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.
Limited capacity and selection
The number of available places is limited to 50 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 previous studies
- Previous knowledge of social sciences research methodology
- Motivation
- Job experience
- Previously written academic work
Please note that this programme attracts many applications each year.
Eligible applicants are notified whether they are selected directly into the programme or placed on the reserve list. Applicants on the reserve list are notified if they are selected on or before the latest notification deadline (30 May 2025).
Educational background
Bachelor's degree
Students with a Bachelor's degree in social sciences or in another closely related discipline (such as political science, international relations, law, economics, history and philosophy) are invited to apply, provided they meet all other entry requirements.
International degrees are evaluated on the basis of advice from professional diploma evaluators. The minimum level of the degree should be equivalent to a Dutch academic Bachelor's degree.
Social sciences and conflict resolution and/or governance
All applicants are expected to have a solid basis in the field of social sciences and conflict resolution and/or governance in particular, of at least (an equivalent of) 30 ECTS credits earned during previous study.
Research methodology
Applicants should have a solid basis in social science methods and techniques as demonstrated by the completion of (the equivalent of) at least 20 ECTS during previous study. Upon entry to the Master's programme, students are expected to be able to:
- Make a solid research design
- Understand advantages and disadvantages of different research methods and a mixed methods approach
- Develop and carry out (simple) surveys
- Interpret the results of surveys
- Carry out statistical analysis, preferably with SPSS or similar software
- Conduct interviews
- Analyse the results of interview
- Possibly use historical research methods for the purpose of triangulation.
Grade average
Study results obtained in previous education should demonstrate that a student is able to attain and maintain an excellent standard, especially in the fields of social sciences / conflict studies and research methodology. Applicants must show an overall grade average at the time of applying of at least a B+/A /3.5 (American system), second class, upper division Honours degree (British system), B (ECTS system), 7 (Dutch system) or equivalent.
English language proficiency
Our Master's programmes are highly demanding and fully taught in English. To ensure the quality of education and to safeguard students from failing their studies or slowing down class interactions, a high level of English language proficiency is expected of all applicants.
For more information, also on the test requirements and possible exemptions, please see: