientific research centres or arts institutions;
- You become increasingly independent in your work, supported by peer learning groups;
- You have the freedom to complement compulsory projects with elective projects that align with your personal interests.
In doing so, you’ll actively discover where your strengths lie. You’ll conclude the year by creating a personal study plan for year three – a customised pathway where you decide on your own mix of minors, internships, and in-depth projects.
Year 3
In the third year of Interdisciplinary Arts HBO, you take the reins. The first semester focuses on gaining international experience and practical depth: you can choose to do an internship, study abroad, or work on an independent research project. It’s your opportunity to specialise and expand your network in the professional world.
The second semester centres on reflection and preparation. You’ll look back on your journey and determine how you want to continue your artistic development. By the end of the year, you will design a personal graduation strategy, shaping the direction and focus of your final graduation phase.
Year 4
The final year of the Interdisciplinary Arts degree has arrived! This year is all about artistic positioning. You define your own themes, disciplines, and working methods, and collaborate with external coaches and professionals from the field. Your graduation pathway consists of four phases:
- Position Paper – you explore and articulate your artistic position.
- Artistic Concept – you develop a project that reflects your personal vision.
- Public Event – you present your work to a wider audience.
- Documentation & Reflection – you reflect on your process and results.
Throughout these four phases, you’ll learn how to position yourself professionally, collaborate strategically, and present your work in a transparent and accessible way. You’ll be supported by an individual graduation coach as well as external experts. In addition, there are return days and online sessions to guide you through the process.
After completing the Interdisciplinary Arts bachelor, you’ll have developed the knowledge, skills, and tools to address the challenges of tomorrow – ready to take your next step, wherever it leads.
Community
As a graduate, you remain a part of the vibrant iArts community. You’re encouraged to share your experiences with current students and staff, continuing to contribute to a sustainable and inspiring network of makers, thinkers, and innovators. iArts alumni are regularly invited to return and share their insights, practices, and expertise – sparking valuable dialogue and ongoing exchange across generations of students and educators. These shared stories and experiences enrich the community and help keep it dynamic and forward-looking.
Internships
In your third year, you will have the chance to take on an internship, a valuable opportunity to explore the professional art world. You start preparing at the end of your second year, setting clear goals and finding the right context to grow as an interdisciplinary artist.
Guidance and support
Studying Interdisciplinary Arts is challenging, dynamic and requires an open and inquisitive mindset. This is why mentoring is an integral part of the training. At iArts, you are never on your own – from day one, you receive support to help you get the most out of both yourself and your studies.
Your own mentor from year 1
In the first year of Interdisciplinary Arts, the focus is on helping you understand how the programme works and how learning at iArts is structured. How do I shape my own learning process? How do I collaborate across disciplines? How do I deal with feedback and evaluation? Your mentor will help you answer these questions. Mentoring is a mix of group sessions and individual guidance, giving you the chance to both learn from your peers and focus on your personal development.
In the second and third years, you’ll work with an individual mentor, who will support you in deepening your artistic practice and shaping your professional identity. Your mentor will help you make choices that align with your ambitions and growth. In the fourth year, you’ll be supported by both a personal graduation coach and an external coach from the (international) professional field.
Your first year
Your first year
The first year of the Interdisciplinary Arts programme is an exploration. You will learn the basics of interdisciplinary work and develop the skills you need to combine art, research, and entrepreneurship. You will do so within three learning pathways: Baseline, Project-Based Learning and Research & Development Lab.
Baseline: building your toolbox
Baseline consists of a number of courses that allow you to develop your artistic and academic skills. Think about techniques, methods, and theoretical frameworks you need as a maker. You build up a toolbox, so to speak, with which you can shape your creative ideas during Project-Based Learning.
Project-Based Learning: learning by making
In Project-Based Learning, we dive straight into the practical side of your Interdisciplinary Art studies. You will work on projects in which you research current issues and develop artistic concepts. This requires a combination of problem analysis, research, planning, concept development, creation, production, collaboration, documentation, and evaluation. You will learn how to analyse a problem, come up with a concept and then develop it into a concrete product or intervention. At the end of each project period, you look back on the process with students from different years and (guest) teachers during Documentation & Evaluation Week. This is where you reflect on yourself within the project.
Research & Development Lab: your fascinations as a starting point
In the Research & Development Lab, you get the space to explore your own fascinations. What drives you as a creator? How does your work relate to social issues? You will use the tools from Baseline to conduct in-depth research and reflect on the ethical and social value of your artistic interventions.
During your first year, you will be taught by a team of regular lecturers from different disciplines. We guide you, challenge you and help you find your own voice. The propaedeutic year of the Interdisciplinary Art programme is intensive, but above all inspiring. A taste of the impact can have on the world as a maker!
Advanced study and practical experience
Advanced study and practical experience
After the first year of the Interdisciplinary Arts programme, you’ll gradually dive deeper into putting your skills into practice. You’ll continue to sharpen your artistic abilities, engage with social issues, and take increasing ownership of your learning process.
In the second year, the three learning pathways introduced in year one remain the foundation of your Interdisciplinary Art studies. However, whereas in your first year you mostly experimented within the walls of the academy, you’ll now begin to step outside more actively. This means:
- You collaborate with guest lecturers and interdisciplinary professionals from the field;
- You work within a Project-Based Learning framework on real, socially relevant cases put forward by professional partners – from commercial companies to scientific research centres or arts institutions;
- You become increasingly independent in your work, supported by peer learning groups;
- You have the freedom to complement compulsory projects with elective projects that align with your personal interests.
In doing so, you’ll actively discover where your strengths lie. You’ll conclude the year by creating a personal study plan for year three – a customised pathway where you decide on your own mix of minors, internships, and in-depth projects.
Year 3
In the third year of Interdisciplinary Arts HBO, you take the reins. The first semester focuses on gaining international experience and practical depth: you can choose to do an internship, study abroad, or work on an independent research project. It’s your opportunity to specialise and expand your network in the professional world.
The second semester centres on reflection and preparation. You’ll look back on your journey and determine how you want to continue your artistic development. By the end of the year, you will design a personal graduation strategy, shaping the direction and focus of your final graduation phase.
Year 4
The final year of the Interdisciplinary Arts degree has arrived! This year is all about artistic positioning. You define your own themes, disciplines, and working methods, and collaborate with external coaches and professionals from the field. Your graduation pathway consists of four phases:
- Position Paper – you explore and articulate your artistic position.
- Artistic Concept – you develop a project that reflects your personal vision.
- Public Event – you present your work to a wider audience.
- Documentation & Reflection – you reflect on your process and results.
Throughout these four phases, you’ll learn how to position yourself professionally, collaborate strategically, and present your work in a transparent and accessible way. You’ll be supported by an individual graduation coach as well as external experts. In addition, there are return days and online sessions to guide you through the process.
After completing the Interdisciplinary Arts bachelor, you’ll have developed the knowledge, skills, and tools to address the challenges of tomorrow – ready to take your next step, wherever it leads.
Community
As a graduate, you remain a part of the vibrant iArts community. You’re encouraged to share your experiences with current students and staff, continuing to contribute to a sustainable and inspiring network of makers, thinkers, and innovators. iArts alumni are regularly invited to return and share their insights, practices, and expertise – sparking valuable dialogue and ongoing exchange across generations of students and educators. These shared stories and experiences enrich the community and help keep it dynamic and forward-looking.
Internships
Internships
In your third year, you will have the chance to take on an internship, a valuable opportunity to explore the professional art world. You start preparing at the end of your second year, setting clear goals and finding the right context to grow as an interdisciplinary artist.
Guidance and support
Guidance and support
Studying Interdisciplinary Arts is challenging, dynamic and requires an open and inquisitive mindset. This is why mentoring is an integral part of the training. At iArts, you are never on your own – from day one, you receive support to help you get the most out of both yourself and your studies.
Your own mentor from year 1
In the first year of Interdisciplinary Arts, the focus is on helping you understand how the programme works and how learning at iArts is structured. How do I shape my own learning process? How do I collaborate across disciplines? How do I deal with feedback and evaluation? Your mentor will help you answer these questions. Mentoring is a mix of group sessions and individual guidance, giving you the chance to both learn from your peers and focus on your personal development.
In the second and third years, you’ll work with an individual mentor, who will support you in deepening your artistic practice and shaping your professional identity. Your mentor will help you make choices that align with your ambitions and growth. In the fourth year, you’ll be supported by both a personal graduation coach and an external coach from the (international) professional field.
Let's Meet
Curious if Interdisciplinary Arts is right for you? We invite you to experience the atmosphere during open days, trial study sessions and online info sessions. Meet students and lecturers, ask your questions and discover the campus.
Visit the Open Day
Is Interdisciplinary Arts the right fit for you? Find out during our Open Day! This is your chance to explore our unique programme up close. Meet our teachers and students, experience how we work, and get a feel for the iArts atmosphere. Our classrooms and workspaces are filled with student work and project outcomes – giving you a real sense of what it’s like to study Interdisciplinary Art.
We offer two presentation sessions during the day, where we walk you through the programme. Can’t be there in person? Join our webinar in which we introduce our programme and answer all your questions.
Try it out with an Experience Day
The best way to find out whether Interdisciplinary Arts is right for you is to spend a day with us. We don’t organise fixed trial study days, but we’re happy to plan a customised visit with you. During this trial study day, you’ll get a real feel for the iArts learning environment at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences. You’ll attend a class, collaborate on a project, and meet students and teachers. You’ll experience first-hand how interdisciplinary work, artistic research, entrepreneurship, and social engagement come together in our programme.
Want to schedule a walk-in day or an introductory meeting? Email us at iarts@zuyd.nl or call us.
Explore from home?
If you can’t physically attend an open day but still want to explore iArts, join one of our Online Info Sessions. These interactive sessions are scheduled during our Open Days and Evenings. Our students and staff will be ready to answer all your questions about the Interdisciplinary Arts degree.
We share the session link in advance via our social media channels, so make sure to keep an eye out!
What Comes Next
You’ve finished Interdisciplinary Arts - what’s next? Discover which careers you can pursue and what the job market opportunities are. Get an overview of further study options and read stories from alumni.
Three encounters with pigeons led to that animal playing a central role in my graduation project.
Our attitude towards pigeons is layered and complex. They were once seen as symbolic creatures: messengers, sacred animals, even offerings. Nowadays, they’re often dismissed or even despised—kept away with spikes on buildings. In my graduation project, where the pigeon takes center stage, all my interests come together: drawing, sculpture, performance, and my love for theatre. I created pigeons out of wax, sculpted an enormous pigeon foot, and used performances to explore how people move through public space. Can we break those fixed patterns? And are people still open to play? My conversations with children and older people give me hope. Even after graduating, I plan to keep working with pigeons—there’s still so much to explore.
Helena Linnert-Fuller (London, 2001)
Your future
Professions
Job prospects and salary
Graduates of the Interdisciplinary Arts program find their way into various sectors, such as art, culture, business, and the public sector. As an iArts professional, you often work as a decision-maker at the intersection of art, research, and entrepreneurship. This means that you are able to tackle complex social issues with innovative and artistic solutions.
The salary depends on the type of work, the sector, and your experience. Many iArts graduates go on to work in a wide range of positions, with salaries between €2,000 and €4,000 per month.
Continue studying
After completing your iArts studies, there are plenty of opportunities to further develop your knowledge and skills. Many of our graduates choose to continue their studies and pursue a master's degree, either in the Netherlands or abroad. You can further specialize in various fields such as film, performance, cultural heritage, critical journalism, costume studies and so on.
Practical Information
Thinking about studying Interdisciplinary Arts? Of course you want to know what to expect. How to apply, what the admission requirements are and how the costs work – we explain it all clearly.
Study load and study advice
The programme requires a significant investment of your time and energy. On average, you will spend around 40 hours per week on your studies, approximately 16 of which will be self-study. This self-study consists of working on projects, delving into literature, developing concepts, and reflecting on your own work. The rest of your time will be filled with lectures, group work, and other practical activities that contribute to your artistic and academic development.
Your studies are intensive and require a good balance between creative work and academic reflection. This means that you will not only learn in the lecture hall, but also work on your own development outside of class hours. Fortunately, you are not alone. You will receive guidance from teachers and mentors who will support you in finding the right direction in your work and studies.
Learning routes
The Interdisciplinary Arts program is designed as a four-year course, but in your third year, you have the opportunity to create a personalized study path. Midway through your second year, you’ll receive guidance on whether this option is right for you. Once your individual study plan is approved, you can start this track and, if you progress efficiently, potentially complete your studies in less time.
While most students finish Interdisciplinary Arts in four years, this flexible route offers an exciting challenge for those who want to take charge of their learning and move at their own pace.
Application
Want to start Interdisciplinary Arts? Great! Some programmes have additional admission requirements, so check these in advance. After you apply, we’ll invite you for a study choice check to make sure the programme is the right fit for you, so you can start well prepared.
Please note
Non- EU students have to register before 1 June.
Tuition fees
As a degree-seeking student you will have to pay annual tuition fees. Students from the EU pay the statutory tuition fees, and non-EU students pay the institutional tuition fees. Normally speaking, these fees are waived for exchange students from partner universities.
Education and examination regulations
The education and examination regulations (EER) provide all the information you will need about the content of the study programme, the academic support provided, and the way in which examinations are organised.
Study in the Netherlands
Curious about what it’s like to study in the Netherlands? From outstanding education to a warm, international atmosphere, it’s all here. Discover what makes the Netherlands such a great study destination. We tell you all about it on the Study in the Netherlands page.
Study load and study advice
Study load and study advice
The programme requires a significant investment of your time and energy. On average, you will spend around 40 hours per week on your studies, approximately 16 of which will be self-study. This self-study consists of working on projects, delving into literature, developing concepts, and reflecting on your own work. The rest of your time will be filled with lectures, group work, and other practical activities that contribute to your artistic and academic development.
Your studies are intensive and require a good balance between creative work and academic reflection. This means that you will not only learn in the lecture hall, but also work on your own development outside of class hours. Fortunately, you are not alone. You will receive guidance from teachers and mentors who will support you in finding the right direction in your work and studies.
Learning routes
Learning routes
The Interdisciplinary Arts program is designed as a four-year course, but in your third year, you have the opportunity to create a personalized study path. Midway through your second year, you’ll receive guidance on whether this option is right for you. Once your individual study plan is approved, you can start this track and, if you progress efficiently, potentially complete your studies in less time.
While most students finish Interdisciplinary Arts in four years, this flexible route offers an exciting challenge for those who want to take charge of their learning and move at their own pace.
Application
Application
Want to start Interdisciplinary Arts? Great! Some programmes have additional admission requirements, so check these in advance. After you apply, we’ll invite you for a study choice check to make sure the programme is the right fit for you, so you can start well prepared.
Please note
Non- EU students have to register before 1 June.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees
As a degree-seeking student you will have to pay annual tuition fees. Students from the EU pay the statutory tuition fees, and non-EU students pay the institutional tuition fees. Normally speaking, these fees are waived for exchange students from partner universities.
Education and examination regulations
Education and examination regulations
The education and examination regulations (EER) provide all the information you will need about the content of the study programme, the academic support provided, and the way in which examinations are organised.
Study in the Netherlands
Study in the Netherlands
Curious about what it’s like to study in the Netherlands? From outstanding education to a warm, international atmosphere, it’s all here. Discover what makes the Netherlands such a great study destination. We tell you all about it on the Study in the Netherlands page.
Admission requirements
General admission requirements
To study with us, you need a diploma of pre-university secondary education (vwo), senior general secondary education (havo) or a level 4 vocational education (mbo). There are also additional requirements.
- Artistic talent
- Good command of English
- Collaborative skills
- Successful completion of our selection procedure
Selection procedure
First apply for iArts at www.studielink.nl. Our assessment consists of 2 rounds:
- Round 1: application form and creative video
When you apply for the programme, we will send you the video guidelines and the application form.
Your video is a creative introduction, a brief artistic statement that gives insight into your way of perceiving, imagining, and relating to the world. The video may be filmed with a phone or camera. Technical perfection is not required! Clarity and authenticity matter most. - Round 2: online - team & individual assignment
We will send you research material, schedule, and instructions for the online assessment. The online assessment is a two-day mini iArts experience in which you take part in a team assignment on day 1 and an individual assignment on day 2.
Dates and deadlines
The dates for the online selection are:
- 8-9 April 2026
- 6-7 May 2026
- 22-23 June 2026
Please note
- always start by registering via Studielink. We will then send you an invitation to the iArts selection procedure.
- non-European students may be eligible for a Zuyd Scholarship.
Join our Open Day
Ask all your questions, soak up the atmosphere and experience what it’s like to study here. Whether you already know what you want or are still deciding, discover what truly suits you during the open day.
Try an Experience Day?
Experience a programme from the inside. During an experience day, you’ll follow a schedule together with other prospective students.
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