Clinical Psychology (MSc)
The master’s specialisation in Clinical Psychology is about theory, assessment, treatment and research of mental disorders. The focus of teaching is on anxiety, mood, somatisation and personality disorders. This one-year programme offers a balanced combination of both in-depth theoretical knowledge and the acquisition of important professional and research skills.
Specialisation of
Rho von Liebenstein
Psychology Alumna
During my Psychology study I acquired enough knowledge about diagnostics and treatment. My colleagues tell me I have a scientific way of thinking: research-minded, inclined to analyse and test before I draw a conclusion. I owe that to my education.
What does this master's programme entail?
Aim of the programme
In this specialisation, students acquire the basic skills needed for the classification, diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. On completion of this programme you will also have theoretical knowledge of clinical research and of the psychological factors that cause and maintain mental disorders. You will also be able to analyse psychological problems, to evaluate clinical research and to report on clinical issues.
Scientist-practitioner model
Clinical Psychology at Leiden University offers a Master’s programme at the interface of science and practice. A thorough theoretical basis is combined with practical clinical training in small groups. In this way you will not only gain knowledge of Clinical Psychology as a science, but you will also learn to apply this knowledge in the assessment, prevention, and treatment of mental disorders. The teaching staff consists of young and established researchers who are internationally visible and who contribute to the development of their fields. Professional skills will be taught by experienced clinicians.
Professional career
With this Master’s degree you qualify to apply for post-master training as a registered healthcare psychologist (GZ-psycholoog) in The Netherlands. Graduates may also apply for PhD student positions. Please note that admission to both these post-master tracks is highly competitive in the Netherlands. Many graduates first find a position as ‘basic psychologist’ in mental health care, where they work under supervision. The skills and knowledge also open career opportunities in teaching, training and coaching, and counselling.
Reasons to choose Clinical Psychology at Leiden University
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You can work as a basic psychologist within the broad mental healthcare in the Netherlands. This concerns addiction care, eating disorders, but also burn-out issues.
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You will develop important skills such as diagnotics and treatment of psychological problems, but you will also develop theoretical knowledge to execute clinical research and analyse mental disorders. A great part of the program is dedicated to practical clinical training.
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You will attend classes of internationally renowned researched who work in clinical practice and bring those experience in to the lecture room.
Clinical Psychology: the right programme for you?
Clinical Psychology could be the right program for you if:
- You are interested to acquire the basics skills needed for classification, diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders.
- You are interested to acquire theoretical knowledge of clinical research and of the psychological factors that cause and maintain mental disorders.
- You are interested in analyzing psychological problems
- You are interested in evaluating and reporting on clinical issues.