Applied Cognitive Psychology (MSc)

Elaine Herkul

How would I convince someone who is unsure whether this master's specialisation is the right fit for them?

I believe that if you are interested in cognition and making an impact, this master's specialisation is an excellent choice. It enables me to...

...understand human cognition in a way that allows me to advise others. Whether it's improving athlete performance, understanding trust in automated vehicles, increasing road safety, or ensuring that VR users have a good user experience. Anything is possible. This specialisation provides me with enough opportunity to apply my knowledge in relation to with my personal interests.

Hera Imthorn

How would I describe the vibe at this master's program in Leiden?

The track has a fast-moving, energetic feel that really reflects real-life work, and brings people together quickly. We’ve quickly built a...

...close, collaborative group where everyone pushes each other to do well; there’s always room for fun, support, and shared motivation!'

What does this master's programme entail?

Are you interested in tackling real-world societal problems and helping people perform at their best? In this programme, you will learn how to apply psychological knowledge to improve performance, decision-making and well-being across a wide range of settings. You’ll explore how people think, learn, and act, and how to support these processes through research, design, and practical interventions.

You can apply the skills and knowledge gained in areas such as:

• Optimising the cognitive capabilities of people of all ages
• Creating environments that promote focus, safety, and effective decision-making
• Designing tools, technologies, and interfaces that align with how people actually think and behave 
• Developing accident-prevention programs (e.g., safety research in industry and traffic)
• Advising organisations on how to improve human performance in education, industry, healthcare, and more
• Studying the effects of external factors — such as fatigue, stress, or medication — on human functioning

This master’s specialisation focuses on translating theory into practice, offering you extensive hands-on experience from day one.

Reasons to choose Applied Cognitive Psychology at Leiden University

• Leiden University is the first institution in the Netherlands to offer this master specialisation in English and has years of experience establishing an intensive high-quality master programme.
• This master’s specialisation stands out for its focus on improving human performance in real-world settings. You will learn how to enhance learning, attention and decision-making in yourself and others. From athletes to employees to older adults, you will explore what helps people perform at their best.
• With this master specialisation, you have good opportunities in the job market. You can find a job in the commercial sector, or a job at companies dealing with traffic or ICT. You will be challenged during your study in several ways: fieldwork, several possibilities for an internship and you will develop a business plan. 

Why Leiden University?

The master’s specialisation Applied Cognitive Psychology in Leiden focuses on both cognitive enhancement and cognitive ergonomics. Besides the mandatory courses students can choose an internship position, a thesis subject and several electives of their own interest within various disciplines in psychology. In this way students are able to choose specific topics depending on their own interest and ambitions. The integrative approach and the combination of theory with analysis of realistic case studies make the master’s specialisation in Applied Cognitive Psychology at Leiden University unique and useful for a wide range of careers.