Economics and Consumer Psychology

Advertisement

In this specialisation you will gain insight into the psychological mechanisms that underlie many of our choices and decisions concerning consumption and other economic behaviour.

The one-year programme aims at providing you with comprehensive knowledge and excellent skills in economic and consumer psychology, which will enable you to work independently at a professional level in a relevant field. Questions that will be studied include: How do consumers decide what to buy? How rational are our choices? How do we sell our own products and ideas to others? As economic behaviour overlaps to a large extent with social behaviour, this master's specialisation has a lot to offer in answering these questions.

The Psychology: Economic and Consumer Psychology master's programme at Leiden University offers students the opportunity to explore the intricate relationship between human psychology and economic decision-making within a global context. This programme combines rigorous psychological theories with insights from behavioural economics, marketing, and consumer research, equipping students with the analytical tools necessary to understand how individuals and groups make economic choices. Throughout the programme, students will delve into core topics such as decision-making processes, consumer behaviour, cognitive biases, and the influence of social and cultural factors on economic actions. The curriculum integrates both theoretical foundations and practical applications, enabling students to analyze real-world economic issues and develop evidence-based solutions.

Students will gain hands-on experience through projects, case studies, and potential internships, fostering the application of psychological principles to marketing strategies, policy making, and business development. The programme emphasizes multidisciplinary skills, encouraging students to think critically and innovate in areas such as sustainable consumption, digital marketing, and behavioural public policy. Leiden University's distinguished faculty members bring expertise from psychology, economics, and social sciences, creating a dynamic learning environment that promotes intellectual curiosity and professional growth. Upon graduation, students will be well-equipped for careers in market research, consumer consultancy, policy advising, or further academic research.

The programme is designed for students with a background in psychology, economics, or related fields who are interested in understanding the psychological underpinnings of economic behaviour. It offers a comprehensive education that prepares graduates to address the complex challenges faced by modern societies and businesses in understanding consumer motivations, improving marketing effectiveness, and developing responsible consumption practices. Whether students aspire to work in industry, government, or academia, the master's programme at Leiden provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and networks to succeed in the fast-evolving world of economic and consumer psychology.

The Psychology: Economic and Consumer Psychology program at Leiden University requires applicants to have a secondary education diploma that qualifies for university entrance in their country. Prospective students are expected to demonstrate a strong interest in psychology, economics, and consumer behavior, as well as analytical and research skills. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary knowledge, integrating psychological theories with economic principles to understand consumer decision-making processes and market behaviors. Applicants must meet the specific language requirements, typically a minimum score in English language proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL, unless they have completed secondary education in English or in an English-taught program. The admission process may involve the submission of academic transcripts, motivation letter, and sometimes an interview or additional assessments to evaluate suitability for the program. The program curriculum encompasses core courses in psychological research methods, behavioral economics, consumer psychology, neuropsychology, and data analysis, alongside electives allowing students to tailor their studies towards areas of interest. Students are expected to participate actively in lectures, seminars, and practical assignments, often involving group projects and presentations. The program encourages the development of critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and practical skills useful for careers in marketing, consumer research, policy development, and academia. Internships and collaborations with industry partners are often part of the program to provide real-world experience. Graduates will be equipped with comprehensive knowledge and research skills necessary to analyze consumer behavior patterns, design marketing strategies, and contribute to policy-making in areas affecting economic and consumer environments. Overall, the program aims to prepare students for a broad range of careers in business, government, and research institutions that require expertise in psychological aspects of economic decision-making.

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 Bachelor’s programme in Psychology: Economic and Consumer Psychology at Leiden University primarily involves government funding, personal contributions from students, and, in some cases, additional scholarships or financial aid schemes. As an esteemed Dutch university, Leiden University benefits from the Netherlands Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, which allocates substantial public funds to higher education institutions to support tuition costs, infrastructure, academic staff salaries, and research activities. Tuition fees for EU/EEA students are set annually by the government and tend to be relatively affordable compared to private universities, ensuring accessible quality education for domestic and EU students. These fees are reviewed annually and are standardized across many programmes at Leiden University, providing transparency and predictability for students planning their finances.

For non-EU international students, tuition fees are higher, reflecting the increased cost of internationalization support, resource allocation, and campus facilities. These fees are set by the university and are published annually on the university’s official website. In addition to government funding, students often finance their studies through personal savings, family support, or student loans. Dutch students may be eligible for loans and grants from the Dutch government, which are designed to make higher education more affordable and accessible, including income-based repayment schemes.

Leiden University also offers a range of scholarships, grants, and bursaries for both domestic and international students, aimed at supporting talented students or those with financial need. These scholarships may be funded by the university itself, partner organizations, or the Dutch government. Some scholarships are specifically targeted at students enrolling in psychology or related social sciences degrees, recognizing the importance of fostering research and academic excellence in these fields.

Part-time work opportunities are available on or near campus, providing students with additional sources of income. The Netherlands has a well-developed job market for students, particularly in university cities like Leiden, allowing students to work during academic terms with flexible hours. International students from outside the EU may have restrictions on working hours, but opportunities still exist through internships, research projects, or university-managed student employment programs.

Leiden University additionally has agreements with other institutions and governments to provide exchange programs that may include financial support or fee waivers, which can further ease the financial burden on students. Funding opportunities also extend through the university’s research grants and external research partnerships, especially for students interested in research-based components of their degree.

Overall, financing for the Psychology: Economic and Consumer Psychology programme involves a combination of public funding, personal investments, scholarships, student jobs, and potential external funding sources. While the basic tuition fees are set by the Dutch government and are comparable across many European countries, additional costs such as living expenses, insurance, books, and supplies must also be considered by prospective students. Leiden University’s comprehensive approach aims to make higher education accessible through multiple financial support mechanisms, ensuring students can focus on their academic and professional development without undue financial stress.

More information about the program. The Master’s in Psychology: Economic and Consumer Psychology at Leiden University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how psychological principles influence economic behavior and consumer decision-making. This programme combines theoretical insights with practical applications, equipping graduates with the skills to analyze and influence consumer choices in diverse contexts such as marketing, policy-making, and financial decision-making. The coursework covers key topics including behavioral economics, decision-making processes, market research, nudging techniques, and the psychological factors underpinning economic behavior. The programme emphasizes research methods and data analysis, preparing students to conduct empirical studies and interpret complex data effectively. Students will engage with case studies, current research, and real-world projects, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. The curriculum also explores topics such as social influence, branding, advertising, and ethical considerations in consumer psychology. Throughout the programme, students have opportunities for internships and collaboration with industry partners, providing valuable practical experience. The faculty members are experts in psychology, economics, and marketing, offering mentorship and guidance to support students’ academic and professional growth. Graduates of this programme are well-positioned for careers in market research, consumer consulting, behavioral insights teams, marketing departments, policy advisory roles, and academic research. The programme is offered in English and is tailored for students interested in understanding and applying psychological theories to economic and consumer contexts. With a strong emphasis on research skills and practical applications, the Master’s in Psychology: Economic and Consumer Psychology at Leiden University prepares students to become leading specialists in the field, capable of addressing current challenges in markets and consumer behavior with evidence-based solutions.