Testimonials
I was very happy to find out that my peers are very friendly and same as me: everyone is oriented to progress in their own pace and understanding.
- Previous education
- Intercultural Relations Latvia - The Netherlands - Germany/ Latvian Academy of Culture
- Programme
- Art and Visual Culture
- Study start date
- Study end date
What do you like about the programme and why?
I like the relationship with lecturers, it really does feel like we are on the same level of just being people who want to learn, discuss, educate themselves and others, research and are not afraid to make mistakes or not understand something sometimes. I enjoy this because this makes me see that as much as these studies are for myself, the end result of any discussion, analysis research affects others too. I also really like that we each have our mentors, because even if they are not an expert in every concern, or question we have, they will always know somebody and will help out any way they can. In relation to my previous education, the first challenge is studying in English, as I did my Bachelor's degree in Latvian. However, there is a special course made for advanced academic communication that helps to tackle the insecurities that one has in relation to, for example, writing in English.
What do you think about the atmosphere in class?
At first I was warned that the atmosphere could be quite competitive and that it should not be discouraging (because I do not think it is healthy to constantly compare yourself to others, I am studying and advancing for myself and this is my path that should not and cannot be similar to someone else's). However, I was very happy to find out that my peers are very friendly and same as me: everyone is oriented to progress in their own pace and understanding. I also like the diversity of our HLCS group. We have our 'small' classes where it is just the students of Art and Visual Culture track where we converse very freely. Moreover, there are subjects together with students from Historical and Literary Studies, where through mutual respect and understanding we feel free to discuss any wild idea we have, as well as express our opinion and confusion at times.
What do you find most challenging in your Master’s?
A challenge for me has been the study load, however, it is what I signed up for and with the lecturers being very open and forthcoming it is easier to cope with how much one has to do in this programme. I also struggled a bit with finding courses for my individual study programme, because as an international student, it was at first quite hard to grasp how to manage everything and where to even look for courses. However, my mentor and other people helped me out and I understood that it is okay, to be confused, one just has to stay calm and everything can be arranged in a way that the studies are enjoyable. Because it is sometimes quite hard to choose courses without feeling like - what if I choose the wrong one? In the end, I understood that there are no wrong ones, any course I'm taking ends up teaching me something, even if is the pure fact that I am not interested in certain topics, subjects.
Why do you think is it important that there are people out there with this degree?
I believe that it is important to have people with this degree because these people are the ones that are equiped to analyse anything visual on the level that others can only 'feel' it. This programme gives the tools to understand what you see on a deeper level, but it also makes sure that you can always find the right words to explain it to others. For what I want to do after I receive my diploma, I am not completely sure yet, however, right at this moment I would like to do a PhD and become a lecturer.
The programme is very socially relevant and really focuses on how art students and scholars can participate in socio-political issues.
- Previous education
- Amsterdam University College (bachelor), International School of The Hague (high school)
- Programme
- Art and Visual Culture
- Study start date
- Study end date
What do you like about the programme and why?
What I really appreciate about this programme is that the courses, teachers and fellow students in the Art & Visual Culture specialization are geared towards novel and experimental ways of analyzing and engaging with art. The theories that we learn are often very engaged with contemporary issues, and this gives me the feeling that the programme is very socially relevant and really focuses on how art students and scholars can participate in socio-political issues.
What do you think about the atmosphere in class?
I often hear that there is a lot of competition between students in Master's programmes, but until now I have not experienced this. In fact, I really enjoy the classes; the atmosphere is serious but also playful. We are encouraged to express ourselves -- whether our opinions are 'mainstream' or perhaps a bit controversial -- and this allows for an open discussion with curious participants. The teachers are also very friendly, approachable and interested in the work of the students.
What do you find most challenging in your Master’s?
What I find most challenging is organizing the internship semester. The programme gives you all the freedom to choose whatever internship you would like to do (whether that be at a university, a research institute, or a museum), and I really appreciate that we get so much freedom. However, it is also quite stressful when having too many options, and not knowing where to start. Also, I'd like to mention that the programme does not offer sufficient funding resources for such an internship. We are strongly encouraged to do an internship outside the Netherlands, but this inevitably means high costs, and unfortunately the programme cannot sufficiently cover such costs. I will be doing my internship from September to December 2023, hopefully as a curatorial assistant at a museum.
Do you already know what your thesis will be about?
I still don't know what my thesis will be about because I still have to finish my philosophy degree. However, I do think it will be along the lines of the relations between humans and environments and the ways in which contemporary artists are dealing with the troubling climate reality of our times.
What are your plans once have received your Master's degree?
I think it's important that people realise the impact art and culture have on the political realm. Individuals with an art degree are able to critically look at society, at culture and at artworks and are able to convey new ways of looking at and dealing with present troubles. After my degree, I aim to pursue a PhD in art and philosophy where I hope to further research the entangled relations between politics, culture and the environment. I then aim to teach academically.
I take great joy in being able to ask the questions I find important and design my own research.
- Previous education
- Arts and Culture Studies at Radboud University
- Programme
- Art and Visual Culture
- Study end date
What knowledge and skills did you learn during your Master’s that are really useful to you now?
I think one of the main skills that I have learned during my Master's is the ability to ask critical questions. Instead of taking things at face value, my Master's taught me to approach issues with an open mind and a critical eye. This skill was particularly crucial for me as someone who was willing to pursue an academic career. In a sense, doing a Research Master's was a sneak peek of what an academic life could look like. It helped me to evaluate my career choices and options better.
What did you find most challenging in your Master’s?
In my experience, the structure of the programme depended a lot on how the students wanted to plan their study years. There was a lot of flexibility in the choice of courses, thesis topics, and internship institutions. While this structure provided a great opportunity for personal and professional development, it also had its downsides. I often felt a bit overwhelmed when planning my schedule.
Could you say a little about the job you do now?
I am a PhD candidate and a lecturer at Radboud University. Most of my time is dedicated to my research or preparing my lectures. My PhD project focuses on the plastic crisis in contemporary art. Living in an age of environmental crisis, I find the project particularly relevant. I take great joy in being able to ask the questions I find important and design my own research.
Do you have any tips/suggestions for prospective students?
I think they should look into their options carefully before choosing their programme. While doing a Research Master's is a very rewarding experience, it is also quite demanding. My advice is to think about their career opportunities and what they may want to do with their degree afterward.