MSc in Applied Social Psychology

How can psychology contribute to solving conflicts between groups, to a better environment, or health?

In our master's program, we highlight which social psychological factors determine human behavior, and how these factors can be influenced. Based on social psychological theories, we outline how such factors can be studied, and how knowledge derived from research can be implemented in an applied context.

Social psychological research can deliver insights on how to solve societal and environmental problems. We examine issues like:

• crime
• discrimination
• crowd behavior
• health-related aspects of behavior
• economic behavior
• behavior within a social group
• development and change of social norms

Why study this program in Groningen?

• Focus on the theory and application of psychology to manage real-life problems;
• International approach; international staff; experts tuition from professionals in the field;
• Freedom to choose your own area of specialization;
• Dutch students can take a large part of the program in Dutch.

Year 1

In addition to courses, the master's program also includes a research project. This can either take the form of a master thesis or a combination between an internship and a master thesis.

• Advanced research methods in social and organizational psychology (5 EC, optional)
• Environmental psychology (5 EC, optional)
• Health Psychology (5 EC, optional)
• Repeated Measures (5 EC, optional)
• Master's Thesis applied social psychology (30 EC)
• Cultural Psychology (5 EC, optional)
• Designing Interventions (5 EC, optional)
• Diversity in society (5 EC, optional)
• Master's Internship applied social psychology (10 EC)
• Personal and societal change (5 EC, optional)
• Test construction (5 EC, optional)

Program options

• Understanding groups & diversity (specialization)
• Health psychology (specialization)
• Communication & consumer psychology (specialization)
• Cultural Psychology (specialization)

Study abroad

• Study abroad is optional

What do you do as an ASP psychologist?

Social psychologists have insight into the causes of large-scale social problems, understanding of "normal" human behavior and of "normal" problems, they can be widely used in different application fields.

What makes you as an ASP suitable for so many functions?

• Understanding the causes of behavior, social psychologists find work at various organizations as police officers or in management positions.
• Capabilities as researchers of social behavior, for example, provide policy support and marketing research.
• Insight into the influence of behavior they work in information and advertising, as a communication consultant and marketing consultant, or as trainer/coach.

Job examples

• Information officer
• Communications adviser
• Marketing consultant
• Trainer/coach
• Marketing researcher
• Policy officer