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 research Master's programme Musicology if you have a Bachelor’s diploma from a Dutch university (or international equivalent) and can demonstrate the following knowledge, insight and skills:
- You have a strong interest in Musicology as demonstrated by your prior academic record and/or explained in your letter of motivation.
- You have a strong motivation to acquire advanced training in academic research in Musicology, which is elaborated convincingly in your motivation letter.
- You are able to interpret and apply complex theories in the field of Musicology and/or the wider Humanities, as demonstrated by a sample of academic writing (for example, a seminar paper or your Bachelor's thesis with a grade above average).
- You have above-average knowledge of the methods and theories applied more widely in the Humanities at Bachelor’s level.
- You are able to design, perform, analyse and report on research in Musicology, as demonstrated by a seminar paper or your Bachelor's thesis with a grade above average.
- You are able to express yourself proficiently in English, both orally and in writing, as demonstrated by your motivation letter, your academic track record with a strong grade point average, your writing sample, and potentially an interview with the Admissions Committee.
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.
- 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.
An interview may be part of the selection procedure. Alternatively, if you are residing outside the Netherlands, the Admissions Committee may ask for additional written material.
Previous education
The following Bachelor’s programmes are a good preparation for this Master’s programme:
- Bachelor’s programme in Music, Music Studies, or Musicology
- Other Bachelor's programmes in Humanities with a minor in musicology (and/or you have a musical background)
English language requirements
Utrecht University uses the EMI (English Medium of Instruction) system to asses applicants’ English language skills, which distinguishes three proficiency levels: EMI-ready, EMI-experienced and EMI-advanced.
The required English level for admission to this Master’s programme is EMI-advanced.
Visit our EMI-advanced page for Master’s degree programmes to find the accepted tests and required scores. Here, you can also see which diplomas qualify for an exemption from this requirement.
| 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)
- Motivation statement
- Curriculum vitae / resume
- A scan of your official English language test report or certificate.
- Passport copy
- Contact details of two referees Please ensure your referees fill in the required form prior to the application deadline.
- Courses yet to be completed
- Writing sample: Research paper, essay or BA thesis on a subject relevant to the field of study, written in 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, 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.