Offers access to

• Comparative Politics (Political Science)
• European Politics and External Relations (Political Science)
• Gender and Sexuality (Political Science)
• International Relations (Political Science)
• Political Economy (Political Science)
• Political Theory (Political Science)
• Public Policy and Governance (Political Science)

Pre-Master's programme for academic students (30 ECTS)

Promising Dutch students with an academic Bachelor's degree in a field related to political sciences but without sufficient background in political science and social sciences research methodology, may be admitted provided that they complete a Dutch taught pre-Master's programme of a maximum of 30 ECTS credits first (please read under 'Enrolment and Admission' for more specific information). There is no guarantee that you will be admitted to the pre-Master’s programme, as this programma has a limited capacity. To be admitted to this programme, you need to apply to the Master’s programme first. The admissions committee will decide whether you can follow the pre-Master’s programme.  The programme starts in September and is offered as a one-year programme.

Pre-Master's programme for HBO (University of Applied Sciences) students (60 ECTS)

Applicants with a relevant higher professional Bachelor's degree in a field related to social sciences, obtained at a university of applied sciences in the Netherlands (HBO), may be admitted provided that they first complete our Dutch taught pre-Master's programme of 60 ECTS credits, which starts in September. To be admitted to this programme, you need to apply to the Master’s programme first. The admissions committee will decide whether you can follow the pre-Master’s programme. The study adviser can provide you with more information and advice.

Research methodology module

Promising applicants who are marginally deficient in social science research methodology (so who have completed 14-16 ECTS credits out of the required 20 ECTS credits) and can remedy this deficiency with a short intensive course may be eligible for the Comprehensive Introduction to Research Methodology and Design offered in the summer prior to the Master's programme (July/August). The admissions committee decides whether a student is eligible to take this summer course to qualify for entry to the Master’s programme.

Insufficient research methodology training includes:

• Overall, an insufficient number of research methodology credits that cannot be compensated with a MOOC (see below).
• If the applicant does not have enough research methodology credits, and does not have sufficient and relevant research experience through internships and employment experience.

Incoming Master's students who are taking this summer course to prepare for their Master's programme at the UvA Graduate School of Social Sciences will not receive European credits (ECTS). Other students are eligible to gain 6 ECTS for this course. 

MOOCs and reading assignments

Promising students who do not fully (but nearly) meet the requirements or who are in need of brushing up on their knowledge in the field of social sciences and research methodology, may be asked by the admisions committee to complete a MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) or a reading assignment prior to the Master's programme. Reading assignments are offered for free and do not require extra tuition fees.

Application to pre-Master's programme

Application for a pre-Master’s programme is not needed or even possible. You must register for the Master’s programme in Studielink and then submit an application through the link in Myinfo, also for the Master’s programme. The Admissions Committee will assess your application for the Master's programme and decide if a pre-Master’s programme or course is needed and if it will sufficiently prepare you for entry to the Master's programme.

Tuition fee

For more information, see webpage on tuition fee and calculator.

Questions

If you have questions regarding admission and application, please contact the Admissions Office at apply-gsss@uva.nl