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 Master's programme Arts and Society if you have a Bachelor’s diploma from a Dutch university (or international equivalent) and can demonstrate the following knowledge, insight and skills:
- You are able to interpret and apply complex theories in the field of art and society (e.g., the social turn in the arts, applied arts, art policy), as demonstrated by having obtained at least 15 EC in this field at advanced Bachelor level.
- You are able to design, perform, analyze and report on scientific research in at least one of the following fields: applied arts, arts policy, cultural studies, media studies, literary studies, performance studies, sociology of the arts, or cultural anthropology. You meet this criterion by demonstrating that you have obtained at least 15 EC in any of these areas at advanced Bachelor level;
- You possess good social and intercultural communication skills that enable you to professionally collaborate with fellow students and arts professionals. You can demonstrate your ability by providing evidence of practical work experience in the cultural field or an internship of at least 7.5 EC supported by a letter of recommendation from your internship provider;
- You have the necessary social and communication skills in order to professionally collaborate and communicate with fellow students and professionals;
- You are able to express yourself in excellent English, both orally and in written text. This can be demonstrated by either presenting a Bachelor's thesis in English, an advanced research paper written in English, or a specially written 1000-word essay in English (see below). All three texts should be on a topic related to arts & society. A convincing letter of motivation and a live interview completes this English proficiency requirement.
Selection procedure
The Admissions Committee decides on your application. The committee will assess whether you will be able to succesfully complete the Master’s programme within one academic year. The committee takes into account:
- Motivation and talent (also on the basis of GPA and study progress monitoring).
- 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.
The Admissions Committee bases their decision in general on the documents you have submitted for your application. An interview may be part of the selection procedure if deemed necessary. In the online interview, we will ask you to elaborate on your motivations for and expectations of the Master's programme and on your vision on the relationship between arts and society.
The programme admits a maximum of 20 student per year. If the number of applications exceeds the number of available places, the Admissions Committee will select the most eligible candidates. Ranking takes place on the basis of motivation, GPA, relevant Bachelor's degree, relevant courses in the general area of arts & society, proficiency in English, and a balanced composition of the group (e.g. academic and cultural background).
Previous education
The following Bachelor’s programmes, when completed on a satisfactory level, are generally considered to be good preparation for this Master’s programme:
- Any Bachelor’s programme that demonstrates a clearly identifiable interest in (or affiliation with) arts & society.
Are you currently enrolled in a different Bachelor’s programme and are you thinking about applying for this Master’s programme? By planning your studies carefully and by taking the appropriate courses, you may be admissible. Please aim to include as many arts & society related courses as possible (preferably within Humanities programmes, possibly in combination with social sciences) in your curriculum, or contact the Programme Coordinator for further advice.
English language requirements
Utrecht University uses the EMI (English Medium of Instruction) system to assess applicants’ English language skills, which distinguishes three proficiency levels: EMI-ready, EMI-experienced and EMI-advanced.
The required English level for admission to this Master’s programme is EMI-experienced.
Please visit our EMI-experienced page for Master's degree programmes to find the accepted tests, required scores and exemptions for EMI-experienced programmes.
Questions about the entry requirements?
Please contact us with questions about your eligibility.
| 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 April |
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)
Contact details of two referees Please ensure your referees fill in the required form prior to the application deadline.
A scan of your official English language test report or certificate.
Passport copy
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, enter contact details of your referee(s) 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 30 working days after the application deadline.
Your 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.