Application and admission

Applications will be carefully evaluated by the admissions committee. The committee determines whether or not all entry requirements as specified below are met and assesses the quality of each application compared to the other applications received.

Entry requirements

Bachelor's degree
The Master's programme in International Development Studies seeks students with an academic Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in international development studies (ontwikkelingsstudies), or in another social sciences discipline related to the programme.

International diplomas are evaluated on the basis of advice from professional diploma evaluators. The minimum level of the diploma should be equivalent to three years of Dutch university education.

International development studies
All applicants are expected to have a solid basis in the field of international development studies of at least (an equivalent of) 30 EC earned during previous studies. Promising candidates with less than 30 EC obtained in the field of international development studies may be admitted provided they complete a preparatory semester first.

Research methodology
Applicants should have a solid basis in social sciences research methodology reflected by the completion of at least (an equivalent of) 30 EC during previous study. Promising candidates with slightly less than 30 EC of social sciences research methodology may be admitted provided they complete an intensive research methodology module first.

Grade average
Study results obtained in previous education should demonstrate that a student is able to attain and maintain a good to excellent level, especially in the fields of international development studies and social sciences research methodology. Undergraduate studies should be completed with an overall grade average of at least a B/3.0 (American system), second class, lower division Honours degree (British system), C (ECTS system), 7.0 (Dutch system) or equivalent.

English language proficiency
All non-native speakers of English (including Dutch students) applying to one of the English-taught programmes offered by the Graduate School of Social Sciences, are required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. All students must be able to read textbooks, understand lectures, take part in classroom discussions and undertake written work in English.

Applicants who are nationals of countries other than the United States, Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland or New Zealand are required to submit an English test score that meets specific requirements. Inability to do so will prevent enrollment. For more information, please follow the link below.

Graduates from universities of applied sciences (HBO)

Applicants with a higher professional bachelor's degree obtained at a university of applied sciences (HBO) will first need to complete a relevant academic bachelor's degree before applying to the master's programme. Completion of a relevant bachelor's degree however, does not automatically lead to admission. Selection tends to be highly competitive reflecting the number and quality of applications received for each selection round.

Limited capacity and selection

The number of available places is limited to 30 students per year (including the preparatory semester). If more qualified students apply than there are places available, candidates with the most convincing academic standing are selected. This is based on:

• previous study results
• the relevance of their previous studies
• previous knowledge of social sciences research methodology
• motivation
• job experience
• previously written academic work.

Application procedure and  forms

For more information on the application procedure and required application forms for one of the English-taught (research) master's programmes offered by the Graduate School of Social Sciences, please follow the link below.

Deadlines for application for the English-taught (research) master's programmes vary per programme and the academic qualifications of a student. Below you can download a document in which these deadlines are specified.

Questions

Consult the frequently asked questions if you have questions regarding application and admission. If you have questions that are left unanswered, please contact the Admissions and Registrar's Office at apply-gsss@uva.nl.