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 research Master’s programme in Modern and Contemporary History if you have a Bachelor’s degree from a Dutch university (or foreign equivalent) and can demonstrate the following knowledge, insight, and skills:
- You have a strong overall academic record and a clear interest in historical research, shown by having taken at least 45 EC in History at the Bachelor’s level (or equivalent) and high grades in relevant courses.
- You are able to design, perform, and report on research based on primary or secondary sources, as evidenced by a relevant research paper or Bachelor’s thesis.
- You have experience locating primary historical sources and analysing them critically, as evidenced in your writing sample and/or motivation letter.
- You have a proven ability to do independent historical research, which is discussed in your motivation letter and/or clearly evident from your CV.
- You are able to express yourself in proficient English, as demonstrated by an English writing sample and motivation letter.
Selection procedure
The Admissions Committee will decide on your application. The committee will assess whether you will be able to successfully complete the Master’s programme within the nominal duration. The committee takes into account:
- General high level of professional and intellectual ability.
- Level of required knowledge and mastery of methods and techniques used in the subject area.
- Command of the language(s) used in the programme.
- Motivation for participating in this Master’s programme and match between intellectual interests of the applicant and expertise of programme staff.
- For those students who have written a BA thesis, we expect a grade of 7.5 or above (NL) or international equivalent, e.g., A- or above (US) or 2.1 or above (UK).
The Admissions Committee bases its decision on the documents you submit with your application.
Previous education
The following Bachelor’s programmes are a good preparation for this research Master’s programme:
At Utrecht University
- Geschiedenis / History
- Taal- en cultuurstudies with a major (hoofdrichting) in History
- Liberal Arts and Sciences with a major (hoofdrichting) in History
- Liberal Arts and Sciences (UCU/UCR) with a major in History
If you are currently enrolled in a different UU Bachelor’s programme and are 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.
At another Dutch Research University
- Geschiedenis
- Liberal Arts and Sciences with a major (hoofdrichting) in History
- Liberal Arts and Sciences (university college) with a major in History
If you are currently enrolled in a different Bachelor’s programme and are 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.
The research Master in Modern and Contemporary History does not offer a 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 (depending on your previous education):
Degree from Utrecht University
Transcript from OSIRIS
Degree from another Dutch Research University
Contact details of two referees Please ensure your referees fill in the required form prior to the application deadline.
Diploma or graduation statement
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 20 working days.