Degree from a Dutch research university
This page outlines the step-by-step process for completing your application to a Master's programme at Utrecht University. Please read this information thoroughly before starting your application.
We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students, who display a deep interest in and enthusiasm for the themes covered in our programme. We are an inclusive programme that cherishes and thrives on a diversity of student backgrounds and experiences, and as such welcomes applications from all academic backgrounds. We carefully consider each application on an individual basis, taking into account all the information included in your application package, as specified below.
Competencies
This is a selective Master's. You will be considered for admission to the Master’s programme in History of Politics in Society if you have a Bachelor’s degree from a Dutch university (or foreign equivalent) and can demonstrate the following knowledge, insight, and skills:
- You have a verifiable interest in political and societal issues. This is demonstrated by your CV and extracurricular activities.
- You are able to analyse and understand complex political and societal situations and processes based on your knowledge of political, social or economic history and your acquaintance with relevant concepts and theories used in these fields. This is demonstrated by a Bachelor’s degree in history with at least 30 EC in advanced courses in political, social or economic history, or by a Bachelor’s degree in political science, sociology, governance studies or economics with a minimum of 30 EC in history; and by your previous academic performance (grades and duration).
- You are able to design and perform historical research using analytical and methodological skills acquired during your Bachelor’s, and you possess good reading and writing skills. This is demonstrated by your previous academic performance (grades and duration) and by your annotated essay submitted as a writing sample as part of your application (see required documents).
- You possess initiative and good communicative and cooperative skills. This is demonstrated by your CV and extracurricular activities.
Selection procedure
The Admissions Committee will decide on your application. Based on documents submitted by you, the committee will assess whether you will be able to successfully complete the Master’s programme within the nominal duration. The committee takes into account:
- General level of professional and intellectual ability, as demonstrated by your previous academic performance.
- Level of relevant knowledge and mastery of relevant methods and techniques.
- Motivation for the Master’s programme and interest in political and societal issues.
- Communicative skills, initiative, and ability to cooperate.
- Command of the language(s) used in the programme.
An interview may be part of the selection procedure if if the documents you have submitted leave questions regarding your suitability, your motivation, or both. If you qualify for an interview, you will receive (by email) an invitation from the Programme Coordinator. Alternatively, if you are residing outside the Netherlands, the interview may be conducted by telephone or through Skype.
Previous education
The following Bachelor’s programmes are a good preparation for this Master’s programme:
At Utrecht University
- History / Geschiedenis
- Sociologie, Algemene sociale wetenschappen, Bestuurs- en organisatiewetenschap, or Economics & Business Economics with at least 30 EC of History courses (15 EC of which should be at level 2 or 3)
- Taal- en cultuurstudies, with a major (hoofdrichting) in History
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, with a major (hoofdrichting) in History
- Philosophy, Politics and Economics
- University College (Utrecht/Roosevelt), with a major in History
At another Dutch Research University
- History
- Sociology, Social Sciences, Economics/Business Economics and European Studies with at least 30 EC of History courses (15 EC of which should be at level 2 or 3)
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, with a major in History
Are you currently enrolled in a different Utrecht University Bachelor’s programme and thinking about applying for this Master’s programme? Please contact the Programme Coordinator for more information. By planning your studies carefully and taking the appropriate courses, you may be admissible.
Not sure if you are eligible?
Please check the FAQ or contact the Programme Coordinator with questions about your eligibility.
Applications open | 1 October |
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Application deadline for scholarship candidates | 1 February |
Application deadline for Non-EU passport holders | 1 April |
Application deadline for EU passport holders | 1 June |
All deadlines expire at 23:59 [CET/CEST] on the specified date. You must complete the application process (including submitting your application documents in OSIRIS Online Application and paying the application fee) by this time.
The following documents must be uploaded before the application deadline (depending on your previous education):
Degree from Utrecht University
Transcript from OSIRIS
Writing sample: Assignment. Write an annotated essay of 800 words (+/- 10%) in which you answer the question ‘It is possible to enact far-reaching economic reforms without enacting political reforms?’. Illustrate your argument with historical or contemporary examples.
Degree from another Dutch Research University
Diploma or graduation statement
A scan of your transcript (including courses, grades and GPA)
Please make sure the document has a stamp and signature of the institute.Writing sample: Assignment. Write an annotated essay of 800 words (+/- 10%) in which you answer the question ‘It is possible to enact far-reaching economic reforms without enacting political reforms?’. Illustrate your argument with historical or contemporary examples.
Visit Studielink and complete the registration process. You can find all information on how to use Studielink here. After completing your Studielink application, you will receive login details for OSIRIS Online Application within 2 working days.
Apply via StudielinkAfter submitting your application to Studielink, you will receive an email with login details for OSIRIS Online Application. Here you can upload all required documents, check the status of your application and enter contact details of your referee(s).
After you upload all documents in OSIRIS, the Graduate School will evaluate them. We strive to inform you of our decision within 20 working days.