The research master’s specialisation Clinical and Health Psychology prepares you for a PhD trajectory.
Yasmine Alladin
Where do I see myself in five years?
'In five years, I see myself as a scientist-practitioner, combining therapy and research. This master's track has shown me that...
... I don’t have to choose. Science and care can complement each other and, together, create a meaningful impact in clinical practice.'
Melissa Vazquez Ruiz
What was the biggest eye-opener for me during this master's specialisation?
'The realisation that, even as a student, you can contribute something meaningful to...
... the field really surprised me. Your ideas matter, and you’re not just learning, you’re already part of the scientific community.'
What does this master's programme entail?
Academic and research skills are trained at an advanced level. You will make an in-depth study of topics within the broad context of ‘self-regulation of health and illness’. Topics that you will investigate include: stress, symptom perception and illness, the dynamics of behavioral change, and coping with (chronic) disease. You will learn a broad variety of methods and techniques, e.g., clinical trials, neuroimaging, and longitudinal survey or intervention studies.
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Reasons to choose Clinical and Health Psychology at Leiden University
A Research Master's degree will give you a great perspective on a future in research within the public or private sector.
A Research Master's degree is the perfect way to preare for a PhD programme.
Because only the most talented and motivated students will be admitted to the Research Master's track, you will be guaranteed to be challenged during your studies.
Students who wish to pursue a career as scientist-practitioner / clinician may combine the research master with specific parts of the professional one-year master’s programmes in Clinical Psychology or in Health Psychology to qualify for post-master psychotherapy training programmes (PDO in Dutch).
Clinical and Health Psychology: the right programme for you?
Students will be provided with a theoretical background for clinical and health psychology research, assessment and interventions. This includes the acquisition of knowledge relevant to the assessment and treatment of psychopathology, as well as to health promotion and disease prevention and the self-management of chronic diseases. This track is the ideal start for a PhD programme in Clinical and Health Psychology.
Why Psychology in Leiden?
Students and lecturers from around the world who have obtained international training, experience and exposure bring an international and multi-cultural perspective on psychology and being a psychologist to class.
Five reasons to study a master's specialisation in Psychology
Education and research are closely connected at Leiden University. This means that teaching is often done by top researchers and it means that our students get acquainted with research throughout the whole study programme.
You will combine scientific knowledge and various research and practical skills like observation, presentation, interview techniques, amd argumentation.
In our teaching, we offer a variety of teaching formats: lectures, work groups, practicals, and individual supervision. We use modern ICT tools and blended learning to support our teaching in the master's programme.
You will receive intensive study guidance from study advisers, and internship and thesis mentors.
You will enrich yourself in an international classroom and you will get to know students and teachers with different cultural backgrounds. This offers an extra learning experience as there are almost 50 different nationalities within the master's programme in Psychology.
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Study at the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences
The Institute of Psychology is housed in the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences within walking distance of the Leiden Central railway station. If you travel by train, a 5-minute walk will take you from the back of the station to the Pieter de la Court building. Here you'll find:
Research labs
Lecture halls
Tutorial rooms
A library with 70,000 printed specialist publications and extensive digital collections
About 300 computer workstations for students located in several places in the building
The FSW cafe or restaurant to chat with your fellow students
The Master Thesis Lab is a unique facility at our Faculty of Social and Behavioural Science. It provides students writing their master’s thesis with work spaces, assistance and advice on statistical and qualitative research, and online information.
POPcorner: Support in study and student life
Tackling your study in the right way does not come easily to everyone or at every time. In the POPcorner our Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences offers a unique facility set up in close consultation with students of varying cultural and social backgrounds. Through workshops, advice and online information we offer training and information about finding your way in academic and student life.
Study at a world-class university
Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands and enjoys an excellent worldwide reputation built up over more than four centuries. Since 1575 we’ve provided sound personal education for hundreds of thousands of students. We’ll do our utmost to give you the best possible support. And if you can and want to do more, we’ll challenge you every step of the way. For many years, we’ve been among the leaders in Dutch university rankings and we are currently to be found in a variety of top international rankings too.
This research master specialisation involves general courses, track-specific courses, electives, research internship and your thesis.
Programme overview
We offer a very diverse programme that takes you through all the indispensable elements of Clinical and Health Psychology. You can find a short summary below; for a detailed overview of the research master, please read our Prospectus.
General courses
The general coursework (40 ECTS) consists of advanced training in academic and research skills. The design and timing of these courses is such that students can immediately apply their newly acquired skills to their own research project. Besides lectures, the programme offers seminars, work in small groups, and practicals.
Track-specific courses
The obligatory track-specific coursework (20 ECTS) consists of four advanced content-specific courses, in which students acquire in-depth knowledge of a range of theories, issues and research domains in clinical psychology and health psychology.
For the most up to date course overview, see the Prospectus.
Electives
Students can choose electives (15 ECTS) from the range of modules offered in the different (research) master’s programmes at the Institute of Psychology, either to concentrate further on the specialisation of their choice (by choosing additional track-specific electives) or to broaden their view. Students who wish to expand their expertise in the domain of Brain and Cognition can choose from a wide range of elective courses offered within and outside the Institute of Psychology.
Students who wish to pursue a career as scientist-practitioner / clinician may combine the research master with specific parts of the professional one-year master’s programmes in Clinical Psychology or in Health Psychology to qualify for post-master psychotherapy training programmes (PDO in Dutch).
Research internship
The aim of the internship is for students to gain hands-on experience in their area of interest by learning from expert researchers in the field. It is recommended that students become acquainted with various research designs and/or methods of data collection and analysis that extend those employed for their thesis. Students could do this by participating, for example, in designing a study, data collection and data analyses, observing lab and testing situations and reading the involved research proposals. Preparations for the internship that are directly work-related (reading, communication with supervisor, writing funding letters) are part of the internship. You can find more information about the internship in the Prospectus.
Thesis
In the second year you focus on writing a master’s thesis (25 ECTS). During the first semester, the research master’s thesis focuses on the preparation of a literature review and the development of a research question, resulting in a written research proposal. During the second semester, students implement the research, collect and analyse the data, and write their thesis.
Ties Gaurang Fakkel
Clinical & Health Psychology Research Master
I would recommend it to anyone who gets excited about research and about challenging oneself to follow the Research Master. Initially, I started the Research Master myself with the intention to become a therapist, that is capable of distinguishing good from bad research. Gradually I noticed that I think more like a researcher than a therapist. A huge advantage is that you can always go both ways.
I am happy to follow the Clinical & Health Psychology Research Master. It can be tough, but also highly motivating to slowly but surely see myself develop research skills.
The Research Master is seen by some as a somewhat competitive track: everyone is smart and used to getting high grades. However, in my experience everyone is always open for cooperation; thinking together, tackling problems and finding solutions together. I personally find that valuable in a group setting. In fact, everyone tries to get the best out of themselves, and I believe that is why fellow students are more willing to help others to get the best out of themselves as well. At least, that is my attitude, and that is how I experienced it from others towards myself. One of the professors said it beautifully last year: 'science is a social affair'. And so it is, I think.
I regularly speak Bachelor students (for statistics tutoring) or other (one-year) Master students (at my internship and during electives, amongst others) and regularly get the question if the Research Master is difficult 'with so much statistics and many research topics'. I always answer that in fact the Research Master offers all the possibilities to (finally) get it right: we have a lot more lectures and work groups by the best professors of the university, compared to the one-year Master. From what I understand, there are no (obligatory) statistics courses given in the one-year Masters, so there you have to figure out a lot more yourself (for example, your thesis analyses)...
I would recommend everyone who gets excited about research and about challenging oneself to follow the Research Master. Initially, I started the RM myself with the intention to become a therapist, that is capable of distinguishing good from bad research. Gradually I noticed that I think more like a researcher than a therapist. A huge advantage is that you can always go both ways. For example, during my internship at the research department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry / Psychology at the Erasmus MC someone recently obtained her PhD and will now start the vocational therapist training (GZ-opleiding) immediately.
Educational methods
We use various modes of instruction to augment the learning experience:
In the lectures the literature you have read is applied to real life, by examples, to enhance your knowledge of the subject at hand.
In the small (10 to 24 students, depending on your specialisation) work group sessions you'll delve deeper into the course material. There is room for discussion. Work groups sessions require active participation and attendance is therefore mandatory.
In practical sessions you'll work on your skills. You gain, for example, skills in interviewing, observation and using statistical computer programmes (depending on your specialisation). Attendance is also mandatory in these practical sessions.
In the online course environment students review their peers’ assignments and prepare for examinations with online mock exams and recorded lectures.
The assigned material will be discussed during lectures
In small work group sessions you will delve deeper in the course material
Master students spend a lot of time studying the material by themselves
Practical sessions vary from interview skills training to lab tests
Theory becomes practice during these wide-ranging practicals
Student support services
Perhaps you have questions about your master’s, or could use some extra help, or maybe you’d like some support of a more personal nature? At Leiden University we have people and departments who will be glad to help in any and all of these areas.
Study adviser
Your study adviser is an expert on all aspects of your study programme, for example exam regulations, planning, academic issues, study delay etc. With the study adviser you discuss problems of any kind relating to the studies or any personal circumstances which might trouble your study.
The research master's specialisation Clinical and Health Psychology consists of five main parts: the general courses, the track-specific courses, the elective courses, a research internship and a thesis.
Programme outline
Here you can find the proposed schedule for this two-year research master track. Some variation is possible.Click on the programme to view it at full-screen.
Programme outline
Track-specific courses
Advanced Topics in Experimental Clinical Psychology
In this course we will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of various experimental and observational study designs, as well as the standards of conducting and reporting research in clinical psychology. New developments in research methodology will be discussed, in addition to more traditional methods. Papers on recent developments in psychotherapy and psychopharmacology research will be used as examples.
Evaluating Interventions in Patients with Chronic Disease
In this course the clinical characteristics and epidemiology of a variety of chronic diseases (e.g. coronary heart disease, pain syndromes, cancer, diabetes) will be addressed. The assessment of psychosocial problems associated with these diseases as well as frequently used psychological assessment instruments measuring these psychosocial problems will be discussed, both from a conceptual and methodological perspective. In addition, the theoretical concepts related to determinants/predictors of psychosocial problems (e.g. illness perceptions, stress, coping) will be addressed. Finally, the evaluation of generic as well as disease-specific psychosocial interventions that focus on improving health-related quality of life and/or self-management in patients with chronic disease will be discussed.
Research Topics in Health Promotion
In this course, theories on the determinants of health behaviour and on the processes of behavioural change will be addressed, including issues such as ‘why do people endanger their health?’ and ‘why are good intentions not enough to change behaviour? Students will reflect on one main theoretical construct of their interest, how it is embedded in theory, the proposed underlying working mechanisms, and the empirical findings from previous research on the construct. Based on these analyses students will determine what the next step should be to increase knowledge on the construct, and formulate a new research question and study design. They will then design and pilot-test a questionnaire as a measurement instrument, and present their overall findings during a poster session.
Biological Underpinnings of Psychopathology
The course will provide an overview of biological approaches to one of the major psychiatric disorders, as well as in-depth knowledge of one of the biological systems or pathways that are currently linked to the development and maintenance of psychiatric disorders. In the 2016 edition of this course, these foci will be mood disorders and the gut/brain axis, respectively. Expert speakers will provide in depth lectures on biological mechanisms and interventions that are related to psychiatric outcome. These lectures will aid students in writing their own research proposal, which consists of a critical review of the literature relevant to the chosen topic, and a proposal for future research.
For more information about the general courses or the track-specific courses, check out the Prospectus.
Electives
During this master's specialisation, at least 15 EC must consist of elective courses, of level 500. A full list of electives can be found in the Prospectus.
Extra curricular
Would you like to create an extra challenge for yourself? Leiden University gives you plenty of room to do so.
Honours education for master's students
Are you a curious and motivated master’s student? The Honours Academy of Leiden University offers various kinds of extracurricular education, ranging from long-running programmes to short-term courses.
Leiden Leadership Programme (15 EC)
Are you interested in a leadership challenge? Join the Leiden Leadership Programme (LLP). This one-year programme will equip you with the leadership knowledge, insights and skills you need to increase your societal impact. You further your personal development through trainings, seminars and a practical assignment within an organisation, in which you learn to cooperate intensively with other professionals. With the LLP, you earn 15 EC in addition to your regular master's degree.
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Broaden your horizons with a Master Honours Challenge at Leiden University. In a small-scale, interdisciplinary course, you will tackle a complex issue for society or an organisation.
Discover your path. Try out new topics, fields, and skills and discover what suits you.
Gain interdisciplinary experience. Work with other disciplines on complex issues.
Broaden your skillset. Pitch for stakeholders, make a podcast, documentary, or exhibit or create your own business.
Build a network. Work with motivated students and teachers, as well as real-life partner organisations.
A master's degree in Psychology at Leiden University combines theoretical knowledge with academic and professional skills, making you an attractive candidate for many employers.
Skills after graduation
The research master’s specialisation in Clinical and Health Psychology provides students with an in-depth knowledge of theories and research domains in this area. This includes the acquisition of knowledge and skills relevant to the assessment and treatment of psychopathology, as well as to health promotion and disease prevention and management of chronic diseases. Students acquire advanced research skills by participating in a clinical psychology or health psychology research projects and participating in labmeetings.
Sabine Peters
Research alumna
'I looked at both cognitive and affective aspects of development. I focused on adolescence because it is a very interesting period with a range of developments, especially in the brain. Cognitive brain regions play a role in complex processes like planning, reasoning and reflecting on your own behavior.'
Sabine Peters of Leiden University investigated how the development of cognitive and affective brain regions relates to learning and risk-taking behavior, such as alcohol use. She showed that, contrary to predictions from prior research, brain regions for cognitive control could be recruited even by young children and adolescents, but in different situations than adults.
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A master's degree in Psychology from Leiden University will prepare you adequately for entering the job market. The bar chart below indicates in which different fields our Psychology alumni work.
*Note: this is a general list for all our Psychology alumni, not specifically for this master's specialisation Clinical and Health Psychology.
The master’s programme provides an ideal preparation for students who want to continue with an academic career and obtain a PhD in psychology. The research master’s programme also prepares students for positions where basic or applied psychological research is used to support the development of corporate or public policy. These include research agencies such as TNO, NIA, IOWO, as well as private firms (e.g. software and hardware development, safety control), municipal, and governmental (SCP) institutions focusing on research and consultancy.
Students who wish to pursue a career as scientist-practitioner/clinician may combine the research master with specific parts of the professional one-year master’s programmes in Clinical Psychology or in Health Psychology to qualify for post-master psychotherapy training programmes (PDO in Dutch).
Career preparation
Where you end up depends on the chosen study direction, your own skills and interests.
Leiden University offers several services to help you prepare for the jobmarket.
Internship
The internship is a mandatory part of the master's specialisation. A qualified staff member within the organisation providing the internship outside or inside Leiden University will be responsible for the daily supervision of the student. For questions about your internship, you can always contact the Internship Coordinator of your master's specialisation.
Career Services
At the Career Services counsellors will give you advice and information on planning your career, whether you have just started your master’s study or have already graduated. Each of Leiden’s seven faculties has its own career services department, with specific expertise and resources related to the faculty’s programmes.
In addition, as a master’s student you have access to our web-based resources, which include career step plans, job seeking strategies and self-assessment tools. The Career Services desk also offers a range of relevant workshops. If you prefer a personalised approach, you can make an appointment for an individual counselling session with your departmental career counsellor.
Specifically, you are welcome at the Career Services for advice and information on:
What are the possibilities with my Master’s degree?
You can also find career information and advice on the website of the Career Services.
Leiden University Career Zone
The Leiden University Career Zone is an online career portal that helps you with your preparation for the labour market. You will find information on:
Knowing yourself (tests, self analysis)
Exploring the labour market (i.e. jobs and branches)
Developing your skills (application skills, work & life skills)
Finding vacancies (Jobportal)
Career Route Planner
Workshops & Events
Career Services
Mentor Network
Leiden University’s alumni hold positions in a vast range of sectors, all over the world. They are therefore good resources for graduates who are just starting out on the job market. Through the Leiden Alumni Mentor Network you can contact Leiden alumni online and ask them for advice. For more information, go to the Mentor Network website.
Career Events of the Study Association
The Psychology study association Labyrint regularly organises activities so that you can explore the labour market in fields relating to your study programme. Examples include labour market conferences, social drinks, and speed-dating sessions with companies.
Building your CV
Employers are interested in graduates who have developed their talents in a variety of areas. So it’s a good idea to work on your personal development and on CV-building right from the start of your degree programme.
Take a look at the Career Route Planner what you could do in addition to completing your studies successfully.
Admission and Application
Are you interested in studying the Clinical and Health Psychology research master's programme at Leiden University? Find out how to apply by following the step-by step guide in the application and admission section.
The guide will give you the necessary help and guidance in submitting your application.
To be eligible for the Clinical and Health Psychology Research Master's specialisation at Leiden University, you must meet the following requirements.
Please note: we cannot assess a candidates eligibility via e-mail. All interested candidates are required to submit an application.
Diploma requirements
The MSc in Psychology (Research) is a selective master. The following diploma requirements apply to this programme. Please make sure to read carefully.
Prospective students should:
Requirement 1:
have earned the degree of Bachelor in Psychology at a Research University (not at a University of Applied Sciences / Professional Education), or demonstrate to meet the requirements for such a degree, and;
possess the skills, understanding and knowledge that are required for earning the bachelor’s degree; more specific within this bachelor programme the knowledge on university level of the following components:
Theory or training in interpersonal skills, such as interview, counselling, discussion techniques
Theory or training in psychodiagnostics
Requirement 2*:
have obtained at least 30 ec in advanced courses on topics pertaining to this master specialisation,
Requirement 3*:
have sufficient knowledge of Methodology and Statistics (at least 20 EC): introductory and more advanced courses in methods and statistics of psychological research (including psychometrics, multivariate data analysis) and,
the use of statistical software,
Requirement 4:
have a high grade for the bachelor thesis (at least a 7.5 or equivalent**) and,
have a high grade for the bachelor coursework (i.e. GPA) (at least a 7.5 or equivalent**)
*An internship and/or thesis do not count towards this requirement
**If your grading system is other than the Dutch grading system, the University’s Admissions Office will convert the Dutch equivalent of your grade the Dutch equivalent.
Languague requirements
English language proficiency
The following requirements apply*:
IELTS Academic modules only, on paper or on computer: 6.5 overall, with at least 6.0 for each separate component score.
We do not accept IELTS General Training, IELTS Indicator, or IELTS One Skill Retake
TOEFL internet based: 90 overall, with at least 20 for each separate component.
We are not able to accept The TOEFL IBT Home Edition™, except in the following situation only:
You are unable to take an in-person test on location because test centres are inaccessible or closed due to unsafe conditions in a country.
We do not accept the following types of test: TOEFL My Best™ scores (multiple test scores combined), TOEFL Essentials™ or institutional tests such as ITP.
Cambridge English Exam C2 Proficiency, or C1 Advanced (180), with a minimum score of 169 for each separate component.
Note that English test results may not be more than two years old and must be obtained in one single test.
*You do not have to submit an English proficiency test if you have completed your education in the USA, UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, Canada (except French-taught programmes in Canada) Singapore, South-Africa or Malta; or if you have obtained an English-taught International Baccalaureate™; or if you have completed a Dutch VWO diploma or an English-taught degree at a Dutch research university or (for September intake) a diploma of an English-taught higher professional education (hbo) programme completed at a Dutch university of applied sciences.
For detailed information, including exemption criteria and methods of submission, refer to English language proficiency.
If you need a visa or residence permit, you must apply for admission before 1 April.
If you do not need a visa or residence permit, you must apply for admission before 15 May.
Starting in February
If you need a visa or residence permit, you must apply for admission before 15 October.
If you do not need a visa or residence permit, you must apply for admission before 15 November.
Apply early!
It is always advised to apply as early as possible since you’ll have to complete a two-part application procedure:
First register your application(s) in the national system Studielink.
A day later you will receive log-in details for Leiden University’s application system (uSis), where you can complete your application.
You must submit your application via Leiden University’s application system (uSis), before the deadlines mentioned above. So don’t delay; if you haven’t registered in Studielink and activated your uSis account in time to apply by the deadline, you’ll miss out!
Other deadlines
Housing deadlines
Leiden University reserves a limited number of rooms each year for international students. However, as the number of housing requests always greatly exceeds the number of rooms available, we strongly recommend that you also look into other housing options at the same time. Read more about how and when to arrange housing. If you want to request accommodation via Leiden University, submit both your application for admission and your housing request well before the deadlines! Accommodation is offered on a first-come first-served basis and is not guaranteed. You don’t have to await admission before requesting housing.
Scholarship deadlines
If you want to apply for a scholarship, grant or loan, please bear in mind that different deadlines apply, and these deadlines can often be earlier. Deadlines vary per scholarship. Visit the scholarship website for more details.
You can apply for admission before receiving the results of your English language test. However, a sufficient result will then be a condition of your eventual admission. Of course, if you already have your English language test results, you can upload them directly.
Copies of diplomas and transcripts
Digital copies of diplomas and transcripts are initially required. Once you have been admitted, we will inform you how to submit certified copies.
The documents must be in the original language. If they are not in English, Dutch, German or French, they must be accompanied by official translations into one of these languages.
If you have not yet completed your current programme, state your expected graduation date and submit copies of all transcripts obtained to date plus a list of subjects still to be completed.
Motivation letter
A personal statement must be submitted explaining why you want to follow the programme, why you have chosen to do so at Leiden University, and what makes you think you are a good candidate. The statement should be between 700 and 1,500 words.
Application form
Starting in February 2026:
In order for the Board of Admission to effectively evaluate a candidate’s eligibility, all applicants are strongly advised to complete the following form. You can upload this form under Application form in uSis.
Starting in September 2026:
In order for the Board of Admission to effectively evaluate a candidate’s eligibility, all applicants are required to complete the following form. You can upload this form under Application form in uSis.
All students applying for a degree programme at Leiden University must start the application process in Studielink, the national online registration system for students wishing to follow a degree programme at a Dutch university. Studielink is open for applications from 1 October in the year preceding the academic year in which you wish to start.
Apply in Studielink
Go to Studielink and enter your details according to the instructions provided.
Within two days you will receive:
an email with information on the next steps you'll need to take;
your university ULCN student account details (unless, of course, you already have a ULCN account)
the link to Leiden University’s online application portal (uSis)
Part 2. Admission to Leiden University
If you cannot be directly admitted, you must apply for admission via Leiden University’s online application portal (uSis). Please follow all steps below.
Submit your online application
In our online application portal (uSis) you can finalise your application by uploading the necessary documents and answering a few questions. This portal provides an overview of what you need to do to complete your admission application. Please follow the instructions carefully and make sure to include all the items that are asked for. We strongly recommend that you complete your application well in advance of the application deadline.
Pay the application fee (if applicable)
All applicants with an international degree must pay a non-refundable €100 application fee, which entitles you to apply for up to three programmes/specialisations in the same academic year. We cannot start processing your application until we receive this application fee, so please pay it as soon as possible. The online application system explains how you can pay it.
Can I be exempted from paying the application fee? You do not have to pay the application fee if:
You are following, or have completed, a bachelor’s degree at a Dutch university (of applied sciences).
You have previously registered as an exchange, bachelor’s, master’s or pre-master’s student at Leiden University.
You have previously been admitted to the same degree programme at Leiden University, but you decided to postpone your studies. This does not apply if you are applying for a different study programme or specialisation.
You have refugee status in the Netherlands (with a residence permit for asylum).
Exemptions cannot be granted for any other reasons.
Other things to arrange
After you have submitted your application, the online application portal (uSis) will, if applicable, ask you if you want to apply for student housing, a visa/residence permit or a scholarship. Be sure to make a careful note of the relevant deadlines for these options.
Your application will be assessed
After receiving your application fee payment (if applicable), the Admissions Office will check whether all the necessary documents have been uploaded and they will inform you by email whether any further items are required. The Board of Admissions of the faculty will then:
decide whether you meet the admission requirements for the programme;
strive to issue a decision on your completed application within four to six weeks of the University receiving it.
Receiving the decision
Once a decision has been reached you will be informed by email. You can view your admission status in the online application portal (uSis).
There are three possible outcomes:
You are admitted
You have met all conditions for admission.
You are conditionally admitted
You will be admitted, provided that you meet certain conditions. These conditions will be specified in the online application portal (uSis).
You are not admitted
The reason(s) for non-admission will be clearly stated in the online application portal (uSis). If you are informed that you have been (conditionally) admitted, you will have to take a number of additional steps.
Confirm attendance
If you are (conditionally) admitted, the Admissions Office will ask you to confirm whether you will join the study programme. You can do so in the online application portal (uSis).
1. Go to ‘Application study programme’ in the online application portal (uSis).
2. Open the ‘Confirm’ screen. Here you will see three options:
Yes, I want to study at Leiden University.
No, I no longer wish to study at Leiden University and hereby withdraw my application.
Maybe later; I do not wish to start this semester/academic year. I would like to receive further instructions by email.
The sooner the better
Confirm attendance as soon as possible, to avoid missing other important deadlines and information about your study programme.
Changing your mind
You can still change your mind if necessary, either in uSis or by contacting the Admissions Office master team.
Deadline final decision
Do you need a student visa or residence permit? You can only request one after confirming attendance. So make sure to confirm attendance before the visa/residence permit deadline.
If you don’t need a visa or residence permit, the latest deadline for confirming attendance is before the start date of your study programme.
Part 3. Student registration
If you’ve been (conditionally) admitted, follow these steps to register as a student at Leiden University:
Meet all conditions
Check in the online application portal (uSis) whether you need to submit any documents to meet the conditions of your admission. Instructions on how to do so will be provided in uSis.
Arrange the payment of your tuition fee
Arrange the payment of your tuition fee before the official start date of your programme. You will receive instructions and information on the available payment methods by email.
Practical matters for international students
If you are an international student, go to the Prepare your stay page of our website for information about the practical matters you should take care of before and upon arrival. These include, for example, arranging housing, scholarships, applying for a visa/residence permit and insurances.
The amount of tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors. These are your nationality, your study programme and whether you have already obtained a Dutch higher education diploma.
The tuition fees for the academic year 2026-2027 are:
Dutch, EU/EEA, Swiss and Surinamese students: €2,695 per year
Non-EU/EEA students €22,300 per year
Second Dutch master’s programme: €17,200 per year
The tuition fees for the academic year 2025-2026 are:
Dutch, EU/EEA, Swiss and Surinamese students: €2,601 per year
The tuition fee for this programme is €2,695 for the academic year 2026-2027 (statutory fee) and €2,601 for the academic year 2025-2026 (statutory fee).
This tuition fee applies if this is your first master’s programme and you are a national of one of the following countries:
Austria
Latvia
Belgium
Liechtenstein
Bulgaria
Lithuania
Croatia
Luxembourg
Cyprus
Malta
Czech Republic
Norway
Denmark
Poland
Estonia
Portugal
Finland
Romania
France
Slovakia
Germany
Slovenia
Greece
Spain
Hungary
Suriname
Iceland
Sweden
Ireland
Switzerland
Italy
The fee applies for both full-time and part-time study.
Other nationalities
The tuition fee for this programme is €22,300 for the academic year 2026-2027 (institutional tuition fee) and €21,600 for the academic year 2025-2026 (institutional tuition fee).
If you are not a national of an EEA country, Suriname or Switzerland, generally speaking you will have to pay an institutional tuition fee. This fee applies for both full-time and part-time study.
However, if, on the basis of your Dutch residence permit, you are eligible for student finance from the Dutch education agency (DUO) you are entitled to pay the statutory tuition fee. Information on qualifying residence permits can be found at the DUO website.
Second Dutch master’s programme
Only applicable to EU/EEA, Swiss and Surinamese nationals.
The tuition fee for this programme is €17,200 for the academic year 2026-2027 (institutional tuition fee) and €16,600 for the academic year 2025-2026 (institutional tuition fee).
If you are following a second Dutch master’s programme you will generally have to pay an institutional tuition fee that is higher than the statutory tuition fee.
Exceptions
In some cases, nationals of EEA countries, Suriname or Switzerland may be permitted to pay tuition fees set at the same amount as the statutory tuition fee for their second degree programme.
Legal transitional arrangement for second bachelor's or master's degree: student pays the statutory tuition fee when:
Student has already obtained a bachelor's or master's degree but is starting a programme in the field of education or healthcare for the first time.
The student has already started a second bachelor's or master's programme before the first programme was completed and remains registered for it uninterruptedly.
Institutional transitional arrangement for a second bachelor's or master's degree: student pays the institutional tuition fee equal to the statutory rate) when:
Student has already obtained a bachelor's or master's degree, but is starting a teacher training programme.
After completing a bachelor's or master's degree at Leiden University, a student will subsequently start a second programme (in academic years).
Are you unsure which tuition fee applies to you? Consult our Tuition Fee Calculator.
Pre-master or conversion programmes
Tuition fee if the pre-master's or conversion programme has less than 60 study credits (EC)
2026-2027
2025-2026
€44,92 per EC
€43,35 per EC
If the pre-master's or conversion programme has 60 study credits or more, you pay the statutory tuition fee of that college year.
Scholarships, grants and loans
Scholarships, grants and loans
Leiden University offers a wide range of scholarships for students from specific regions of the world, or for specific programmes. Leiden University also offers the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS), a programme specifically designed for non-EU/EEA students enrolling in a master’s programme. Find out more about scholarships, grants, loans and deadlines
If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss national and under 30, you may be eligible for a loan from the Dutch government to cover your tuition fees.
Leiden is the ideal city for students. There is a wide variety of activities you can do next to your studies, to make the most out of your student life.
Study association Labyrint
Labyrint is the study association for Leiden psychology students. Labyrint organises a great variety of activities during which you can broaden your view on Psychology and get to know fellow students. Examples of activities are an introduction weekend for first-year students, excursions, congresses, parties and trips. Every year Labyrint offers two trips to other university cities, such as Copenhagen, Krakau or Budapest. Also worth mentioning: Sofa magazine and the online bookshop. Members of Labyrint can buy their books and summaries with a discount of fifteen percent. For just €17,50 a year you join 3,800 other members if you become a member of Labyrint.
Student association SPS-NIP
The SPS-NIP is the Leiden student platform of the Dutch Psychologists Association (NIP). Membership provides you with valuable resources and benefits which enhance your career and connects you to a large network of psychologists. SPS-NIP also works in close relation to the European Federation of Psychology Student Association (EFPSA) which also facilitates international student exchange programmes and organises an annual meeting for psychology students from all over Europe. Become a member of SPS-NIP (Dutch).
Why is studying in Leiden so much fun?
Leiden is a small student city, but it doesn’t feel small at all. Around 10 percent of the inhabitants are students. These students are from all over the world, with over 105 different nationalities studying at Leiden University. The city is compact and safe, but still conveys an international atmosphere, with students from all over the world represented throughout the streets of Leiden.
Alongside your studies
As a student there’s plenty to do in Leiden. You can join one of the many student unions and societies: sports-related, study-related or just to have fun outside your studies. The range of student unions and societies on offer is enormous. This enables you to be as active as you please during your student years. Relaxation and enjoying your time in this beautiful city are also key parts of studying here! There are also plenty of opportunities to develop your skills in the different student unions and societies, during the OWL or El Cid introduction weeks or through the different committees of the university.
Student city
If you can’t find the scene you’re looking for at one of the many student unions and societies, then the city of Leiden still has plenty to offer you. Pay a visit to one of the three cinemas, go out for lunch or dinner in one of the many vibrant (and very affordable) restaurants, visit the theatre or other performing arts at the Leidse Schouwburg or the Stadsgehoorzaal Leiden. What about enjoying the sun on a terrace alongside the canals? Leiden is on the edge of the ‘Green Heart’, enabling you to enjoy the countryside outside of the city. The beach and other cities, like Amsterdam, Den Haag, Delft, Rotterdam and Utrecht, are also close to Leiden. Due to the central location of Leiden, many students take the opportunity to explore other cities and countries in Europe during their weekends or holidays.
Traditions
Apart from Leiden being a vibrant student city, Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands. Leiden University has century-old traditions and a very rich history. Since 1575 the university has enjoyed a prominent place in the city of Leiden and since its founding the university its motto has been ‘Bastion of Freedom’. Leiden as a city also dates back many centuries. As a result it has many monuments, including the Waag (Weigh House), the city hall and the Academy Building. The Academy Building once held many student lectures and still does, while also containing the famous Sweat Room, the place where all graduates of Leiden University have signed their name on the wall.
What to do in Leiden
Leiden has a wide selection of events which take place throughout the year and there’s always something you can do to enjoy yourself. For example during the annual Museum Night, the Leiden International Film Festival, the Night of Arts and Knowledge and of course the city’s local celebrations such as the Relief of Leiden on the 3rd of October. Leiden has many museums and beautiful monuments that elucidate the amazing history it contains.
In short, Leiden is a fantastic student city which you need to discover!
Get to know us through our online and in-person events for prospective students!
A student shows two students-to-be around at Student for a Day
You can ask students of the specific tracks everything at the information market on the Master's Day
During small lecture-like presentations, you will get to know everything about the specific tracks you're interested in
Learn everything Psychology has to offer
Are you thinking about joining this Master's programme, and want to determine if it will be the right fit for you? Below, you can browse the events that we have coming up, and sign up to experience Leiden University and the programme for yourself. Alternatively, take a look at the Master Talks videos to find out more about the programme or check out our virtual campus tours!
Master Talks: Programme videos
On the Master Talks: programme videos platform you can find videos for each master’s programme. This includes a video which gives a short introduction to the programme and after the Master's Online Open Days you will also be able to watch a recording of the programme presentation on the platform.
Upcoming events
Master's Open Days
Master's Open Days
During the Master's Open Days you’ll have the opportunity to learn all about Leiden University’s master's programmes. Attend presentations about your chosen programme(s) or practical matters such as admissions and housing. Get real insight into the content of your preferred master's, along with the career opportunities it will bring.
Are you interested in a specific master’s specialisation in Psychology? Do you want to know more about what it is like to follow this master’s specialisation at Leiden University? By attending a lecture and discussions with a student, you can learn more about the programme that you are considering.
Check out our virtual campus tours, filmed in 360 degrees – by dragging the video, you can look around at the surroundings yourself. Below is the video recorded at the Humanities faculty, where most of your lectures will take place; you can also view other 360 campus tours of the various university faculties here.
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'In Portugal all Master’s degrees in Psychology take two years, so I was amazed to hear there are one-year Master’s programmes in the Netherlands. I was always planning to do the two-year Research Master’s here, but now I’m wondering whether a one-year Master’s might be a better option. I came here today to hear the differences between the two. This will help me work out which is best for me.'
Simone Vogelaar
Psychology student
'I'm trying to choose between Child and Adolescent Psychology, Health Psychology and the Research Master’s. I’m going to rely on my gut feeling to make a choice so I want to talk to as many people as possible to help me decide which programme would suit me best.'
Contact
Do you have any questions about the research master's specialisation Clinical and Health Psychology? Please contact us.
Student’s perspective
Are you interested in a student’s perspective on this master’s programme? Get in contact with the student ambassador by mail.
Practical matters master
For questions about practical matters including admission requirements and selection, send a mail to the Psychology administration office.
Programme content specialisation
Do you have questions about the programme content of Clinical and Health Psychology (research)? Take a look in the Prospectus. If your questions remain unanswered, reach out to the specialisation’s contact person: mail programme coordinator Anna van Duijvenvoorde.
Other questions
Do you have questions about studying at Leiden University?
Do you want to know more about one or more programmes or about our information activities? The StudyLine is a source of information for students and is staffed by students. You can contact them by mail or by phone on +31 (0)71 527 11 11 on working days between 9.00 am and 17.00 pm.
Do you have questions on your admission and application?
For questions about your admission and application, you can contact the Student Information Centre. You can contact them by telephone on +31 (0)71 527 80 11 (daily between 11:00 am and 16:00 pm) or ask your question in the online contact form.
