School Psychology (MSc)
In the specialisation School Psychology, part of the Master in Psychology, you will learn how to create positive learning environments to support talent development and potential for learning as well as practical clinical skills for all students, regardless of their intellectual or mental states.
Part of
Mental Health Care psychology
This specialisation may qualify students for the Dutch post-master training programme in Mental Health Care (MHC) psychology (GZ-opleiding), depending on their choices in the bachelor’s and master’s programme. The Dutch post-master training programme in Mental Health Care (MHC) psychology (GZ-opleiding) is only available in Dutch.
More information about Mental Health Care psychology >
Vanessa Malmedy
How would I describe your fellow students?
'We are a small but mighty group from all over the world. We come together to share laughter...
...advice, experiences and, of course, soup at our weekly Soup Club after class. Everyone is different, which makes for a wonderful mix.'
Jessica van der Neut
What does an average study week look like for you?
'We follow two courses at the same time, each with one class per week that...
... alternates between lectures and workgroups. I’ve also begun my thesis, so I have regular thesis meetings as well.'
What does this master programme entail?
Leiden University is the only Dutch university that offers a full master’s specialisation in School Psychology. A unique feature of our programme is the mix of a focus on supporting all school pupils to do well academically and emotionally as well as a focus on youths with special needs (e.g., behavior or learning difficulties).
This master's specialisation was first offered in 2016-2017. It responds to and prepares our students for a number of recent changes in the care for children and adolescents. In many countries, schools are increasingly being held responsible for an optimal development of all students, including those with special needs. In the Netherlands, new legislation concerning Inclusive Education (‘Wet op Passend Onderwijs’) and Youth Care (‘Jeugdwet’) has been passed. It is to be expected that schools (primary and secondary) will consult or hire more specialists, such as school psychologists, in order to meet the criteria for inclusive education, for teacher training, and for developing school policy.
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Watch the video on the original website orWhy study School Psychology at Leiden University?
• Leiden University is the only institution in the Netherlands where you can study this master specialisation.
• A broad perspective is offered, by not only focussing on the learning experience of students, but also on those who encounter problems. Therefore you will work with students, parents, teachers and other institutions, which makes it a very diverse workfield.
• School psychologists are internationally recognised as crucial key figures within education, who dedicate themselves to policy and training, but also to diagnostics and student guidance.
• In the Netherlands, the demand for psychologists who are specialised in education is increasing, because of (new) legislations that are currently being implemented, such as the law for Inclusive Education ('de Wet op Passend Onderwijs') and the Youth Care Law ('Jeugdwet').
Is School Psychology the programme for you?
School Psychology could be the right program for you, if:
- You enjoy working with children or adolescents.
- You have an eye for the bigger picture, but are also capable of providing care at an individual level.
- You are capable of or are interested in integrating psychological, administrative and legal knowledge for good work results.
Mental Health Care Psychology
Mental Health Care psychology in the Netherlands
In the Dutch health care system, only MHC psychologists (GZ-psychologen) are licensed to practice psychology unsupervised. ‘GZ-psycholoog’ is a legally protected professional title in Dutch health care, registered in the BIG-register. MHC psychologists are generalists who can work in several different settings, for example private practices, somatic health care (medical psychology), psychiatry, institutions for disabled people, forensic psychology, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centres.
To become a licensed MHC psychologist in The Netherlands, you need to complete a 2-year post-master training programme (GZ-opleiding). The programme consists of a theoretical part (20%) and a practical part (80%). The latter requires a job position under supervision of a licenced MHC psychologist-teacher. Vacancies for this programme are scarce and only a minority of master graduates manages to get into the programme. Although it is hard, it is not impossible.
After graduating from one of our five clinical specialisations including a 20 EC clinical internship, you meet the entry requirements of the post-master MHC training programme. Each specialisation ensures you have the required theoretical background and basic diagnostic skills. Within each specialisation, students need to opt for the 560-hour (20 EC) clinical internship in order to meet the entry requirements regarding practical training. Please note that these internship positions are scarce and there is a lot of competition between students applying for these positions.
Students who are not fluent in Dutch are unlikely to find a clinical internship position in The Netherlands. An alternative option is to find a clinical internship abroad. For international students who wish to pursue a career in MHC in their home country, it is recommended to find an internship where they can speak their native language. International students who wish to do an internship in The Netherlands are advised to apply for a 10 EC internship, for example in research, or apply for the Internal Practical Internship. For more information, please contact the internship coordinator of your preferred specialisation.
How current students can prepare for the post-master MHC training
When applying for the GZ-opleiding, you need to prove that you fulfil all entry requirements by showing the LOGO-verklaring. Please see the website for the application process and all requirements. One of them is having a certificate stating that you have sufficient skills in diagnostics, the Verklaring Psychodiagnostiek. You can acquire this certificate after a clinical (20 EC) internship covering diagnostic cases. Qualified internship supervisors (as specified on the form) can sign the certificate. Another requirement is a declaration of your theoretical knowledge, the Verklaring Vooropleiding. If you graduate from one of our MCH specialisations and have completed a 20 EC clinical internship, all theoretical requirements are covered. You can have the certificate signed by study adviser Jack Wiltjer.