Laura van Gelder

Graduated in Cultural Analysis: Literature and Theory (MA Media Studies)

"I’m on the writing team of satirical platform De Speld and I work as an international editor for Univers, the independent newspaper of Tilburg University. I write satire, news articles and background stories. On my day off, I work on my doctoral thesis as an external PhD student at Leiden University."

Curiosity is one of my strongest allies

"All three of my current ‘gigs’ require me to spend a lot of time reading and writing. If anything can prepare you for that, it’s a master’s track in comparative literature studies. But more importantly, my work requires an analytical mind. I’d say that curiosity is one of my strongest allies. I have to be able to interpret texts of different forms and contexts, and I have to be able to engage creatively with those texts. Studying literature helped develop my personality in a more analytical and inquisitive one, which I benefit from on a daily basis."

A strong foundation

"I chose this programme because I was interested in art, literature and philosophy. Having no formal training in these disciplines, it was quite a challenge for me at first to read the dense philosophical writings of thinkers like Jacques Derrida and Judith Butler. But I genuinely enjoyed the reading sessions, the discussions, and the essay-writing. I developed a particular interest in concepts of cultural memory and collective identity, which became the focus of my master’s thesis, and, later, of my PhD thesis. The master’s programme has been instrumental in kindling my interest in the field of memory studies, and provided me with a strong foundation which I continue to build on today - in more ways than one."

Joost Damen

Graduated in Cultural Analysis: Literature and Theory (MA Media Studies); currently works at the Special Collections at Leiden University Library

“I cherish the things I've learned in this master’s; the various concepts and methods I've been taught here have helped me to better understand literature, arts and culture. In addition, they have been of great help to me in recent forays into critical economics and philosophy. And lastly, the programme has brought me friends from around the world!”

Suzanne Oskam

Graduated in Modern European Philosophy (MA Philosophy) and Cultural Analysis: Literature and Theory (MA Media Studies)

"From a young age, I have been captivated by the power of stories as conduits for conveying profound philosophical reflections. Driven by my lifelong aspiration to make a positive impact on the world through storytelling, I pursued two Master’s degrees simultaneously: Philosophy and Media Studies. The combination of these disciplines provided me with a holistic understanding that allows me to approach complex issues with depth and breadth."

Ph.D. Research After my Masters, I chose to pursue a Ph.D. My research focuses on the evolution of literature and reading skills in the age of digital media, blending philosophy with literary theory to examine contemporary cultural dynamics.

Alongside my Ph.D journey, I found a meaningful professional outlet at a company dedicated to supporting cognitively talented youth. This role allows me to leverage my academic and creative skills to contribute to a more equitable future for education.

Memories of Cyclus Finally, as a writer, the critical eye cultivated through my studies has equipped me with the ability to delve into more nuanced and intricate explorations of the human condition. This has proven invaluable to the development of my magnum opus, the cosmic epic Memories of Cyclus.

My academic journey continues to shape my understanding and my capacity to meaningfully contribute.