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Education Bachelor's degree programmes Psychology (EN)
Header image Psychology (EN)

Psychology (EN)

Are you ready for the many challenges of studying behaviour, awareness and the brain? Then this study will suit you, for psychology pervades all forms of human activity.

As a psychologist you deal with human behaviour and development in many fields, including psychological treatment, education, work place, sports, environment, traffic, health, media, and more. In clinical professions, for example, you are concerned with the treatment of people with emotional or behavioural disorders or supporting patients with neurological deficits. Developmental issues are central to clinical work as well, since origins of maladaptive behaviour often lie in early childhood.

In our bachelor programme:

  • you learn about theories of the biological, cognitive, social and environmental factors influencing behaviour;
  • you obtain basic communicational and diagnostic skills necessary for work in practice;
  • you are trained to get an in-depth focus on the methodological and statistical knowledge and skills essential for scientific research;
  • you learn to reflect on scientific theory in psychology;
  • you learn to reflect on your own development as a psychologist;
  • you have the possibility to focus on a domain of your own interest and that fits best with the track in your future Master programme.


You can take the Bachelor of Psychology also in Dutch. The content of both programmes is the same. However, there may be slight differences in the elective courses offered.

In English-language Bachelor of Psychology all courses are taught in English. If you have sufficient proficiency in Dutch, it is also possible to take elective courses that are offered exclusively in Dutch. In the Dutch-language Bachelor Psychologie all mandatory courses are taught in Dutch. The elective courses in the third year can be taught in either Dutch or English.

Facts & Figures
Degree
BSc in Psychology
Course type
Bachelor
Duration
36 months (180 ECTS)
Croho code
56604
Language of instruction
English
Start
September
Faculty
Behavioural and Social Sciences
Studie in Cijfers
Why study this programme in Groningen?
  • the Psychology department in Groningen is ranked #41 in the world according to World University Rankings 2020
  • very broad programme based on recognized and versatile expertise
  • easy access to the international world of research
  • learn from and interact with an international group of students and instructors
  • strong emphasis on integration research results
  • the faculty offers Buddy Support: current students help new students get adjusted to life in Groningen
Programme

The first year courses will introduce you to

  • general psychology
  • biological psychology
  • developmental psychology
  • personality psychology
  • social psychology
  • methods of research and statistics
  • history and applications

The teaching of skills takes place in small groups under the guidance of a teacher/mentor and focuses on:

  • acquiring basic academic skills (reading, presenting, writing, study skills)
  • applying statistical knowledge and research methods
  • learning professional methods of interviewing and the mastering of group dynamics
Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
A Theoretical Introduction to Research Methods
Introduction to psychology
Statistics I A
Academic skills
A practical introduction to research methods
History of Psychology
Statistics I B
Developmental psychology
Social and cross-cultural psychology
Dialogue and group skills
Biopsychology
Personality and individual differences

The classes are subdivided in various professional areas of psychologists:

  • work, organizational and personnel psychology
  • cognitive psychology
  • clinical psychology
  • clinical neuropsychology
  • environment and social behaviour

Statistics, test theory, and research methodology are taught and in a practical form. You will be taught in small groups how to set up, describe, analyse and present a simple research project. Administering tests and the handling of diagnostics are highlighted during the practicals on professional skills.

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Cognitive Psychology (optional)
Introduction to Clinical Neuropsychology (optional)
Test theory
Communication and diagnostic skills
Statistics II
Clinical psychology
Psychology in the workplace
Research methods: theory and ethics
Social environment and behaviour
Research practicum
Statistics III
Working with Psychology
Theory of Science

The first two years are the same for everyone and they have a broad orientation. You can now compose your courses to prepare optimally for on of the specializations of our master programmes. You can choose from many other courses within the field of psychology or from a different context, even at foreign universities.

Important in this year is the bachelor thesis: an academic report about your own research project supervised by a staff member. During the writing of the thesis you can combine the knowledge that you have gained during your studies with statistical, diagnostic and methodological skills.

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Cognitive Psychology
Controversies in Psychology
Deception in clinical settings
Experimental skills
Group dynamics
Introduction to Clinical Neuropsychology
Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods
Psychopatholog symp. classif. and diagn.
Sport and performance psychology
The social psychology of communication
Traffic psychology and sustained mobility
Well-being at work
Teaching skills
Bachelorthese
Independent Societal Project
Literature study
Teaching and Mentoring in Psychology
Consumer and economic psychology
Human error
Interventions in individual development
Introduction to cognitive behavioural therapies
Mass psychology
Neuropsychology of Ageing and Dementia
Organizational development and change
Perception
Philosophy of Psychology
Social influence
Statistical solutions to research problems in psychology
Understanding Psychopathology
Capita Selecta Forensic Psychology
Clinical Neuropsychology
Cognition and Attention
Cognitive behavioural processes across disorders: A transdiagnostic approach
Conflict management
Intergroup relations
Programming for psychologists
School Neuropsychology: Mind, Brain & Education
Social cognition and affect
Dynamic skills in groups
Brain, Consciousness and Society
Capita Selecta Human Sexology
Cognitive neuroscience
Developmental Neuropsychology
Diagnosis and assessment
Interpersonal relations
Personnel Psychology
Programme options
University of Groningen Honours College (track)

The Honours College will give talented, motivated students the chance to be challenged even more by following Honours programmes and taking part in numerous other activities.

The Honours College comprises a broadening part and a deepening part and has a study load of 45 ECTS credit points besides the 180 ECTS credit points from your regular Bachelor programme.

More information about this option

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is optional

The programme offers the possibility to do a minor at a foreign university.

Entry requirements

Admissible Dutch diploma profiles

  • VWO Natuur & Techniek
  • VWO Natuur & Gezondheid
  • VWO Economie & Maatschappij
  • VWO Cultuur & Maatschappij
  • HBO propedeuse

    There are additional requirements for students with a hbo-propedeuse. For more informatie see https://www.rug.nl/gmw/education/voorwaarde-hbo-propedeuse.

  • academic propedeuse

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
knowledge minimum

All Dutch students are obliged to have mathematics in their secondary education. This is essential for several topics, and most evident for Statistics, which occupies a large place in the Bachelor's degree.

other admission requirements

Selection procedure
The University of Groningen has a numerus fixus for the bachelor's program in Psychology. This means that only a limited number of students (600) can be admitted. The available places are assigned through a selection procedure. See the page https://rug.nl/psychologyselection for more information.

Numerus Fixus

This programme has a numerus fixus with a maximum of 600 attendees a year.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students15 January 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students15 January 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students15 January 202501 September 2025

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

If you hold an EU secondary school diploma comparable to a Dutch vwo-diploma you are admissible. You can find out what the entry requirements are here: https://www.rug.nl/education/application-enrolment-tuition-fees/admission/procedures/application-informatie/with-non-dutch-diploma/entry-requirements/bachelor-entry-requirements/vwo-equivalent-qualifications.

A rule-of-thumb for students holding an EU-diploma (no rights may be derived from this): If your diploma gives admittance to academic universities in the country of origin of your diploma, then it also gives admittance to universities in the Netherlands.

knowledge minimum

All Dutch students are obliged to have mathematics in their secondary education. This is essential for several topics, and most evident for Statistics, which occupies a large place in the Bachelor's degree. It is strongly recommended that you have taken mathematics throughout your high school career.

language test

Non-native English speakers must provide evidence of satisfactory results for one of the standard tests. For an overview, please see https://www.rug.nl/gmw/psychology/education/bachelor/aanmelding-en-toelating/

other admission requirements

Selection procedure
The University of Groningen has a numerus fixus for the bachelor's program in Psychology. This means that only a limited number of students (600) can be admitted. The available places are assigned through a selection procedure. See the page https://rug.nl/psychologyselection for more information.

Numerus Fixus

This programme has a numerus fixus with a maximum of 600 attendees a year.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students15 January 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students15 January 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students15 January 202501 September 2025
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2023-2024€ 2314full-time
non-EU/EEA2023-2024€ 11200full-time
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 13100full-time

Practical information for:

After your studies

With the Bachelor's degree in Psychology, you are well prepared for a subsequent study in Psychology. Have you already thought about a specific master? Then take a good look at the (additional) requirements. For some tracks of our own Master's in Psychology additional conditions may apply on top of the Bachelor's degree in Psychology. At the bottom of this page, you find other master's programmes that are in line with the Bachelor's degree in Psychology.
NB In the course of time the offer of masters/tracks may change. At the moment there are only a limited number of places in the Master's programme in Psychology.

Career services BSS
Where do you want to work after your studies? You can contact Career Services already during your studies. They will help you orientate on your career, develop your skills, apply for jobs and find an internship.

Job prospects

Psychologists get into jobs where thorough knowledge of human possibilities and constraints is important. For instance a job in mental health care. You should think of assistance or therapy. Psychologists can also work in business or in organizations. For example, they are used to recruit new staff, in coaching or training. Finally, it is possible to find yourself in research institutes or universities.

Job examples

  • Forensic psychologist
  • Student psychologist
  • Vocational and organizational expert
  • Sport psychologist
  • Prevention officer
  • Market researcher
  • Career and organizational consultant
  • Communication advisor
  • Traffic psychologist
  • Marketing consultant
  • Cognitive ergonomist
  • Policy researcher
  • Information officer
Research

Psychological research at this university is done at the Heymans Institute, called after the founding father of psychology in the Netherlands. The versatility of its research, ranging from fundamental to very practical, manifests itself in the seven research programmes of the institute. Quite a few staff members, whom you may have met as a teacher already, participate in these programmes.

Researchers within Psychology

To help you orientate on psychological research, this site periodically highlights three researchers from different subfields of psychology. We hope these web pages present interesting information and may inspire you to gather some ideas for a topic for a master thesis.

Projecten van prof.dr. M.M. (Monicque) Lorist
Projecten van prof.dr. T.T. (Tom) Postmes
Projecten van dr. B.D. (Brian) Ostafin

Mindwise

Staff and students write in a personal capacity about psychological research and education in Groningen, and express their opinions on current affairs based on their expertise. Here you can get a good idea of research conducted in the expertise fields based on current topics.

Mindwise blogs written by members of the expertise fields:
Experimental Psychology | Organizational Psychology | Environmental Psychology | Social Psychology | Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology | Theory and History of Psychology | Developmental Psychology | Psychometrics and Statistics | Clinical Neuropsychology


Apply nowBrochureEventsContact
Student for a day - PsychologyGrote Kruisstraat 2More information
Bachelor's Open DayBroerstraat 5More information

Contact

  • Study Advisors Psychology (about the programme, enrollment, studying)
    Email: studyadvice.psy rug.nl
  • Admission Office (Contact form) (for students with a non-Dutch diploma)
  • Gmw Roosters
  • Student Ambassadors Psychology (Would you like to know something about studying Psychology from a student expert by experience?)
    Email: studyinformation.bss rug.nl
  • 
						Testimonial of student Anthony Pinakoulakis

    There are so many things waiting to be discovered and so many questions to be answered. A truly fascinating field to study!

    – student Anthony Pinakoulakis
    Read more

    My name is Anthony Pinakoulakis, I am 21 years old and I come from Crete, a wonderful island located in Southern Greece. Moreover, I am a second-year Psychology student at the University of Groningen.

    Why did you choose the University of Groningen?
    Groningen is an ideal student city, as it offers everything that an international student can ask for. It has a large student population; therefore, you can find all kinds of activities. At the same time, however, the city is small and cosy enough to feel part of it. Furthermore, the university has a great reputation, especially in Psychology, where it consistently ranks within the top 50 programmes in the world.

    Why did you choose Psychology?
    I am fascinated by the human mind, the brain and human behaviour. In fact, we know so much, yet so little about these topics. Why do we dream? How can we improve memory? What does it mean to be self-actualized? There are so many questions that still have to be answered. The field of Psychology is like a fertile crop that has not yet been harvested. There are so many things waiting to be discovered and so many questions to be answered. A truly fascinating field to study!

    What skills do you acquire as a student at the University of Groningen?
    Over the course of my studies at the University of Groningen, an essential skill that I have developed is time management. Because the Dutch system focuses less on lectures and more on self-study, students are responsible for creating their own study schedule and sticking to it. In addition, my communication skills have also improved. The university’s culture has played an important role in that, through exposing me to an environment that includes people from a variety of different cultures and backgrounds. Being able to meet with other people and socialize will definitely be a useful skill in the future.

    What are your plans after graduation?
    Forensic Psychology is my favourite field within the discipline; therefore, I would like to study it on a Master’s level. Furthermore, I want to gain some experience through internships and volunteer work. My long term goal is to join an international law enforcement agency like Interpol and work on the departments of crimes against children or counter-terrorism.

    My advice to those considering studying in Groningen.
    To summarize, Groningen is an excellent place study. As a city, it is large enough to have many things going on and small enough to feel part of it. It has approximately 60,000 students and an excellent academic institution. If you choose to study here, you will probably not regret it. Just make sure you bring along a warm coat, as you will certainly need it!

    Close
  • 
						Testimonial of student Mariam Ali

    This university is the ideal place to study. You get to learn so much not just academically but also different cultures and interacting with your peers.

    – student Mariam Ali
    Read more

    My name is Mariam Ali and I am 33 years old originally from Lahore, one of the larger cities of Pakistan. I am a third-year Psychology bachelor student.

    For me, serious interest in studying Psychology developed from one of my recent jobs in Dubai. I was working for the recruitment department where I came to know about the different applications of Psychology to different fields such as HR, recruitment etc.

    What goes on in the human mind has always fascinated me. Psychology is a study of mind and human behavior. Mind is a powerful concept which entails feelings, thoughts, awareness, reasoning etc. All these processes are very essential to us humans and exploring the difference between mind and brain and how these processes work for different people interests me the most. Being a psychology student, I have learnt how psychologists throughout the world strive hard to empirically prove and test their theories. This is what makes Psychology the science of human mind and behavior.

    I finally chose the University of Groningen as I found out that it is one of the best-ranked universities, especially in the department of Psychology. After coming to Groningen, I fell in love with the city due to such a diverse culture and full of young and vibrant people who are open to people from very different cultures like myself. Another thing that I love about the city is the amazing biking culture which I quickly got used to and biking is also one of my favorite past times now.

    I already had a very good idea about the University of Groningen as it is a known fact that dutch universities are very well organized and equipped with the best facilities for the students. When I started my studies I realized that the students are encouraged to do a lot of self-studying and work independently. There is a great mix between having to attend lectures with hundreds of students together and also working in small groups like our weekly practicals with a student mentor which is where I got an opportunity to make many friends.

    My advice to those who are still thinking about studying at the University of Groningen is that this university is the ideal place to study. You get to learn so much not just academically but also different cultures and interacting with your peers, colleagues etc. The studies are designed to make you a true professional right from the start and lets you explore your capabilities.

    Close
  • 
						Testimonial of student Janis Mjartans

    As a little kid I was already interested in moral reasoning.

    – student Janis Mjartans
    Read more

    My name is Janis Mjartans. I am currently 22 years old and I just finished my bachelor's in Psychology. I was born in Prague and grew up in a multicultural environment - that was probably one of the reasons I felt at home in Groningen, which is a diverse city.

    Anything associated with us humans is related to psychology, making it a relevant topic nowadays. Especially with the rise of advanced technology, it is crucial to understand how our minds work, so we can use and develop these systems efficiently. As a little kid, I was already interested in moral reasoning, for example how we decide whether it's better to lie in a certain situation. All these processes of how we decide what is good or bad for ourselves, the environment, and others is a network of several psychological disciplines. In the end, psychology is everywhere. That’s why I decided to study Psychology, as I could then go into any other field after my studies.

    Next to that, the city and the high ranking of the programme were big factors in choosing to study Psychology in Groningen. As I grew up in a big city, Groningen was a good compromise between living in a familiar environment and a smaller city. I also knew some students who really liked the programme because of all the different disciplines it includes. This would allow me to find out what I actually like.

    One course I enjoyed was ‘Working with Psychology’. The course combined learning about different job directions in Psychology together with practical exercises such as group work and presentations. For example, we designed a new Nestor environment and explored how we could implement different features. At the end, we presented our plan and gave the reasons for our design and interface.

    For students who consider studying Psychology in Groningen, I would advise taking part in as many activities as possible. I really enjoyed the Diesweek introduction event which was organized by the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences at the start of the programme. During this event, you can meet people and make new friends within your programme. In addition, I joined the Erasmus Student Network (ESN), which allowed me to connect with people from other study programmes and different faculties.

    Close
  • 
						Testimonial of student Lisa Buhrig

    If you consider to study this programme my advice would be to believe in yourself and go for it.

    – student Lisa Buhrig
    Read more

    My name is Luisa and I am 21 years old. I’m from Germany and moved to Groningen in September last year. I’ve always been interested in people. When I was a teenager I was told that I was a good listener and I tried to help my friends by giving them advice. When it really came to choosing a study programme I knew that I wanted to study Psychology.

    One of the courses I am currently following is Dialogue and group skills. For this course we are supposed to gain communication skills in two-way conversations and in groups. For example we did a role play where one of the students was the interviewer and one the client. We learned how to use body language and to lead the conversation, what to do and not to do. It was so much fun!

    Another course I am following is Social Psychology. In this course we learn how to view ourselves and we learn about the importance of social comparison. I think this is really interesting because it is something you always can relate to in real-life. Back in the days there has been done a lot of research on this topic. It is nice that you still can gain knowledge for example from an article in 1980 about people falling in love.

    Before applying in Germany I considered studying the programme in the Netherlands. I thought it would be quite appealing to study the programme in English and thought going away from home would help me grow as a person. I also considered Enschede, Amsterdam and Utrecht but eventually decided to go to Groningen. When I first came here I just loved the city and heard good things about the university. I’m still very happy with my choice. Next to my studies I am also a member of the study association VIP. This is great because it allows you to meet new people already in the first week of the programme.

    If you consider to study this programme my advice would be to believe in yourself and go for it. There are so many people who don’t get into the programme and might think it is too hard because of statistics. Personally I was never very good at these topics in school, but in Groningen you get good guidance. I remember I was very uncertain about applying and now I know it is the best thing I've ever done.

    Close
  • 
						Testimonial of lecturer Laurent Krook

    Psychology ties in nicely with the concept of the Teaching Unit; you put it to good use anywhere.

    – lecturer Laurent Krook
    Read more

    I work at the Teaching Unit of the Psychology department. This means that I teach a selection of basic course units for the Bachelor's programme in psychology, both in English and Dutch.

    I teach four course units in three days, namely: research methods, Bachelor’s theses, research practice and mentor groups. I spend the other two days doing my own thing, unconnected with the Bachelor’s programme in psychology. I’m trying to focus on IT, to get more experience in programming, particularly in gathering and analysing data.

    I have a cross-faculty Research Master’s degree in Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience. My original plan was to pursue a PhD; I applied but nothing came of it. I then applied for a teaching position here and soon realized that I actually prefer teaching to conducting research.

    The thing I like about the course units I teach is that the department has a sort of omnipresence: every student must follow our course units. I teach students the basics of academic learning, academic writing skills, giving academic presentations or carrying out empirical research. This lays the foundations for an academic future, so that students can decide for themselves where their interests lie in the more specialized departments.

    Psychology ties in nicely with the concept of the Teaching Unit; you put it to good use anywhere. It’s a very broad concept, so it’s not only useful in psychology itself, but also in lots of smaller fields. Learning from each other about all the different disciplines and understanding the links between them is great fun. I think that for many people, a Bachelor’s degree in psychology together with a Master’s degree in a subject related to psychology forms a solid basis for a career. Psychology covers so much ground, whatever your specialization and whatever you plan to do.

    Prospective students can expect an international learning environment, as we teach the Bachelor’s programme in psychology in both English and Dutch. Students are given a lot of freedom; they can compile their own package of course units, and new initiatives and ideas are welcomed. Finally, they can look forward to living in a great, young, lively city.

    Close
  • 
						Testimonial of lecturer Don van Ravenzwaaij

    Statistics is the means that is used to help many different fields draw conclusions.

    – lecturer Don van Ravenzwaaij
    Read more

    I teach on the Bachelor's programme in Psychology and the Research Master's programme in Behavioural and Social Sciences. I teach the course units Statistics and Statistical Solutions to Problems in Psychology, which are English-taught.

    Just like so many other students, I started taking Statistics thinking that it was simply a compulsory hurdle I had to pass. As my studies progressed, however, I started to find it more and more fun. I discovered that statistics isn’t some abstract idea confined to the lecture hall but something you can use in daily life. One example is board games. While playing Risk I wondered how many armies I needed to defend myself properly. Thanks to first-year Statistics I realized that I could use statistics to work out what the optimum number was! I was using it not only for knowledge but in my everyday life.

    What are my research passions? My field actually acts as a kind of umbrella science – statistics is the means that is used to help many different fields draw conclusions. It is very important that it is done properly and I always try to make that clear to students. I think I succeed in the main – there are always fanatical students who want to continue in statistics.

    In the Psychology degree programme, Statistics is used for the social case studies we work with. In principle you can use statistics for just about everything, it’s simply the method you use that varies. Psychology is incredibly broad. You can research many different topics. For example, I have researched ‘speedy decision-making’ – how do people make decisions under time pressure? Psychology can be used to deal with many different themes, but when it comes down to it it’s all about ourselves.

    Compared with other psychology degrees in the Netherlands, the Groningen programme is very research-oriented. This means that students get a relatively broad training in statistics. The biggest advantage of this is that if your ambitions lie in academia, you’re in the right place.

    Close

Study associations

VIP

VIP is the study association for the Psychology students at the University of Groningen.
VIP organizes study-related and social activities. As a VIP-member, you receive a discount on study books as well as a discount on VIP activities. On this website, you can find more information about VIP, our events, committees, and the book sale.
https://www.vipsite.nl/
Read more
(Binding) study advice
  • A minimum of 45 EC in the first 12 months (binding)

You will be offered study advice after the first year of study. You can expect a positive result if you have earned more than 45 ECTS credit points (out of a total of 60 ECTS). If you have earned fewer than 45 ECTS and are issued a negative result, you will not be allowed to continue with your degree programme.

You will receive preliminary study advice in December to make sure that you know where you stand. Please contact your study advisor as soon as possible if you have any questions about the BSA system. N.B. Some degree programmes use a tutoring system; please check with your study advisor.

Study support

Our academic advisors inform and advise prospective students, students enrolled in one of our programmes, and alumni. You can turn to them with all kinds of questions, e.g. about the programme itself, study planning, choice of courses/minors, enrolment, rules and regulations that apply to a study programme, attending courses at other faculties and studying abroad.

Please do not hesitate to contact one of our academic advisors or plan an appointment with one of them. Navigate to https://www.rug.nl/gmw/psychology/education/study-and-supervision or click the Contact button on this page.

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