COURSE CURRICULUM

The Social and Organisational Psychology specialisation in the Master’s program in Psychology at Leiden University offers a comprehensive and flexible curriculum designed to combine theoretical knowledge with practical research experience. The program includes four mandatory courses that cover the essential theories, methods, and issues in social and organisational psychology, providing students with a solid foundation for advanced study and applied practice.A 15 ECTS internship is an integral part of the program, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in their area of interest. During the internship, students engage in professional or research activities that connect scientific insights with practical applications, developing skills in research design, data collection, and analysis. The internship can be supplemented with two elective courses, giving students the freedom to tailor their learning to personal interests and career goals.The master’s thesis represents the culmination of the program. Students explore a social and organisational psychology topic in depth, gaining experience in all phases of empirical research. Depending on available resources, students may either collect new data or work with large, existing datasets. Thesis topics are often linked to faculty research projects, enabling students to contribute to ongoing studies while developing their own expertise.Educational methods in the program include lectures that connect theory to real-world examples, small work group sessions fostering discussion and in-depth analysis, and practical sessions focused on skill development such as interviewing, observation, and the use of statistical software. Online learning tools, including peer review, mock exams, and recorded lectures, further support student engagement and skill acquisition.Graduates of the Social and Organisational Psychology specialisation are well-equipped for careers in research, consultancy, organisational development, policy-making, and other professional roles where understanding human behaviour and organisational dynamics is critical. The program also provides a strong foundation for pursuing a PhD, preparing students to conduct independent research and contribute to the advancement of social and organisational psychology knowledge.