Cognitive Psychology and Psychophysiology

The Master’s programme in Cognitive Psychology and Psychophysiology at the University of Groningen offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex processes underlying human cognition and behavior. This programme is designed for students who are passionate about dissecting the neural and psychological mechanisms that shape perception, memory, attention, language, and decision-making. It integrates theoretical frameworks with empirical research methods, providing students with both the conceptual knowledge and practical skills necessary to conduct high-quality research in cognitive science.

Throughout the programme, students will explore various topics including neuropsychological processes, psychophysiological measurement techniques, cognitive modeling, and the application of cognitive psychology in real-world settings. The curriculum combines coursework, laboratory work, and research projects, enabling students to gain hands-on experience with laboratory experiments, data analysis, and interpretation of results. Particular attention is given to advanced methods such as EEG, eye-tracking, and psychophysiological recording, which are used to study brain-behavior relationships and cognitive functions.

The programme emphasizes a strong research orientation, preparing students for both academic careers and practical roles within healthcare, education, and technology sectors. Students have the opportunity to work with leading researchers in the field, participate in cutting-edge research projects, and contribute to scientific publications. The interdisciplinary nature of the programme also allows students to collaborate across departments, enhancing their understanding of cognitive processes from psychological, biological, and computational perspectives.

Upon graduation, students will have developed a thorough understanding of cognitive functioning and its physiological underpinnings, along with advanced research skills. They will be well-equipped to pursue further doctoral studies or to apply their knowledge in professional environments that require expertise in human cognition and psychophysiology. The University of Groningen’s state-of-the-art facilities and vibrant academic community provide an ideal environment for aspiring cognitive psychologists and psychophysiologists to thrive and contribute to the advancement of science in this dynamic field.

The Cognitive Psychology and Psychophysiology Master's program at the University of Groningen offers an in-depth exploration of the intricate relationship between mental processes and physiological responses. This program is designed to prepare students for advanced research and professional careers in areas such as cognitive neuroscience, experimental psychology, neuropsychology, and clinical psychology. Throughout the program, students will gain comprehensive knowledge of how humans perceive, process, and respond to information, as well as how these processes are reflected in physiological signals such as brain activity, heart rate, and skin conductance.

The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, emphasizing experimental design, data analysis, and the use of cutting-edge techniques like EEG, fMRI, and psychophysiological measurements. Students will learn to critically evaluate research literature, develop hypotheses, and design experiments to investigate cognitive functions including attention, memory, language, and decision-making. Special focus is given to understanding the neural mechanisms underlying cognitive processes and how psychological theories translate into measurable physiological phenomena.

Throughout the program, students are encouraged to engage in research projects that contribute to the scientific understanding of cognitive and physiological interactions. Collaboration with faculty members involved in pioneering research ensures a rich learning environment and opportunities for mentorship. The program also emphasizes developing skills in data analysis software and research methodologies relevant for both academia and industry.

Graduates of the program will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue careers in academic research, healthcare, neurotechnology, and applied psychology. They will be capable of conducting independent research, interpreting complex data sets, and applying scientific insights to real-world problems related to cognition and physiological functioning. The program is ideal for students passionate about understanding the human mind and body from a scientific perspective and seeking to contribute to advancements in cognitive and neuropsychological sciences.

Admission requirements

In order to start the master in Psychology programme you have to be formally admitted to the programme. You can be admitted to the master programme twice a year: per the first of September and per the first of February. All students with a bachelor Psychology from a non-Dutch university have to follow this procedure: Applicants require a Bachelor's degree in Psychology or an equivalent competence in terms of: * Knowledge of disciplinary subjects in psychology and their applications, * Good skills in designing psychological research and reporting it, * Solid knowledge of methods of data collection and statistical analysis, * An analytical and critical attitude enabling you to assess scientific information, * Motivation to acquire knowledge and skills at a postgraduate level

Other requirements

1. intake gesprek Als je bent toegelaten tot de master, wordt je uitgenodigd voor een planningsgesprek voor CPP. Dit zal plaatsvinden na de introductiebijeenkomst, die afhankelijk van het instroomment wordt gehouden begin september of eind januari.
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 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 de pre-master. Een aanvraag tot toelating zal niet in behandeling worden genomen. De toelatingcommissie baseert toelating en eventueel aanvullende pre-master van een externe studenten op basis van vooropleiding. Kijk voor meer informatie op: http://www.rug.nl/gmw/psychology/education/switch-modules.
3. vooropleiding (ISPAC: vereiste vooropleiding) In order to start the master in Psychology programme you have to be formally admitted to the programme. You can be admitted to the master programme twice a year: per the first of September and per the first of February. All students with a bachelor Psychology from a non-Dutch university have to follow this procedure: Applicants require a Bachelor's degree in Psychology or an equivalent competence in terms of: * Knowledge of disciplinary subjects in psychology and their applications, * Good skills in designing psychological research and reporting it, * Solid knowledge of methods of data collection and statistical analysis, * An analytical and critical attitude enabling you to assess scientific information, * Motivation to acquire knowledge and skills at a postgraduate level
4. 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.
5. schriftelijk verzoek 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.
6. aanvullend vak Applicants should have qualifications that justify the expectation of successful completion of the programme in due time. These qualifications include knowledge and experience in relevant theories, statistics and experience with statistical software packages. Please be aware of our high level of statistics during the bachelor psychology programme and subsequent to this the required high level of statistics in our master Psychology programme.
7. taaltoets cijfer Non-native English speakers must moreover provide evidence of satisfactory results for one of the standard tests below : * CPE: A, B or C * CAE: A, B or C * TOEFL: 580 paper-based or 237 computer-based or 92-93 in ternet-based * IELTS: Band 6.5

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The financing of the Cognitive Psychology and Psychophysiology master's program at the University of Groningen can be approached through various funding options available to both Dutch and international students. For Dutch students, the standard tuition fee for an master's program is set by the government and is generally lower than international rates, which facilitates access to financial support. These students may be eligible for government grants, loans, and subsidies, such as the Student Finance Netherlands (DUO), which offers loan and grant options based on income and residency status. Additionally, students can apply for scholarships provided by the university, government bodies, or private institutions, which are often competitive but can significantly reduce financial burdens.

International students typically pay higher tuition fees; however, they can also explore several funding opportunities. The University of Groningen offers scholarships to outstanding international students, like the Holland Scholarship, which provides a one-time grant towards the tuition fee. Further, international students are encouraged to seek external scholarships from their home country’s government, international organizations, or private foundations. Some students might consider part-time work during their studies to support themselves financially, within the limits set by the visa regulations for non-EU students.

In addition to these funding options, students should consider the overall cost of living in Groningen, which is relatively affordable compared to larger Dutch cities. The university provides guidance on budget planning and offers student accommodation options to help manage costs. For students from the European Union, there are less restrictive financial options, whereas non-EU students should carefully plan their finances considering visa requirements and living expenses.

The university also provides information sessions and financial aid advice services that assist students in understanding their funding possibilities and managing their budgets effectively. It is recommended that prospective students thoroughly research all available scholarships, grants, loans, and part-time work opportunities early in their application process to ensure sufficient financial planning. Overall, students are encouraged to combine multiple sources of funding to finance their studies effectively, thereby making the master's program in Cognitive Psychology and Psychophysiology at the University of Groningen accessible and affordable.

The Master’s programme in Cognitive Psychology and Psychophysiology at the University of Groningen is a comprehensive and research-oriented programme designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge of cognitive processes and their underlying physiological mechanisms. This programme is ideal for students interested in understanding how the mind works and how it is physically manifested in the brain and body. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including perception, attention, memory, language, decision-making, and executive functions, integrating insights from cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and psychophysiology.

Students will learn advanced research methodologies, including behavioral experiments, neuroimaging techniques, and electrophysiological methods such as EEG. The programme emphasizes a scientific approach, preparing students for careers in academia, research institutions, or applied fields such as clinical psychology, neuropsychology, and human factors. Throughout the programme, students are encouraged to engage in active research projects, often collaborating with faculty members who are leading experts in their respective fields.

The programme is part of the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences at the University of Groningen, which is renowned for its high-quality research and innovative teaching approaches. Students will benefit from state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities, equipped to support a range of experimental studies. The learning environment fosters critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and interdisciplinary collaboration, enabling students to develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

The Master’s degree typically requires one year of full-time study, during which students undertake coursework, research training, and their thesis project. The programme also offers opportunities for internships and collaborations with external research organizations, further enhancing experiential learning and employment prospects. Graduates will be equipped with a deep understanding of cognitive functions and their physiological underpinnings, preparing them for doctoral research or roles in applied science and healthcare sectors.

Admission requirements include a relevant bachelor’s degree, good academic record, and proficiency in English. The university provides support services for international students, including language assistance and integration programs. Graduates of this programme are well-positioned to contribute to advancing knowledge in cognitive neuroscience and psychophysiology, and to apply their expertise in diverse professional contexts. Overall, the programme combines rigorous academic training with practical research experience, fostering the development of the next generation of cognitive psychologists and psychophysiologists.