Social Psychology, Track Economic Psychology

The Master's program in Social Psychology with a specialization in Economic Psychology at Tilburg University offers a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of how social factors influence human behavior in economic contexts. This program is designed to equip students with a solid foundation in social psychological theories and methods, combined with specialized knowledge in economic decision-making, consumer behavior, financial attitudes, and behavioral economic concepts. Throughout the program, students will engage in both theoretical and empirical studies, learning how social influences such as group dynamics, social norms, trust, and social identity impact economic choices and behaviors. The curriculum emphasizes quantitative research methods, data analysis, and experimental techniques, enabling students to conduct rigorous research projects and contribute to academic and applied fields.

Students will also examine real-world issues related to financial markets, consumer behavior, and economic policy, gaining insights into how psychological factors shape economic outcomes and societal well-being. The program fosters critical thinking, analytical skills, and practical research capabilities through interactive lectures, seminars, laboratory experiments, and collaborative projects. Additionally, students have opportunities to participate in internships and network with professionals from academia, industry, and policy-making bodies, enhancing their career prospects in research, consultancy, public organizations, or further doctoral studies.

Graduates of this program are well-prepared to contribute to understanding and solving complex economic and social challenges through psychological insights. They will possess the knowledge and skills to analyze economic behavior from a social psychological perspective and to apply this understanding in various professional contexts. Overall, this Master's program combines rigorous scientific training with practical relevance, making it an excellent choice for students interested in the intersection of social psychology and economics and who aim to make a meaningful impact in academia, policy, or industry.

The Master's program in Social Psychology, with a specialization in Economic Psychology, at Tilburg University offers an in-depth exploration of how social factors influence individual and collective behavior in economic contexts. This program is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and practical skills to understand, analyze, and influence economic decision-making processes shaped by social dynamics. Throughout the program, students will examine key theories and research methods in social psychology, focusing on topics such as consumer behavior, decision-making under risk and uncertainty, social influence, and group processes. The curriculum emphasizes the application of psychological insights to real-world economic issues, including marketing strategies, financial behavior, and policy development.

Students will engage with empirical research through hands-on projects, data analysis, and case studies, fostering a solid understanding of experimental design and statistical techniques used in social and economic psychology. The program also covers the role of social norms, identity, and emotions in economic decision-making, offering perspectives from behavioral economics integrated with psychological theories. As part of their studies, students will participate in interactive seminars, workshops, and collaboration with industry partners to apply their knowledge in practical settings.

Graduates of this program will be well-prepared for careers in consulting, market research, policy advising, and academia. They will have gained critical thinking skills, a nuanced understanding of social influences on economic behavior, and the ability to communicate complex psychological concepts effectively. The program is suited for students interested in understanding the psychological underpinnings of economic phenomena and eager to contribute to innovative solutions in business, public policy, and beyond. With Tilburg University's strong research environment and international orientation, students will benefit from diverse perspectives and a globally relevant curriculum, making them competitive candidates in the international job market.

Admission requirements

In order to be accepted directly onto our Master's program in Social Psychology, you will be required to have the following academic background: 1. A Bachelor's and/or Master's degree in Psychology 2. Advanced knowledge in research methods and statistics 3. Knowledge of relevant subjects in the field of Social Psychology, or Economic Psychology or Work and Organisational Psychology 4. Familiar with doing scientific research and know how to deal with the 'empirical cycle' (i.e. collecting, analyzing and reporting data).

Other requirements

1. vooropleiding (ISPAC: vereiste vooropleiding) In order to be accepted directly onto our Master's program in Social Psychology, you will be required to have the following academic background: 1. A Bachelor's and/or Master's degree in Psychology 2. Advanced knowledge in research methods and statistics 3. Knowledge of relevant subjects in the field of Social Psychology, or Economic Psychology or Work and Organisational Psychology 4. Familiar with doing scientific research and know how to deal with the 'empirical cycle' (i.e. collecting, analyzing and reporting data).
2. vooropleiding (ISPAC: vereiste vooropleiding) For students holding a Bachelor's degree in Psychology
3. schriftelijk verzoek This must include: 1. Your motivation for studying this program. 2. How you meet the program requirements e.g. the courses you have done and their relevance to this program. Please remember, this must be an ORIGINAL letter.

The financing of the Social Psychology, Track Economic Psychology master's programme at Tilburg University is primarily structured around a combination of governmental grants, student loans, and personal funding sources. The Dutch government offers financial support options for both Dutch and international students, including the Dutch student grant system and assistance programs. EU/EEA students may benefit from the Dutch_ENABLE student loans and grants, provided they meet specific criteria. Non-EU/EEA students generally rely on personal savings, scholarships, or private loans to finance their studies. Tilburg University also offers various scholarship opportunities aimed at highly qualified students, including the Tilburg University Scholarship Scholarships for international students, which cover partial tuition fee waivers. Additionally, there are university-specific financial aid programs designed to support students facing exceptional financial circumstances.

Students are encouraged to explore external funding sources such as the Holland Scholarship, Erasmus+ grants, and private foundations that provide scholarships for international students pursuing master's degrees in the Netherlands. Private sponsors and philanthropic organizations also occasionally fund students adjudged to demonstrate academic excellence or economic need. The overall cost of the programme includes tuition fees, which vary depending on residence status; for example, Dutch and EU/EEA students pay a different rate compared to non-EU/EEA students. Apart from tuition, students need to budget for living expenses, including accommodation, meals, insurance, and study materials. Tilburg University offers pre-arranged student housing options in partnership with local housing providers to facilitate affordable accommodation.

For students opting for financial aid from government loans, the application process involves submitting a request through the Dutch Student Finance system. Those interested in scholarships should check the application deadlines and eligibility criteria on the university’s official website. Many students combine various funding sources to finance their studies efficiently. Prospective students are advised to start their financial planning early, ensuring they meet all application and eligibility deadlines. The university also provides financial advice and resources through its student service centers to assist students in navigating the funding options available to them. Overall, the financing options for the Social Psychology, Track Economic Psychology programme are designed to accommodate a diverse student body and facilitate access to higher education through a range of financial support mechanisms.

Social Psychology, Track Economic Psychology at Tilburg University offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to explore the intricate ways in which social factors influence individual and group behaviors related to economic decision-making. The program emphasizes understanding how social context, norms, and cognitive biases impact economic choices, financial behavior, and market dynamics. Students engage with core subjects such as behavioral economics, consumer psychology, economic decision theory, and social cognition, applying psychological principles to economic phenomena.

Throughout the programme, students develop skills in research methodology, data analysis, and critical thinking, preparing them for careers in academia, policy analysis, consulting, or financial industries. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, often involving experiments, surveys, and case studies to analyze real-world economic issues from a social psychological perspective. The track benefits from Tilburg University's strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research, integrating insights from psychology, economics, and sociology to foster a holistic understanding of economic behavior.

The program is designed for students interested in understanding how social influences shape economic decisions at the individual and societal levels. It also covers contemporary topics such as consumer behavior, social influence in financial markets, and the psychological aspects of economic crises. Tilburg University provides an international learning environment, with opportunities to collaborate on research projects and participate in internships, enhancing students' practical experience.

Graduates of the program are equipped for diverse roles in market research, behavioral consultancy, public policy, and academic research. They are also prepared to pursue further studies, such as a Master's in Social or Economic Psychology, benefiting from Tilburg's strong research networks and academic resources. Overall, the Social Psychology, Track Economic Psychology programme offers a detailed exploration of the social aspects of economic behavior, combining theoretical insight with empirical research skills to prepare students for impactful careers in understanding and influencing economic decision-making processes.