Degree from a non-Dutch 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.
Please note: 60 credits equals one year full-time study load (European Credit Transfer System, ECTS).
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 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.
English language requirements
- IELTS, Academic Module (IELTS Online is not accepted). Minimum score 6.5 overall band, at least 6 for writing, speaking, listening and reading.
- TOEFL, iBT. Minimum score 93, at least 24 for reading, 22 for listening, 20 for speaking, 20 for writing. Institutional scores are not accepted. The TOEFL institution code for Utrecht University is 9062.
- Cambridge Certificate (not available to students from China)
- Cambridge English C1 Advanced (CAE). Minimum score: 176 total, 169 writing
- Cambridge English C2 Proficiency (CPE). Minimum score: 180 total, 169 writing
You are exempt from the English language requirement if:
- you obtained your previous degree from a Dutch Research University.
- you obtained your secondary school diploma or Bachelor's degree in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, UK, USA or South Africa
- you obtained an English-taught International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma or European Baccalaureate (EB) Diploma.
You can already start your application without having your English test results. Make sure that you include your test date in Osiris Online Application.
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:
A scan of your diploma (if necessary with official translations) or Proof of anticipated degree
A scan of your transcript (if necessary with official translations)
A scan of your official English language test report or certificate
Passport copy
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 StudielinkVisit 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 StudielinkYour admission letter will describe the next steps towards enrollment, and you will be asked to accept your offer. In most cases admission is conditional, which means you have to fulfill additional requirements such as sending certified digital copies or completing additional courses. These conditions, as well as the deadline, are clearly stated in your offer letter.
After accepting your offer, our Visa Office will guide you through the visa and/or residence permit process (if applicable).
When preparing your arrival prioritize the search for housing. Finding accommodation in Utrecht can be difficult and is often underestimated. Please note that if you have not found housing before the start of the academic year, we advise you to reconsider your enrolment.