MSc in Psychology - School Psychology

Leiden University

The mission of this new master specialisation in School Psychology is to create positive learning environments to support talent development and potential for learning in all students regardless of their initial intellectual level and mental health problems.

What does this master programme entail?

Leiden University is the only Dutch university that offers a full master’s specialisation in School Psychology. A unique feature of our programme is the mix of a focus on supporting all school pupils to do well academically and emotionally as well as a focus on youths with special needs (e.g., behavior or learning difficulties).

This master's specialisation was first offered in 2016-2017. It responds to and prepares our students for a number of recent changes in the care for children and adolescents. In many countries, schools are increasingly being held responsible for an optimal development of all students, including those with special needs. In the Netherlands, new legislation concerning Inclusive Education (‘Wet op Passend Onderwijs’) and Youth Care (‘Jeugdwet’) has been passed. It is to be expected that schools (primary and secondary) will consult or hire more specialists, such as school psychologists, in order to meet the criteria for inclusive education, for teacher training, and for developing school policy.

Why study School Psychology at Leiden University?

• Leiden University is the only institution in the Netherlands where you can study this master specialisation.
• A broad perspective is offered, by not only focussing on the learning experience of students, but also on those who encounter problems. Therefore you will work with students, parents, teachers and other institutions, which makes it a very diverse workfield.
• School psychologists are internationally recognised as crucial key figures within education, who dedicate themselves to policy and training, but also to diagnostics and student guidance.
• In the Netherlands, the demand for psychologists who are specialised in education is increasing, because of (new) legislations that are currently being implemented, such as the law for Inclusive Education ('de Wet op Passend Onderwijs') and the Youth Care Law ('Jeugdwet').

Career prospects

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

Skills after graduation

You have unique knowledge and skills to empower children and adolescents to succeed academically, but also on a social, emotional and behavioral level. You will know how to support academic and socio-emotional development in typically developing youths as well as in youths who experience emotional difficulties or learning problems. You have learned how to create a positive learning context for all students as well as how to diagnose and treat academic and emotional problems within the school context.

Where do our former students work?

The knowledge and skills you acquire will prepare you for various jobs at schools and other education-related settings, and will qualify you for post-master training programs for School Psychologist and Health Care Psychologist (‘gz-psycholoog’).

Job prospects include:

• Psychologist in Elementary and High Schools
• Psychologist in a School Advisory Service (‘Onderwijs Advies Dienst’)
• Psychologist in General Health Care (POH-GGZ)
• Policy developer at a municipal organisation or national government (e.g. ministry of education, culture and science)
• Independent coach, trainer, consultant
• Researcher at a university or (government) research institute (e.g. TNO)