Entry requirements
Contemporary Asian Studies (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 academic education.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's degree
The Master's Programme in Contemporary Asian Studies seeks students with an academic Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in social sciences, humanities or economics.
Asian studies
Applicants are expected to have sufficient knowledge of social sciences in general evidenced by the completion of at least (an equivalent of) 10 ECTS credits during previous study, knowledge and experience of social science methodology and preferably a basis in the field of Asian studies. Dutch Bachelor students with a less optimal background can increase their chances for admission by completing the undergraduate level minor in Asian Studies before applying to the programme. If you doubt whether you are eligible for the programme, please contact the GSSS information desk for an appointment with the study advisor (+ 31 20 525 3777).
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 Asian studies. 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 reflected by the completion of at least (an equivalent of) 10 ECTS credits during previous study.
Promising candidates with slightly less background in social sciences research methodology may be admitted provided that they complete an intensive research methodology module (in the four weeks prior to the Master's programme) 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 enrolment. 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.
Preparatory Programme
Promising students who do not meet the entry requirements may be conditionally admitted into the programme, provided that they complete a preparatory programme first. A preparatory programme consists of a limited amount of undergraduate courses at our department.
The costs of the preparatory programme in the academic year 2014-2015 are € 953,- for a programme of 30 ECTS or € 2859,- for a programme of 60 ECTS.
During preparatory programmes up to 30 ECTS students are registered on Bachelor level, meaning that they are eligible to study loans or a student public transport card. During preparatory programmes from 31 to 60 ECTS students are registered on a contract basis, meaning that they are not eligible to study loans or a student public transport card. All UvA student facilities are available during all preparatory programmes (regardless of ECTS).
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.
Questions
If you have questions regarding admission and application, please contact the Admissions Office at apply-gsss@uva.nl.