Clinical Psychology

The Master's programme in Clinical Psychology at the University of Groningen is a comprehensive and rigorous program designed to prepare students for a career in mental health care, research, and consultancy. This program offers an in-depth understanding of the psychological, biological, and social factors influencing mental health and mental disorders. Students will acquire advanced knowledge and practical skills necessary to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of psychological issues across diverse populations. The curriculum combines theoretical frameworks with practical applications, emphasizing evidence-based interventions, ethical considerations, and cultural competence. Throughout the program, students will engage in hands-on training through internships and supervised clinical practice, allowing them to develop the competencies required for effective psychological practice. The programme also encourages research activities, enabling students to contribute to the scientific understanding of mental health phenomena. With a strong interdisciplinary focus, the Master's in Clinical Psychology at Groningen prepares graduates for roles in clinical settings, research institutions, and policy advisory bodies. Graduates will be equipped to work as licensed psychologists, providing both individual and group therapy, psychological assessments, and consultation services. The programme emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and professional development, ensuring students are well-prepared for evolving trends and innovations in mental health care. By fostering a critical, ethical, and compassionate approach to psychological practice, the program aims to cultivate professionals who can make a meaningful impact in promoting mental well-being and improving mental health services locally and internationally.

The Master's in Clinical Psychology at the University of Groningen provides students with a comprehensive education in understanding, diagnosing, and treating mental health disorders across diverse populations. The programme is designed to equip future clinical psychologists with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, emphasizing evidence-based interventions and ethical practice. Throughout the programme, students explore the core concepts of clinical psychology, including psychological assessment, psychotherapy techniques, neuropsychology, and psychopathology. The curriculum integrates lectures, seminars, case studies, and hands-on training to ensure a well-rounded learning experience.

In the first year, students gain foundational knowledge about different mental health disorders, assessment methods, and treatment modalities. They are introduced to research methods essential for evaluating clinical practices and understanding the latest developments in psychological science. The second year focuses on applying this knowledge through supervised internships, where students work directly with clients under the guidance of experienced professionals. This practicum component is integral to developing clinical competencies, such as conducting psychological evaluations, formulating diagnostic assessments, and delivering appropriate interventions.

The programme emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, encouraging collaboration with other health professionals to provide holistic patient care. Students also have opportunities to specialize in areas such as child and adolescent psychology, adult mental health, or neuropsychology, depending on their interests. The curriculum is regularly updated to reflect recent advances in the field, ensuring graduates are prepared for the evolving landscape of mental health care.

Moreover, the programme promotes critical thinking, research literacy, and ethical responsibility, preparing students for diverse career paths including clinical practice, research, or policy development. Graduates of the MSc in Clinical Psychology are competent to work as licensed clinical psychologists and are well-equipped to contribute to advancing mental health services locally and internationally. The University of Groningen's supportive learning environment, combined with its strong ties to clinical institutions, provides students with valuable opportunities for professional development and networking. Ultimately, this programme aims to foster compassionate, skilled practitioners committed to improving mental health outcomes through innovative research and compassionate care.

Admission requirements

Starting September 2016. To apply for this program, first go to Studielink. In Studielink, you first need to select “Psychology” from the drop-down list of study programs. After you have submitted your details in Studielink, you will receive an e-mail with the information necessary to activate your user account for OAS (the Online Application System). In OAS you can choose for the specific master program. See the following website for some guidance in OAS: http://www.rug.nl/education/international-students/application-procedure. Please upload the following documents in OAS: * a certified copy of the (Bachelor) diploma on the basis of which you ask admission to our programme (both original language and translated in English) * a certified copy of your transcript of records (both original language and translated in English) * a certified copy of your results for one of the mentioned English tests (exc. for native speakers) * a copy of your passport or ID card * a letter of motivation * two references Please send all documents to: Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Admissions Office, Faculteit Gedrags- en Maatschappijwetenschappen, Broerstraat 5, 9712 CP Groningen, The Netherlands. If you have any doubts about your application, please contact us at: bss.msc.admission@rug.nl.

Other requirements

1. intake gesprek Na toelating volgt een gesprek met de coördinator van het programma binnen de master, dat men heeft gekozen
2. vooropleiding (ISPAC: vereiste vooropleiding) Toelating is mogelijk voor * Studenten die de bacheloropleiding Psychologie aan de Rijksuniversiteit Groningen volgen of gevolgd hebben (onvoorwaardelijke toelating). Aanmelding is tot 1 september/1 februari mogelijk. * Studenten die een bacheloropleiding Psychologie aan een andere Nederlandse universiteit volgen of gevolgd hebben (na toestemming toelatingscommissie) * Studenten die een andere (universitaire) bacheloropleiding volgen of gevolgd hebben. Hieronder vallen ook hbo-studenten die de opleiding Toegepaste Psychologie volgen of gevolgd hebben (met pre-master) Let op: hbo-studenten die een andere opleiding volgen of gevolgd hebben dan (Toegepaste) Psychologie worden niet toegelaten tot de masteropleiding of het schakelprogramma. Een aanvraag tot toelating zal niet in behandeling worden genomen. De toelatingcommissie baseert toelating en eventueel aanvullend schakelprogramma van een externe studenten op basis van vooropleiding. Kijk voor meer informatie op:http://www.rug.nl/gmw/psychology/education/switch-modules.
3. schriftelijk verzoek Meld je aan via www.studielink.nl. In Studielink selecteer je eerst “Psychologie” van de drop-downlijst met studies en vervolgens het gewenst masterprogramma. Heb je nog vragen, neem dan contact op via: bss.msc.admission@rug.nl.
4. schriftelijk verzoek Starting September 2016. To apply for this program, first go to Studielink. In Studielink, you first need to select “Psychology” from the drop-down list of study programs. After you have submitted your details in Studielink, you will receive an e-mail with the information necessary to activate your user account for OAS (the Online Application System). In OAS you can choose for the specific master program. See the following website for some guidance in OAS: http://www.rug.nl/education/international-students/application-procedure. Please upload the following documents in OAS: * a certified copy of the (Bachelor) diploma on the basis of which you ask admission to our programme (both original language and translated in English) * a certified copy of your transcript of records (both original language and translated in English) * a certified copy of your results for one of the mentioned English tests (exc. for native speakers) * a copy of your passport or ID card * a letter of motivation * two references Please send all documents to: Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Admissions Office, Faculteit Gedrags- en Maatschappijwetenschappen, Broerstraat 5, 9712 CP Groningen, The Netherlands. If you have any doubts about your application, please contact us at: bss.msc.admission@rug.nl.

The financing options for the Clinical Psychology master's programme at the University of Groningen are designed to accommodate both Dutch and international students. Undergraduate and graduate studies in the Netherlands are primarily financed through a combination of government funding, student grants, and loans. For Dutch students, the Dutch government typically provides financial support through the Student Finance system, which includes student loans and grants that cover tuition fees and living expenses. International students from the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) who meet specific criteria may also be eligible for Dutch student financial arrangements, although additional requirements or contributions might apply.

Non-EU/EEA students are usually responsible for the full cost of tuition fees, which can vary depending on the programme and the student's nationality. The University of Groningen offers various scholarships and financial aid opportunities aimed at both domestic and international students. These include merit-based scholarships, needs-based scholarships, and specific grants for students from particular countries or backgrounds. Prospective students are encouraged to consult the university’s official website for detailed information on available scholarships, application procedures, and eligibility criteria.

Apart from scholarships and government funding, students often finance their studies through personal savings, family support, or external sponsorships. The university also provides information on part-time jobs, internships, and work-study arrangements that can help students fund their education while gaining practical experience. For students requiring financial assistance, the university and various external organizations offer guidance and resources to help manage study-related expenses.

Students should note that tuition fees and funding opportunities can be subject to change annually, and it is advisable to verify the latest information directly from the University of Groningen's official websites. Additionally, students might explore financial planning services offered by the university to better understand their options and manage their finances throughout their studies. Overall, the University of Groningen endeavors to ensure that financial barriers are minimized to allow students to focus on their academic and professional development in Clinical Psychology.

The Master's programme in Clinical Psychology at the University of Groningen is a comprehensive and research-oriented program designed to prepare students for professional practice and further scholarly work in the field of clinical psychology. The programme aims to equip students with in-depth knowledge of psychological theories, assessment methods, and intervention techniques applicable to diverse clinical populations. It emphasizes a scientific approach, integrating theoretical frameworks with practical application through internships and practical training components. Students will explore various mental health disorders, treatment modalities, and ethical considerations essential for effective clinical practice. The curriculum includes coursework in cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychopathology, neuropsychology, and counselling skills, ensuring a well-rounded education. The programme also encourages engagement with current research, fostering critical thinking and evidence-based practice. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and collaborate with faculty members involved in active research projects, providing valuable insights into cutting-edge developments in psychology. Upon completion, graduates are prepared to work as licensed clinical psychologists, capable of diagnosing and treating mental health issues across different settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practice. The program emphasizes the development of professional competencies, cultural sensitivity, and ethical responsibility, aligning with national and international standards for clinical psychologists. The University of Groningen's strong network of healthcare institutions facilitates practical placements, giving students real-world experience. Graduates of the programme often continue their careers in clinical practice, research, or academia, contributing to mental health policy and innovation. Overall, the MSc in Clinical Psychology at the University of Groningen offers a rigorous, research-informed education that fosters both theoretical expertise and practical skills, enabling students to make significant contributions to mental health and well-being on both individual and societal levels.