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Understanding media technology and human behaviour

Are you analytical, curious – and interested in how media and technology shape the way we think, feel, and behave? In the Master’s specialisation CS: Media Psychology at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, you apply scientific insights to better understand the psychological effects of media and technology — and learn how to apply this knowledge in a professional context.

Digital media are everywhere: from social media and AI-based chat applications to games and streaming platforms. What does intensive media use do to our well-being? Why are AI applications so persuasive? Are social robots the future of healthcare and education — or not? During your studies, you gain scientific knowledge about media use, emotions, and cognition, and you learn to systematically analyse media technologies and investigate their effects.

Theory, research, and analysis in realistic assignments

In CS: Media Psychology, you combine scientific theory with analytical thinking and research skills in your courses and assignments. You work on realistic cases and current societal issues, sometimes in collaboration with external partners such as software developers or hospitals. In addition, you conduct scientific research on the psychological effects of media use, learning to substantiate how and why media influence attitudes, emotions, and behaviour.

Prefer to study CS: Media Psychology in Dutch? Then choose CW: Mediapsychologie.

VU Master's Event

Saturday 7 March 2026

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Communication Science has three different specialisations

Why study CS: Media Psychology?

As a Master’s student in Communication Science: Media Psychology, you are challenged to solve real-world problems in a professional context. For example, in the course Impact, you provide advice to a societal organisation facing a question related to media technology.

What makes our Master’s unique is the wide range of electives: from social robotics to creative writing, and from media analytics to storytelling. In this programme, you will not only get to observe the influence of media and technology on well-being and behaviour, but learn to truly understand it. Media and technologies such as AI increasingly play a central role in our daily lives: from work to relationships, and from leisure to healthcare and education. Once you understand the underlying principles that apply each and every time, you will have developed your most important professional skill set.

Discover the programme content of CS: Media Psychology

Change your world, study Communication Science: Media Psychology

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