COURSE CURRICULUM

The bachelor’s program in Psychology at Leiden University is a three-year degree designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of human behaviour, cognition, and emotion, while equipping students with practical skills applicable in research and professional settings. In the first year, students receive a coherent overview of the entire field of psychology and gain deeper insight into its various subdisciplines. A significant portion of the first year focuses on research methodology and statistics, which account for one quarter of the study credits. Students also develop essential academic skills, such as essay writing, giving presentations, and setting up experiments, preparing them for independent and scientific inquiry.In the second year, the emphasis shifts toward practical professional skills, including diagnostics, interview techniques, and data analysis. Students can follow in-depth courses aligned with their intended master’s specialisation, while the course on Perspective on Career Planning helps them prepare for the job market. During the latter part of the second year and throughout the third year, students have greater flexibility to tailor their program. They can choose to specialise in a particular subdiscipline or explore a range of areas through electives, shaping their studies to match their academic and career goals.The third year is dedicated to refining expertise and preparing for future pathways. Students may spend a semester abroad, pursue electives aligned with their interests, or deepen knowledge in their chosen subdiscipline. The program concludes with a bachelor project, in which students conduct a research project in a small group and complete an individually written bachelor thesis. This final project integrates research, analysis, and academic writing skills, demonstrating students’ ability to apply psychological knowledge in practice.Graduates of the Psychology bachelor’s program are well prepared to continue with a master’s degree in one of the subdisciplines of psychology or to enter the professional workforce. The program combines theoretical understanding, methodological training, and practical application, equipping students with the analytical, research, and communication skills necessary to understand, interpret, and positively influence human behaviour across diverse contexts.