BSc in Psychology

Leiden University

Psychology plays a role in every aspect of life and society. It’s a study for people who are interested in understanding why we behave the way we do.

Why study Psychology?

Would you like to know why a conflict arises among your friends or why your grandmother with Alzheimer's keeps forgetting who you are? Why do we behave differently when we're in a group? What can we do about a depression? These are questions psychologists try to find answers to. And the nice thing is, that most psychological topics are applicable to your own life.

During the International Bachelor in Psychology in Leiden you will build a sound basis for your career as a psychologist. You will become acquainted with all of the main sub disciplines of psychology and have the opportunity to structure your study in a way that suits you.

The first year

You begin with a coherent overview of the entire field of psychology. Next, you will obtain deeper knowledge of and insight into the various sub disciplines. An important component in this year is research methodology and statistics: the methods and statistics courses cover one quarter of the study credits for the first year. Another important part of the first year is the academic skills course during which you will learn and practice academic skills, such as writing an essay, giving a presentation and setting up an experiment in your first year.

The second year

You will focus on the practical professional skills of a psychologist, such as diagnostics, interview techniques and data analysis. You will be able to follow in-depth, specialization courses in some of the sub disciplines for the master’s specialization of your choice. We help you to make your choice and to prepare for the job-market in the course Perspective on Career Planning.

The third year

You will probably have a fair idea of what you want to do in the future. You may want to get a master’s degree in one of the sub disciplines of psychology or prepare for a job. The third year allows you to choose courses that help you on your way. If you plan your courses carefully, you may also spend a semester studying abroad. You will complete the bachelor’s programme with a bachelor project: a research project that you will carry out in a small group and is completed with an individually written bachelor thesis. With your Leiden bachelor’s degree in Psychology you can continue with the Master's programme.

Educational methods

We use various modes of instruction to augment the learning experience:

• In the lectures the literature you have read comes alive and you build your knowledge of the subject at hand.
• In the small (12 to 24 students) work group sessions you delve deeper into the course material. There is room for discussion. Work groups sessions require active participation and attendance is mandatory.
• In practical’s you work on your skills. You gain skills in interviewing, observation and using statistical computer programmes, among others. Attendance is also mandatory in these practical sessions.
• In the online course environment students learn how to use tools that enable them to complete assignments, review their peers and prepare for examinations.

Your career

Our bachelor’s programme prepares you for a master in Psychology. We strongly recommend you to finish a master’s programme, so you can start working as a psychologist. Graduates of our programme have been accepted to top universities in Europe and abroad.