The Research Master in Social Sciences for a Digital Society is a selective programme. Selection is based on academic results, the relevance of your prior education, knowledge of (social science) research methodology, motivation, work experience, previously written academic work and contact information of 2 references.
To successfully follow the Research Master in Social Sciences for a Digital Society, you need to have sufficient knowledge of research methods at the level and load of an academic Social Science Bachelor’s programme.
Admission requirements
To gain admission to the Master's programme, you must hold a Bachelor’s degree in social or behavioural sciences, completed with a GPA of at least 7.5 (Dutch grading system) or the international equivalent. You can also apply with a degree in other fields such as mathematics, informatics, econometrics, operations research, computational linguistics, digital humanities, geography, or psychology, if you have a clear interest in social issues, as demonstrated by relevant elective courses, minors, internships or other extra-curricular activities. The Board of Admission assesses whether you have sufficient knowledge and skills in research methods. With research methods courses of at least 12 EC in total you qualify for this criterion.
English language requirements
To be admitted to the English-taught Master’s programme, all students must meet the following results in the English language test (no older than 2 years):
- IELTS score with a minimum of 7.0
- TOEFL score internet based test: 100
- VU TOEFL-ITP: 600 (only valid for VU Amsterdam)
- CAMBRIDGE CERTIFICATE in Advanced English (CAE): A or B
- CAMBRIDGE CERTIFICATE of Proficiency in English (CPE): A, B or C
Exemptions from the language test requirements are granted in the following cases:
- Your Bachelor’s or Master’s diploma was obtained in an English-language university programme in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, UK or USA.
- Your Bachelor’s or Master’s diploma was obtained in an English-taught programme at a Dutch university.
- Your Bachelor’s or Master’s diploma was obtained in an English-taught programme in a different EU-country.
- You have a Dutch vwo-diploma (level 6 vwo-nieuw).
Make sure to register on time at Taalloket for the VU TOEFL-ITP, as the possibilities are limited, especially during the busy summer period.
If you have a Dutch Bachelor's degree obtained at a Dutch university, the first take of the VU TOEFL-ITP is free of charge.
Please upload a scan of the result of your test to your VU Dashboard before 31 August at the latest.