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 Master’s programme in Literature Today if you have a Bachelor’s degree from a Dutch university (or foreign equivalent) and can demonstrate the following knowledge, insight, and skills:
- You are able to interpret and apply complex theories in the field of Literary Studies, as demonstrated by at least 30 EC of completed courses and a 7.5 EC Bachelor’s thesis that focused on literary theory and/or (European) literary history, from either a comparative or a language-specific perspective. At least 15 EC of coursework should be at an advanced Bachelor’s level.
- You are able to design, perform, analyse, and report on scientific research in the field of Literary Studies (Comparative, Dutch, English, German, French, Spanish, or equivalent), as demonstrated by a Bachelor’s thesis in one of these areas.
- You have communicative skills that permit you to adjust to the setting/situation in which you present your knowledge or insights, and you are able to express yourself clearly and correctly in the language of the programme, both orally and in written form. This can be demonstrated by completed courses and/or a Bachelor’s thesis in the field of Literary Studies (Comparative, Dutch, English, German, French, Spanish, or equivalent).
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 the event of an earlier extension of the study duration or with a grade average of less than a 7, the committee will assess the motivation of the delay and the opportunities for growth of the candidate.
The programme admits a maximum of 40 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
The following Bachelor’s programmes are a good preparation for this Master’s programme:
At Utrecht University
- Literatuurwetenschap
- Duitse taal en cultuur
- Engelse taal en cultuur
- Franse taal en cultuur
- Nederlandse taal en cultuur
- Spaanse taal en cultuur
- Italiaanse taal en cultuur (please note: we do not offer a track in Italian literature)
- Taal- en cultuurstudies with a major (hoofdrichting) in Moderne Letterkunde
- Liberal Arts and Sciences with a major (hoofdrichting) in Literatuurwetenschap or Nederlandse Taal en Cultuur
- Liberal Arts and Sciences (UCU), following the track in Literature
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. For example, you can follow the Minor in Literatuurwetenschap (offered by the Bachelor’s programme in Literatuurwetenschap), but other course packages can sufficiently prepare you for this Master.
Note that we ask for 30 EC in completed coursework (via a minor or an otherwise compiled course package) and a Bachelor’s thesis in the field of Literary Studies (Comparative, Dutch, English, German, French, Spanish, or equivalent) or a thesis touching on questions in the field.
At another Dutch research university
- Nederlandse taal en cultuur
- Literary and Cultural Studies
- English Language and Culture
- European Languages and Culture
- Film- en literatuurwetenschap
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.
Language requirements
We require that you have a good command of the language of the programme and the track that you wish to follow.
- For track 1, this means a good command of English
- For track 2, a good command of Dutch and English
- For track 3a, a good command of French and English (Dutch optional)
- For track 3b, a good command of German and English (Dutch optional)
- For track 3c, a good command of Spanish language and English (Dutch optional)
The Admissions Committee will assess this on the basis of your Bachelor’s programme, the specific courses you have completed, and your letter of motivation.
Not sure if you are eligible?
You can 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 (depending on your previous education):
Degree from Utrecht University
- Transcript from OSIRIS
- Curriculum vitae / resume
- Motivation statement
- Courses yet to be completed
- Relevant courses
Degree from another Dutch research university
- Curriculum vitae / resume
- Motivation statement
- Courses yet to be completed
- Diploma or graduation statement
- Relevant courses
- A scan of your transcript (including courses, grades and GPA)
Please make sure the document has a stamp and signature of the institute.
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 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.