COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master’s specialisation in School Psychology at Leiden University offers a comprehensive program designed to train students as scientist-practitioners in educational and developmental psychology. The curriculum provides a balance of mandatory courses, practical experience, and research training, preparing graduates to support learning, talent development, and mental health in educational settings.Students complete four mandatory courses covering the core elements of School Psychology. These courses equip students with theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and evidence-based intervention strategies relevant to diverse learning environments. In addition, students undertake an internship, which can range from 10 to 20 ECTS. The internship provides hands-on experience or research practice, allowing students to engage directly with professional activities such as diagnostics, interventions, counselling, and coaching in schools or related educational institutions. International students can pursue internal practical internships or research internships, while Dutch students may also complete internships abroad. All internships require prior approval from the internship coordinator to ensure alignment with learning objectives.The program culminates in a master’s thesis, offering students the opportunity to conduct empirical research in a school psychology-related topic. Thesis projects can be aligned with the research interests of staff members, covering areas such as brain development and cognitive growth, emotional regulation in children and adolescents, cognitive-intellectual abilities and dynamic testing, and social anxiety and school refusal. Students may work with existing datasets or collect new data, gaining experience with all phases of empirical research.Educational methods include lectures, seminars, practical assignments, and supervised research, ensuring students develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and professional competencies. The program also emphasises the scientist-practitioner model, integrating academic research with practical application in educational settings.