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Master of Psychology: Theory and Research (Leuven)

Master of Science
The research masters programme aims at guiding students to become independent researchers in
psychological science. The faculty offers a challenging and dynamic study environment with research-based
education in close interaction with internationally renowned researchers.
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Master of Psychology: Theory and Research (120 ECTS) Key information

Location
Leuven

Ects + duration
Education 120 ECTS (2 years full-time)

Educational level
What's the Master of Psychology all about? Master’s
The programme of the Master of Psychology: Theory and Research aims to guide students to become independent Academic calendar
researchers in psychological science through: 1st semester: end of September -> end
a thorough training in statistics and research methodology of January (exams in January)

the in-depth study of the basic disciplines of psychology, supplemented with a specialization in subdisciplines like 2nd semester: half of February -> end
neuroscience, perception, cognition and language, emotion, social and cross-cultural psychology, learning psychology, of June (exams in June)
quantitative psychology, and so on.
KU Leuven academic calendar
In addition to individual and group-based coursework, students become immersed in ongoing multidisciplinary research at
the faculty. Applying
Application deadline
Hands-on expertise
1 March (for non-EEA citizens)
1 June (for EEA citizens)
Master’s thesis: You conduct independent psychological research in line with your own interests. Topics can range
from fundamental to applied and frequently lead to publication in scientific peer-reviewed journals. How to apply
Internship: You complete an internship (120 days) at one of our faculty research groups or one of many top www.kuleuven.be/application
universities and institutes worldwide.
Tuition fee 2018-2019
International internship €922.30 for all students

Most recent information on

Acknowledging the increasing importance of international research experience in scientific and career development, www.kuleuven.be/tuitionfees
students may complete their internship at one of the research groups of the Faculty of Psychology and Educational
Sciences at KU Leuven, or they can complete part or all of their internship outside Leuven. Internship coordinators and Chat with our students
faculty members help students locate and arrange internships at international research groups around the world. Student Ambassadors
Our students have conducted their internships at top universities and institutes worldwide, including:

University of Cambridge (UK) Open days

University of Oxford (UK) Meet us in Belgium
Meet us abroad
University of Melbourne (AUS)
Stanford University (USA) Brochure
Rutgers University, New Jersey (USA) Download the brochure
Berkeley University (USA) Request the brochure
Tübingen Max Planck instituut (GER)
Programme website
University of Göttingen (GER)
Visit the programme's website
University of Copenhagen (DAN)

Application deadline for 2019-2020

1 March 2019 (for non-EEA citizens)

1 June 2019 (for EEA citizens)

KU Leuven uses an online application system. You can download and submit your application form via
www.kuleuven.be/application. Students with a Flemish degree can consult www.kuleuven.be/inschrijven.

Tuition Fee

The current tuition fee is € 922.30. The tuition fee for the 2019-2020 academic year will be determined in the spring of
2019. Please consult the website for the most recent information: www.kuleuven.be/tuitionfees.

Master mind

Excellent students who are eligible for a Master Mind Scholarship are invited to submit their application before 1
February 2019.
 Profile

Is this the right programme for me?

As a future scientist you are driven by your interest in the human mind and human behavior. You are fascinated by
theoretical and methodological issues such as the relationship between brain functioning, behavior, emotion and cognition;
understanding the functions of the human mind, memory and learning processes, the causes, effects and treatment of
psychopathology etc.

The Master of Science in Psychology: Theory and Research welcomes motivated and inspired students who aim for a
research career in psychological, social, or behavioral sciences.

To be eligible and to ensure an optimal match with the programme, the following selection criteria apply:

holder of a Bachelor or Master’s degree in Psychology or in the field of science and technology (for a list of Dutch
language degrees that qualify, see below)
a solid background in statistics and research methods
an affinity with psychological research
English language proficiency
We have selected a few MOOCS (massive online open courses) which are suitable for students who are unsure about
their basic knowledge of mathematics, statistics and introduction to R.

So far, I am really enjoying the academic atmosphere at the

Faculty of Psychology. The topics discussed are interesting
and up-to-date. The professors and classmates are open-
minded and friendly. Simply put, I feel welcomed, listened
to, encouraged and supported.
(student)

Admission requirements

admission requirements Master of Psychology: Theory and Research

Career perspectives

Career perspectives
The primary purpose of the Master of Psychology: Theory and Research is to prepare students to pursue a PhD project.
Many of our graduates go on to pursue academic careers at top universities. The programme also provides a solid
background for international careers in a variety of other settings, such as:

scientific research and policy functions in research institutes

somatic and mental health treatment institutions
centres for educational research and counselling
insurance providers
government agencies
pharmaceutical, food, and medical technology industries.

Before coming to Leuven I was a tad hesitant about trading

in my Dutch roots for Belgian adventures; boy was I wrong!
Leuven is a beautiful city and its Belgian inhabitants, albeit
a bit shy at first, have proven to be amazing friends and
colleagues. I have taken great joy in exploring the wide
plethora of topics within research psychology and the
corresponding professors, who are both delightfully well-
versed and approachable – two qualities I greatly appreciate
in academia. Writing the thesis and doing an internship
offer terrific opportunities for delving deeper into topics of
your choice and do a great job of unveiling what Theory &
Research is all about: further developing knowledge/skills,
learning to enjoy a hard day’s work, and simply being
amazed by the intricacies of psychology – all the while
sharing this with stimulating peers!
(alumnus)

Start your career, during your studies

During your bachelor's and master's programme you can already shape your own profile by choosing a certain
specialisation, studying abroad (Erasmus), doing a work placement, or starting your own business.

The Student Career Centre is happy to put you on the right track towards your first work experience. The centre also
coaches you in the search for an interesting job and helps you with job interviews. For students wanting to start their own
business KU Leuven also has Lcie, the KU Leuven community that encourages students with innovative and
entrepreneurial ideas.

Don’t know where to start? The Student Career Centre's databases contain offers for jobs, volunteer work, innovation
projects and student jobs. You can also visit one of the events organised by the Career Centre.

Contact

Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences

Dekenstraat 2 box 3700
3000 LEUVEN, Belgium

Visit the programme's website.

General
Study Advice Service
Naamsestraat 80 box 5415
3000 LEUVEN, Belgium
To contact us, please complete the contact form on our website.

Objectives

The program of the Research master "Master of Psychology: Theory and Research" aims to guide students to become
independent researchers in psychological science through the realization of two objectives: (a) a thorough training in
statistics and research methodology, and (b) the in-depth study of the basic disciplines of psychology, supplemented with
a specialization in perception, cognition and language, emotion, cross-cultural psychology, neuroscience, learning
psychology, or in quantitative psychology. Students become acquainted with recent multidisciplinary research at the
Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences (KU Leuven). Throughout the master's thesis and internship, students
gain thorough hands-on expertise in performing empirical research in psychology.

https://ppw.kuleuven.be/home/english/future-students/master-of-psychology-theory-and-research

General objectives

1. Students will acquire advanced knowledge of the basic domains of psychological research. They will understand how
research results are established, from the conception of research questions to the dissemination of results.

2. Students will become proficient to gather relevant information from the research literature, critically evaluate information,
and actively use this information to generate novel research and theory. They will learn how to deal with questions about
psychological functioning in an independent and scientific way. This will involve analyzing concrete problems, asking
critical questions, designing and implementing appropriate methodologies and interventions, and developing well-
reasoned arguments about their social views.

3. Students will be prepared to independently develop their skills in psychology as a science and as an evidence-based
practice.

General learning outcomes

1. Students can gain insight in theory and research in the basic domains of psychology and their chosen areas of
specialization.

2. Students can critically examine scientific developments in psychology and argue their scientific views and decisions.
They can apply this knowledge the analysis of specific psychological problems.

3. Students know and understand the methodology of behavioral science research, both in terms of general principles and
data analysis, its potential and limitations. They can apply this knowledge both in the processing of their own research
data and in the critical reading of that of others.

4. Students acquire a general scientific attitude, effective communication and reporting skills, personal maturity and
sensitivity to ethical and moral issues associated with psychology and the scientific profession.

Online application instructions for Bachelor or Master Students; Postgraduate students; International Scholars or
Specialisation Students: http://www.kuleuven.be/application/instructions.html

Direct:

When allowed:
 Specifieke lerarenopleiding gedragswetenschappen (Leuven)

Access after preparatory, bridging or abridged programme :

Specifieke lerarenopleiding gedragswetenschappen (Leuven), after taking Master in de psychologie (verkort
programma) (Leuven)
Master in de seksuologie (Leuven), after taking Master in de psychologie (verkort programma) (Leuven)
Voorbereidingsprogramma: Master in het overheidsmanagement en -beleid (Leuven), after taking Master in de
psychologie (verkort programma) (Leuven)

Admission requirements

Master of Psychology: Theory and Research (Leuven)

In the context of the wellbeing law certain data must be stored for each student and they must be informed timely on the
subject of:

the risks to which the student is exposed during the study programme (practicals, traineeships, master's theses,…)
the associated preventive measures for each risk, such as medical follow-up, personal protective equipment and
instructions.
The risks and preventive measures are collected in the HSE-file for students. Through this link you can consult the HSE-
file. The HSE-file will be used for traineeships and/or master’s theses. For more information about traineeships, we refer to
the following site: traineeship.. For questions, please contact the HSE Department.

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