Psychology

Psychology at Radboud University offers a comprehensive and rigorous academic program designed to deepen students' understanding of human behavior and mental processes. This Bachelor's program combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, equipping graduates with the skills necessary to analyse, interpret, and influence individual and group behavior across diverse contexts. Throughout the course, students explore a wide range of psychological disciplines, including cognitive, biological, social, and clinical psychology, fostering a holistic understanding of mental health, development, and social interaction.

The curriculum emphasizes active learning through lectures, seminars, and research projects, encouraging students to engage critically with current psychological theories and methods. Students gain hands-on experience in designing experiments, collecting and analysing data, and applying psychological principles to real-world problems. The program also offers opportunities for international exchange, internships, and collaborative projects, enhancing intercultural competence and practical experience. The faculty comprises accomplished researchers and practitioners dedicated to mentoring students and promoting academic excellence.

Graduates of the Psychology program at Radboud University are well-prepared for diverse careers in healthcare, education, research, human resources, and consultancy. They can also pursue advanced studies through Master's programs specializing in clinical psychology, neuropsychology, or other areas of psychology. The program's emphasis on critical thinking, scientific research skills, and ethical standards ensures that graduates are capable of contributing meaningfully to society and advancing psychological sciences. With its strong academic foundation, supportive learning environment, and focus on innovative research, Radboud University's Psychology program stands out as an excellent choice for aspiring psychologists seeking to make a positive impact in the world.

The three-year programme consists of a theoretical learning path and three skills learning paths. In the theoretical learning path, you will master the most important concepts and theories in:
• Brain and Cognition: you will learn how our brain is structured, how it works and supports functions such as thinking, talking, remembering, moving around and sleeping.
• Development and Mental Health: you will learn which developmental leaps people make during the course of their lives. You will also learn to recognise psychological disorders in children, adults and the elderly and how to
treat these disorders.
• Behaviour and Environment: you will learn how people relate to and influence one another, for example in the family, the classroom, the sports club or at work. You will also learn how human behaviour and culture/subcultures affect one another. 

During the programme you will develop an inquisitive, critical, systematic and independent working attitude. The skills you will practise and develop are: 
• Academic skills: academic writing, presenting and debating; systematically searching and critically reading literature; analysing scientific paradigms and ethical dilemmas; providing and processing feedback.
• Professional skills: analysing everyday psychological problems and devising and justifying relevant and effective solutions and interventions. You will practise: observing; interviewing; diagnostic testing; conversations
to clarify problems, give advice and coach; consultation with colleagues.
• Research skills: you start with a simple question and research design; step-by-step, the research methods become more complex. Data analysis techniques, among which statistics, are important methodological subject areas.

International educational qualifications

If you have completed, or will complete a study programme abroad, then your previous education will be assessed on an individual basis to determine whether it is of sufficient level.

Please note: for this programme an additional requirement has been set for Mathematics. Furthermore, we also advise to take Biology as a course in your final examinations. Please download and carefully consider the 2019-2020 Admission Requirements English-taught Bachelor's Programme in Psychology (pdf, 1.1 MB) from our website to check whether you can be admitted directly or additional conditions may apply (such as taking an English or Mathematics test).

Should you require an additional English or mathematics certificate, then this should be sent in before 31 July 2019 (or before 31 August 2019 if you apply for a postponement). You will not be needing these certificates during your application in Studielink, nor during the Selection & Placement process. Please note that non-EEA students should send in additional mathematics- or English certificates (if applicable) before 1 June 2019 in view of their visa application. Just like EEA students, non-EEA students have until 31 July 2019 to send in their diploma (and they can also request for a postponement until 31 August 2019).

Students with a German Abitur applying for the Bilingual Psychology Programme, can consider the 2019-2020 German Admission Requirements Bilingual Psychology Programme (pdf, 821 kB). Alongside the Mathematics and English language requirements, they should also meet the Dutch language requirements. All of the requirements should be met before 31 July 2019 (or before 31 August 2019 if you apply for a postponement). You will not be needing these certificates during your application in Studielink, nor during the Selection & Placement process. 

Governmental student finance: EU/EEA students might qualify for a student loan from the Dutch government. To be entitled to this loan, you need to work for fourteen hours a week (56 hours a month) in the Netherlands (next to your studies). If you are entitled to receive the student loan from the Dutch government, you may receive up to € 1,000 per month, in addition to your salary. After graduation, you will need to pay back the loan. In order to determine how much you need to pay back each month, the Dutch government will take your financial situation (such as income) into account. More information is available on www.duo.nl

The Bachelor's degree in Psychology at Radboud University offers a comprehensive introduction to the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. The program is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing them for diverse careers in psychology, healthcare, research, and related fields. The curriculum covers key areas such as developmental psychology, clinical psychology, social psychology, cognitive psychology, and biological psychology, allowing students to gain a broad understanding of how individuals think, feel, and behave in various contexts.

Throughout the program, students engage in a mix of lectures, seminars, practical assignments, and research projects. Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking, data analysis, and scientific writing skills, which are essential for understanding and conducting psychological research. The coursework often includes training in research methods and statistics, enabling students to design, conduct, and interpret experiments and studies.

Radboud University is known for its emphasis on ethics in research and practice, encouraging students to consider the societal and ethical implications of psychological work. The program also incorporates opportunities for international exchange and internships, providing practical experience and cultural competencies that are highly valuable in a globalized labor market.

Students enrolled in the program benefit from the university’s modern facilities, experienced faculty, and a collaborative learning environment. Small class sizes foster interaction and personalized guidance. The university’s research centers and ongoing projects underline the emphasis on evidence-based practice and innovation within the field of psychology. Upon completion of the Bachelor's program, students are often prepared to proceed to a Master’s degree in Psychology or related specializations, which can lead to careers in clinical practice, counseling, organizational psychology, educational psychology, or further scientific research.

In addition, Radboud University’s location in Nijmegen offers a stimulating environment with access to a vibrant student community, cultural activities, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. The program’s blend of scientific rigor and practical application aims to produce well-rounded psychologists equipped to contribute positively to society and to advance understanding of human behavior through research and practice.