BSc in Psychology

36 Months On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Groningen

Program Overview

The BSc in Psychology at the University of Groningen is perfect if you're curious about how biological, social, and environmental factors shape human behavior, awareness, and the brain—think tackling everything from developmental disorders to sustainable mobility and talent development. It's ideal for analytical minds who love research, statistics, and turning psychological insights into real-world change, all taught in English to help people move forward in careers like clinical practice or organizational roles.

Curriculum structure
Year 1
You'll kick off with a strong foundation in core psychological theories and methods, diving into Introduction to psychological theories and research methods, Developmental psychology, and Statistics I A to understand how people grow and think from the start. Classes like Biopsychology, Social and cross-cultural psychology, and Cognitive psychology build your skills in analyzing brain functions, personalities, and group dynamics, while Academic skills and Dialogue and group skills help you communicate ideas effectively right away.

Year 2
Here, you apply what you've learned to professional scenarios, exploring Clinical psychology, Test theory, and Communication and diagnostic skills to master assessments and real patient interactions. You'll sharpen your research edge with Statistics II, Research methods: theory and ethics, and Research practicum, alongside Psychology in the workplace and Introduction to Clinical neuropsychology, preparing you to bridge theory with everyday challenges like workplace behavior or brain health.

Year 3
The final year lets you specialize and shine, choosing focus areas like Talent Development, Bachelorthese, and Literature study to craft your own research project on topics such as human error or interventions. Dive into advanced electives like Cognitive behavioural therapies, Forensic Psychology, or Organizational development and change, building expertise in everything from social influence to neuropsychology of aging, all culminating in practical skills for your future career.

Focus areas
Choose from specialized tracks like Clinical Psychology, Neuropsychology, Thinking and Deciding, or Talent Development, covering talent nurturing, sustainable mobility, consumer psychology, and interventions for development.

Learning outcomes
Graduates gain deep knowledge of psychology, an academic mindset with integrity and critical thinking, the ability to apply theories practically, professional skills like research and diagnostics, and lifelong learning tools—all specified in the program's assessment framework.

Professional alignment (accreditation)
The program aligns with European psychology standards, emphasizing professional skills in clinical, organizational, and research roles, with English-taught courses and exams (Dutch answers allowed) that prepare you for accredited master's programs and regulated professions worldwide.

Reputation (employability rankings)
University of Groningen ranks in the global top 100 for Psychology (QS World University Rankings), with strong employability through its research-led approach—grads land roles in clinics, businesses, and research thanks to practical training and a top Dutch reputation.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Groningen's BSc in Psychology, you'll dive into hands-on learning right from the start, building practical skills through research practicums, diagnostic training, and group-based projects that mirror real-world psychology work. Courses like "A practical introduction to research methods," "Dialogue and group skills," "Communication and diagnostic skills," and "Research practicum" give you direct experience with experiments, assessments, and teamwork, all supported by the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences' dedicated research groups and teaching facilities.

Here are some standout ways our program turns theory into practice::
- Research practicums and labs: Get involved in hands-on research through the "Research practicum" and courses like "Research methods: theory and ethics," using facilities from nine specialized research groups, including Experimental Psychology, Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, and Psychometrics and Statistics for cutting-edge experiments and data analysis.
- Group projects and skills training: Build teamwork in "Dialogue and group skills" and "Communication and diagnostic skills," where you'll practice interpersonal dynamics, diagnostics, and group interactions—essential for clinical and organizational psychology roles.
- Stats and software tools: Master Statistics I-III with psychometrics-focused training from the Psychometrics and Statistics group, using university-provided digital tools via the Ocasys course catalogue for data analysis and research simulation (no specific software named, but integrated into stats and research courses).
- Academic skills development: The dedicated Academic Development and Skills unit offers training in research-driven education, preparing you with practical tools for experiments, ethics, and professional application through "Academic skills" and "Applying psychological theories in practice."

While internships aren't built into the core BSc curriculum (they're more common at Master's level), these elements give you a strong practical foundation, and talented students can extend via the Honours College for extra challenges.

Progression & Future Opportunities

At the University of Groningen's BSc in Psychology, you'll dive into hands-on learning right from the start, building real-world skills through practical research, group work, and interactive projects in our state-of-the-art facilities. Housed in the Heymans building (Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences), you'll have access to dedicated spaces for psychology research and teaching, all designed to turn theory into practice with small classes that encourage interaction with professors and peers. This setup lets you apply psychological concepts immediately, whether in practicums or collaborative settings, preparing you confidently for a career in the field.

Here are some standout experiential opportunities specific to our program:
- Research practicum and methods training: Get hands-on with "A practical introduction to research methods," "Research methods: theory and ethics," and "Research practicum," using tools from our nine research groups like Experimental Psychology, Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, and Psychometrics and Statistics within the Heymans Institute.
- Group skills and projects: Develop teamwork through "Dialogue and group skills," "Communication and diagnostic skills," and courses like "Social influence" or "Interpersonal relations," often in interactive smaller classes that foster discussion and collaboration.
- Labs and research facilities: Work in psychology-designated labs across units such as Clinical Psychology & Experimental Psychopathology, Social Psychology, and Developmental Psychology, all under the Heymans Institute for cutting-edge studies in human behavior.
- Academic skills development: Build practical expertise via the dedicated teaching unit "Academic Development and Skills," focusing on research-driven training for future psychology professionals.
- Practicum exceptions and exchanges: Participate in specialized practicums like those open to exchange students, with custom English-taught courses in areas like clinical neuropsychology.

Imagine gaining these skills in a supportive environment that's tailored for students like you—apply now for one of our 250 spots and see how Groningen sets you up for success!