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.
- 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 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
- IELTS, Academic Module. Minimum score: 6.5 overall band, at least 6 for writing.
- TOEFL, iBT. Minimum score: 93 with at least 24 reading, 22 listening, 20 speaking, 17 writing. Institutional scores are not accepted. The TOEFL institution code for Utrecht University is 9062.
- Cambridge Certificate (not available to students from China):
- Cambridge English C1 Advanced (CAE). Minimum score: 176 total, 169 writing
- Cambridge English C2 Proficiency (CPE). Minimum score: 180 total, 169 writing
You are exempt from the English language requirement if:
- You obtained your secondary school diploma or Bachelor's degree in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, UK, USA or South Africa
Or - You obtained an English-taught International Baccalaureate (IB) or European Baccalaureate (EB) Diploma.
With a non-Dutch degree you are not eligible for a Pre-Master's programme.
| 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 |
Your application is complete when you have (1) fully submitted your OSIRIS application, (2) uploaded all required documents and (3) paid the application fee (if applicable). After the deadline has passed, incomplete applications will be cancelled.
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
- The contact details of two referees
- 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 online enrolment application.
Afterward, you will receive login details for OSIRIS online application, where you can upload the required documents. You can find all information on how to use Studielink here.
After 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 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.
If you are admitted, your admission letter will describe the next steps towards enrollment. In most cases your admission is conditional, which means you will have to send additional documents or complete more steps.