Degree from a non-Dutch university

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 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:

1. Relevant Bachelor's degree
2. Relevant courses within the field of media and cultural studies
3. Motivation
4. Writing sample essay
5. GPA
6. 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 Bachelor’s programmes, when completed on a satisfactory level, are generally considered to be good preparation for this Master’s programme:

• Any Bachelor’s programme that demonstrates a clearly identifiable interest in (or affiliation with) media studies and/or cultural studies.

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.