Behavioural and Social Sciences
Are you considering a research career in an academic or an applied setting? Do you want to specialize within the field of behavioural and social sciences and receive a multidisciplinary training?
As a research master student, you choose one of our three multidisciplinary themes. The theme-specific courses will give you a broad view on the theme and will introduce you to the unique perspectives of the theme-related specializations. In the course of the first semester you will choose your own specialization. It will enable you to tailor your master's to the topics that you wish to engage in.
For scholarships and grants please scroll down.
1. Mental Health: Perspectives from Neuro- and Clinical Psychology
What are the origins of psychopathological and brain disorders?
Specializations: Clinical Neuropsychology | Clinical Psychology | Psychometrics and Statistics
2. Individual Development in Social Context
How do individuals develop across their lifespan?
Specializations: Developmental Psychology | Orthopedagogy | Pedagogical and Educational Sciences | Psychometrics and Statistics | Sociology
3. Understanding Societal Change
How do individuals and groups adapt to the changing world?
Specializations: Environmental Psychology | Organizational Psychology | Psychometrics and Statistics | Social psychology | Sociology
Sufficient knowledge of the English language. | CPE in Advanced English:>=185 | TOEFL: an overall score of >= 100, with >= 25 on speaking and writing on the internet-based form | IELTS: an overall score of >= 7, with >=7 on speaking and writing (academic version) |
University bachelor in a social science (e.g., Psychology, Sociology, Pedagogics, Educational Sciences).
If you apply for the programme, you may be invited for an interview with the Admission Board to provide additional information about their motives and aspirations to enter the research master's programme.
- High performance during the Bachelor's degree programme (weighted average BA grade at least 7.5 or equivalent)
- Preference for one of the three domains
- Knowledge of relevant theories and statistics (including multiple regression and analysis of variance), and experience with statistical software packages.
Diploma certificate (if available)
(Temporary) transcript of grades including GPA and credits earned
List of courses yet to pass
Curriculum Vitae/Resume
Letter of motivation
Filled in checklist admission criteria
Official and sufficient proof of proficiency in English. Candidates who completed their Bachelor's degree in the Netherlands are exempt.
Candidates must mention the names of two academic referees who have detailed knowledge of their academic record. Letters are not required, but please keep in mind that the Admission Board may contact your referees. Please make sure the email addresses of your referees are those of their place of work.
Proof of knowledge of relevant theories and statistics (including multiple regression and analysis of variance), and experience with statistical software packages. Please upload course descriptions including the literature used.
Job prospects
Holders of this degree are well equipped for further study and training for a PhD thesis, employment as a research have excellent career prospects.
A majority of our alumni (59%) continue into a PhD position, either at the University of Groningen (67%), at another Dutch university (12%), or at a university abroad (21%). Students from all thematic tracks successfully progress to doctoral research.
Others pursue research-oriented careers in academia, policy, and applied settings.
Career services BSS
Where do you want to work after your studies? You can contact Career Services already during your studies. They will help you orientate on your career, develop your skills, apply for jobs and find an internship.
Job examples
- Mental Health: Perspectives from Neuro- and Clinical Psychology
- clinical psychologist
- neuropsychologist
- management consultant
- data analyst.
- Understanding Societal Change
- consultant
- researcher at research company (eg. NIDI, SCP, TNO)
- policy advisor
- scientific advisor
- lecturer
- data analyst or scientist
- project leader
- information specialist
- developer
- political advisor.
- Individual Development in Social Context
- researcher at a research company (eg. NIDI, SCP, TNO)
- lecturer
- orthopedagoog
- educational scientist
- information specialist
- policy advisor
- political advisor.
