Program Overview
The Psychology: Applied Cognitive Psychology at Leiden University is a MSc programme in Psychology over 12 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of psychology. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the Psychology: Applied Cognitive Psychology programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across Netherlands and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 12 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- English requirement: IELTS 7
- Tuition: EUR 15,800 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; EUR 1,906 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
- Location: Leiden, Netherlands
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Psychology: Applied Cognitive Psychology programme are prepared for diverse careers in psychology:
- Clinical Psychologist
- Organisational Psychologist
- Researcher
- Counsellor
- Human Resources Specialist
- Behaviour Analyst
Program Curriculum
- IELTS Academic modules only, on paper or on computer: 6.5 overall, with at least 6.0 for each separate component score.
- We do not accept IELTS Academic online.
- We do not accept IELTS General Training, IELTS Indicator, or IELTS One Skill Retake
- TOEFL internet based: 90 overall, with at least 4.0 (new 1-6 scale as of 21 January 2026) or 20 (old 0-30 scale) for each separate component.
- We are not able to accept The TOEFL IBT Home Edition™, except in the following situation only:
You are unable to take an in-person test on location because test centres are inaccessible or closed due to unsafe conditions in a country. - We do not accept the following types of test: TOEFL My Best™ scores (multiple test scores combined), TOEFL Essentials™ or institutional tests such as ITP.
- We are not able to accept The TOEFL IBT Home Edition™, except in the following situation only:
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
Prospective students should:
- possess a bachelor\xc2\x92s degree from a university programme or an equivalent degree and possess the skills, understanding and knowledge that are required for earning the bachelor\xc2\x92s degree; more specific within this bachelor programme the knowledge on university level of the following topics:
- introduction to psychology
- social and organisational psychology
- personality psychology
- cognitive psychology
- neuropsychology and/or psychophysiology and/or biopsychology
- clinical and abnormal psychology
- developmental and educational psychology
- theory or training in interpersonal skills, such as interview, counselling, discussion techniques..
- theory or training in psycho diagnostics
- advanced courses (at least 30 ec) on a third year Bachelor level on topics pertaining to the preferred master specialisation within the MSc Psychology.
English Proficiency: IELTS 7 or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
EUR 15,800 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; EUR 1,906 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
Tuition fees: EUR 15,800 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; EUR 1,906 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
IELTS requirement: 7
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact Leiden University directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.
About Leiden University
Leiden University
Leiden, Netherlands
Leiden University is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen fields. The...
University Profile- Start Date January 2026
- Language English
- Duration 12 months