COURSE CURRICULUM

The Clinical Psychology master’s specialisation at Leiden University is designed to provide students with a strong theoretical foundation and essential practical skills for clinical psychology research, assessment, and interventions. The program focuses on acquiring the knowledge and competencies required for the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychopathology, while also training students in advanced research methods. Through participation in clinical psychology research projects, students develop expertise that prepares them not only for professional practice but also for further academic pursuits, including a PhD.The curriculum includes four mandatory courses that cover the indispensable areas of clinical psychology. Alongside coursework, students are required to complete an internship of either 10 or 20 ECTS. A 10-ECTS internship provides practical or research experience and must be supplemented with two elective courses. For those aiming to qualify for postmaster training in Health Care Psychology, a Clinical Practical Internship of 20 ECTS is available. This longer internship allows students to practice diagnostic, counselling, and intervention skills within healthcare institutions. However, such placements are limited, competitive, and often extend beyond the one-year timeframe, as many institutions in the Netherlands offer internships lasting six to eight months. International students may pursue research internships at Leiden or seek placements in their home countries or other English-speaking contexts, while Dutch-speaking students have broader opportunities within the Netherlands.The program concludes with a master’s thesis, regarded as the culmination of the student’s academic training. The thesis provides an opportunity to explore a clinical psychology-related topic in depth, engaging with all phases of empirical research. Some students may conduct original studies, while others may use existing datasets made available by staff. Research themes vary yearly and align with the expertise of Leiden’s academic staff, ensuring that students can contribute to current and innovative work in the field. This balance of coursework, research, and professional practice equips graduates for both clinical roles and academic careers.