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 MSc Programme in International Relations seeks students with an academic Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in international relations or in another closely related discipline, such as political science and history. Selection tends to be highly selective reflecting the number and quality of applications received for each selection round.
   
  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 relations
  All applicants are expected to have a solid basis in the field of international relations of at least (an equivalent of) 30 ECTS earned during previous study. Dutch Bachelor students with a less optimal background can increase their chances for admission by completing the undergraduate level minor in International Relations before applying to the programme. Completion of the minor 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. Promising candidates with a related Bachelor's degree, but with less than 30 ECTS obtained in the field of international relations or in a field relevant to the programme (including political science, social sciences and history) may be admitted provided they complete a preparatory semester in international relations 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 field of international relations. 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.

• Research methodology
  Applicants should have sufficient knowledge of social sciences research methodology of at least (an equivalent of) 20 ECTS. Promising candidates with less than 20 ECTS of social science research methodology may be admitted provided they complete an intensiveresearch methodology module first.

• 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 or who have obtained their Bachelor’s degree in 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 enrolment. For more information, please follow the link below.
   
  Applicants of the College of Social Sciences (CSW) of the University of Amsterdam who have successfully completed the CSW course in Academic English or have obtained a sufficient level during the entrance test of the course, are exempted from submitting an English language test score.

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 or complete a Dutch-taught preparatory year, especially designed for HBO graduates, before applying to the Master's programme. Completion of a relevant Bachelor's degree or preparatory year 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 programme). 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

Online application
To apply, please use our online application system.

Application deadlines
At the Graduate School of Social Sciences, deadlines for application vary per programme. 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.