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 in Philosophy if you have a Bachelor’s degree from a Dutch university (or foreign equivalent) and can demonstrate the following knowledge, insight, and skills:
- Familiarity with the academic study of philosophy. Although a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy is not required, you must have completed at least 45 EC of philosophy courses (and at least 22.5 EC at an advanced undergraduate level). Under some circumstances, theory courses from non-philosophy departments may count.
- Knowledge of the methods and theories employed in the study of philosophy (as acquired in specific courses taken in your Bachelor; a list of the relevant courses you have completed with brief explanations is a helpful supplement to a formal transcript).
- An excellent level of academic achievement (as shown in your grades).
- Intellectual curiosity and highly developed analytical skills (as demonstrated in your letter of motivation and writing sample).
- Strong motivation to participate in the research life of the department (as demonstrated in your letter of motivation).
- The ability to use English as a working language and an international orientation (as shown in your letter of motivation and CV).
Selection procedure
The Admissions Committee will decide on your application. The committee will assess whether you will be able to successfully complete the Master’s programme within the nominal duration. The committee takes into account:
- General level of professional and intellectual ability, as demonstrated by your previous academic performance.
- Level of relevant knowledge and mastery of relevant methods and techniques.
- Motivation for the Master’s programme.
- Communication skills, initiative, and ability to cooperate.
- Command of the language(s) used in the programme.
The Admissions Committee bases its decision on the documents you submit with your application. In addition, you may be asked to participate in an interview (in person or via Skype).
Previous education
The following Bachelor’s programmes are a good preparation for this research Master’s programme:
- Philosophy
- Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
- History and Philosophy of Science
- Intellectual History / Great Books
If you are currently enrolled in a different Bachelor’s programme and are thinking about applying for this Master’s programme, please contact the Programme Coordinator for more information. By planning your studies carefully and taking the appropriate courses, you may be admissible.
English language requirements
- IELTS, Academic Module. Minimum score: 6.5 overall band, at least 6 for writing, speaking, listening and reading.
- TOEFL, iBT. Minimum score 93 with at least a score of 24 reading, 22 listening, 20 speaking, 20 writing (internet-based test), institutional scores are not accepted.
- 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 previous degree from a Dutch Research University
or - 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) Diploma or European Baccalaureate (EB) Diploma.
Not sure if you are eligible?
You can contact the Programme Coordinator with questions about your eligibility.
The research Master in Philosophy does not offer 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 June |
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
- A scan of your official English language test report or certificate.
- Passport copy
- Two letters of recommendation
- Courses yet to be completed
- Relevant courses
- Writing sample (research paper, essay or BA thesis) that demonstrates your capacity for interpreting difficult philosophical texts and arguing for a philosophical thesis. It should be +/- 10 pages and written in English.
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 20 working days.
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 submit certified digital documents.