Students
Literary Studies (Research MA)
Educational background
I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Spanish from the University of Amsterdam in 2012.
Why Literary Studies?
Well, I have always loved literature, more specifically Spanish literature. Before enrolling in this degree programme I took the Master’s programme Spanish Literature, but soon realised it wasn’t for me. I wanted to do a programme in which I could really specialise myself and which would prepare me for a PhD track. The Research Master’s in Literary Studies was therefore the obvious choice considering my academic ambitions and interests.
Has the programme met your expectations?
Most definitely. I love the academic freedom of the programme and the fact that it offers you the chance to specialise in a field of your own choice. During the first semester I had the opportunity to take an elective alongside a core course, and ended up choosing ‘historical avant-garde’, which led me to a topic for a possible PhD project. I’ve chosen to specialise in Generación del 27 (The Generation of 27), which was an influential group of writers and poets that arose in Spanish literary circles during the first half of the 20th century.
Aside from the academic freedom, I also enjoy the programme’s specialist approach, whereby participating students delve much deeper into the world of literature than would normally be the case with the one-year MA programme. We are prepared for an eventual PhD track from day one, and learn all the skills we will need to successfully do such a PhD research project.
Another positive of the programme is its small scale in terms of student numbers. The fact that our group isn’t that big facilitates a more open, informal academic relationship between all the participant students. A clear example of this are the lively discussions we regularly have with one another, including the lecturers. Despite being lively, these discussions are always amicable and inclusive, and we always end up learning from one another.
What is it about Spanish literature that appeals to you?
I guess it’s the fact that Spanish writers are always proud of their heritage and actively seek to celebrate it in books. There also seems to be a general Spanish literary tradition of writing in a very minimalist way, yet somehow still managing to describe the surrounding world in a very vivid manner.
Any other projects / extracurricular activities?
I have a really hectic life at the moment. Aside from my studies, I also work part-time and try to maintain a healthy social life. And then there’s literature: I generally read about four books a week.
What do you think about the UvA / Amsterdam?
Well, Amsterdam’s the only Dutch city in which I’m willing to live, which pretty much says it all. The city is wonderful and offers something for everyone.
As for the UvA, I’ve never regretted my choice to study here. I love the fact that the University is so libertarian in nature, and that there isn’t such a strict hierarchy between students and lecturers. This makes for a more informal, and to my mind academic setting in which everyone participates equally.
Plans after graduating?
I am planning to do PhD.
Tips for new students?
At the risk of stating the obvious, you need to really love the world of literature if you plan on doing the Research Master’s in Literature. Also take the time to think about topics you would like to specialise in before starting with the programme. This will ensure that you hit the ground running.