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.
To be admitted to the Master's programme in Literature Today 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 admitted 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 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).
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.
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.
Not sure if you are eligible?
You can contact us with questions about your eligibility.
If you do not meet the admission requirements of the Master (see step 1), you might be eligible for a Pre-Master’s programme. This is for the Admissions Committee to decide. The Pre-Master's programme comprises a maximum of 60 EC. After you successfully finish this project you will be admitted to the Master’s.
Previous education
We offer a Pre-Master's for students who have a Bachelor's degree from a University of Applied Sciences (HBO) in: teaching (one of the modern languages of our tracks); Journalism; Media, Information and Communication; or similar.
If you are an above-average Hogeschool student, with a study programme that is relevant to the Master’s programme, then register for the Master’s programme and write a letter of motivation.
Costs
Have a look at the costs of a Pre-Master's programme (in Dutch).
Application procedure for the 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 and what form it should take. Once you have been notified, you can register for the Pre-Master's programme.
Have you completed an HBO programme and are you about to embark on a Pre-Master's programme? Then you might need some support. On the Premaster support page you will find information about the Premaster kick-start, which consists of workshops and useful tips. Utrecht University also offers numerous training courses, such as Academic Learning, Academic English, Research Design and Scientific Writing.
| 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:
- 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.