What is a pre-Master’s programme?

If you do not meet all admission requirements for the Master’s track in Psychology or Healthcare Psychology (Dutch-taught only), you may be eligible for a pre-Master’s programme.

A pre-Master’s programme consists of specific courses that help you meet the entry requirements for the Master’s track of your choice. Completing it successfully makes you eligible to apply for the selection procedure for the Master’s programme.

How to find out if you are eligible

You always apply for the Master’s track of your choice. Depending on your admission outcome and the timing of your application, you may be offered a pre-Master’s programme starting in semester 2 (for early September applications) or in the following academic year (for regular September or February applications).

Important

• You do not apply for a pre-Master’s programme separately
• The Admissions Committee automatically evaluates whether a pre-Master’s is needed after you apply for the Master’s track
• A pre-Master’s programme is only offered if it is possible within the programme limits

Conditions for a pre-Master’s programme

A pre-Master’s programme is only possible if:

• The programme can be completed within one academic year
• Maximum study load: about 30 EC per semester
• You do not require a visa, or you already have one
• You are a Psychology applicant, and:
  • You need to complete a maximum of 60 ECTS to meet admission requirements
  • You have already fulfilled the basis requirement (≥9 EC an Empirical research project about which you wrote an individual report (demonstrating your writing & research skills) on a Psychological or related Social Science subject). This requirement cannot be fulfilled through a pre-master's programme, as we do not offer pre-master's thesis to compensate for a missing research project.
  • You already meet all other selection requirements
  • Additional limits for Healthcare Psychology tracks:
    • Clinical Psychology, Clinical Forensic Psychology, Clinical Neuropsychology: max. 12 EC
    • Clinical Developmental Psychology: max. 30 EC
    • Healthcare Psychology is taught in Dutch; non-native speakers must provide proof of Dutch proficiency

The Research Master Psychology does not offer a pre-Master’s programme.

You must complete the pre-Master’s programme within one academic year (September–August). After successful completion, you become eligible to apply for selection to your chosen Master’s track (additional requirements may apply).

Important: qualifying ≠ being admitted

Completing a pre-Master’s programme does not guarantee admission to the Master’s track.

After completing the programme, you still need to apply and go through the selection procedure. Admission is competitive and based on all qualified applicants.

Apply on time!

Apply early if you think you may need a pre-Master’s programme.

• Applications: 1–15 October (EU students / no visa required)
  • If you apply before 15 October, you will be informed before the Christmas holidays whether a pre-Master’s programme is required
• If applying later:
  • Choose September intake in Studielink
  • Deadline: 1 March
  • Outcome: mid-May
  • If needed, the pre-Master’s can be completed the following academic year

Early application is strongly recommended so you know sooner what courses you need.

Costs

Costs depend on the number of EC you need to complete. For Dutch students, costs may also depend on previous degrees or whether you have already completed a pre-Master’s or Master’s programme.

The Education Desk Psychology can provide a cost estimate once your programme requirements are known.