Study programme

As you begin your studies, you will be introduced to all areas of psychology, from social psychology to clinical psychology, through both large-scale lectures and small-group practical trainings. You will also find that research is crucial for psychologists, as scientific methods will give you insights into human behaviours. During your studies, you will train your scientific and writing skills. All lectures and practical trainings are live, mostly on the campus.

Year 1

Introduction

Your first academic year consists of a substantive component and a research component. During the substantive component, you are introduced to the field of psychology and all its sub-disciplines: neuropsychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, work and organisational psychology, clinical psychology, research methods and cognitive neuroscience.

In the research component, you will learn academic and writing skills during Research Methods and Statistics and practical training groups. At the end of the year, you will also write a First Year thesis. After completing all components in the propaedeutic year, you will receive the first-year diploma.
Year 2
Conduct research and choose your major

In the first half, the focus is on learning how to conduct research. You learn how to translate psychological questions into a research design, how to compile a study, statistically analyse the data and how to write a research report. In addition, you will attend practical training in psychological communication skills.

In the second half you will choose your major: your specialisation. You can choose from a variety of specialisations:

Work and Organisational Psychology

Psychological Methods

Brain and Cognition

Social Psychology

Clinical Psychology

Clinical Neuropsychology (Dutch)

Clinical Developmental Psychology
Year 3

Bachelor's thesis and choice between a second major, a minor or an exchange

Your Bachelor's thesis will take up a grand part of the first half of your third year. In the second half, you can choose between doing a second specialisation, a minor (for example Communication Science or Law) or an exchange programme. You can use this last part of the Bachelor's programme to tweak the programme to your individual wishes.

COURSES SEM 1 SEM 2 SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2 EC

Introductory Psychology and Brain & Cognition

Period 1

Period 2

12

The course provides an introductory overview of the entire field of psychology: the science of behaviour and (both conscious and unconscious) mental processes in healthy people as well as people with mental disorders. It also provides an overview of the brain structures and -processes involved.
Research Methods & Statistics

Period 1

Period 2

12

In this course you learn how to interpret statistical concepts in psychological literature, how to gain an overview of large amounts of data and how statistical conclusions can be drawn about the presence of effects of psychological interventions.
Tutorials Academic Skills

Period 1

Period 2

Period 3

Period 4

Period 5

Period 6

—

This course is aimed at enhancing academic skills. You will learn to read academic publications and process them critically by carrying out a number of written assignments that increase in difficulty. Effective communication skills are cultivated through written assignments, presentations, and group work. The fundamental principle throughout is the scientist-practitioner approach; the empirical/diagnostics cycle is primary.
Research Participation

Period 1

Period 2

Period 3

Period 4

Period 5

Period 6

—

In this course you participate in different kinds of research in the lab. This way you gain experience in the different fields of Psychology.
Developmental Psychology

Period 3

6

This course addresses a number of important theories in developmental psychology, including the historical context of the ideas and those who devised them. In addition, a number of important themes is covered and the methods used to carry out research are discussed. The course will focus on classical and recent research in developmental psychology in a variety of areas, such as cognitive, emotional and social development.
Work and Organisational Psychology & Social Psychology

Period 4

12

The course covers how social and cognitive processes influence perceptions, behaviors, and relationships in social psychology, encompassing topics like social perception, stereotypes, group dynamics, attitudes, and practical applications such as media literacy and sustainability. In organizational psychology, the emphasis is on understanding and enhancing individual and group dynamics within organizations and i.e. covering organizational structure, group processes, and workplace psychological assessment etc.
Clinical Psychology & Neuropsychology

Period 5

12

In the clinical psychology section of this course, students learn about abnormal psychology, including symptoms, syndromes, epidemiology, theoretical models of disorders, diagnostic processes, treatment approaches, and research methods. Lectures include clinical presentations of disorders using film material and guest speakers with expertise. In the neuropsychology part, students study the historical context, research, and clinical aspects of neuropsychology, focusing on common neurological diseases such as traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's dementia, and Parkinson's disease, and their associated cognitive dyjavascript:;sfunctions.
Behavioural data science / First-year Thesis

Period 6

6

This course introduces Behavioral Data Science (BDS) from a psychological viewpoint, combining modern digital technology with classical psychological methods. The first-year thesis is a literature review where students demonstrate their learning from Tutorials Academic Skills.

COURSES SEM 1 SEM 2 SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2 EC

Scientific and Statistical Reasoning

Period 1

Period 2

9

This course, Scientific and Statistical Reasoning, emphasizes the importance of skills in recognizing and analyzing arguments and interpreting research findings for students, researchers, and psychologists. It covers fundamental aspects of argumentation and statistical analysis techniques commonly used in psychology research. Students learn to critically evaluate psychological research by developing empirically supported lines of argumentation.
Practical training: Psychological Communication

Period 1

Period 2

Period 3

3

The Psychological Communication practical is a training course focusing on personal and professional interviewing skills essential for psychologists. Through exercises and reflection, students learn about communication channels, listening, summarizing, interpreting messages, and more. The course, conducted in small groups, emphasizes self-awareness and lays the groundwork for effective dyadic exchanges in professional practice.
Practical training: Psychological Research

Period 1

Period 2

Period 3

12

This course involves students conducting a psychological research study. They'll conduct a literature review, formulate research questions, address ethical considerations, design a psychological test, collect and analyze data using SPSS, interpret results, and write a scientific article. The course is divided into two parts: Part I focuses on test theory and decision-making in test use, adhering to NIP BAPD regulations. Part II centers on data analysis from Part I and writing a scientific article about the research conducted.
Fundamentals of Psychology

Period 2

Period 3

6

This course explores the history and philosophy of scientific psychology, tracing the evolution of our understanding of the human mind. Topics cover the emergence of scientific psychology, scientific inquiry, and applying methods to human behavior. Students tackle theoretical challenges, including questions about free will, genetics, and scientific limits, developing critical thinking skills essential for informed opinions as psychologists.
Specialisation

Period 4

Period 5

Period 6

30

For the second semester, students choose from seven specialisations: 1. Brain & Cognition 2. Clinical Development Psychology 3. Clinical Neuropsychology (note: in Dutch only) 4. Clinical Psychology 5. Psychologival Methods 6. Social Psychology or 7. Work and Organisational Psychology.

COURSES SEM 1 SEM 2 SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2 EC

Methods & statistics

Period 1

Period 2

6

This is a course connected to the chosen specialisation as well as a Bachelor's Thesis.
Bachelor's thesis

Period 2

Period 3

12

During the thesis you set up and conduct a study in groups and after which you write an individual report on it. This thesis project is also about a subject related to the chosen specialisation.
Current topics in Psychology 1

Period 1

6

You will choose one course from a series about current topics in psychology in period 1. You can choose from Clinical Developmental and Health Psychology, Consciousness: from Theory to the Clinic, Stress in Health and Disease, Introduction to Sport and Performance Psychology or Polarisation.
Current topics in Psychology 2

Period 2

6

You will choose one course from a series about current topics in psychology in period 2. You can choose from A Clinical Perspective on Today's Issues, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace, Introduction to Cultural Psychology, or The Psychology of AI.
Optional course profile

Period 4

Period 5

Period 6

30

To tweak the programme to your individual wishes, in the last semester of the bachelor's programme, you can choose between: a second specialisation, a minor, an exchange programme or an individually chosen set of courses.

You will find more information in the course catalogue.

Additional options

Exchange

The UvA has partnerships and exchange agreements with more than 100 other universities. As part of your Bachelor's programme you can do an exchange semester abroad. This can be a valuable learning and cultural experience, and a great addition to your study programme. In order to support you in arranging a stay abroad, the Psychology department has its own International Office to which you can turn to for advice.
Minor
Honours Programme

Are you looking for more of a challenge during your studies? If so, you can participate in the honours programme. Here, you take extra courses within and outside of Psychology, allowing you to deepen and broaden your knowledge and skills. The programme consists of 30 credits and is completed in addition to your regular bachelor's education.

Time distribution and tutoring

Time distribution
Lectures and practical trainings: 12 hours per week

Self-study: 30 hours per week

Each year consists of 2 semesters and 60 credits (1 credit equals 28 study hours).

A semester consists of three periods.
Teaching methods
Lectures: the teacher explains the material to everyone who follows the course, and you have the opportunity to ask questions.

Practical trainings: you practice with the study material in smaller groups, under the guidance of a teacher.
Tutoring

While studying Psychology, you will receive guidance in various ways. For example, all students have a mentor in their first year of study. This is your practical group tutor, whom you meet twice a week during your practical group meetings. You can approach your mentor with questions about your studies and general wellbeing. Additionally, there are buddies who will show you around at the UvA.

Do you need advice and guidance during your studies? Our student advisors are here for you. They can answer general questions and assist with personal questions or problems. The study advisors can also inform you about the support options the UvA offers.

Do you want to study this programme in Dutch?

Are you a Dutch-speaking student? Then you can also participate in our Dutch Bachelor’s programme in Psychology. The Dutch-taught programme is almost exactly the same as the English-taught programme. The Dutch programme has one more specialisation to choose from: Clinical Neuropsychology.

Yes! I’m interested in the Dutch Bachelor’s programme.

Study programme

Do you want to study this programme in Dutch?

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