When you studied for your Bachelor’s degree, did you already know that you wanted to do this MA?

I had initially planned to earn a Master's degree in Drama after my Bachelor's in Theatre Studies. Indeed, I chose my subjects with this choice in mind. But during my second year as a Bachelor student, I discovered that I had developed an interest in theoretical analysis and philosophy, and so I decided to shift my focus and concentrate primarily on philosophy. In addition, I took optional courses from different departments, e.g. Art History and Literary Theory, as well as Sociology and Psychology.

The MA puts great emphasis on academic research. Why did you choose to move in this direction?

My interest in theoretical research began to develop during the second half of my Bachelor's degree studies. Because of this interest, I chose to do a Research Master's in Cultural Analysis. It's an international Master's programme, and that appealed to me. This Master's gives you the opportunity to develop within your own field of study at a theoretical level. You are confronted with various theories, but the programme emphasizes the fact that research is a dialogue between the research object and the theory. I find that an interesting approach. Cultural Analysis is a challenging and high-quality programme. The students come from different backgrounds: they have different nationalities, but also different preparatory training. That created a stimulating learning environment.

I already knew during my first year at university that I wanted to go abroad, but only decided to do that during my Master's degree because the available courses are interesting at that point. In the end, I studied at New York University for six months. That was really fantastic. The city has endless opportunities, and you have no choice but to get completely swept up in the inexhaustible energy rushing through the city. I've never had to work so hard and simultaneously been able to do so much as in New York.

When I returned, I had taken more courses than required, so I was able to start working on my thesis. I eventually wrote it in three quarters of a year. This gave me the opportunity to conduct extensive research, which was the perfect way to finish my studies.

What is the most important thing you learned during your studies?

In addition, I learned that - no matter what - I want to connect with society. I consider theoretical research important, but I do want to have a relationship with ‘the real world' and not get bogged down too much in metaphysical issues. The latter have to be the starting point, but subsequently you have to be able to apply them to everyday situations. This is evident in my thesis, for which I conducted research into the image of the enemy in counter-terrorism training at the Police Academy. 

Does this predilection for a relationship with ‘the real world’ also express itself in your plans fo

Although I began the Master's programme with the expectation of doing a PhD afterwards, I am now considering getting a job first. At the moment, I'm talking to several consultancies in the public sector. They are agencies who frequently work with the government and who are perhaps a little more academic-oriented. It gives me the opportunity to apply my academic findings to daily life.

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

Yes, absolutely, but that depends entirely on what you want. If you're looking to deepen your theoretical knowledge and want a challenge in the area of art and culture, then this is the perfect place for you. If you are more interested in traditional and historical research, you'd probably be better off somewhere else.

Pointers for future students:

Don't let yourself be intimidated by other students' knowledge or the amount of (difficult) material you have to digest. It's a question of getting used to the discourse. Once you are accustomed to it, you'll notice that it won't be long before you start making large intellectual leaps.