Prospectus Master's in Photographic Studies 2009-2010 Leiden 2009

4. Admission and achievement levels
4.1 Master’s programme
As a result of their methodological foundation in a particular branch of knowledge and
anchorage in academic research, Master’s programmes have an academic character. A
Master’s can be broad or highly specialised in nature. However, in terms of the end level it
brings the student to the forefront of his or her field. This implies that the student will be
acquainted with the latest advances in scholarly thinking.
The Master’s in Photographic Studies combines this academic orientation with
professional practice. The title obtained upon its completion is that of Master’s in
Photographic Studies: Master of Arts (MA), with, as the specialised field, Photographic
Studies. On the basis of the completed Master’s course, the student can qualify for a
doctoral programme. The instructors can provide more information on this.
4.2 Admission requirements
A bachelor’s degree in art history, cultural studies, visual anthropology, media studies or a
related academic discipline or a degree from an arts academy (BFA or MFA) is required in
order to be considered for the programme. See also:
http://www.postgraduate.leidenuniv.nl/admissions/
It is expected of aspiring students that they have insight into the medium, that they are
able to deal with information in a scholarly manner, and that they have some personal
experience with photography. For the admission procedure candidates must do the
following:
1. submit a CV and a letter explaining their motivation and reasons for wishing to join the
Master’s programme;
2. write an essay based on a reader with academic articles on photography assembled by
the lecturers in the Master’s in Photographic Studies programme so that the
Admissions committee can assess whether the aspiring student has achieved an
adequate academic level;
3. choose from a CD-ROM file of over ninety photographs and assemble a photographic
visual account according to his or her own insights. The selection should be
accompanied by a short written justification explaining the criteria that were employed
in the process.
On the basis of the application materials students may be selected for an interview. This
interview represents a continuation of the application process; if you are not invited, your
application has been rejected. Final admission is based on the quality of the essay and
photo selection, and the interview with the admission committee, in which the aspiring
student also presents the visual account he or she put together. Interviews will be held in
March, June and August 2009.
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