BSc in International Bachelor in Psychology

Experience Psychology Through Active, Hands-On Learning at Erasmus University Rotterdam

The International Bachelor in Psychology at Erasmus University Rotterdam is built on a philosophy that goes far beyond lectures and textbooks. You'll develop practical skills through realistic case analysis, collaborative problem-solving, and direct engagement with psychological assessment methods—all designed to prepare you as a working psychologist from day one.

Throughout your studies, you'll work with concrete cases from professional practice, analyzing them using scientific literature and sharing solutions with peers in small tutorial groups. During practicals, you develop personal, professional, and academic skills essential for your career, including communication, critical thinking, and research methodology. In Year 1, for example, you'll learn how to conduct professional conversations and experiments, sometimes even serving as a test subject yourself to understand psychological concepts firsthand. The curriculum connects these experiences along four learning pathways—Academic Knowledge, Academic Skills, Vocational Skills, and Personal and Professional Development—ensuring every course builds toward your competence as a psychologist.

Here's what makes learning at EUR distinctive:

- Psychodiagnostics practicals across multiple specializations (Personality, Neuropsychology, and Testing Children), where you gain hands-on experience in psychological assessment
- Small-scale tutorial groups of 12-30 international students, creating an intimate learning environment where you actively participate rather than passively listen
- Statistics and research methods training integrated throughout your degree, with emphasis on methodology skills essential for conducting psychological research
- In-depth assignments that deepen your understanding of scientific literature beyond surface-level reading
- Specialization tracks starting in Year 2 (such as "Forensic and Legal" or "Mind in Society (Brain and Cognition)") that let you tailor practical learning to your career interests
- Exchange opportunities in Year 3 at foreign universities, giving you international research experience (subject to selection)
- Realistic problem-based learning using contemporary cases from Educational Psychology, Work and Organisational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Brain and Cognition fields
- Academic writing skills workshops integrated into your first year to develop professional communication

The program emphasizes active learning, meaning you take responsibility for your own learning process while receiving substantial support from faculty and peers. This approach has been proven effective: 86% of students successfully transfer to their second year, and the program creates a strong community where collaboration strengthens both your academic performance and your professional network.

For more information about facilities and resources available to support your studies, visit the Erasmus University Rotterdam facilities and support services pages.

Why the International Bachelor in Psychology at Erasmus University Rotterdam Is Perfect for You

The International Bachelor in Psychology at Erasmus University Rotterdam stands out because it's built on active, hands-on learning that bridges theory and real-world application from day one. You won't just sit in lectures passively absorbing information—you'll be actively engaged in understanding psychology through realistic cases, practical assignments, and direct skill development that employers actually value.

How You'll Gain Real, Practical Skills

Throughout your three years, you'll develop professional competencies through a carefully structured mix of theory, practicals, and collaborative work. The programme uses small-scale, activating forms of education where you'll analyse realistic cases from practice using scientific literature, then discuss your solutions in small groups. During practicals, you'll work on in-depth assignments that deepen your understanding while building essential skills like critical thinking, communication, and self-reflection. You'll also participate in psychodiagnostics practicals—including personality assessment, neuropsychology testing, and even testing with children—which means you're learning assessment techniques hands-on, not just theoretically.

Beyond the classroom, the programme emphasizes academic and professional skill development, including learning how to conduct professional conversations and design experiments. Statistics and research methods are woven throughout your studies, so you'll gain quantitative literacy essential for psychology professionals.

What makes this programme distinctive is your learning environment: you'll be part of a cohort of approximately 200 international students in tutorial groups of 12 to 30 people, creating genuine opportunities for collaboration and peer learning. This international mix ensures you're exposed to diverse perspectives while building a genuine community of peers and instructors who know you personally.

## Hands-On Learning Opportunities and Resources Available to You:

- Psychodiagnostics practicals across multiple specializations (personality assessment, neuropsychology, child testing, and more)
- Experimental learning: You'll conduct psychological experiments and sometimes serve as test subjects yourself, gaining firsthand research experience
- Small-group tutorial sessions (12-30 students) combining lectures with collaborative case analysis and in-depth assignments
- Research methods and statistics training integrated throughout your studies to build quantitative skills
- Applied specialization tracks in Brain and Cognition (fundamental track) and Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, or Work and Organisational Psychology (applied tracks)
- Exchange opportunities abroad during your third year to study psychology from a global perspective (limited spots; competitive selection)
- Academic writing skills development embedded in practicals
- Communication skills training including professional conversation techniques
- Cross-cultural psychology coursework to develop critical, historically informed perspectives on the discipline

For more detailed information about facilities, resources, and support services available to psychology students, visit Erasmus University's main facilities and student support pages.