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Explore the intricacies of brain and cognition

Cognitive Neuropsychology (research master)

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This two-years research master’s combines a sound theoretical basis for understanding mental functions with hands-on experience with the human brain itself and the most relevant techniques to study it.

Different perspectives
The program is built around three windows into the human psyche: cognitive models and theories about mental functions, patients with a neurological disorder or brain damage and neuroimaging techniques that help show the brain in action. By integrating these perspectives we enable you to take part in one of the greatest scientific endeavors of our time: unraveling the mysteries that have surrounded the human mind for centuries.

World-class experts
During the curriculum you will be taught by renowned professors, who are among the best in their field. Many enjoy international recognition thanks to valuable contributions to their area of research within cognitive psychology or clinical neuropsychology.

Personal guidance
Our staff members are known for their approachability and they provide a safe learning environment. You will be assigned a personal mentor to help monitor your academic progress and well-being throughout your studies.

Research skills
Opting for this Research Master’s programme brings you into an inspiring research environment with  state-of-the-art empirical tools that empower you to probe brain and cognition in groundbreaking ways. You are provided with opportunities to do so by means of eye-tracking, EEG, tDCS, fMRI and more. Moreover, we call attention to methods and statistics (see more) to further develop your capabilities to design experiments properly and perform sound analyses on the data you collect.

VU Online Master's Event - Fall 2024

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First year

The first year of the Research Master Cognitive Neuropsychology consists of compulsory and elective courses.

Specific information about the courses can be found in the Study Guide

Second year

Like the first year, the second year of the Research Master Cognitive Neuropsychology consists of compulsory and elective courses. 

Specific information about the courses can be found in the Study Guide. 

A walk through the program

The curriculum consists of five main components, each of which encompasses one or more courses. For more information on each course, you can check out the Study Guide.

Knowledge-based courses
Take a lively journey through the human brain in 'Neuroanatomy and Medical Neuroscience', learn all about the internal mental processes that underly perception, attention, and emotion in 'Seminar Experimental Psychology', explore psychiatric disorders from a neurological perspective in 'Neuropsychiatry', and discuss the latest state of affairs in cognitive neuroscience in 'Seminar Cognitive Neuroscience'.

Skill-based courses
Learn to program your own behavioural experiments in 'Programming for Psychologists', acquire skill in analyzing different types of data with advanced statistical tools in 'Advanced Data Analysis', delve into the world of fMRI analysis in 'Brain Imaging', gain an understanding of EEG and time-series analysis in 'Cognitive Electrophysiology', and become proficient in writing a grant proposal in 'Thesis Proposal'.

Practical training
Design and conduct experiments in the lab, work on data analysis and present your findings to fellow investigators in 'Practical Skills for Researchers' or, alternatively, care for patients in a clinical context, like a nursing home, in 'Clinical Internship'. The latter is only available if you are proficient in Dutch and completing it is one of the requirements for entering the Dutch GZ-opleiding (see more).

Elective courses
Select a course from a diverse pool of electives at two fixed points in the program. Explore hot topics in the field, such as memory or the neural, cognitive and behavioural consequences of aging, or focus on topics more closely related to other areas of psychology, like genetics, personality and mental health. Alternatively, you may choose a relevant master’s level course outside of the faculty’s offering after approval by the Examination Board.

Master’s thesis
Experience what life is like at the frontier of cognitive neuropsychology in your final course: 'Master’s Thesis'. Thanks to the university’s extensive international network, you can do your thesis internship at nearly any lab in the world. And you are free to choose its topic too! Your project will take place under individual supervision and your master’s thesis will be assessed by two senior researchers.

Change your future with the Cognitive Neuropsychology Research Master's programme

Change your future with the Cognitive Neuropsychology Research Master's programme

After you have obtained your master’s degree in cognitive neuropsychology, the world will be at your feet. Like most graduates, you may desire to further explore the intricacies of brain and cognition by committing to a promising PhD project within cognitive psychology, clinical neuropsychology or a related field, such as artificial intelligence or neuroscience.

However, you could also devote yourself to the clinical environment, in which you work to improve the condition of patients with a neurological disorder or brain damage. As an alternative, you may make an impact in marketing, IT or HR, venture into R&D or data analytics or excel in policy or management positions in various sectors.

Explore your future prospects