Forensic Psychology Maastricht University

Overview

You will study scientific literature in relation to real-life problems and work on projects in small tutorial groups. Furthermore, the programme includes hands-on training in forensic assessment, therapy and expert witness skills. After graduation, you will be qualified to work in prisons, forensic psychiatric facilities, police services, probation services, and in areas such as child protection and domestic violence.

Why this programme? 

The Forensic Psychology programme of Maastricht University is a highly challenging programme that operates at the intersection between psychology and the justice system. The programme prepares you for a career as a scientist-practitioner in the mental health field. You will learn about the psychology of people who come into contact with the law, and will receive the specialised skills training you need to work in this diverse, complex and challenging field.

As a forensic psychologist, you will be called upon to answer a broad range of difficult questions, such as:

• Is there a relationship between the mental disorder of a suspet and their behaviour during the crime?

• How big is the risk that someone will re-offend in the future?

• When is it safe to allow a sex offender back into the community?

The group of patients you'll work with will be diverse and demanding. They may have severe antisocial behaviour and/or co-morbid mental disorders (such as schizophrenia combined with substance abuse disorders).

You will also need knowledge in the field of material law and legal procedures to be effective as an expert witness in court, for example. This means that you will need a very particular skillset. The programme contains a number of specialised courses that will provide you with all the training you’ll need to take on these situations.