Why did you choose this Master’s programme?

'During my Bachelor's in Media and Culture, I discovered that I really enjoyed doing research. While writing my Bachelor's thesis I realised that the Research Master's in Media Studies might just be the right programme for me. The programme gave me the opportunity to pursue my own research interests because it gave me a great deal of freedom. For example, one can even propose one's own tutorials to staff members.'

What did you think of the Master’s programme?

'I found the small-scale and international character of this Master's programme really appealing. In the end, we had a fantastic group of people from all over the world.'

How did you set up your Master’s programme?

'For my optional courses I chose subjects from Television Studies and the Asian Studies Master's courses. I was even allowed to create a tutorial at a different university in order to work with a professor who specialised in my field of research.

In my final year I travelled to Indonesia to do research for my Master's thesis (which dealt with popular Islamic culture). I lived in Jogyakarta for three months, where I also interviewed people and visited media production companies. While there I even received requests to give guest lectures at universities. That was really a great and extremely valuable experience, which I would recommend to everyone!'

Which subjects did you find interesting?

'I actually found all the subjects to be very interesting. The core courses had great themes like ‘media and memory' and ‘media manifestos'. As a group, we even organised a mini conference for one of the core courses. During the conference we presented a media manifesto which we had written ourselves. We had a lot of fun doing that.

During tutorials you work with a small group of people and a lecturer in one of the staff members' research fields. There's a wide range of interesting subjects on offer. A number of fellow students became really involved in the lecturers' research, which was great.'

What are your plans for the future?

'I am extremely happy that I can continue doing what I like to do, as I've been given a job as a lecturer/PhD candidate in the Media Studies department at the University of Amsterdam. I'm going to write my dissertation and teach in the Media and Culture Bachelor's programme.'

Would you recommend this Master’s programme to prospective students?

'Yes, I would recommend this Master's to anyone planning to continue doing research in media studies. You're given a great deal of freedom to pursue and develop your research interests. It's an intensive programme, but it's also extremely challenging!

The most important thing I learned is that you can achieve much more than you think. As long as you know what you want, develop your own plan and really go for it.'