Parenting and Child Development (MSc)

Admission requirements

General diploma requirements

Holders of one of the following degrees may be admitted to one of the specialisations of the programme:

• a Bachelor’s degree Pedagogische Wetenschappen from Leiden University;
• a research (i.e. not a professional) Bachelor’s degree programme in the field of Education and Child Studies, provided this programme contains (1) at least 20 ec in research methods and statistics of social and behavioral sciences and the use of data analyse software, and (2) at least 60 ec in Education and Child or Education and Child Studies relevant subjects.
• Also admitted may be those who have successfully completed the Pre-master’s programme Pedagogische Wetenschappen (taught in Dutch) from Leiden University.
• the Board of Admissions of the Institute of Education and Child Studies may, on request, admit persons to the Master’s programme who do not meet the requirements specified above, but who can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Board of Admissions that they possess the same level of knowledge, understanding and skills as holders of a degree specified above, and possibly under further conditions.

Language requirements

In accordance with the Code of Conduct on the Language of Instruction and Examination the languages of instruction and examination in the Master’s degree programme are: 

• English (for the specialisations Applied Neuroscience in Human Development; Parenting and Child Development; Educational Science; Digital Media in Human Development and Learning Problems and Impairments-international track);
• Dutch (for the specialisations Orthopedagogiek; Forensische Gezinspedagogiek; Leerproblemen en Kinderen met Leer- en Gedragsproblemen in het Onderwijs).

Master specialisations in English

An applicant who wishes to be admitted to the English-taught specialisations of the Master’s programme Education and Child Studies (i.e. Applied Neuroscience in Human Development, Parenting and Child Development, Digital Media in Human Development, Educational Science and Learning Problems and Impairments: international track) must be proficient in English. The following requirements apply*:

• IELTS 6.5, where each separate constituent score must be at least 6.0;
• TOEFL (internet-based) 90, where each separate constituent score must be at least 20.

Note that these guidelines for test scores refer to the minimum level of English that is admissible. However, language understanding and fluency is an important determining factor for success in this MSc programme. It enables you to critically evaluate arguments, actively participate in lectures and workgroups, and express ideas clearly both verbally and in writing. Moreover, it is crucial for conducting original research, analyzing data, and engaging with scholarly literature. Therefore, students who meet only the minimum required test scores may encounter some difficulties in the programme. If you experienced trouble getting through the test, we highly recommend that you strengthen your English abilities before starting the programme.

Detailed information about English language proficiency 

For detailed information about which English qualifications are accepted, as well as the relevant exemption criteria, refer to English language proficiency. 

*Please note: You do not have to submit proof of proficiency if you have completed your education in Canada (except French-taught programmes in Canada), USA, UK, Ireland, New Zealand or Australia, or when you hold an English-taught International Baccalaureate, or for Dutch students, if you have completed VWO level English or a English taught bachelor at a Dutch Research University.

Master specialisations in Dutch

An applicant who is not a native Dutch speaker and who wishes to be admitted to the Dutch-taught specialisations of the Master’s programme Education and Child Studies (i.e. Forensische Gezinspedagogiek, Kinderen met Leer- en Gedragsproblemen in het Onderwijs, Leerproblemen en Orthopedagogiek) must have passed TUL-gevorderd.