Film and Photographic Studies (MA)
Career prospects
Where do our graduates work?
This programme prepares you for careers in film and photography, both in theory and practice. Alumni work as curators, editors, critics, and producers in museums, festivals, publishing and media.
Examples of alumni roles:
- Film festival programmer
- Photography editor
- Assistant curator
- Freelance photo editor
- Project manager in media
- Creative director
- Founder of a film production company
Nick Hortensius
Head of Programming and and Education LIFF
"During my MA Film and Photographic Studies I started volunteering for the Leiden International Film Festival. Fueled by my newly gained insights during my studies I was eager to develop my own initiatives, and after finishing my second master Philosophy of Humanities (with a focus on philosophy and film) I founded an educational platform that teaches film history, literacy and filmmaking skills to high school students."
Critical eye
"I've always had an affinity for teaching, and the skills and knowledge I acquired during my studies helped me start up my professional career. I now also work as head of programming for the film festival and am still using my critical eye and the curating skills I developed during my studies."
The graphs below are based on alumni data from the MA Media Studies - Film and Photographic Studies 2020 through 2024.
In which sector do students find jobs?
- 33 % Art and culture
- 11 % Communication and marketing
- 11 % Education
- 11 % Consultancy
- 11 % Publishing and book industry
- 22 % Other
Career preparation
From day one, you build skills and a portfolio that reflect your professional ambitions. You’ll work on visual projects, write critically, and explore curating and media theory.
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.
You develop academic depth and practical insight into lens-based media. The programme trains you to think critically, work interdisciplinarily, and apply theory to real-world contexts.
Students have interned at top institutions such as:
- International Center of Photography (New York)
- Victoria & Albert Museum (London)
- Dutch Photo Museum (Rotterdam)
- WIELS Contemporary Art Center (Brussels)
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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