Erasmus Mundus MAGMa Joint Master Scholarship 2026 | Managing Art & Cultural Heritage in Global Markets
- Omran Aburayya
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 9 minutes ago
If you are passionate about art, culture, and heritage — and dream of building a career that connects creative management, cultural policy, and international collaboration — the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Programme in Managing Art & Cultural Heritage in Global Markets (MAGMa) offers an extraordinary opportunity. Applications are now open for the 2026 intake, including fully funded scholarships supported by the European Union Erasmus Mundus Programme.
This prestigious two-year international Master’s is designed to equip future leaders with advanced expertise in art market management, cultural heritage, and the global dynamics of the creative economy. Students study across several world-class European universities and graduate with multiple degrees from partner institutions.
🎓 Scholarship Summary
Locations: Lisbon (Portugal), Paris (France), Rotterdam (Netherlands) — with optional seasonal schools in Glasgow (UK) and Mumbai (India)
Host Institutions: ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon; University of Lisbon; IESA Arts & Culture Paris; Erasmus University Rotterdam; University of Glasgow
Study Level: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s (2 years, full-time)
Target Group: Graduates worldwide with a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as art history, cultural studies, economics, law, or related disciplines
Fields of Study: Art markets, cultural heritage management, economics of culture, law and ethics, management, and marketing in the cultural sector
Value and Coverage: Up to €33,600 covering tuition fees, travel insurance, and a monthly living stipend
Award Duration: 2 academic years (4 semesters)
Application Deadline: 19 January 2026 (for Erasmus Mundus scholarship consideration)
Start Date: September 2026
Eligible To: Students from all nationalities
🧭 Scholarship Overview
The Managing Art & Cultural Heritage in Global Markets (MAGMa) programme is a unique Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s that brings together five prestigious European universities. It provides an integrated, multidisciplinary understanding of art and heritage management in a globalized world — combining academic excellence with hands-on experience across several cultural capitals.
Through its immersive mobility structure, MAGMa allows students to live and study in multiple European cities, gaining a rare perspective on how art and heritage are managed, marketed, protected, and valued across different societies. Graduates receive a joint Master’s degree recognised by all consortium institutions.
📚 Host Universities
The MAGMa consortium includes five leading European universities renowned for their excellence in art, heritage, and cultural management education:
University of Glasgow (United Kingdom): The coordinating university, offering online core modules in research methods, provenance, and restitution, as well as organizing the optional summer school in Glasgow.
ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon (Portugal): Provides expertise in art markets and management, offering a strong foundation in the economics and governance of culture.
University of Lisbon, Faculty of Humanities (Portugal): Contributes courses in art history, humanities, and cultural studies, emphasizing historical and ethical dimensions of heritage.
IESA Arts & Culture, Paris (France): Based in one of the world’s art capitals, IESA offers specialized tracks in collecting, curating, and managing the cultural heritage of the future.
Erasmus University Rotterdam (Netherlands): Hosts advanced modules in cultural economics, policy, entrepreneurship, and sustainability, strengthening students’ analytical and strategic management skills.
These institutions are supported by a network of associate partners across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, providing students with access to professional mentors, guest lecturers, and internship opportunities.
🌎 Curriculum and Structure | Mobility Options
The MAGMa programme spans two years (four semesters) of full-time study, combining theoretical instruction with applied projects and international mobility across multiple countries. Students experience three mandatory mobility periods and may also join optional seasonal schools to expand their professional and academic networks.
Mobility Path:
Semester 1 – Lisbon, Portugal (ISCTE and University of Lisbon):
Students begin their journey in Lisbon, where they develop foundational skills in art market management, economics of culture, and heritage governance. This semester introduces the main theoretical frameworks and analytical tools needed to navigate the cultural economy.
Semester 2 – Paris, France (IESA Arts & Culture):
The second semester offers two main specialization tracks: Collecting in Art & Cultural Heritage and Managing the Cultural Heritage of the Future. Courses combine theory with practice through exhibitions, workshops, and internships within Paris’s rich cultural scene.
Summer School – Glasgow, United Kingdom (University of Glasgow, optional):
An optional immersive summer school offers practical engagement with curators, museum professionals, and cultural economists. Students participate in field visits, seminars, and networking events.
Semester 3 – Rotterdam, Netherlands (Erasmus University Rotterdam):
The third semester emphasizes cultural policy, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. Students learn to design and manage innovative cultural projects, supported by experts in cultural economics and management.
Winter School – Mumbai, India (Tata Institute of Social Sciences, optional):
This optional module expands the programme’s global dimension, exposing students to cultural heritage and market practices in non-European contexts.
Semester 4 – Dissertation:
Students complete their Master’s thesis under joint supervision from two consortium universities. The final semester may take place at any of the partner institutions, depending on the research topic and academic interests.
The programme combines lectures, seminars, case studies, and project-based learning. It also includes guest lectures, museum visits, and professional workshops to strengthen practical understanding of art and heritage management.
💲 Scholarship Benefits
Erasmus Mundus scholarships for MAGMa 2026 provide comprehensive financial support, allowing talented students from all over the world to participate in the programme regardless of financial background.
The scholarship covers:
Full tuition fees for the two-year programme
Health and travel insurance
€ 1,400 Monthly living allowance throughout the mobility periods
Contribution to travel and installation costs
This generous funding ensures that recipients can focus entirely on academic and professional development while experiencing life and study in multiple global cultural centres.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for admission and the Erasmus Mundus scholarship, applicants must:
Hold a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) preferably in art history, cultural management, economics, law, or a related discipline.
Demonstrate English language proficiency (via IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent tests, if English is not the first language).
Provide a strong academic record and motivation to pursue a career in the art and heritage sector.
Submit all required application documents including transcripts, degree certificates, CV, motivation letter, reference letters, and a passport copy.
Candidates with degrees in other fields may also apply if they can show relevant professional or academic experience.
📝 Application Procedure
Applications are submitted online through the official University of Glasgow MAGMa portal, which coordinates the consortium admissions.
Application Steps:
Complete the online Erasmus Mundus MAGMa application form.
Upload required documents (degree transcripts, proof of English proficiency, CV, motivation letter, and references).
Indicate whether you are applying for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship (download application form here).
Submit the application before the scholarship deadline (19 January 2026).
🔍 Selection Process
Applications are evaluated based on academic excellence, motivation, and professional potential. Scholarship results are announced by early April 2026. Unsuccessful candidates may still secure a self-funded place until late May 2026.
👩🏻💻 Career Prospects
Graduates of the MAGMa Erasmus Mundus Master’s are well-equipped to pursue diverse and dynamic careers across the global art, heritage, and cultural sectors. The programme’s combination of academic depth, mobility experience, and industry connections ensures strong employability.
Possible career paths include:
Art market management, galleries, and auction houses
Museum curation and collections management
Cultural heritage consultancy and policy advising
Art law and cultural economics analysis
Cultural tourism and event management
Arts education, nonprofit and international organizations
Cultural investment, entrepreneurship, and digital heritage management
Many graduates also pursue research and PhD opportunities in art history, heritage studies, and cultural economics. The extensive professional network built during the programme — across Europe and beyond — provides a solid foundation for career advancement.
📆 Application Deadlines
Applications Open: 1 October 2025
Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Deadline: 19 January 2026
Scholarship Results: By 7 April 2026
Deadline for Self-Funded Applicants (International): Late July 2026
Deadline for Self-Funded Applicants (UK/EU): Late August 2026
🚀 Final Note
The Erasmus Mundus MAGMa Joint Master’s offers a life-changing academic and cultural experience for students aspiring to become leaders in the art and heritage industries. With world-class teaching, international exposure, and full financial support, this programme opens the door to a truly global career in managing and safeguarding cultural heritage.
Apply now to begin your journey in September 2026 and shape the future of the art and cultural heritage world.
