Film and Photographic Studies Leiden University

Overview

The Master's in Film and Photographic Studies at Leiden University covers the history and theory of film and photography within the broad context of visual and other media. This one-year master’s programme takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of ‘lens-based’ media: photography, film and video. Designed for students with an undergraduate degree in a related field or relevant professional experience, this programme offers excellent preparation for a career in cinema, photography or media art. Film and Photographic Studies will provide you with an interdisciplinary understanding of lens-based media. During the programme you will have the opportunity to explore theories and histories of these media since the nineteenth century through a mix of lectures, workshops, seminars and field trips. The programme is taught by acclaimed scholars at Leiden University's Faculty of Humanities, as well as artists, critics, and curators. You will also be able to benefit from access to the Leiden University Library which has one of the oldest photo collections in the Netherlands.

What you will learn

The master’s programme in Film and Photographic Studies at Leiden University aims to equip you with a range of important skills and knowledge that will help you thrive in your future career. Your specialised expertise is complemented by vocational skills and the ability to apply multidisciplinary, critical-thinking skills to solve even the most complex conceptual problems.

Career prospects

This master's programme gives you a sound basis of knowledge, skills and insights into the theory and practice of film and photography. You will be qualified to perform at a high level in a range of professions, such as a film and photo historian, curator, critic, picture editor or independent exhibition producer.

Some of the positions of our alumni include:

• Programmer of a film festival
• Assistant curator
• Photography editor at a photography magazine
• Co-ordinator of photo editing and editor at a press office
• Desk editor at an academic publishing house
• Project officer for digital education at a Dutch university
• Freelance photographer and curator
• Freelance photo editor, researcher and producer
• Project manager for graphics and communications at a media company
• Freelance (image/video) editor
• Freelance image editor at a commercial television station
• Creative director at a photography festival foundation
• Owner of a company producing films and videos

Accreditation

Accredited by NVAO, the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders.