BSc Political Science (English track)

About the course

A broad study of politics covering political institutions, power, conflict and current issues such as climate change and inequality. You can specialise in areas such as International Relations, Political Economy, Governance, Comparative Politics or Political Theory.

Entry requirements for Irish students

• You need at least 6 subjects from the established Leaving Certificate. At least 2 must be at Higher Level with H5 or better, and the other 4 need at least O6 (Ordinary Level) or H7 (Higher Level). You also need at least 350 CAO points. If your secondary education was fully in English, you do not need an English test.
• UvA does not publish a specific maths or other subject requirement for this programme.

How to apply

1. Register in StudielinkRegister for the English track in Studielink between 1 October 2026 and 15 January 2027. If you register late, you cannot enter this year’s lottery.
2. Complete your UvA applicationActivate your UvAnetID and complete your application in SIS so UvA can check your Leaving Certificate.
3. Lottery rankingPlaces are allocated by an unweighted lottery, so your grades do not affect your chances. You get your ranking number through Studielink in mid-April 2027 (UvA gives 15 April). Numbers 1 to 345 get an offer; the rest go on a waiting list.
4. Accept and enrolAccept your offer in Studielink by the deadline given, then send certified documents by 31 August, complete UvA Matching and pay your tuition fee before September 2027.

Costs

• Standard Dutch EU fee: €2,694 (2026/27). The 2027/28 fee is set by the Dutch government each year (expected to be close to €2,800).
• EU students may be eligible for a Dutch tuition-fee loan (DUO).

At a glance