The application deadline for this selective Master's programme is 1 March 2023 for all applicants. Because there are still some places availble, this deadline has been extended to 15 May 2023, 23:59 CET for students with a Dutch or other EU/EER nationality (register in Studielink before 13 May, see step 3).

Please note: if you are an applicant with an EU/EEA nationality and wish to apply for housing, you must submit your application by 1 March.

If you are interested in a scholarship, you need to apply for both the Master's programme and the scholarship before 15 January. Learn more at:

To gain admission to the Master’s programme International Dramaturgy, you must hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in:

• the humanities or social sciences with a minimum of 30 ECTS (equivalent to a full-time semester of academic studies) taken in the field of theatre, drama or performance studies.

Student profile

You will be considered for admission to the Master’s programme if you can demonstrate the following knowledge, insight and skills:

• You are able to conduct research independently and know how to formulate consistent and functional research questions, collect material, apply theory, and write a thesis. Substantial experience in doing research and academic writing is a plus.
• You have an awareness of basic theoretical notions in theatre and performance studies and methods of drama and performance analysis (additional practical experience in dramaturgical work is an advantage, but even the longest experience in practice does not compensate for the aforementioned required minimum of academic credits in the field of study). 
• You have the readiness and curiosity to delve into and combine both academic research and practical dramaturgical skills.
• You have a keen interest in all kinds of theatre performances and have demonstrable knowledge about (local) productions.
• You are interested in current political and social discourses and their translation into artistic theatrical processes.

Pre-Master's

If you do not meet the entry requirements above, for example if you have a relevant degree from a Dutch University of Applied Sciences (HBO) or an equivalent thereof, you can eliminate your deficiencies by completing the pre-Master’s programme International Dramaturgy and Theatre Studies (offered in Dutch).

Selection procedure

The admission process for the Master's in International Dramaturgy is competitive with a merit-based selection of candidates. In addition to the application documents that have to be submitted for all Humanities Master’s programmes, you are expected to formulate a first vision about dramaturgy based on literature. During a personal Skype interview, the selection committee will discuss this dramaturgical concept and the rest of your application dossier. Basic test questions to assess your understanding of theatre processes and theories may be part of the interview.

English language requirements

New Master's students should be able to speak, read, write and understand English at an advanced academic level. Please check carefully whether you already meet the English language requirements or whether you need to arrange to take an official English language test. See the English language requirements on the Graduate School of Humanities website.

All students applying will need to start their application by submitting an enrolment request in Studielink, the Dutch online system for students applying for a degree programme at a Dutch university.

Applicants for International Dramaturgy need to submit an enrolment request in Studielink for the Master's in Arts and Culture 90 EC or Kunst- en cultuurwetenschappen 90 EC. Please note: if you will be following the pre-Master's programme, you need to start your application by submitting an enrolment request for the Master's in Arts and Culture 90 EC, and not for the pre-Master's programme.

It is extremely important that you register in Studielink at least 48 hours before the application deadline (see above). This is to ensure that you receive your login information (UvAnetID) in time to fill in your UvA application in MyInfo (see next step).

After enrolling in Studielink, you will automatically receive an email with a link to your MyInfo UvA application form. To log in to MyInfo you need your UvAnetID. Please fill out the application form, upload the required documents and submit your MyInfo application form before the application deadline.

Application fee

All applicants holding a nationality outside the EU/EEA are required to pay an application fee of €100 per Studielink enrolment before submitting your MyInfo application form. You will find payment instructions on your application form.

Application documents

Make sure you are well prepared before you start your application, and you have all necessary documents ready. You are asked to upload the following documents:

• curriculum vitae;
• proof of language proficiency (if required, see language requirements);
• transcript of records, up-to-date and issued by your home institution (if you are already a student at the UvA, a screenshot from SIS is sufficient);
• diploma (if already obtained)* or list of courses yet to complete;
• translation of your diploma and transcript of records (if they are not in English, Dutch, German or French);
• motivation form (PDF);
• programme specific documents (see below).

*Please note: If you have not yet obtained your diploma but are in possession of all other application documents, you may proceed with your application - as long as you obtain your Bachelor's degree before 1 September. If you have a non-Dutch prior education, please bear in mind that you must submit your certified documents before 1 May (non-EEA students) or 1 August (EEA students).

Dramaturgical concept: assignment to apply for the academic year 2023-2024

All applicants to the Master's International Dramaturgy are required to submit a dramaturgical concept in preparation of the interview (for more information, see 2. Check the entry requirements). Upload this under 'programme-specific document' in MyInfo.

Formulate a brief but consistent dramaturgical concept (maximum 1,000 words) for one of the four sources below. Approach the text of your choice as a source for a dramaturgical concept that envisions staging. Add a bibliography of secondary material you used.

• Judith Adong: Silent Voices
• George Orwell: Animal Farm
• Ilya Kaminsky: Deaf Republic
• Sasha Marianna Salzmann: Meteorites