Why did you choose this programme at the time? 

During my Bachelor's programme, I did my final internship at the University of Amsterdam, specifically in the department of Molecular Plant Pathology. During this internship, my interest in the molecular interaction between plants and pathogens was confirmed. In addition, I appreciated the practical nature of the programme, where a large part was spent on long internships. This allowed me to gain experience with different techniques, which played an important role in my further choices.

Why did you choose the UvA? 

Besides the positive experience I had during my Bachelor's internship, the location was ideal for me. The university is relatively close to where I live, which made studying extra practical and accessible. Moreover, the UvA has strong connections with companies in the field, which I considered a great advantage. I also found the professors very approachable, which made me feel at home at the university very quickly.

How much freedom did you have when selecting courses or projects? Are there opportunities to tailor the programme to your interests? 

The programme offers a lot of freedom in putting together your study programme. Although there are some compulsory courses, you can also choose additional courses and determine the duration of your internships. The professors are very helpful and will support you in tailoring the programme to your own interests. You can choose the subjects of the research projects yourself, giving you the opportunity to delve further into the areas that interest you most.

How practical or theoretical is the programme? 

The programme is generally more practical than theoretical. In the beginning, you take some compulsory courses, which, together with the knowledge from your Bachelor's degree, form a solid foundation. From this foundation, you can deepen and expand during the internships. I really liked this, because you not only learn a lot about the applications, but also further develop your theoretical knowledge at the same time. It's actually an ideal combination of both.

How would you describe the atmosphere within the programme?

The programme has a positive and open atmosphere. Thanks to its small size, you quickly get to know your fellow students. In the beginning, you have a lot of contact with fellow students because of the compulsory courses and group projects. In addition, the first internship at the UvA involves intensive collaboration, which I found very pleasant. In the compulsory subjects and some electives, you work in groups, while the individual internships and literature review provide a good balance between independent work and cooperation.

What types of thesis or graduation projects are possible? Can you provide an example of your own project? 

Within the programme, there are many opportunities for thesis and graduation projects. The first internship takes place at the UvA, where several research groups are involved in plant research, allowing you to explore various directions. During my first internship, I researched the molecular response of plants to cold stress. This included working with radioactive material, which provided a unique opportunity to gain experience. I then carried out my graduation internship at Enza Zaden, a seed breeding company in Enkhuizen. Here, I investigated the molecular interaction between a plant resistance protein and a virus protein, with the aim of gaining a better understanding of resistance.

Was it easy for you to find a job after your Master’s? How did you end up in your current role? 

I was lucky to be able to continue working at Enza Zaden after my internship. When an internship goes well for both parties, there are often many opportunities. Many fellow students from my year layer also found jobs at their internships. This is a great advantage of working in the seed breeding sector, a high-growth industry in which job opportunities are high.

What advice would you give to someone considering this Master’s programme? 

The programme offers a lot of freedom in putting together your curriculum, allowing you to tailor subjects and projects to your own interests. The long internships allow you to gain valuable experience and learn different techniques that will be useful for your future career. In addition, the atmosphere within the programme is positive and close-knit, thanks in part to the small scale and commitment of professors. This ensures good supervision and plenty of interaction with both fellow students and professors. In short, if you are looking for a combination of theoretical depth and practical application, with ample opportunities to determine your own direction, this Master's is an excellent choice!