The programme focuses on providing in-depth knowledge of major fields in social psychology by emphasising general principles underlying social behaviour. You also reaching out to other disciplines relevant to understand human behaviour. It teaches you all the knowledge and skills that you need in every step of the research process. courses provide comprehensive training in research methods, statistics, writing and presenting.
Bridges to broader fields of knowledge
If you choose to study Social Psychology at VU Amsterdam, you’ll take a truly interdisciplinary, integrative approach. While social psychology is the main focus, the programme actively bridges the field of social psychology with knowledge and insights from adjacent disciplines. This includes the evolutionary sciences, developmental psychology, neuroscience, behavioural genetics, economics and political science. The underlying idea is that new insights can be generated by incorporating biological, cognitive, neuroscience and evolutionary perspectives within the study of social psychological phenomena such as communication, cooperative behaviour, interpersonal relations, the self and emotions.
Small classes and expert courses
But you won’t just be focused on theory – you’ll also apply that theoretical knowledge to improving our understanding of critical societal issues, such as climate change, responses to refugees and conflict between groups. Because this is a Research Master’s programme, there will of course be a strong emphasis on research skills, using our excellent research and study facilities. But you can also expect teaching in small classes and individual meetings with your professors; expert courses and workshops by leading social psychologists; extensive academic skills training; advanced experimental research training and presentation skills training.
The start date of this programme is September 1st.
Take a look at the schedule of this programme.
Discover our top researchers
Eager to learn about the individuals shaping your education? Read more about our teachers.
