In this specialisation you will obtain in-depth knowledge of topics within the broad context of self-regulation of health and illness. The research master’s specialisation Clinical and Health Psychology prepares you for a PhD trajectory.

What does this master's programme entail?

Academic and research skills are trained at an advanced level. You will make an in-depth study of topics within the broad context of ‘self-regulation of health and illness’. Topics in this two-year research programme that you will investigate include: stress, symptom perception and illness, the dynamics of behavioral change, and coping with (chronic) disease. You will learn a broad variety of methods and techniques, e.g., clinical trials, neuroimaging, and longitudinal survey or intervention studies.

Reasons to choose Clinical and Health Psychology at Leiden University

• A Research Master's degree will give you a great perspective on a future in research within the public or private sector.
• A Research Master's degree is the perfect way to prepare for a PhD programme.
• Because only the most talented and motivated students will be admitted to the Research Master's track, you will be guaranteed to be challenged during your studies.
• Students who wish to pursue a career as scientist-practitioner / clinician may combine the research master with specific parts of the professional one-year master’s programmes in Clinical Psychology or in Health Psychology to qualify for post-master psychotherapy training programmes (PDO in Dutch).

Clinical and Health Psychology: the right programme for you?

Students will be provided with a theoretical background for clinical and health psychology research, assessment and interventions. This includes the acquisition of knowledge relevant to the assessment and treatment of psychopathology, as well as to health promotion and disease prevention and the self-management of chronic diseases. This track is the ideal start for a PhD programme in Clinical and Health Psychology.

Career prospects

A master's degree in Psychology at Leiden University combines theoretical knowledge with academic and professional skills, making you an attractive candidate for many employers.

Skills after graduation

The research master’s specialisation in Clinical and Health Psychology provides students with an in-depth knowledge of theories and research domains in this area. This includes the acquisition of knowledge and skills relevant to the assessment and treatment of psychopathology, as well as to health promotion and disease prevention and management of chronic diseases. Students acquire advanced research skills by participating in a clinical psychology or health psychology research projects and participating in lab meetings.

Positions our alumni hold

A master's degree in Psychology from Leiden University will prepare you adequately for entering the job market. The bar chart below indicates in which different fields our Psychology alumni work.

*Note: this is a general list for all our Psychology alumni, not specifically for this master's specialisation Clinical and Health Psychology.

Where do our former students work?

The master’s programme provides an ideal preparation for students who want to continue with an academic career and obtain a PhD in psychology. The research master’s programme also prepares students for positions where basic or applied psychological research is used to support the development of corporate or public policy. These include research agencies such as TNO, NIA, IOWO, as well as private firms (e.g. software and hardware development, safety control), municipal, and governmental (SCP) institutions focusing on research and consultancy.