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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes Applied Social Psychology
Header image Applied Social Psychology

Applied Social Psychology

How can psychology contribute to solving conflicts between groups, understanding the role of diversity , culture and communication in social relations, analyzing political processes, or influencing social behaviour?

In our master's programme, we highlight which social psychological factors determine human behaviour, and how these factors can be influenced. Based on social psychological theories, we outline how such factors can be studied, and how knowledge derived from research can be implemented in an applied context. Social psychological research can deliver insights on how to solve societal problems.

We examine issues like:
· stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination;
· crowd behaviour;
· behaviour within social groups;
· development and change of social norms;
· communication within and between groups;
· health behaviour.

Facts & Figures
Degree
MSc in Psychology
Course type
Master
Duration
12 months (60 ECTS)
Croho code
60260
Language of instruction
English
Start
September
Faculty
Behavioural and Social Sciences
Shanghai Ranking
Why study this programme in Groningen?
  • Focus on the theory and application of psychology to manage real-life problems
  • International approach; international staff; experts tuition from professionals in the field.
  • Freedom to choose your own area of specialization.
Programme

Students have to select at least two out of the three foundation courses. Further, students have to select one of the two skills courses, and at least one of the methods courses. Students also have to take two electives (10 EC). In addition to courses, the master's programme includes a research project (master thesis ASP: 20 EC). Every student also does an internship (10 EC), either as part of a team internship or in an individual format.

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Advanced Research methods in social and organizational psychology (methods course) (5 EC)
Political Psychology (foundation course) (5 EC)
Repeated Measures (methods course) (5 EC, optional)
Master's Thesis Applied Social Psychology (20 EC)
Culture and Diversity (foundation course) (5 EC)
Designing Interventions (skills course) (5 EC, optional)
Cooperation and Communication (foundation course) (5 EC)
Personal and Societal Change (skills course) (5 EC, optional)
Test construction (method course) (5 EC, optional)
Team Internship Applied Social Psychology (10 EC)

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is optional
Entry requirements

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

Your previous education and chosen master track determine the application procedure and whether you are eligible for admission to the master or a possible premaster. Check https://www.rug.nl/gmw/masters/psychology/toelatingseisen-masters-psychologie to find the admission requirements that apply to you.

language test

Depending on your background and language of the track of your choice, you will have to submit proof of your proficiency in either Dutch or English. For more information see https://www.rug.nl/gmw/masters/psychology/toelatingseisen-masters-psychologie

Registration procedure

For all information, including above mentioned topics, please carefully inspect the pages on Application, Admission and Selection.

Please note: In 2024 this tracks only starts in September.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

Your previous education and chosen master track determine the application procedure and whether you are eligible for admission to the master or a possible premaster. Check https://www.rug.nl/gmw/masters/psychology/toelatingseisen-masters-psychologie to find the admission requirements that apply to you.

language test

Depending on your background and language of the track of your choice, you will have to submit proof of your proficiency in either Dutch or English. For more information see https://www.rug.nl/gmw/masters/psychology/toelatingseisen-masters-psychologie

Registration procedure

The information can be found on the page about Application, Admission and Selection .

Please note: In 2024 this tracks only starts in September.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 20800full-time

Practical information for:

After your studies

Job prospects

What do you do as an ASP psychologist?

Social psychologists have insight into the causes of large-scale social problems, understanding of "normal" human behaviour and of "normal" problems, they can be widely used in different application fields.

What makes you as an ASP suitable for so many functions?

  • Understanding of the causes of behaviour, social psychologists find work at various organizations as policy officers or in management positions.
  • Capabilities as researchers of social behaviour, for example, provide policy support and marketing research.
  • Insight into the influence of behaviour they work in information and advertising, as communication consultant and marketing consultant, or as trainer/coach.

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 examples

  • Information officer
  • Communications adviser
  • Marketing consultant
  • Trainer/coach
  • Marketing researcher
  • Policy officer
Research

For a general overview of research of the Psychology department have a look at Mindwise . This is a blog platform of the Department of Psychology of the University of Groningen (located in the Netherlands). 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.

Apply nowBrochureEventsContact
Master's Weekdiverse locatiesMore information
Masterweek faculeit GMW/master's week faculty BSSGrote Kruisstraat 2More 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)
    Email: admissionsoffice rug.nl
    Telephone: +31-(0)50 363 8976
  • Admissions Board Admissions Board Master Psychology (about admission, for students with a Dutch diploma)
    Email: toelatingscommissie.masterpsy rug.nl
  • Prof. Dr. Gordijn (Coordinator masterprogramma Applied Social Psychology)
    Email: e.h.gordijn rug.nl
    Telephone: +31 50 36 36395

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
Study support

In the Psychology programme, there is a strong focus on study advice. Study advisors are available for both the Dutch-taught and English-taught programmes. You can contact them as a prospective student, current student, or former student of programmes within the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences.

Study advisors can assist you with questions regarding:
• the content of the programme
• planning and organising your studies
• choices during your study
• registrations
• programme regulations
• taking courses outside your programme
• studying abroad

They are also available for personal support.
Don't hesitate to get in touch or make an appointment with one of the study advisors.

For brief questions, please email: studyadvice.psy rug.nl
You can make an appointment via the online scheduling system: https://fbss.as.me/schedule/9de94536 ,
or by phone through the education desk: +31 50 3636301