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 New Media & Digital Culture if you have a Bachelor’s diploma from a Dutch university (or international equivalent) and can demonstrate the following knowledge, insight and skills:
- You are able to reflect on and query the functioning of media in contemporary culture and everyday practices, as demonstrated by your motivation letter and essay.
- You have knowledge of and insight in Media and Cultural Studies theories and debates, as shown by having taken at least 15 EC worth of courses in this field at advanced Bachelor's level, or an equivalent of this.
- You have knowledge of qualitative and/or quantitative research methods particular to the Humanities and/or Social Sciences, as well as working knowledge of the main concepts used in Media and Cultural Studies, as shown by having taken at least 7.5 EC worth of courses in this field on Bachelor's level, or an equivalent of this.
- You are able to design, perform, analyse and report both in writing and orally on scientific research in Media and Cultural Studies, as demonstrated by your writing sample essay.
- You have the necessary social and communication skills in order to professionally collaborate and communicate with fellow students and professionals.
- You are able to express yourself in proficient English, both orally and in written text, as demonstrated by your motivation letter, essay and interview.
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 will take into account:
- Motivation and talent (also on the basis of GPA and study progress monitoring).
- 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.
If your application is taken into consideration, you could be for an additional admission interview in Utrecht. Alternatively, if you reside outside the Netherlands, the committee may ask for a video conference, or ask for additional written material.
The committee will rank candidates based on the following criteria:
- Relevant Bachelor's degree
- Relevant courses within the field of media and cultural studies
- Motivation
- Writing sample essay
- GPA
- Proficiency in English
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 the most eligible candidates. Ranking takes place on the basis of the above criteria. The committee also aims for an diverse cohort, but in terms of academic background and nationality.
Previous education
The following Utrecht University Bachelor’s programmes, when completed on a satisfactory level, are generally considered to be good preparation for this Master’s programme:
At Utrecht University
- Media en cultuur/Media and Culture, with a verdiepingspakket Nieuwe Media & Digitale Cultuur
- Communicatie- en informatiewetenschappen, with a verdiepingspakket Digitale Communicatie
- Taal- en cultuurstudies with a major (hoofdrichting) in New Media & Digital Culture
- Liberal Arts and Sciences with a major (hoofdrichting) in New Media & Digital Culture
- University College Utrecht, with a Media & Performance track
- English Language and Culture (depending on the research interest)
- Linguistics/Taalwetenschap (depending on the research interest)
- Nederlandse taal en cultuur (depending on the research interest)
Are you currently enrolled in a different UU Bachelor’s programme, or did you start the Bachelor TFTV or CIW before 2013, and are you thinking about applying for this Master’s programme? By planning your studies carefully and by taking the appropriate courses, you may be admissible. Please browse the Utrecht University students website and look for media and culture related verdiepingspakketten (Comparative Media Studies, Nieuwe Media & Digitale Cultuur, Digitale Communicatie) and minors (Game Studies, Cultuur, Communicatie en Mediastudies), or contact the Programme Coordinators.
At another Dutch research university
- Media en cultuur (Universiteit van Amsterdam)
- Cultuurwetenschappen / Arts and culture (Universiteit Maastricht)
- Algemene cultuurwetenschappen (Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen)
- University College Roosevelt, with a Theatre & Media Studies track
- Amsterdam University College, with a Cities and Cultures theme
Are you currently enrolled in a different Bachelor’s programme and are you thinking about applying for this Master’s programme? By planning your studies carefully and by taking the appropriate courses, you may be admissible. Please aim to include as many media and culture related courses as possible (preferably within Humanities programmes) in your curriculum, or contact the Programme Coordinators.
| 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
- Motivation statement
- Curriculum vitae / resume
- Courses yet to be completed
- Writing sample essay (read instructions carefully)
Degree from another Dutch research university
- Motivation statement
- Curriculum vitae / resume
- The contact details of two referees
- Courses yet to be completed
- 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. - Writing sample essay (read instructions carefully)
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.