This one-year MSc at Utrecht University focuses on how people perceive, understand, and reason—and how to apply cognitive science to real-world design and technology challenges. You’ll learn research methods and complete an internship in a professional setting.
The Master’s program in Applied Cognitive Psychology at Utrecht University is designed to explore how individuals perceive, comprehend, and reason in various contexts. This one-year, full-time course emphasizes the application of cognitive science principles to real-world design and technology issues. Students will gain hands-on experience through research training and an internship, preparing them for professional practice in diverse settings.
The curriculum is structured around applied research training, professional practice, and elective courses. Key components of the program include:
The internship and related academic work form the core assessment component, allowing students to demonstrate their applied competencies effectively.
To be eligible for admission, applicants must possess an academic Bachelor’s degree. Utrecht University will evaluate whether a non-Dutch degree meets the equivalency of a Dutch Bachelor’s degree from a research university, based on NUFFIC standards. If the degree is deemed less than equivalent to a 3-year research university Bachelor’s degree or classified as a Bachelor from a university of applied sciences, the applicant may not qualify for admission.
Graduates of the Applied Cognitive Psychology program are well-equipped to pursue careers in various fields, including user experience design, human-computer interaction, research consultancy, and organizational development. The combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience gained through the internship prepares students for roles that require expertise in understanding human behavior and applying cognitive science to solve complex problems in professional environments.
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