The study programme in a nutshell
The Clinical Psychology master's programme is organised into a series of course periods; each of these periods comprises both a theoretical block (or course) and a practical. Within each block or practical, all activities—such as lectures, tutorials, and assignments—align with the chosen theme.
In terms of practicals, the Clinical Psychology master's track offers two distinct tracks: the 'Research training track' and the 'Clinical training track.' You must select one of these tracks; it's important to note that choosing both is not an option. Please indicate your preference when applying for the master. The admission criteria are the same for both tracks.
If your career goal involves working in mental healthcare post-graduation, we advise you to choose the ‘Clinical training track’. If you envision a different career path or you aspire to pursue a PhD position, the ‘Research training track’ might be your best option.
Similarities & differences
Blocks 1-4 are the same for both tracks, as is practical 4. In addition, both tracks require students to complete a master's thesis during the second half of the academic year (mandatory). Practical training 1-3 are related to either the research training track or the clinical training track. In addition, students in the clinical track also have the option to complete a practical internship, if they so choose.
Note: The track you have chosen will not be registered as such on your degree. After successfully concluding the programme, you will obtain a Master of Science degree in Psychology, specialisation: Clinical Psychology. The degree includes a list of the specific blocks and practical trainings you have followed and the grades you have obtained.
The curricula are subject to change. No rights may be derived from this information (including the information via the links). To graduate, all students must complete a master's thesis based on a research project. Students interested in clinical work may also choose to do a practical internship. While recommended, completing a practical internship is not mandatory. Please note that finding a practical internship is challenging, especially for international students who do not speak Dutch yet wish to complete their practical internship in the Netherlands.
Course descriptions
Clinical training track
Block 3
5 EC
In this course you will study severe mental illnesses such as psychotic spectrum disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder and their comorbid conditions. In an urban context, severe mental problems not only go hand in hand with other unfavourable psychological conditions such as violence, substance use and dissociation but also require a different approach when it comes to diagnosis and treatment. People with chronic psychotic symptoms, whether or not in combination with several social problems such as homelessness and forensic problems, often require a more multidisciplinary approach in which not only their symptoms are treated but a case management approach with assertive outreach elements is needed.
In this course you will learn the etiological aspects of severe mental illnesses on psychological level (“which psychological variables are involved”?), biological level (“what goes wrong in the brain”?) and societal level (“what is the role of urban context”?). You will learn to identify severe mental illnesses and learn to take a critical position regarding DSM-driven diagnosis and learn alternative diagnostical systems such as RDOC or holistic person-driven approaches. Information from previous courses will be integrated in this course and you will learn that severe mental illnesses are almost always combined with other disorders and/or severe social problems. You will learn appropriate treatment approaches for these problems (care vs. cure) and learn about the legal and ethical constrains of these treatments.
2 EC
Block 5-8
Practical Internship (optional), Research Proposal and Thesis
32 EC
Research training track
Block 3
5 EC
In this course you will study severe mental illnesses such as psychotic spectrum disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder and their comorbid conditions. In an urban context, severe mental problems not only go hand in hand with other unfavourable psychological conditions such as violence, substance use and dissociation but also require a different approach when it comes to diagnosis and treatment. People with chronic psychotic symptoms, whether or not in combination with several social problems such as homelessness and forensic problems, often require a more multidisciplinary approach in which not only their symptoms are treated but a case management approach with assertive outreach elements is needed.
In this course you will learn the etiological aspects of severe mental illnesses on psychological level (“which psychological variables are involved”?), biological level (“what goes wrong in the brain”?) and societal level (“what is the role of urban context”?). You will learn to identify severe mental illnesses and learn to take a critical position regarding DSM-driven diagnosis and learn alternative diagnostical systems such as RDOC or holistic person-driven approaches. Information from previous courses will be integrated in this course and you will learn that severe mental illnesses are almost always combined with other disorders and/or severe social problems. You will learn appropriate treatment approaches for these problems (care vs. cure) and learn about the legal and ethical constrains of these treatments.
2 EC
Block 5-8
Research Proposal and Thesis (block 5 – block 8)
32 EC