COURSE CURRICULUM

The master’s specialisation Applied Neuroscience in Human Development at Leiden University equips students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills at the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, and education. As a graduate of this program, you will develop expertise in the functional anatomy of the brain, the development of the nervous system, and the interplay of genetic and environmental influences on cognitive functioning. You will gain hands-on experience with a variety of research methods and instruments used to study brain activity and behaviour, such as EEG, MRI, eye-tracking, heart rate, skin conductance, and hormonal and genetic assessments. These tools allow you to investigate how biological systems interact with learning, stress, and emotional regulation.The program places a strong emphasis on understanding brain functioning and stress regulation, and how this knowledge can be applied to educational and clinical practices, family interventions, and strategies aimed at supporting optimal cognitive and emotional development. By combining theory with application, the curriculum provides a framework for translating neuroscience into meaningful practices that improve children’s and adolescents’ well-being and learning outcomes.Students also explore opportunities for prevention and intervention, learning how neuroscience-based insights can be used to design programs that enhance brain functioning, support self-regulation, and foster resilience. This prepares graduates to bridge the gap between research and practice, whether in schools, clinical settings, or policy-making environments.The program offers flexibility in its starting points. Students who begin in September start with preparatory coursework before moving into the master project and internship, while those who start in February immediately enter the second half of the program, beginning with the research project and internship. Finding an internship is the responsibility of the student, but support is provided through academic advisors.The master’s is a full-time program, but students can take longer if needed, depending on their personal or professional commitments. The internship, usually carried out at the end of the program, provides valuable real-world experience and allows students to apply their academic training in professional contexts.