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.

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.

Specific entry requirements

Bachelor's degree
The Research Master's Programme in Metropolitan Studies seeks students with an academic Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) ) in a discipline closely related to the programme, such as human geography, urban and regional planning and political science. Applicants are expected to have a solid basis in the field of urban studies of at least (an equivalent of) 30 ECTS credits earned during previous study.

Research interest
The programme is intended for students who have an active interest in research and wish to pursue a career in research. Applicants are expected to have a solid basis in social sciences research methodology of at least 30 ECTS credits earned during previous study.

Grade average
The programme seeks students with excellent academic records and who are able to handle heavy course loads. Study results obtained in previous education should demonstrate that a student is able to attain and maintain an excellent level, especially in the fields relevant to the programme. Undergraduate studies should be completed with an overall grade average of at least a B+/A- / 3.5 (American system), first class Honours degree (British system), B (ECTS system), 7.5 (Dutch system) or equivalent.

General entry requirements

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 see the link below.

Graduates from universities of applied sciences (HBO)

Those applicants who hold 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. 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 see 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.