Are you ambitious, self-critical and eager to learn? Are you curious about the psychology of people who come into contact with the law? And would you like to pursue a career in forensic mental health?

Then Forensic Psychology might be the perfect programme for you. It will provide you with a mix of theoretical and empirical knowledge. You will study scientific literature in relation to real-life problems and work on projects in small tutorial groups. Furthermore, the programme includes hands-on training in forensic assessment, therapy and expert witness skills.

After graduation, you will be qualified to work in prisons, forensic psychiatric facilities, police services, probation services, and in areas such as child protection and domestic violence.

Why this programme?

The master's in Forensic Psychology is a highly challenging programme that operates at the intersection of psychology and justice. The programme prepares you for a career as a scientist-practitioner in the forensic mental health field. You will learn about the psychology of people who come into contact with the law, but also of people who are victims of abuse and violence. You will receive training in specialised forensic psychological skills, such as forensic assessment, forensic therapy, and writing expert witness reports.

As a forensic psychologist, you will be called upon to answer a broad range of questions, such as:

• Is there a relationship between the mental disorder of a suspect and their behaviour during the alleged crime?
• What is the risk that someone will re-offend in the future?
• What is the likelihood that this vulnerable suspect has made a false confession?
• Has this child been a victim of sexual abuse and what would you advise to prevent re-abuse?

The group of clients you will work with will be diverse and demanding. They may show severe antisocial behaviour and/or co-morbid mental disorders (such as schizophrenia combined with substance use disorders). Often, forensic clients have also been seriously victimised themselves during their lifetime.

You will need knowledge in the field of criminal and juvenile law, as well as human rights and professional ethics for forensic psychologists. The programme contains a diverse set of courses that will provide you with the necessary knowledge and basic skills set to answer complex forensic psychological questions.

International classroom:

From day one, you’ll be challenged with differing viewpoints and experiences as you interact with staff and students from all over the world. Your preconceptions and worldview will be enhanced by this interaction, bringing you closer to the programme’s goal of teaching students not only facts and concepts but also international accessibility and understanding. Roughly 50% of the students in this master’s programme come from outside the Netherlands. Such diversity creates an international atmosphere that is strengthened by the international orientation of the programme.

Research and clinical internships:

At the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, we consider internships an indispensable experience. Internships not only enhance your studies by giving you practical experience, but they also give you an edge when looking for a job.

The Forensic Psychology programme therefore contains both a clinical and a research internship in the second year, during which you will have the opportunity to put both your research and your clinical skills into practice. Dutch-speaking students are also offered the opportunity to fulfill entrance requirements (e.g. ‘basisaantekening psychodiagnostiek NIP’) for professional post-master’s training programmes in the Netherlands.