Cognitive Neuropsychology: VU University Amsterdam

Course Description

The Master’s in Cognitive Neuropsychology is a two-year Research Master’s programme that operates on the cutting edges between cognitive psychology and clinical neuropsychology. While cognitive psychology is geared towards general theories of brain function, neuropsychology focuses on individual patients with brain damage, whose condition can often provide us with new insights into how the human brain works. Combining these two approaches into one Master’s programme is unique in the Netherlands. The curriculum combines in-depth courses about normal and abnormal cognitive functioning across the life span with essential research skills in the neurosciences. You will learn to interpret fascinating clinical cases using solid cognitive and neuropsychological theories, but also learn to critically evaluate these theories. Look at our selection of exciting scientific questions they are working on. After choosing the research master in cognitive neuropsychology you might be working on this as well!

The aim of the Research Master is to provide students with the skills and knowledge to interpret clinical neuropsychological cases in terms of cognitive and neuropsychological theories. Moreover, students learn to use those cases to improve these theories. The Research Master program aims to provide students with the knowledge to become professional researchers within the area of Cognitive Neuropsychology. The curriculum consists of multiple courses in cognitive psychology, clinical neuropsychology, neuroscience, and general academic skills concerning methodology, writing, and modern brain imaging techniques.

Admission requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Artificial Intelligence, Biology, Medicine or a closely related subject area. Also eligible to apply are students in the final year of their Bachelor’s program, or equivalent, provided that the degree will be conferred prior to the start of the Master program in the fall (September). These students will have to provide a provisional record of courses and grades, signed by the university's student administrator.

Applicants who are not native speakers of the English language must demonstrate English proficiency by obtaining sufficient results in an internationally recognized test (e.g., TOEFL paper test: 580, TOEFL computer test: 237, TOEFL internet based: 93, IELTS: 6.5 and 6.0 for the Writing Module, Cambridge CAE Advanced English: B, Cambridge CPE Proficiency in English: C). Proof of sufficient education in English or a residence of considerable length in an English-speaking country may also be acceptable upon the decision of the Admissions Committee. Language skills may also be evaluated during a personal interview with selected candidates.

An active interest in research as indicated by the type of courses attended at undergraduate levels