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Continuing with our Q&A series, MA Film Studies student David Broeders answers questions about his time studying for his master's, advice for others considering postgraduate study, and his plans for the future.
Can you briefly describe the path you’ve taken to get to where you are today?
I actually started my undergrad studies at Lancaster University, completing a BA in English Language and Literature. Despite my initial enjoyment of the course, I found that reading multiple books, critical essays, and philosophical texts per week didn’t exactly make for the most enjoyable university experience, and the process began spoiling my enjoyment of literature. I began naturally gravitating towards film, finding a greater balance between studies and free time (as an exceptionally slow reader), whilst also exploring new approaches to all the theory I’d learnt by applying them to films within my essays.
Luckily, these filmic essays also happened to be my highest-scoring ones, which bolstered my confidence in the notion of postgraduate study. Whilst Lancaster has a nice campus, it’s far from an exciting city, and for postgrad, I knew I wanted to find somewhere closer to home. This led me to the University of Liverpool, where I found a chance to pursue my passion within a vibrant and familiar city.
What attracted you to study within Languages, Cultures and Film (LCF) at the University of Liverpool?
When browsing for film-related courses, the modules at Liverpool greatly appealed to me. I’m highly interested in international media, cultural studies, and geography in general, and I was particularly drawn towards the intersection of film and culture on a global scale. Liverpool offered exactly what I was seeking, with multiple modules dissecting international film movements, through which I’ve discovered – and written about – some of my new favourite films.
The interdisciplinary approach within the Department overlaps nicely across modules and courses, giving me far greater confidence in my knowledge, writing skills, and versatility – not just within the field of film, but also within media and cultural studies.
I was also highly interested in the work placement module, which allowed me to gain experience on film sets. This meant I was able to fully commit to my studies while simultaneously expanding my network and applying my newfound knowledge in practice.
What do you particularly enjoy about your master's studies?
The biggest (and probably greatest) change from undergrad is my engagement within classes. During undergrad, groups were much larger, meaning discussions either became protracted or didn’t really get started at all. Comparatively, my postgrad classmates are far more outspoken, and discussions feel more nuanced, making for far more compelling classes overall. It feels easier to build rapport with tutors and peers, and classes are more relaxed and informal whilst remaining professional and insightful – a perfect balance for me. Outside of class, my discussions with tutors have provided invaluable support for my essays, dissertation, and extracurriculars, where I’d otherwise find myself struggling in undergrad.
What do you plan on doing once your master's studies are completed?
A PhD wasn’t originally on my mind when starting my MA, but I’ve found myself warming up to the idea. The support, encouragement, and resources I’ve been given to pursue further studies have made the possibility of a PhD more feasible to me, and I’d love to stick around at the uni. Otherwise, I’m hoping to pursue a career within or adjacent to film, using some of the connections I’ve made during my time at Liverpool to get me started.
Do you have any advice for anyone considering a master's at the University of Liverpool?
Make use of the resources. Liverpool provides so much in the way of academic support, with the library offering countless studies that have been lifesavers for my essays, as well as providing a nice study space in general. I’ve also found reassurance for my future through the uni’s postgraduate schemes, whether that be through PhD study, or work opportunities provided through Handshake and jobs fairs. Even in terms of media, I’ve been able to access so many great films (for studies and personal enjoyment) free of charge, just by taking the time to look through Liverpool’s resources.