School Psychology Leiden University

Overview

The School Psychology master's specialisation responds to and prepares students for a number of recent changes in the care for children and adolescents. In many countries, schools are increasingly being held responsible for an optimal development of all students, including those with special needs. It is to be expected that schools (primary and secondary) will consult or hire more specialists, such as school psychologists, in order to meet the criteria for inclusive education, for teacher training, and for developing school policy.

The mission of this master's specialisation in School Psychology is to create positive learning environments to support talent development and potential for learning in all students regardless of their initial intellectual level and mental health problems.

What you will learn

A master in Psychology at Leiden University combines theoretical knowledge with academic and professional skills.
After finishing this master's specialisation, you have unique knowledge and skills to empower children and adolescents to succeed academically, but also on a social emotional and behavioral level. You will know how to support academic and socio-emotional development in typically developing youths as well as in youths who experience emotional difficulties or learning problems. You have learned how to create a positive learning context for all students as well as how to diagnose and treat academic and emotional problems within the school context. You will be an expert in working closely with families, teachers, and school teams to support the students' ability to learn and the teachers ability to teach, by creating a supportive learning environment.

Career prospects

School psychologists are internationally recognised as crucial key figures within education, who dedicate themselves to policy and training, but also to diagnostics and student guidance. In the Netherlands, the demand for psychologists who are specialised in education is increasing, because of legislations that are currently being implemented, such as the law for Inclusive Education ('de Wet op Passend Onderwijs') and the Youth Care Law ('Jeugdwet').

The knowledge and skills you acquire will prepare you for various jobs at schools and other education-related settings, and will qualify you for post-master training programs for School Psychologist and Health Care Psychologist (‘gz-psycholoog’).

Job prospects include:

• Psychologist in Elementary and High Schools
• Psychologist in a School Advisory Service (‘Onderwijs Advies Dienst’)
• Psychologist in General Health Care (POH-GGZ)
• Policy developer at a municipal organisation or national government (e.g. ministry of education, culture and science)
• Independent coach, trainer, consultant
• Researcher at a university or (government) research institute (e.g. TNO)

Accreditation

Accredited by NVAO, the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders.