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 Contemporary Theatre, Dance and Dramaturgy if you have a Bachelor’s diploma from a Dutch university or foreign equivalent (research university degree) and can demonstrate the following knowledge, insight and skills:
- You are able to reflect on and query the functioning of theatre, dance and/or performance in contemporary culture, as demonstrated by your motivation letter and a writing sample (in English).
- You have knowledge of and insight in theatre, dance and/or performance theory, history and/or dramaturgy, as shown by having taken at least 30 EC worth of courses in this field on Bachelor's level, 15 EC of which should be at advanced Bachelor's level (practical training not included), or an equivalent of this.
- You have knowledge of research methods particular to the Humanities, as well as working knowledge of the main concepts used in Theatre, Dance or Performance Studies, as shown by having taken at least 7.5 EC worth of courses in this field on Bachelor's level and a Bachelor's thesis, or an equivalent of this.
- You are able to design, perform, analyse and report on scientific research in theatre, dance and/or performance studies; and to investigate and report both in writing and orally on issues concerned with theatre and/or dance dramaturgy.
- You have the necessary social and communication skills in order to professionally collaborate and communicate with fellow students and arts professionals.
- You are able to express yourself in proficient English, both orally and in written texts, as evidenced in your writing sample, motivation letter and interview.
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 (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.
A short interview is part of the selection procedure.
Previous education
The following Bachelor’s programmes are a good preparation for this Master’s programme:
- Theatre Studies
- Dance Studies
- Performance Studies, Performing Arts, Live Art, Contemporary Arts
- Bachelor's programmes with a focus on (contemporary) dramaturgy
- Any university Bachelor’s programme that demonstrates a clearly identifyable interest in or affiliation with theatre, dance and/or performance studies. Examples are programmes in performing arts and cultural management, philosophy, (comparative) literature or (social) geography, with papers on topics related to theatre, dance, performance, art and/or media.
Are you currently enrolled in a different Bachelor’s programme and are you thinking about applying for this Master’s programme, please contact the Programme Coordinator for more information. By planning your studies carefully and by taking the appropriate courses, you may be admissible.
English language requirements
- IELTS, Academic Module (IELTS Online is not accepted). Minimum score 6.5 overall band, at least 6 for writing, speaking, listening and reading.
- TOEFL, iBT. Minimum score 93, at least 24 for reading, 22 for listening, 20 for speaking, 20 for writing. Institutional scores are not accepted. The TOEFL institution code for Utrecht University is 9062.
- Cambridge Certificate
- 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.
- you obtained your secondary school diploma or Bachelor's degree in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, UK, USA or South Africa
- you obtained an English-taught International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma or European Baccalaureate (EB) Diploma.
You can already start your application without having your English test results. Make sure that you include your test date in Osiris Online Application.
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 June |
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
Writing Sample: A (previously) written paper in English of approximately 3000 words, or a (selective translation of a) Bachelor's thesis, discussing a theatre, dance or performance topic of your own choice, which demonstrates academic writing and thinking skills, active use of a theoretical framework, and complies with international standards for academic referencing
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 20 working days.
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.