Entry requirements
Social Sciences (Research MSc)
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.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's degree
The Research Master's Programme in Social Sciences seeks students with an academic Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in the fields of political science, sociology, anthropology or another closely related social sciences discipline.
Social Sciences
Applicants are expected to have a solid basis in the field of social studies of at least (an equivalent of) 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 of social sciences and research methodology. Undergraduate studies should be completed with an overall grade average of at least a B+/A- /3.5 (American system), second class, upper division Honours degree (British system), B (ECTS system), 7.5 (Dutch system) or equivalent.
Research methodology
The Research Master’s programme is intended for students who have an active interest in research and wish to pursue a career in research. Applicants should have a solid basis in both qualitative and quantitative social sciences research methodology reflected by the completion of at least (an equivalent of) 30 ECTS during previous study. Experience with the following research methods skills is required:
- Make a solid research design
- Understand advantages and disadvantages of different research methods and a mixed methods approach
- Develop and apply a (simple) survey
- Interpret the results of a survey with a statistical package
- Be able to do statistical analysis, preferably with SPSS or similar software programme
- Conduct an interview
- Analyse the results of an interview
Promising candidates with slightly less than 30 ECTS of social sciences research methodology may be admitted provided that they complete an intensive research methodology module (four weeks) offered by the Graduate School of Social Sciences. Please note that this is up to the admissions committee to decide. For more information on the intensive research methodology module, please see below.
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 enrollment. For more information, please see 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.
Limited capacity and selection
The number of available places is limited to 40 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.
Questions
If you have questions regarding admission and application, please contact the Admissions Office at apply-gsss@uva.nl.