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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes Clinical Neuropsychology
Header image Clinical Neuropsychology

Clinical Neuropsychology

Neuropsychology: cognition, emotion and behaviour as functions of the brain.

Clinical neuropsychology is a specialty discipline within psychology which is focused on the associations between the brain and neuropsychological functions, including cognition, emotion and behaviour. Clinical neuropsychology is particularly interested in the effects of brain disorders and other clinical conditions affecting the brain on these functions.

Disorders and conditions comprise acquired or congenital neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions in children, adolescents and adults, such as ADHD, autism, stroke, brain tumor, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, drug abuse, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, etc.

Clinical neuropsychologists can be involved in both the assessment and treatment of people with brain disorders in various applied and often clinical settings, but also in patient-related research. Methods used in the field of clinical neuropsychology are neuropsychological tests, neuroimaging, and electrophysiological techniques.

With the ageing population, the number of people with neuropsychological disorders increases and with this also the demand for well trained clinical neuropsychologists.

Facts & Figures
Degree
MSc in Psychology
Course type
Master
Duration
12 months (60 ECTS)
Croho code
60260
Language of instruction
Dutch, English
Start
February, September
Faculty
Behavioural and Social Sciences
Why study this programme in Groningen?
  • Expert tuition from professionals in the field.
  • Basic science embedded in clinical practice.
  • Strong emphasis on findings from (experimental) clinical research.
Programme

To meet the requirements for the master's track Clinical Neuropsychology, you have to complete 2 foundation courses, 1 skills course, 1 method course, 2 elective courses, a 10 EC internship and a 20 EC master's thesis.

A 10 EC internship is a mandatory part of the master. This internship can be, for example, a clinical internship (in e.g., a hospital, nursing home, rehabilitation centre, etc.) or, for example, a research-oriented internship. A clinical internship needs to be arranged at a host institution in your country of choice, outside the Netherlands. A research-oriented internship can be completed in Groningen or in your institution/country of choice.



If you consider completing the GZ-opleiding (Dutch postdoctoral training to become a health care psychologist), please be aware that a 10EC clinical internship does not fulfill the admission criteria of the GZ-opleiding which requires a clinical internship of at least 19EC. Please see https://www.rug.nl/gmw/psychology/education/postmaster/ for more information about the GZ-opleiding and all admission criteria. The Dutch Klinische Neuropsychologie master track includes a 20 EC clinical internship. However, this master track, and especially the clinical internship within this master track, requires speaking Dutch on a high level.

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Data collection and analysis for cognitive neuroscience (5 EC)
Neuropsychology and psychiatric disorders (5 EC)
Repeated measures (5 EC)
Neuropsychological assessment (5 EC)
Elective course

Any other Clinical Neuropsychology course or other psychology master course

Internship (10 EC)

In the English Clinical Neuropsychology track a 10EC (https://ocasys.rug.nl/current/catalog/course/PSEMNI-10) internship should be completed.

Master's thesis (20 EC)

In the English Clinical Neuropsychology track a 20EC master's thesis (https://ocasys.rug.nl/current/catalog/course/PSEMNT-20) should be completed.

Research methods in clinical neuropsychology (5 EC)
Capita selecta clinical neuropsychology (5 EC)
Advanced clinical neuropsychology (5 EC)
Test construction (5 EC)
Neuropsychological rehabilitation and treatment (5 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.

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.

other admission requirements

Selection Procedure
The number of master and pre-master places is limited for each track: if there are more applications than places for a track, then selection will take place.

Registration procedure

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

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 October 202401 February 2025
01 March 202501 September 2025
01 October 202501 February 2026
EU/EEA students01 October 202401 February 2025
01 March 202501 September 2025
01 October 202501 February 2026
non-EU/EEA students01 October 202401 February 2025
01 March 202501 September 2025
01 October 202501 February 2026

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/psychology/admission-prior-education to find the admission requirements that apply to you.

language test

All bachelor's students from a Dutch university meet the language requirements. For more information, please look at the following page: https://www.rug.nl/gmw/psychology/language-requirements

other admission requirements

Selection Procedure
For this master's track, there is a selection process. For more information, please have a look at this page

Registration procedure

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

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 October 202401 February 2025
01 March 202501 September 2025
01 October 202501 February 2026
EU/EEA students01 October 202401 February 2025
01 March 202501 September 2025
01 October 202501 February 2026
non-EU/EEA students01 October 202401 February 2025
01 March 202501 September 2025
01 October 202501 February 2026
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2023-2024€ 2314full-time
non-EU/EEA2023-2024€ 17800full-time
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 20800full-time

Practical information for:

After your studies

Job prospects

What is a neuropsychologist doing?

  • Working as a neuropsychologist in clinical practice (neuropsychological assessment and treatment of patients).
  • Research in clinical populations (PhD trajectory).
  • Policymaker in science or clinical practice.

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

  • Neuropsychologist

    in general and academic hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centres, school support services, epilepsy centres, forensic hospitals, institutions for the mental disabled, psychiatric centres etc.

  • Researcher

    in the field of clinical neuropsychology, e.g. research focused on neuropsychological impairments in patients with neurological or psychiatric conditions or studying the efficacy of neuropsychological treatment.

  • Policymaker in science or clinical practice

    For example, positions as coordinator or large research projects, manager in higher education, administration, in research institutes or pharmaceutical companies.

Research

For an overview of the research of the expertise group Clinical Neuropsychology, please see Expertise group Clinical Neuropsychology.

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

Contact

  • Student Service Desk (appointment Academic Advisor & more see website (Onderwijsbalie))
  • Toelatingscommissie Master Psychologie (about admission & application, for students with a Dutch diploma)
    Email: toelatingscommissie.masterpsy rug.nl
  • Studieadviseurs Psychologie Academic Advisors Psychology (over het programma, studeren / about the programme, studying)
    Email: studyadvice.psy rug.nl
  • Admission Office (Contact form) (for students with a non-Dutch diploma)
    Telephone: +31-(0)50 363 8976
  • Dr. Janneke Koerts (Coordinator master programme Clinical Neuropsychology)
    Email: mastercoordinator.kn-cn rug.nl
    Telephone: +31 (0)50 363 6016
  • 
						Testimonial of student Nadia Dales

    Het is een misvatting dat werken met ouderen saai of gezapig is!

    – student Nadia Dales
    Read more

    Nadia Dales (26) straalt van gedrevenheid als ze uitlegt wat haar zoveel voldoening geeft in werken met ouderen. Ze deed haar stage bij ZINN, een ouderenzorginstelling waar ze inmiddels een aanstelling heeft als psycholoog. ZINN biedt begeleiding en zorg aan thuiswonende en inwonende cliënten.

    Nadia deed haar stage op twee locaties. Ze werkte met ouderen met een diagnose dementie, maar ook wel met ouderen met andere klachten. Als Nadia vertelde wat ze allemaal deed in haar stage, reageerden veel medestudenten verrast en verbaasd.
    ‘Er leven veel vooroordelen over het werken met ouderen. Het zou niet uitdagend zijn, en gedacht wordt: wat je kun je nog voor die groep doen?’
    Nadia gaat verzitten op haar stoel voor ze verder gaat. ‘Ik zie dat wel. Ik ervaar het juist als heel rijk. Ik werk met mensen die een heel leven achter de rug hebben. Ze zijn op het laatste station in hun leven. Als ik kan bijdragen aan een fijne(re) laatste periode van iemands leven, dat vind ik dat heel mooi. Voor de familie van de cliënten hier is het meestal zwaar. Bedenk eens, hoe het zou zijn als je een familielid hebt met dementie, en diegene is heel rusteloos of bang. Dat dat je laatste herinneringen kleurt aan een geliefde. Het geeft me veel voldoening dat ik daar iets in kan betekenen.’
    Ze is even stil als ze nadenkt over een voorbeeld.
    ‘Het zijn soms hele kleine dingen. Er zijn cliënten met dementie die prikkels zoeken. Als zij ’s nachts wakker worden in een stille kamer, dan gaan ze op zoek. Dan kun je bijvoorbeeld heel zacht muziek aanzetten. Je moet heel creatief zijn bij het bedenken van interventies. Wat voor de een werkt, werkt niet voor de ander. Soms is het een lange zoektocht. Als het dan lukt, is dat heel bevredigend.”

    Na de hbo-opleiding toegepaste psychologie werkte Nadia als psychodiagnostisch assistent in het Martiniziekenhuis. Daar nam ze veel neurodiagnostisch onderzoek af. De arts en de psycholoog gingen dan met de resultaten aan de slag. Op een gegeven moment leek het haar leuk dat ook zelf te kunnen doen.
    ‘Dus ik wist dat ik ouderen een leuke doelgroep vond, en ik wilde iets met dementie doen. Dementie is een interessant verschijnsel: wat gebeurt er precies in de hersenen van iemand met dementie? Ik heb mijn vakkenpakket in de master afgestemd op de doelgroep ouderen en aandoeningen die vaak bij ouderen voorkomen. Eerlijk gezegd had er van mij nog wel een vak bij gemogen waarin meer aandacht was voor werken met ouderen, voor de ziektebeelden die vaak voorkomen en voor welk soort interventies je kunt doen bij ouderen.’

    ‘Ik zag de stagevacature in de RUG database, en ik kende ook iemand die bij ZINN werkt. Dat was de vrouw van een collega in het Martiniziekenhuis. Dat heeft vast ook meegeholpen. Ik begon samen met een medestudent aan de stage. ZINN kon niet kiezen!’ ze lacht, ’Het was heel leuk om te kunnen sparren met iemand die tegelijk met jou begonnen is.’
    Het werk is erg afwisselend. Als psycholoog bij ZINN ga je naar verschillende plekken. Je komt bij mensen thuis of bezoekt ze op de afdeling. Je zit in gesprekskamers en op kantoor, waar je korte lijntjes met collega’s hebt. Er is veel overleg met de behandelende professionals, de arts, de specialist ouderengeneeskunde, de diëtist, de fysiotherapeut. En je werkt met de zorgmedewerkers.

    Nadia liep drie dagen in de week stage. De stage duurde ongeveer een half jaar, van september tot en met maart. In het begin liep Nadia in alles met haar begeleider mee. Gaandeweg mocht ze steeds meer zelfstandig doen. Ze bespraken wekelijks op een vast uur wat er speelde of waar Nadia tegen aanliep. En ook tussendoor spraken ze elkaar vaak. Nadia deed psychodiagnostiek en intakes, schreef gespreksverslagen. En ze deed gedragsvisites.
    “Op gedragsvisites spreek je met de zorgmedewerkers over de cliënten. Zij vertellen dan wat er speelt. Als er problemen of opvallend gedrag wordt genoemd, dan vraag je dat uit. Je brengt dat soms ook helemaal in kaart. Dan observeer je zelf en je schrijft er een advies van en bedenkt ook interventies op het gedrag of het probleem. Is er sprake van bijvoorbeeld neerslachtigheid of eenzaamheid, dan ga je in gesprek met de bewoner zelf.
    Als er een cliënt is waar veel speelt, of waar de behandeling wat vastloopt, wordt er een multidisciplinair overleg ingepland. Dan hoor je vanuit verschillende disciplines de insteek en de problemen. Samen denk je dan over hoe verder. Dat is enorm leerzaam.’

    Nadia noemt zichzelf rustig en enthousiast over dit werk en deze doelgroep. Van zorgmedewerkers kreeg ze terug dat ze heel toegankelijk is. Wat ze geleerd heeft is dat ze zichzelf en de kennis die ze opgedaan heeft in de master niet moet onderschatten.
    ‘Wat ik soms wel uitdagend vond, waren de gesprekken met familie. Geen familie is hetzelfde, zij hebben allemaal hun eigen punten die zij belangrijk vinden. Dat moet je ook ontdekken. Wat ik in de master geleerd heb, is heel specifieke kennis. Ik was in het begin best onzeker over de waarde van mijn inbreng. Familie kent de client zoveel beter, en zorgmedewerkers zijn vaak zo ervaren met deze cliënten! Maar toen ik na een paar keer merkte dat ik echt kennis heb die anderen niet hebben, kon ik steeds beter mijn rol pakken.’

    Nadia is in haar element bij ZINN. Zij hoopt dat ze met haar verhaal een lans kan breken voor de ouderenzorg, omdat werken in deze sector haar vervulling geeft. Je moet creatief zijn en je kunt echt iets betekenen. Haar boodschap aan studenten die nadenken over stage of werk: ‘Neem werken met ouderen serieus in overweging. Het is erg afwisselend en uitdagend.’

    Close
  • 
						Testimonial of alumnus Myrthe Scheenen

    In my second year, I participated in the Honours Programme and was partnered with a researcher at the UMCG. I was immediately inspired by her research and by neuropsychology in general, and decided to write my Bachelor's thesis about the subject.

    – alumnus Myrthe Scheenen
    Read more

    In my second year, I participated in the Honours Programme and was partnered with a researcher at the UMCG. I was immediately inspired by her research and by neuropsychology in general, and decided to write my Bachelor's thesis about the subject. It seemed like an obvious choice to continue in that field by pursuing a Master's in Clinical Neuropsychology.

    After the Master's in Clinical Neuropsychology I conducted PhD research at the neuropsychology department at the UMCG. My supervisor helped me to establish contact with the director of the new Maarsingh & Van Steijn facility in Groningen, and I was invited for an interview.

    I work here now as a neuropsychologist. That means that I provide primary mental healthcare for patients suffering from various psychological problems, including depression and phobias. I also provide support to people suffering from neurodegenerative diseases or those recovering from neurological injury. If necessary, I carry out neuropsychological research. In addition, I conduct psychiatric expertise consultations for a firm called WPEX.

    My current position mainly involves treating people who are not suffering from neurological problems, so my work is more closely related to the Master´s in Clinical Psychology. However, I think that being familiar with both directions makes me a better psychologist in both fields. Patients with neurological problems are also often somber or phobic, and sometimes have personality problems.

    Close
  • 
						Testimonial of alumnus Sandra Rakers

    After my Bachelor's phase I wondered which direction to head in, but when I heard of the Master's in Clinical Neuropsychology, the choice was easy.

    – alumnus Sandra Rakers
    Read more

    During my Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Sciences/Behavioural and Neurological Sciences, I found the brain particularly interesting. After my Bachelor's phase I wondered which direction to head in, but when I heard of the Master's in Clinical Neuropsychology, the choice was easy. In neuropsychology you examine the relationship between the brain and behaviour in day-to-day functioning.

    I thought it would be great to learn more about this and eventually, as a neuropsychologist, to contribute to improving quality of life for patients with cerebral conditions. So then I first took the pre-Master’s and then moved on to the Master’s in Clinical Neuropsychology. 

    The programme comprises course units, a placement and a Master’s thesis. You can choose from different course units. I found the course unit in Neuropsychological Rehabilitation particularly fun and interesting as it also included patient presentations. I also followed an integrated placement at the UMCG, whereby the clinical part of the placement was combined with writing my Master’s thesis. I conducted diagnostic activities during the placement and was involved in several research projects with different patient groups (traumatic head injuries, spinocerebellar ataxia, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases). I really enjoyed the great variety in the placement. One day I’d be seeing a patient, and the next I was reading articles and writing.

    After the Master’s phase I had the chance to work as a researcher at the Department of Neuropsychology at the UMCG. I was busy administering neurological tests and writing articles. I then got a job as a lecturer at the UG. My main task now is supervising Master’s thesis projects at the UMCG. I also occasionally work as a neuropsychologist and see patients. I’m also researching traumatic head injuries. In Clinical Neuropsychology clinical work and research can easily be combined. The clinical work gives rise to interesting questions, and we then learn more about them through research, thus improving care for patients. I find my work very rewarding and challenging, and I hope I can continue to do it for years to come.

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  • 
						Testimonial of student Shannen Will

    Once I had my Master's, I wasn't done studying, and as I really missed Groningen a lot I decided to return.

    – student Shannen Will
    Read more

    My name is Shannen Will, I am originally from Germany and I am a Master's student of Clinical Neuropsychology. I chose this Master's because I wanted to deepen my understanding of psychological and psychiatric disorders in conjunction with the working of the brain.

    I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Groningen and Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Leiden. Once I had my master’s, I wasn’t done studying, and as I really missed Groningen a lot I decided to return.

    At the moment I am following the course unit in Neuropsychological Assessment in which we learn how to test and diagnose people with brain disorders. The course unit is quite practical. As well as attending the lectures we have to work on video assignments. Another course unit that I really like is Neuropsychology and Psychiatric Disorders. I am really intrigued to find out more about how all disorders, such as ADHD or eating disorders, are related to the brain.

    What I love about studying here is the fact that you can take electives alongside the compulsory curriculum. Since I have broad interests, I also registered for the course unit Health Psychology from the Applied Social Psychology Master’s track. I enjoy studying this topic as well because it focuses on health in general and therefore provides a complementary perspective.

    I am happy that the Dutch government supports me financially. As an EU national, I could apply for the tuition fee loan which makes studying more affordable.

    Groningen is great. It is a very international city. People here are happy, friendly and accepting. Many good things have happened to me here! Groningen gave me the chance to prove I could become a psychologist.

    Shannen Will, master student Clinical Neuropsychology

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  • 
						Testimonial of lecturer Joost Heutink

    That's what I find so great about my work – the link between academic research and clinical practice, where the patient takes centre stage.

    – lecturer Joost Heutink
    Read more

    My name is Joost Heutink and I am an Assistant Professor for the Bachelor's degree in Psychology and the Master's degree in Clinical Neuropsychology. Students encounter me for the first time in their second year, for the Introduction to clinical neuropsychology course unit. During the Bachelor's phase, neuropsychology only plays a minor role, but it is an extremely interesting field! I really want to make students enthusiastic about following the related Master's degree.

    Within the field of neuropsychology, we investigate the relationship between the brain and behaviour. People with a hereditary or acquired cerebral condition can have problems with perception, language, memory, motor functions, attention span, planning and behaviour. These disorders teach us a lot about how the brain works. We can use this knowledge to help patients cope with their functional impairment as well as possible and to participate in society. That’s what I find so great about my work – the link between academic research and clinical practice, where the patient takes centre stage.

    Patients also play an important role in my lectures. I present many case studies, and I invite people with a cerebral condition to tell my students about the problems they experience. The scientific theories I deal with in my course unit help students to understand the problems these people have. At the same time, the patients help us to constantly test our theories and put them in context. Students learn to examine the theories with a critical eye, making them concrete. You see immediate results in actual practice!

    Neuropsychology is also very interesting because it’s constantly developing. New things are constantly being discovered about the brain. Research helps us to understand the brain more and better, which knowledge we can then benefit from!

    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/
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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.