The research master's programme in Psychology is directed toward excellent students with a genuine interest and motivation in psychological research. The two-year programme prepares the participants for entry into a related PhD programme, in the Universiteit van Amsterdam or elsewhere. The programme provides a broad education in the field and presents the participants with the opportunity to gain experience in a specific area of research. The programme prepares students for a career in research and is very useful for students wishing to go on and apply for a PhD position.

A maximum of 40 students are admitted annually to the research master's programme. The admissions committee carefully considers all applicants on their individual merits. In addition to reviewing study records, recommendations from universities and other information with regard to academic achievement, the admissions committee looks for motivation, an active interest in research, commitment, potential for growth and likelihood of finishing the programme in two years.

Admission requirements

All applicants who wish to enrol in the research master's programme in Psychology must meet a number of basic requirements regarding:

• Grade average;
• Academic level and background;
• Proficiency in English.

• Grade average

For this master's programme we're aiming at the top 10% students. If you wish to apply for the research master’s programme in Psychology you are expected to have an overall grade point average (GPA) of at least:

• A-/B+/3.5 (American system)
• 2.1 HONS (an upper second class honours degree in the British system)
• B (ECTS stystem), or
• 7.5 (Dutch system)

However, admission will not be granted based on a sufficient grade point average only, our decision is based on academic level and background; motivation, experience in psychological research and grade point average.

• Academic level and background

Applicants should have at least a Bachelor's degree (equivalent to at least three years of Dutch academic training) or an equivalent degree in a field relevant to the research mas­ter's programme in Psychology. Education systems vary considerably across the world; some bachelor's degrees are valued at three years of a Dutch university education, while others are valued at two years or less.

The minimum entry level for the research master's programme in Psychology is three years of Dutch university education. Students with a bachelor's degree in other disciplines than Psychology can apply for admission to the research master's programme, but they should have at least general knowledge of Psychology and its subdisciplines, as well as knowledge of statistics and methodology. Applicants should also have experience with the topic of specialization in the master's programme.

Experience with setting up, conducting and reporting experimental research is neces­sary.

Methodological knowledge and statistical knowledge is necessary. The book that reflects the level of statistical knowledge that is needed is: Andy Field, Discovering statistics using SPSS (2005). See: http://www.uk.sagepub.com/field3e/

Foreign diplomas are always sent to the Deans of the University of Amsterdam for a credential evaluation first. The deans compare diplomas in terms of equivalence to Dutch academic training. After they have given their advice, our admissions committee looks at the (amount of) psychology courses in the candidate's academic training.

In The Netherlands the Bachelors programmes are mono-disciplinary, i.e. Dutch psychology students get almost only psychology (-related) courses. This system differs somewhat from Atlantic bachelors programmes e.g., which are mostly broader in set-up. The more psychology courses applicants have on their transcript, the more chance there is to be qualified for this programme. Unfortunately our department cannot offer a ‘repair' programme for international applicants at UvA since our bachelor education is entirely in Dutch. 

• Proficiency in English

All international applicants who are non-native English speakers and who apply for the research master's programme in Psychology are required to demonstrate sufficient pro­ficiency in English to enrol in university-level courses. Students must be able to read textbooks, understand lectures, take part in classroom discussions and undertake written work in English.

Applicants must submit one of the following tests. No other tests are accepted. Please note that only international, not institutional tests are accepted. Original test scores should be sent either by the testing institution or by the student to the Admissions Committee.

Please note: applicants who obtained their bachelor's diploma in the Netherlands, or applicants who can prove to have successfully finished an English-taught programme at university level, do not have to take an English language test.

-International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Students are required to have a score of at least 7.0 on the academic module, with a minimum score of 6.0 for the separate components of the test. 

-Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
Students are required to have a score of at least 100 (internet based test) with a minimum score of 20 for the separate components of the test.

-Cambridge International Examination.
Students are required to have a minimum score ‘A' for the Certificate in Advanced Eng­lish (CAE) or ‘B' for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE).

Admission process

(Foreign) diplomas and academic records are evaluated by the Universiteit van Amster­dam credential evaluation officers or by the national credential evaluation agency NUF­FIC. The application file is sent to the programme coordinator who discusses the file with the programme's Admission Committee. The Admission Committee makes the decision to either accept or reject the applicant for the MSc programme.

How to apply

Please read the information on application and admission carefully:

• Only complete applications will be considered.
• Please type or write in capital letters in blue or black ink.
• Do not staple the documents in your application file.
• Confirmation of your application will be sent to you as soon as the Admissions Committee has received your application file in good order.
• Application files (or parts of it) will not be returned. Even if the applicant is not admit­ted.
• Please submit the application file in twofold: one original and one copy.

All applicants must submit the following documents:

1. A completed application form
You can download this form in PDF below.

2. Copy of passport or birth certificate
A copy of your passport (identity page) or birth certificate.

3. Letter of motivation
On a separate piece of paper, state in about 500 words the reasons why you wish to attend the programme, and what your study plan will be once you are admitted, i.e. which specialization you would choose as your major and which as your minor. Also any suggestions for research topics can be put forward here.

4. Academic transcripts
Official transcripts of all university courses and examinations that you have taken, including the credits and grades you have obtained, to be sent in a closed envelope, sealed by the university.

Transcripts in any other language than English, German, French, Spanish or Dutch should be translated into English by a sworn translator. The original transcripts should be sent together with the translation in a closed envelope, sealed by the university. If you have attended more than one university, please enclose a chronological overview with your application.

Please note: transcripts of highschool credits are not necessary, only the degree certificate.

5. Copies of all academic diplomas and highschool diplomas
Certified copies of all academic and highschool diplomas. All copies of diplomas must have a seal and the signature of the school administration. Diplomas in any other language than English, German, French, Spanish or Dutch should be translated into English by a sworn translator. The original copies should be sent together with the translations.

6. English language test scores (for international applicants who are non-native speakers only)
Original test scores should be sent either by the testing institution or by the student to the Admissions Committee of the research master's programme in Psychology (see contact details).

The only tests accepted are:

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Students are required to have a score of at least 7.0 on the academic module, with a minimum score of 6.0 for the separate components of the test. 

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Students are required to have a score of at least 100 (internet based test) with a minimum score of 20 for the separate components of the test.

Cambridge International Examination
Minimum score 'A' for the Certificate in Advanced English or 'B' for the Certificate of Proficiency in English.

7. A Curriculum vitae/resume
A record of experience and skills at academic, research, clinical and work level. State it on two pages maximum.

8. Letters of reference
Two letters of reference from academic staff members testifying the applicant's ability to conduct independent research and to write a report on the results. Preferably applicants submit at least one statement from a supervisor of scientific work in the bachelor's programme. Please either use the format for the letter that you can download by following the link below, or make sure that the topics mentioned in this format are addressed by the referent. The letters of reference can either be included in the application file (in a separate enveloppe), or applicants can ask referents to send their letters to us directly. 

9. Administration fee (for applicants who apply on basis of a non-Dutch degree only)
Students who apply on basis of a degree issued by a university outside the Netherlands are obliged to pay an administration fee of € 100. The application fee is refundable for students who are accepted, after having started in the programme.

10. A Copy of your residence permit
Only for international students already living in The Netherlands.

Administration fee

Students who apply on basis of a degree issued by a university outside the Netherlands are obliged to pay an administration fee of € 100. The administration fee is refundable for students who are accepted, after having started in the programme.

How to pay the application fee:
There are two ways in which you can pay the administration fee. At all times, make sure your name and the programme you are applying for are clearly stated.

A. Bank draft
Please read these instructions carefully. It is recommended to do a routine check of bank drafts afterwards to see if your money ended up in the right account with the right name attached to it. It is also recommended to submit with your application form a copy of the specific bank draft, or a hand-written message stating the name of the bank and specific department responsible for making the transfer.

Payments from outside The Netherlands:
You can transfer the application fee via the electronic bank transfer system using the BIC or SWIFT code. Please quote your name, the programme you are applying for and the following code:

R.2511.0019

Universiteit van Amsterdam
Faculteit der Maatschappij- en Gedragswetenschappen
(Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences)
ABN AMRO Bank,
De Entree 99
Postbus 90
1000 AB Amsterdam
BIC/SWIFT code: ABNANL2A
IBAN (International Bank Account
Number): NL77ABNA0540408484

B. Cheque
Students may also send a (traveller's) cheque for € 120 (includes € 20 bank charges) made out to the: Faculteit der Maatschappij- en Gedragswetenschappen, Universiteit van Amsterdam. Mail your cheque together with your application file. Please make sure the cheque is in Euros. Cheques that were pre-printed in another currency are not accepted. Crossing out a pre-printed currency and changing it to Euro is not acceptable for a bank.

Application procedure and deadline

Our programme starts once a year in September. The general deadline for all applicants is April 1st 2012.

Applications received after 1 April will only be considered if there are still places avail­able. Interested students are encouraged to express their interest by mail, even after the deadline.

Please send your completed application to:

Universiteit van Amsterdam
Research Master's Psychology
Eveline Zandvliet
Weesperplein 4
1018 XA Amsterdam
The Netherlands

If you have any questions regarding application or admission, please contact the pro­gramme co-ordinator, Ms Eveline Zandvliet.

Financial matters

Information about the tuition fee and living expenses can be found by following the link below.