Degree from a Dutch university of applied sciences (HBO)

To be admitted to the Master's programme in Applied Musicology with a degree of a University of Applied Sciences, you almost always have to complete a Pre-Master's programme first. Below you will find the required competences to be admitted to the Master's programme and the selection procedure for the Master's programme. Information about the Pre-Master's programme you will find under step 2.

Competencies

This is a selective Master's. You will be considered for admission to the Master's programme Applied Musicology if you have a Bachelor’s diploma from a Dutch university and can demonstrate the following knowledge, insight and skills:

• You have a clear interest in Music and Musicology shown by having taken at least 60 EC of components in the field of Music or Musicology at the Bachelor's level (or equivalent).
• You have a clear interest in (Western) music and its role within the cultural infrastructure, as well as appropriate skills in cross-medial research methods within musicology.
• You are able to interpret and apply complex theories in the field of Musicology, as demonstrated by a seminar paper or your Bachelor's thesis.
• You have knowledge of the methods and theories applied in the humanities at Bachelor’s level.
• You are able to design, perform, analyse and report on scientific research in Musicology, as demonstrated by a seminar paper or your Bachelor's thesis.
• You have a strong motivation to combine academic and professional training in Musicology within your study programme, which is elaborated convincingly in your motivation letter.
• You are able to express yourself in proficient English, both orally and in written text, as demonstrated by your motivation letter, a writing sample (seminar paper or Bachelor's thesis), and potentially an interview with the Admissions Committee.

Selection procedure

The Admissions Committee decides on your application. On the basis of the 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 also takes into account:

• Motivation and talent.
• Level of required knowledge and the mastery of methods and techniques used in the subject area.
• General (high) level of professional and intellectual ability.
• Command of the language(s) used in the programme.

An interview may be part of the selection procedure. Alternatively, if you are residing outside the Netherlands, the Admissions Committee may ask for additional written material.

If you do not meet the entry requirements of the Master's programme (see step 1) you might be considered for a Pre-Master's programme. This is for the Admissions Committee to decide. Upon successful completion of the programme within the set term, you will be admitted to the Master's programme.

Previous education

Whether or not you are eligible for the Pre-Master’s programme depends on the nature of your education and your grade point average. If you are an above-average University of Applied Sciences student, with a study programme that is relevant to the Master’s programme, then register for the Master’s programme and write a letter of motivation. 

Conservatory students

If you are a student at a Conservatory and can demonstrate or are prepared to undertake additional study in Musicology (up to 60 EC) with above-average grades, you are encouraged to contact the Programme Coordinator for further advice. If you are a student in the minor Musicology (60 EC) at the Conservatory of Amsterdam and have above-average grades, you are encouraged to apply directly to this programme.

Costs

Have a look at the costs of a Pre-Master’s programme (in Dutch). 

Application procedure Pre-Master's programme

If you want to be considered for a Pre-Master's programme, you simply go through the application procedure for the Master's programme, just like students who meet all entry requirements. The Admissions Committee will decide whether you can follow a Pre-Master's programme and what form it should take. Once you have been notified, you can register for the Pre-Master's programme.