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 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. In case of doubt, you can always contact the programme coordinators.
- 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 invited 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 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.
English language requirements
Utrecht University uses the EMI (English Medium of Instruction) system to assess 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-experienced.
Visit our EMI-experienced 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 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:
- 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 (max. 500 words)
- Curriculum vitae / resume
- A scan of your official English language test report or certificate.
- Passport copy
- Courses yet to be completed
- 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, enter contact details of your referee(s), if applicable, 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 30 working days after the application deadline.
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.