Psychology (research MSc)

University of Amsterdam

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Program description

The Research Master's Psychology programme is firmly embedded in the experimental approach to Psychology that characterizes the research in psychology at the University of Amsterdam.

This programme is designed for excellent and motivated students with a genuine interest in psychological research, who are interested in a career in academic or applied (industry) research. Specialised courses are taught in informal, highly interactive small groups settings. In addition to courses covering all areas in psychology, the programme offers a series of advanced courses on research methods and statistics, programming and computer skills, and writing and presentation skills. International orientation Taught by international top researchers, the Research Master's programme offers a unique opportunity to further specialise in any area of psychology including: Brain & Cognition Clinical Psychology Developmental Psychology Methodology and Statistics Social Psychology Work and Organisational Psychology Finally, the programme has a strong international orientation. The teaching staff has an extensive international network, and cooperates on a regular basis with top-level researchers across the world. Students are explicitly encouraged to spend parts of their research training abroad.

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Admission requirements

Previous education

Applicants should have at least a bachelor's degree in Psychology (equivalent to at least three years of Dutch academic training) or an equivalent degree in a similar field.

The minimum entry level for the Research Master's programme in Psychology is three years of Dutch university education. Students with a bachelor's degree in other disciplines than Psychology can apply for admission to the research master's programme, but they should have at least general knowledge of Psychology and its sub disciplines, as well as knowledge of statistics and methodology.

Applicants should also have experience with the topic of specialization in the master's programme.

Experience with setting up, conducting and reporting experimental research is neces­sary.

Methodological knowledge and statistical knowledge is necessary. The book that reflects the level of statistical knowledge that is needed is: Andy Field, Discovering statistics using SPSS (2009). See: http://www.uk.sagepub.com/field3e/

Grade average

A-/B+/3.5 (American system)
2.1 HONS (an upper second class honours degree in the British system)
B (ECTS stystem), or
7.5 (Dutch system)
We're aiming at the top 10% students.

Grade average

For this master's programme we're aiming at the top 10% students. Applicants to the research master's programme in Psychology are expected to have an overall grade point average (GPA) of at least:

* A-/B+/3.5 (American system)
* 2.1 HONS (an upper second class honours degree in the British system)
* B (ECTS stystem), or
* 7.5 (Dutch system)

Written request

BSc in Psychology or a closely related field

Written request

The applicant has to state in about 500 words the reasons to at­tend the programme, and which specialization the applicant would choose as major and which as minor. Also any sug­gestions for research topics and interests can be put forward here.

Language test

-International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Students are required to have a score of at least 7 on the academic module, with a minimum score of 6.0 for the separate components of the test.
-Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
Students are required to have a score of at least 100 (internet based test), with a minimum score of 20 for the separate components of the test.
-Cambridge International Examination.
Students are required to have a minimum score 'A' for the Certificate in Advanced Eng­lish (CAE) or 'B' for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE).

Language test

All international applicants who are non-native English speakers have to demonstrate sufficient pro­ficiency in English to enrol in university-level courses. Students must be able to read textbooks, understand lectures, take part in classroom discussions and undertake written work in English.

Applicants must submit one of the following tests. No other tests are accepted. Please note that only international, not institutional tests are accepted.

* International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Students are required to have a score of at least 7 on the academic module, with a minimum score of 6.0 for the separate components of the test.
* Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Students are required to have a score of at least 100 (internet based test), with a minimum score of 20 for the separate components of the test.
* Cambridge International Examination
Students are required to have a minimum score 'A' for the Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or 'B' for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE).


Please note: applicants who obtained their bachelor's degree in the Netherlands, or applicants who can prove to have successfully finished an Eng

Language requirements

CAE: A1, CPE: B1, IELTS overall band: 7, IELTS listening: 6, IELTS reading: 6, IELTS writing: 6, IELTS speaking: 6, TOEFL internet based: 100

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