Degree from a Dutch university of applied sciences (HBO)
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.
This is a selective Master's programme. You will be considered for admission to the Master's programme History and Philosophy of Science if you hold a bachelor degree of a Dutch University of Applied sciences and can demonstrate a high level of knowledge and command of methods & skills in the relevant field.
Additionally we consider:
- Motivation and talent (also on the basis of average grade and past studies progress);
- General high level of professional and intellectual ability;
- Command of the English language (see below).
Specifically, you should possess:
- solid basic knowledge in one academic discipline with demonstrable interest in history and/or philosophy of the sciences and/or the humanities, for instance demonstrated by successfully completed courses in HPS of 10-15 credits and a motivation letter;
- the ability to work independently in writing a thesis as well as in groups during the courses;
- the skills to write essays and a thesis in English on an academic level (as demonstrated by a writing sample).
HBO students are eligible for the HPS master’s programme when they have shown an interest in the HPS field by successfully completion of courses in the HPS field. A premaster of at most 30 credits is possible and will be tailored by the programme director dependent on the student’s prior knowledge. The premaster’s programme should be finished (i.e. all courses passed) before entry to the HPS programme is allowed.
English language requirements
You are exempt from the English language requirement because you obtained your previous degree from a Dutch University of Applied Sciences.
Selection procedure
The Admissions Committee reviews all requests for admission and selects students that meet the entry requirements. The Admissions Committee also assesses whether you will be able to successfully complete the Master’s programme within the set time frame. This means the decision on your application is based on a thorough analysis.
You will receive a written notification of the decision of the Admissions Committee. You will be notified if you still have to fulfill certain conditions. In some cases you may be obliged to first complete a Pre-Master’s programme.
If you do not meet the requirements
If you do not meet the entry requirements you must follow deficiency course(s), which replace elective course(s), or you might be considered for a tailored Pre-Master's programme. This is for the Admissions Committee to decide.
The Pre-Master’s programme is only available for students that speak Dutch, as this is the language of instruction in most bachelor-level courses. Therefore, make sure that it is clear from your application (e.g. in your CV) that you speak Dutch. This way, it is clear to the Admissions Committee whether or not the Pre-Master’s programme is an option for you.
Please note: if you are not offered a Pre-Master’s programme or deficiency course(s), you are not admittable to this Master’s programme.
If deficiencies are found which can be remedied with a course load of 30 EC, you may be eligible for a Pre-Master's programme. The Admissions Committee decides if you can do a Pre-Master’s programme and determines which Bachelor’s courses are required in your specific case. This means it is an individual/tailored programme, rather than a fixed set of courses.
Costs
Read about the costs of a Pre-Master’s programme (in Dutch).
Application procedure
It is not possible to apply for a Pre-Master's programme. You need to apply for the regular Master's programme. The Admissions Committee can decide to offer you a Pre-Master’s as outcome of your application. In that case you get conditionally admitted for the Master’s programme, under the condition that you first successfully complete the 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 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:
Diploma or certified graduation statement (with graduation date and without any conditions)
Certified transcript (including courses, grades and GPA)
Please make sure the document has a stamp/signature and contact information of the institute.A writing sample in English of your work, such as (part of) a paper, report, thesis etc. on a topic in history or philosophy of science. If a sample in English in unavailable, please translate a few representative pages into 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 20 working days.