Overview

The major aim of the programme is to understand the various neural, cognitive and behavioural changes that occur during development. The Developmental Psychology (research) MSc programme at Leiden University combines fundamental research using experimental behavioural, brain and longitudinal approaches to applied research which connects basic developmental research to domains of educational and clinical assessments and interventions. 

Emotion, cognition, and their interaction, are manifested at various behavioural levels and in different brain systems. Hence, multi-method approaches are used to address the complex and dynamic interplay between emotion, cognition and the developing brain. In this two-year research master's programme you will gain hands-on experience with various assessment procedures: self-report, behavioural observation, experimental manipulations, psycho-physiological assessment (skin conductance, heart rate, cortisol, etc.), EEG, and fMRI.

Are you interested in emotional and cognitive development during childhood and adolescence, including normal development and the development of psychopathology? Do you want to know how intelligent behaviour emerges over the course of early childhood and adolescence? How cognition and emotion interact and affect behaviour across development? How autism or deafness affects emotional development? How the brain develops to shape our mind, thoughts and behaviour? If you want answers to these questions, Developmental Psychology might just be the master's specialisation for you!

Reasons to choose Developmental Psychology (research) at Leiden University

• A Research Master's degree will give you a great perspective on a future in research within the public or private sector.

• A Research Master's degree is the perfect way to preare for a PhD programme.

• Because only the most talented and motivated students will be admitted to the Research Master's track, you will be guaranteed to be challenged during your studies.

• Students who wish to pursue a career as scientist-practitioner / clinician may combine the research master with specific parts of the professional one-year master’s programmes in Child & Adolescent Psychology or in School Psychology to qualify for post-master psychotherapy training programmes.