An Academic Career

The Research Master’s in Literary Studies trains and prepares students for a future in academia and most of our students continue on to careers in the academic and cultural sectors.

Students from this programme regularly manage to obtain admission to funded PhD programmes, recently including positions at the University of Amsterdam, the University of Giessen and the University of Warwick. The independence of this programme is perfect if you want to learn how to design and organise your own research trajectories.

The programme also addresses the more practical side of academia: you will learn how to write a PhD proposal and are encouraged to participate in conferences and write articles as part of your research trajectory.

The Job Market

At the same time, you will also gain a valuable foundation for a variety of professions in the cultural sector – for example, in publishing, literary and cultural institutions, museums and journalism. You are qualified for positions with strong analytical and investigative components, and will be highly-trained in writing and public speaking with strong research and communication skills that can be widely employed.

You will have gained insight in the production of knowledge and the ways in which narratives and discourse inform contemporary debates on literature, culture and identity. This skill set is valuable for a wide range of professions, especially within the cultural sector. 

Do you have ambitions to start your own business? The Humanities Venture Lab is the place for the humanities entrepreneur starting out. As a student or alumnus, you can find training, coaching, inspiration sessions, and a workplace here. Watch the video’s below to see what the Humanities Venture Lab can do for you.

Your diploma is not a farewell

After graduating, you don't have to say goodbye to the University of Amsterdam! We are happy to help you develop your career. You can join the young alumni programme, which will assist you in mapping out your career. And as an alumnus, you can also still use the Student Careers Centre.