The bus to school, Kyrgyzstan; photo by Reinier van Oorsouw

Program description

The program combines approaches from cultural and cross-cultural psychology and will deal with three central issues: 1) How does culture shape our psychological functioning? 2) What are the consequences of cultural similarities and/or differences for the individual, the group, and for intergroup relations, 3) How can we design and evaluate interventions and programs that are culturally sensitive?

Students specializing in Cultural Psychology will find answers to the following questions:

• Why and how do humans acquire culture? How does culture evolve?
• How does culture shape our psychological functioning (e.g., emotions, motivation, perception, cognition)? What are some of the psychological consequences of (dis)similarities between cultural groups?
• How does intercultural contact (e.g., through migration) affect the individual? Which psychological tools does a person possess to deal with acculturation, and which psychological changes do migrants typically experience?
• What happens when groups from different cultures meet?
• What are the benefits and challenges of culturally diverse societies?
• How can we manage cultural diversity in school, at work, and in society?

Additionally, students of Cultural Psychology will be thoroughly equipped with and trained in:

• Designing (cross) cultural studies while avoiding common methodological pitfalls of the field.
• Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills.
• Designing, implementing and evaluating culture-sensitive strategies and interventions.

The colours of desert, Somalia; photo by Reinier van Oorsouw

International orientation

The Cultural Psychology master’s programme has a strong international orientation. Our staff members have an extensive international network and cooperate with researchers across the world. Students may make use of this network and follow a course or conduct research abroad (e.g., for their thesis or internship), for example at our partner university in Ghana. 

In order to provide students with first-hand intercultural experiences, students have the opportunity to join the annual study trip organized by the student fraction and get to know a non-Western culture such as Ghana.

Doing laundry, Kenya; photo by Reinier van Oorsouw

Why cultural Psychology at the UvA?
 

1. Study at the most international European university and one of the top-rated European research institutes
2. Acquire theoretical knowledge on Cultural Psychology and hands-on skills through a coherent curriculum
3. Engage in discussion and receive guidance by a dedicated team of experts in Cultural Psychology
4. Spend time abroad during your internship or thesis (optional)
5. Be part or benefit from an active student fraction

Key facts

Diploma

MSc

Type

Regulier onderwijs

Vorm

Voltijd

Studielast

60 EC, 12 maanden

Voertaal

Engels

Start

September