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).
Competencies
This is a selective Master's. You will be considered for admission to the research Master’s programme in Art History if you have a Bachelor’s degree from a Dutch university or foreign equivalent (research university degree) and can demonstrate the following knowledge, insight, and skills:
- You are able to interpret and apply complex theories in the field of art history, as demonstrated by a relevant research paper or Bachelor’s thesis.
- You are able to design, perform, analyse, and report on scholarly research in art history, as demonstrated by a relevant research paper or Bachelor’s thesis.
- You have a strong motivation to do independent research, which is discussed convincingly in your motivation letter.
- You are able to express yourself in proficient English, both orally and in written from, as demonstrated by your motivation letter, an interview, and if possible a writing sample (which can be one of the papers mentioned above).
Selection procedure
The Admissions Committee will decide on your application. 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:
- Motivation and talent.
- Level of required knowledge and 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.
The Admissions Committee bases its decision in part on the documents you submit with your application. In addition, an interview (preferably in person, otherwise by telephone or Skype) is part of the selection procedure. The interview will be conducted in English. Possible discussion topics include your motivation letter, expectations of the programme, research interests, and experience as a student until now.
Previous education
The following academic Bachelor’s programmes are a good preparation for this research Master’s programme:
- Art History
- Liberal Arts and Sciences with a major in Art History
- Another Bachelor’s programme in the humanities (for example, History), with a substantial number of courses in Art History, or related topics such as museology and cultural heritage (preferably 45 EC or an equivalent)
If you are currently enrolled in a different academic Bachelor’s programme and are 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.
English language requirements
- IELTS, Academic Module. Minimum score: 6.5 overall band, at least 6 for writing, speaking, listening and reading.
- TOEFL, iBT. Minimum score 93 with at least a score of 24 reading, 22 listening, 20 speaking, 20 writing (internet-based test), institutional scores are not accepted.
- 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
or - You obtained your secondary school diploma or Bachelor's degree in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, UK, USA or South Africa
or - You obtained an English-taught International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma or European Baccalaureate (EB) Diploma.
Not sure if you are eligible?
You can contact the Programme Coordinator with questions about your eligibility.
The research Master in Art History does not offer a Pre-Master's programme.
| Applications open | 1 October |
|---|---|
| Application deadline for scholarship candidates | 1 February |
| Application deadline for Non-EU passport holders | 1 April |
| Application deadline for EU passport holders | 1 June |
Your application is complete when you have (1) fully submitted your OSIRIS application, (2) uploaded all required documents and (3) paid the application fee (if applicable). After the deadline has passed, incomplete applications will be cancelled.
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)
Writing sample: Research paper or Bachelor’s thesis (preferably written in English, but papers or theses in Dutch, German, French and Italian will be accepted).
Visit Studielink and complete the online enrolment application.
Afterward, you will receive login details for OSIRIS online application, where you can upload the required documents. You can find all information on how to use Studielink here.
After 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 pay your application fee.
After you upload all documents in OSIRIS, International Student Admissions will verify them and send them to the Graduate School for evaluation. We strive to inform you of our decision within 20 working days.
If you are admitted, your admission letter will describe the next steps towards enrollment. In most cases your admission is conditional, which means you will have to submit certified digital documents.