COURSE CURRICULUM

The master’s specialisation in Child and Adolescent Psychology within the Master in Psychology is designed to equip students with the skills needed to empower children, adolescents, their families, and teachers in overcoming psychological problems. The program provides in-depth knowledge of both normal developmental processes and potential psychological challenges that may arise during childhood and adolescence, preparing students to become competent scientist-practitioners in the field.The curriculum includes four mandatory courses, covering the essential elements of child and adolescent psychology. These practically-oriented courses require students to engage directly with young people, under guidance from the program staff, in order to gain hands-on experience. Students develop skills in assessment, intervention, counselling, and research, learning to apply scientific insights in real-world settings.Internships are an integral part of the program. Students complete a standard 10-ECTS internship, gaining practical or research experience while familiarising themselves with the professional activities of a psychologist. Dutch-speaking students have access to internships in professional institutions within the Netherlands, while English-speaking students may pursue an Internal Practical Internship at Leiden University or seek opportunities in their home country or another English-speaking country, though this may extend the duration of the program. Students can also opt for a 20-ECTS External Internship, which provides additional professional training and is particularly suited for those aiming to qualify for a postmaster program in Health Care Psychology.The master’s thesis serves as the culminating project of the program, allowing students to explore a child- or adolescent-related topic in depth. Students may collect new data or use existing rich datasets provided by staff researchers, gaining experience in all phases of empirical research. By combining coursework, internships, and thesis work, the program ensures that graduates acquire a balanced mix of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and research expertise, fully preparing them for professional careers or further study in child and adolescent psychology.