Degree from a Dutch University of Applied Sciences (HBO)

To be admitted to the Master's programme in Conflict Studies and Human Rights 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 eligible for admission to the Master's programme and the selection procedure for the Master's programme. Information about the Pre-Master's programme you'll find under step 2.

Competencies

This is selective Master's. We ideally seek candidates who have analytical and empirical research skills, particularly in the social sciences. You will be considered for admission to the Master’s programme in Conflict Studies and Human Rights if you can demonstrate the following knowledge, insight, and skills:

• A relevant Bachelor’s degree in the humanities, law, and/or one of the social sciences.
• Knowledge of Conflict Studies and Human Rights, to be demonstrated by at least 30 EC in coursework. In your motivation letter, explain to us in a detailed and compelling way why you believe that the coursework you have completed is relevant for your application into our programme.
• The ability to present a feasible and relevant preliminary research idea for your Master’s thesis.
• Excellent scholarly abilities, demonstrated by an academic track record of high grades.
• Demonstrable practical or professional experience with work or research in conflict zones is an advantage.
• A good knowledge of English is required.

In addition, all applicants must submit an example of their critical, analytical, and structured essay-writing skills in the form of an essay, thesis, or published article, written in English.

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 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.

The programme admits a maximum of 60 students each 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 the above criteria. The committee aims for an internationally diverse cohort. 

Not sure if you are eligible?

Please contact the Programme Coordinator with questions about your eligibility.

If you do not meet the entry requirements for the Master's in Conflict Studies and Human Rights (see step 1), you might be eligible for a Pre-Master’s programme.

Previous education

We offer a Pre-Master's for students who performed above average, as demonstrated by their grades, while working towards a Bachelor's degree from a University of Applied Sciences (HBO) in subjects related to the broader field of Conflict Studies and Human Rights (including e.g. Security Studies, Journalism).

The Pre-Master's programme comprises 60 EC. In order to then enroll for the Master's in Conflict Studies and Human Rights you will need to complete the Pre-Master’s programme within one year (12 months) and keeping a grade average of minimum 7.

Whether or not you are eligible for the Pre-Master’s programme depends on your (professional) experiences, the level and content of your previously attained degrees, and on your grade point average. The regular requirements regarding motivation and communicative skills apply to you as well as to all students. 

Courses

The schedule below provides you with an overview of what the Pre-Master’s Programme in Conflict Studies and Human Rights for students from Applied Universities (HBO) will look like. The teaching season consists of two semesters, each semester comprises 2 study periods of approximately 10 weeks. 

In each study period, you will combine two compulsory courses: 

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. Once you have been notified, you can register for the Pre-Master's programme.