I also liked the fact that it was one of the smaller master's, with around 40 students. I sailed through my bachelor's and was pleasantly surprised to be actively encouraged to get involved in critical research and discussion. My master's project was on childcare in the home environment, where children are looked after in the home of a host carer. I worked on a study where we used video intervention: you film the host carers and children in the home environment and together analyse the images. It was a good practical experience and gave me the basis for my master's thesis.

After graduating, it was time to look for a job. I did an internship at the local council offices in Leiden and through that found a temporary job with the Area Health Authority, in the Public Youth Care department. I got into that via a work experience placement in the Health Promotion department (that deals with prevention and information). While there, I helped produce an information website for professionals who work with parents and children. Unfortunately, cutbacks meant that there was no permanent position available, but it did give me a lot of relevant experience. I still have good contacts within the department, so you never know what the opportunities may be in the future. I know now that this is the kind of area I want to work in.

The MSc in Child and Family Studies really does train you to become a researcher. I can definitely recommend this master's to students who want to combine researching and treating problems within the family.”