Democracy and Representation (MSc)

Admission requirements

Whether you are eligible for admission to a Political Science master’s programme depends on your previous education and your command of the English language. The detailed entry requirements are listed below.

Entry requirements

General diploma requirements

a bachelor’s degree in Political Science (from a recognised university)
a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline

Qualitative admission requirements

good academic record as evidenced by a grade point average of 7 in the Dutch system (or equivalent) and/or other indicators (such as relevant extracurricular activities or honours programme);
at least 80 ECTS in Political Science or political science relevant subjects, where the average grade point of the 80 (or more) ECs is 7 or higher in the Dutch system (or equivalent);
competency in Social Science Research Methodology, demonstrated by coursework
NB: if you cannot demonstrate competency in Social Science Research Methodology, you will be required to take the online course Introduction to Research Design in Political Science before the beginning of the academic year. All information about this course will be provided upon admission.
sufficient proficiency in the English language, as described below.

The following requirements apply*:

IELTS Academic modules only, on paper or on computer: 6.5 overall, with at least 6.0 for each separate component score.
- We do not accept IELTS Academic online.
- We do not accept IELTS General Training, IELTS Indicator, or IELTS One Skill Retake
TOEFL internet based: 90 overall, with at least 20 for each separate component.
- We are not able to accept The TOEFL IBT Home Edition™, except in the following situation only:
  You are unable to take an in-person test on location because test centres are inaccessible or closed due to unsafe conditions in a country.
- We do not accept the following types of test: TOEFL My Best™ scores (multiple test scores combined), TOEFL Essentials™ or institutional tests such as ITP.

Cambridge English Exam C2 Proficiency, or C1 Advanced (180), with a minimum score of 169 for each separate component.

Note that English test results may not be more than two years old and must be obtained in one single test.

*You do not have to submit an English proficiency test if you have completed your education in the USA, UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, Canada (except French-taught programmes in Canada) Singapore, South-Africa or Malta; or if you have obtained an English-taught International Baccalaureate™; or if you have completed a Dutch VWO diploma or an English-taught bachelor at a Dutch research university or (for September intake) a diploma of an English-taught higher professional education (hbo) programme completed at a Dutch university of applied sciences.

For detailed information, including exemption criteria and methods of submission, refer to English language proficiency.

Go to the next step: › Check the application deadlines