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.
Competencies
This is a selective Master's. You will be considered for admission to the research Master’s programme in Comparative Literary Studies if you have a Bachelor’s degree from a Dutch university (or foreign equivalent) and can demonstrate the following knowledge, insight, and skills:
- Familiarity with the academic study of culture, shown by the fact that you have taken 45 EC of relevant courses in your Bachelor, including at least 30 EC relating to literature.
- Knowledge of the methods and theories applied in the study of culture in general, and literature in particular (as acquired in specific courses taken in your Bachelor).
- An excellent level of academic achievement (as shown in your grades).
- Intellectual curiosity and highly developed analytical skills (as demonstrated in your letter of motivation and writing sample).
- Strong motivation to pursue further training in literary research from a comparative perspective (as demonstrated in your letter of motivation).
- The ability to use English as a working language and an international orientation (as shown in your letter of motivation and CV).
Selection procedure
The Admissions Committee will decide on your application. Based on the documents you submit, the committee will assess whether you have the competencies required to successfully complete the Master’s programme within the nominal duration. In addition, an interview may be part of the selection procedure.
The programme admits a maximum of 20 students each year. If the number of applications exceeds the number of available places, the Admissions Committee will select those candidates who best combine academic achievement and capacity for research. In their overall selection, the committee will also strive for a balance between international and Dutch students.
Previous education
A major in the field of Literary Studies (Literatuurwetenschap) will make you eligible to apply for admission in terms of required knowledge; a major in a modern language will also meet this requirement, as long as you have followed the literature and culture track. Graduates with a major in Liberal Arts or Cultural Studies (Algemene Cultuurwetenschappen), or other humanities Bachelor’s degrees, will qualify only if they have followed 45 EC in the study of culture, including at least 30 EC on literature.
The following Bachelor’s programmes are a good preparation for the RMA in Comparative Literary Studies:
At Utrecht University
- Literatuurwetenschap
- Duitse taal en cultuur
- Engelse taal en cultuur
- Franse taal en cultuur
- Italiaanse taal en cultuur
- Nederlandse taal en cultuur
- Spaanse taal en cultuur
- Taal- en cultuurstudies with a major (hoofdrichting) in Moderne Letterkunde
- Liberal Arts and Sciences with a major (hoofdrichting) in Moderne Letterkunde
- Liberal Arts and Sciences (UCU/UCR) with a concentration in literature
- Media en cultuur/Media and Culture (with sufficient literary courses as electives)
- Filosofie (with sufficient literary courses as electives)
- Philosophy, Politics and Economics (with sufficient literary courses as electives)
In addition, the Minor in Literary Studies (Literatuurwetenschap) is recommended as a preparation in literary theories and methods; the Minors in Literatuur in conflict and Grote werken are recommended as a general preparation in the field of international literary history.
If you are currently enrolled in a Utrecht University Bachelor’s programme that is not mentioned above 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.
At Another Dutch Research University
Any Bachelor’s in the humanities or liberal arts will make you eligible to apply for admission as long as it includes a strong component in the study of culture (45 EC), including at least 30 EC in the field of literature. Students with a Bachelor’s in Comparative Literature, a modern language, or Cultural Studies are particularly suited.
If you are currently enrolled in a different 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.
The research Master in Comparative Literary Studies does not offer a Pre-Master's programme.
Not sure if you are eligible?
You can contact the Programme Coordinator 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 (depending on your previous education):
Degree from Utrecht University
Transcript from OSIRIS
Preliminary idea for a research project (max 200 words).
Formulate a concise research question relevant to the field of study and indicate the research methods you would use to answer it.Writing sample: Research paper, essay or BA thesis on a subject relevant to the field of study, written in English
Degree from another Dutch Research University
- Contact details of two referees Please ensure your referees fill in the required form prior to the application deadline.
Diploma or graduation statement
Preliminary idea for a research project (max 200 words).
Formulate a concise research question relevant to the field of study and indicate the research methods you would use to answer it.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: Research paper, essay or BA thesis on a subject relevant to the field of study, written in English
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, if applicable, 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 30 working days after the application deadline.