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Bachelor
Vergelijk
Psychology

Study programme

Psychology

One of the most important instruments available to the psychologist is research. By using scientific methods to do research, a psychologist can gain insight into human behaviours. During your studies you will train your scientific and writing skills. In addition, you will be introduced to all areas of psychology: from social psychology to clinical psychology. You will follow large-scale lectures and small-scale tutorials.

Please note: we offer the specialisations clinical and clinical developmental psychology in English. However, the four Master tracks in healthcare psychology are only offered in Dutch. In the Netherlands, post-graduate training is required to become a registered health care psychologist ‘Gezondheidszorgpsycholoog’ or registered Clinical Psychologist ‘Klinisch Psycholoog’.  These post-graduate programmes are also only offered in Dutch

  • Year 1

    Introduction

    Your first academic year, known as the propaedeutic year, consists of a substantive component and a research component. During the substantive component, you are introduced to the field of psychology and all its sub-disciplines: neuropsychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, work and organisational psychology, clinical psychology, research methods and cognitive neuroscience.

    In the research component, you will learn academic and writing skills during Research Methods and Statistics and practical training groups. At the end of the year, you will also write a propaedeutic thesis. After completing all components in the propaedeutic year, you will receive the first-year diploma.

  • Year 2

    Conduct research and choose your major

    In the first half of the second year, the focus is on learning how to conduct research. You learn how to translate psychological questions into a research design, how to compile a study, statistically analyze the data and how to write a research report. In addition, you will attend practical training in psychological communication skills.

    In the second half of the second year you will choose your major: your specialisation. You can choose from a variety of specialisations: 

    • Work and Organisational Psychology
    • Psychological Methods
    • Brain and Cognition
    • Social Psychology
    • Clinical Psychology 
    • Clinical Neuropsychology (Dutch)
    • Clinical Developmental Psychology 
  • Year 3

    Bachelor's thesis and choose between a second major, a minor or an exchange

    Your Bachelor's thesis will take up a grand part of the first half of your third year. In the second half, you can choose between doing a second specialisation, a minor (for example Communication Science or Law) or an exchange programme. You can use this last part of the Bachelor's programme to tweak the programme to your individual wishes.

Study programme

COURSES SEM 1 SEM 2 SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2 EC
  • Introductory Psychology and Brain & Cognition
    12

    The course provides an introductory overview of the entire field of psychology: the science of behaviour and (both conscious and unconscious) mental processes in healthy people as well as people with mental disorders. It also provides an overview of the brain structures and -processes involved.

  • Research Methods & Statistics
    12

    In this course you learn how to interpret statistical concepts in psychological literature, how to gain an overview of large amounts of data and how statistical conclusions can be drawn about the presence of effects of psychological interventions.

  • Tutorials Academic Skills
    —

    This course is aimed at enhancing academic skills. You will learn to read academic publications and process them critically by carrying out a number of written assignments that increase in difficulty. Effective communication skills are cultivated through written assignments, presentations, and group work. The fundamental principle throughout is the scientist-practitioner approach; the empirical/diagnostics cycle is primary.

  • Research Participation
    —

    In this course you participate in different kinds of research in the lab. This way you gain experience in the different fields of Psychology.

  • Developmental Psychology
    6

    This course addresses a number of important theories in developmental psychology, including the historical context of the ideas and those who devised them. In addition, a number of important themes is covered and the methods used to carry out research are discussed. The course will focus on classical and recent research in developmental psychology in a variety of areas, such as cognitive, emotional and social development.

  • Work and Organisational Psychology & Social Psychology
    12

    The course covers how social and cognitive processes influence perceptions, behaviors, and relationships in social psychology, encompassing topics like social perception, stereotypes, group dynamics, attitudes, and practical applications such as media literacy and sustainability. In organizational psychology, the emphasis is on understanding and enhancing individual and group dynamics within organizations and i.e. covering organizational structure, group processes, and workplace psychological assessment etc.

  • Clinical Psychology & Neuropsychology
    12

    In the clinical psychology section of this course, students learn about abnormal psychology, including symptoms, syndromes, epidemiology, theoretical models of disorders, diagnostic processes, treatment approaches, and research methods. Lectures include clinical presentations of disorders using film material and guest speakers with expertise. In the neuropsychology part, students study the historical context, research, and clinical aspects of neuropsychology, focusing on common neurological diseases such as traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's dementia, and Parkinson's disease, and their associated cognitive dysfunctions.

  • Behavioural data science / Propaedeutic Thesis
    6

    This course introduces Behavioral Data Science (BDS) from a psychological viewpoint, combining modern digital technology with classical psychological methods. The first-year thesis is a literature review where students demonstrate their learning from Tutorials Academic Skills.

COURSES SEM 1 SEM 2 SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2 EC
  • Scientific and Statistical Reasoning
    9

    This course, Scientific and Statistical Reasoning, emphasizes the importance of skills in recognizing and analyzing arguments and interpreting research findings for students, researchers, and psychologists. It covers fundamental aspects of argumentation and statistical analysis techniques commonly used in psychology research. Students learn to critically evaluate psychological research by developing empirically supported lines of argumentation.

  • Practical training: Psychological Communication
    3

    The Psychological Communication practical is a training course focusing on personal and professional interviewing skills essential for psychologists. Through exercises and reflection, students learn about communication channels, listening, summarizing, interpreting messages, and more. The course, conducted in small groups, emphasizes self-awareness and lays the groundwork for effective dyadic exchanges in professional practice.

  • Practical training: Psychological Research
    12

    This course involves students conducting a psychological research study. They'll conduct a literature review, formulate research questions, address ethical considerations, design a psychological test, collect and analyze data using SPSS, interpret results, and write a scientific article. The course is divided into two parts: Part I focuses on test theory and decision-making in test use, adhering to NIP BAPD regulations. Part II centers on data analysis from Part I and writing a scientific article about the research conducted.

  • Fundamentals of Psychology
    6

    This course explores the history and philosophy of scientific psychology, tracing the evolution of our understanding of the human mind. Topics cover the emergence of scientific psychology, scientific inquiry, and applying methods to human behavior. Students tackle theoretical challenges, including questions about free will, genetics, and scientific limits, developing critical thinking skills essential for informed opinions as psychologists.

  • Specialisation
    30

    For the second semester, students choose from seven specialisations: 1. Brain & Cognition 2. Clinical Development Psychology 3. Clinical Neuropsychology (note: in Dutch only) 4. Clinical Psychology 5. Psychologival Methods 6. Social Psychology or 7. Work and Organisational Psychology.

COURSES SEM 1 SEM 2 SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2 EC
  • Methods & statistics
    6

    This is a course connected to the chosen specialisation as well as a Bachelor's Thesis.

  • Bachelor's thesis
    12

    During the thesis you set up and conduct a study in groups and after which you write an individual report on it. This thesis project is also about a subject related to the chosen specialisation.

  • Current topics in Psychology 1
    6

    You will choose one course from a series about current topics in psychology in period 1. You can choose from Clinical Developmental and Health Psychology, Consciousness: from Theory to the Clinic, Stress in Health and Disease, Introduction to Sport and Performance Psychology or Polarisation.

  • Current topics in Psychology 2
    6

    You will choose one course from a series about current topics in psychology in period 2. You can choose from A Clinical Perspective on Today's Issues, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace, Introduction to Cultural Psychology, or The Psychology of AI.

  • Optional course profile
    30

    To tweak the programme to your individual wishes, in the last semester of the bachelor's programme, you can choose between: a second specialisation, a minor, an exchange programme or an individually chosen set of courses.

You will find more information in the course catalogue. 
Additional options
  • Honours Programme

    If you are ambitious, you can choose to take part in our Honours programme. You can begin the programme in the second year of your Bachelor's. You'll take the Honours programme alongside your regular studies. Completion results in you graduating 'with honours': an internationally recognised qualification. If you are up to it, then it's an opportunity not to be missed. 

  • Exchange

    The UvA has partnerships and exchange agreements with more than 100 other universities. As part of your Bachelor's programme you can do an exchange semester abroad. This can be a valuable learning and cultural experience, and a great addition to your study programma. In order to support students in arranging a stay abroad, the Psychology department has its own International Office to which students can turn to with questions and for advice

  • Minor

    There are various opportunities during the Bachelor's programme for you to shape your programme to your liking. You can choose a minor: a cohesive programme lasting half a year taken outside your own degree programme. You can make a combination of your interests, ambition and talents.

Time distribution and tutoring
  • Workload
    • Education: 12 hours per week
    • Self-study: 30 hours per week

    Please note: a binding study advice (BSA) applies to all UvA Bachelor’s programmes, including the bachelor’s programme in psychology. In order to receive a positive binding study advice you must obtain at least 48 credits (out of 60) in your first year. If you fail to do so, and no extenuating circumstances apply, you will be issued a negative binding study advice (BSA) and you will not be able to continue your studies

Study this programme in Dutch?

Are you a Dutch-speaking student? Then you can also participate in our Dutch Bachelor’s programme in Psychology. The Dutch-taught programme is exactly the same as the English-taught programme. 

Yes! I’m interested in the Dutch Bachelor’s programme.