For best experience please turn on javascript and use a modern browser!
You are using a browser that is no longer supported by Microsoft. Please upgrade your browser. The site may not present itself correctly if you continue browsing.
uva.nl
Master
New Media and Digital Culture (Media Studies)
Compare programme

Application & admission

We advise that you submit your application as well as the application documents as early as possible, rather than wait until the application deadline. The sooner you enrol, the sooner we will be able to inform you about your enrolment request.

Application deadlines

Please check the deadlines below very carefully, because they are strict. Missing one of the deadlines means that your application cannot be processed. 

  • I have a Dutch nationality

    Register in Studielink (see step 2 of the application process)
    8 May 2024, 23:59 CET if you do not have to pay an application fee

    Submit complete application (see step 4)
    15 May 2024, 23:59 CET

  • I have an EU/EEA-nationality

    If you wish to apply for housing

    Register in Studielink (see step 2 of the application process)
    23 February 2024, 23:59 CET

    Submit complete application (see step 4)
    1 March 2024, 23:59 CET
     

    If you do NOT wish to apply for housing

    Register in Studielink (see step 2 of the application process)
    8 May 2024, 23:59 CET

    Submit complete application (see step 4)
    15 May 2024, 23:59 CET

  • I have a non-EU/EEA nationality

    Register in Studielink (see step 2 of the application process)
    23 February 2024, 23:59 CET

    Submit complete application (see step 4)
    1 March 2024, 23:59 CET

    If you are interested in a scholarship, you need to apply for both the Master's programme and the scholarship before 15 January, and register in Studielink by 8 January. Learn more at:

    Scholarships in the humanities

Application process

Please make sure to follow the steps of the application process carefully to ensure that your application can be processed.

  • 1. Check entry requirements

    The Master's programme in New Media and Digital Culture is open for application to students with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in the humanities or social sciences with a minimum of 60 ECTS taken in the field of (new) media or digital culture.

    The level of the Bachelor’s degree from a foreign higher education institution must be equal to three years of Dutch university. More information on this assessment can be found here

    If your Bachelor’s degree is not mentioned above, you can still apply for admission to the programme. The Examinations Board will then look at the content of your Bachelor's programme, your study results and your overall motivation.

    Student profile

    The Master New Media and Digital Culture is the right programme for you if:

    • You have an awareness of basic theoretical notions in media studies (or a related field) and/or methods in digital research.
    • You are able to read and understand complex theoretical texts; you are self-motivated and can work independently; you know how to use theory to formulate provocative research questions; and you wish to learn advanced research skills.
    • You are interested in the rapidly changing impact of new media practices, processes and platforms on contemporary culture.
    • You have a keen interest in all kinds of new media objects and practices and the curiosity to delve into and combine critical new media thought and practical new media research skills.

    You may also be eligible for admission after completing the pre-Master's programme (see below).

    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 might be able to eliminate your deficiencies by completing the pre-Master’s programme Media Studies. 

    Pre-master Media Studies

    If you are unsure whether you meet the entry requirements, you are advised to get in touch with the programme coordinator before applying.

    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.

    Read more about language requirements
  • 2. Register for the Master's in Media Studies in Studielink
  • 3. Pay the application fee (international students only)

    All students applying for a Master’s programme with an international degree must pay a non-refundable application fee of €100. The UvA cannot start processing your application until this fee has been paid. You can pay the application fee by credit card (Master or Visacard) or iDEAL. 

    You do not have to pay the application fee:

    • If you have obtained or will obtain a Bachelor’s degree from a Dutch research university or university of applied sciences (HBO);
    • If you have the Dutch or Surinamese nationality;
    • If you have already applied and paid the application fee for another Master’s programme at the UvA for the academic year 2024-2025;
    • If you have already applied and paid the application fee for a Master's programme at the Graduate School of Humanities for the academic year 2023-2024;
    • If you have started a UvA Master’s programme in 2021, 2022 or 2023;
    • If you are applying through the Foundation for Refugee Students (UAF) and/or have an official refugee status in the Netherlands (as stated on your residence permit).
  • 4. Submit your application form in MyInfo

    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.

    It is essential that you submit a complete application dossier, including (if applicable) proof of English language proficiency.

    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).

    Programme-specific document

    If you have a relevant degree from a Dutch University of Applied Sciences (HBO) or an equivalent thereof, you are recommended to show that you have strong English academic writing skills by submitting a writing sample. This could be a Bachelor’s thesis or a paper from a course. This paper should demonstrate academic skills such as source reference, correct representation of literature, and the ability to set up a argumentation structure. It should be written in English, preferably with a subject from media and culture or media and information.

    If you are in doubt whether you need to submit a programme-specific document, please contact the programme coordinator.

After submitting your application

Once we have received your complete application, it will be evaluated by our Admissions Board. This programme offers rolling admissions, meaning you will receive an admission decision within 10 to 12 weeks. It is therefore advisable to complete your application well before the deadline.

If you are admitted to the programme, you will receive a letter of conditional acceptance. In order to proceed with your enrolment, you must accept this offer at your earliest convenience. Read more about the steps you need to take after (conditional) acceptance on the website of the Graduate School of Humanities: