Developmental Psychology (research) (MSc)
Programme structure
The research master's specialisation Developmental 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.

Track-specific courses
This course will train students in evidence-based practice in clinical developmental psychology, which requires the integration of the best research evidence, with clinical expertise and youngster’s unique values and circumstances. To solve social and scientific challenges related to well-being of children and young people, students will critically reflect on how different levels of expertise (scientific, professional, experience) can and need to be used to translate research findings into practice.
In this course students will get familiar with various psychophysiological methods (e.g., EEG, heart rate, electrodermal activity), and how such methods can be utilized to study various research questions in the field of developmental psychophysiology.
This course provides state-of-the-art knowledge in the field of behavior and cognition. The course focuses on factors related to group differences in school performance, with a focus on sex differences. It is known that girls outperform boys in terms of overall school performance. A better understanding of the nature of group differences, is important to be able to provide equal opportunities within society, for example for boys and girls.
Developmental cognitive neuroscience investigates the relations between brain development and cognitive, affective and social development. This course will cover the biological bases of cognitive and affective functioning from a developmental perspective, focusing on childhood and adolescence. Fundamental questions that will be covered include: How does brain development, including changes in function, morphology, and connectivity, relate to typical and atypical development of cognitive and affective functions, such as learning, memory, motivation and decision-making?
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.