Arts, Literature and Media (research) (MA)
Career prospects
Where do our graduates work?
As a graduate of the master's programme in Arts, Literature and Media (Research), you are in a strong position to enter a top PhD programme and a research-oriented career.
You are also well-prepared for a career in a wide variety of fields, such as museums, galleries, cultural institutions, (art) libraries, archives. Our graduates also find jobs within the publishing and general media sectors, in governmental agencies, NGOs, education, journalism, and public relations.
Examples of the diverse roles of our graduates include:
- PhD candidate in English Literature at a European university
- Editor in chief for a Dutch arts and culture magazine
- Cataloguer of Photography at an art museum
- Event Manager for a Foundation
- PhD candidate in Arts and Culture at an international university
- Policy officer at The Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations
- Academic staff member at a Belgian university
- Library staff at a university library
- PhD candidate at a British university
- Account manager for books and literature at an antique store
- Teaching coordinator at a Dutch university
- PhD candidate at a Dutch university
- Project officer at an art museum
- Project coordinator at an advertising agency
- Coordinator/lecturer in art theory and practice at an art academy
- Marketing and product manager/assistant at a company producing designer glasses
- Project officer at a foundation promoting regional artists
- Gallery assistant for modern art at an art school
- Auctioneer at an online auction house
- Curator at a museum
- Collections manager at a natural history museum
Anumitha John
Student Arts, Literature and Media
The Arts, Literature and Media programme is a great way to explore the state-of-the-art in interdisciplinary humanities research. Its flexible structure makes it easy for students from any background - be it literary studies, media studies, art history, or more - to hone their critical thinking skills and expand their research interests. While meeting leading scholars in my field and diving into rigorous theoretical approaches have been some of the highlights of this programme, my favourite aspect has been encountering ideas, people, and perspectives I would have never dreamed of!
The graphs below are based on alumni data from the Research Master Arts, Literature and Culture 2020 through 2024.
In which sectors do students find jobs?
- 33 % Education
- 17 % Advising
- 17 % Communication and marketing
- 17 % Information management
- 17 % Research
Career preparation
Find out how this programme exactly prepares you for your future career and check our career preparation activities.
Launch your career with a master’s degree
Continuing your studies after your bachelor's degree pays off. Graduates with a master's degree are more likely to find higher-level positions: 77% start at a university of applied sciences (hbo) or university level, compared to 63% of graduates who only hold a bachelor's degree. This difference remains visible in the long term. After more than two years of work experience, 87% of master's alumni work at a university of applied sciences or university level, compared to 76% of bachelor's alumni.
A unique strength on the job market
As a Humanities graduate, you have developed talents that are in high demand on the job market. Intercultural skills, written communication, and social awareness are qualities that clearly distinguish Humanities graduates on the job market. Your ability to think analytically and creatively also gives you an edge.
Do you consider putting your knowledge into practice during your studies? Determine whether an internship could be an option for you. Start orientating your possibilities by visiting an internship information session. This way you can receive information about the internship procedure and listen to tips from former interns.
Notice that you will search for an internship yourself to find a place of your interest. Do you need some help with this or the application process? Do not hesitate to contact the Career Service. When you have found an internship, inform us. Then, the internship coordinator advises you how to proceed and provides your internship plan with feedback so it can be submitted for approval to the board of examiners.
Our staff can help you identify both the career that is right for you, and the necessary steps to get you there. Our team at the Humanities Career Service provides all Leiden University humanities students with professional advice and guidance on everything from internships and career planning to job applications. Humanities Career Service also organises regular workshops on topics such as effective interview skills and creating a successful CV.
The Humanities Career Service offers you various (online) workshops, webinars and info sessions. Check our overview of career activities.
The Leiden University Career Zone is an online career portal that helps you to prepare for the job market. Here you can find information, tools and tips to help you gain more personal insight, learn about the job market, develop your application skills, plan your academic and professional career, find job vacancies and discover what the Career Service can do for you.
Join the Mentor Network to contact alumni with experience on the labour market and ask them for advice. More than 1200 alumni are happy to help you!
Jelle on finding an internship via Leiden University's Mentor Network
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