Master of Psychology: Theory and Research
Leuven, Belgium
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English, Dutch
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
01 Mar 2025
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
EUR 4,591 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* non-EEA fee| EEA fee: EUR 1157
Introduction
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About the programme
The Master of Psychology: Theory and Research (MPTR) aims to guide students to become independent researchers in psychological science through:
- Thorough training in statistics and research methodology
- The in-depth study of the basic disciplines of psychology, supplemented with a specialization in subdisciplines like neuroscience, perception, cognition and language, emotion, social and cross-cultural psychology, learning psychology, quantitative psychology and so on.
In addition to individual and group-based coursework, students become immersed in ongoing multidisciplinary research at the faculty.
Curriculum
General Compulsory Courses
- Statistics IV (Basic Statistical Methods for Psychological Data: Linear Models)
- Tomorrow in Psychological Science
- Master's Thesis Part 1: Project
- Master's Thesis, Part 2: Research and Reporting
Specific Compulsory Courses
- Statistics VI (Seminar on Statistical Analyses of Psychological Research Data)
- Statistics V (Advanced Statistical Methods for Psychological Research Data)Advanced Research Methods in
- Psychology
- Topics in Psychology of Individual Differences
- Topics in Lifespan Developmental Psychology
- Topics in Psychonomic Science
- Topics in Behavioural Neuroscience
- Topics in Social and Cultural Psychology
Ideal Students
Student Profile
As a future scientist, you are driven by your interest in the human mind and human behaviour. You are fascinated by theoretical and methodological issues such as the relationship between brain functioning, behaviour, emotion and cognition and are eager to understand the functions of the human mind, memory and learning processes, the causes, effects and treatment of psychopathology etc.
The Master of Science in Psychology: Theory and Research welcomes motivated and inspired students who are aiming for a research career in the psychological, behavioural, or quantitative data sciences. To be eligible and to ensure an optimal match with the programme, applicants should:
- Hold a Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Psychology or in a related field of science and technology
- Possess a solid background in statistics and research methods
- Have an affinity with psychological research
- Be able to demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency.
Admissions
Program delivery
The courses are fully taught in English and also available in Dutch
Program Outcome
- Credits: 120 ECTS
- Degree Type: Master
Program Tuition Fee
Why study at KU Leuven
What sets us apart as a university?
A highly ranked university
KU Leuven is among the best 100 universities in the world according to both Times Higher Education World Rankings and QS World University Rankings. All of KU Leuven’s disciplines proudly belong to the top 100 of their field. Furthermore, KU Leuven was ranked by Reuters as the most innovative university in Europe in 2016.
Research-based education
Education at KU Leuven is research-based, which means students will learn from the same professors who are performing the ground-breaking research you read about in the press. New insights are instantly integrated into classes and students are encouraged to perform their own research. In our FabLab, students can use a number of high-tech machines to create whatever they want – all free of charge.
Affordable tuition fees
Higher education is highly valued in Belgium and therefore subsidised by the government. This allows KU Leuven to keep tuition fees relatively low, which gives you a price/quality ratio very few top-100 universities can match. We take pride in keeping our programmes as accessible as possible to allow the brightest students from around the globe to join our courses.
International student life with respect for diversity
According to Times Higher Education, KU Leuven is in the top 50 of most international universities worldwide with staff and students from over 150 different nationalities. For all our international students, the Pangaea student centre is their home away from home. Our university also strives for diversity and inclusion and wants to work together on a pact for more respect.
Scholarships and Funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please visit the university website for more information.
Info Sessions
KU Leuven combines the best of both worlds by hosting both online and live info sessions. You choose how, where and when to get your information in your search for the right program
Rankings
KU Leuven is among the best 100 universities in the world according to both Times Higher Education World Rankings and QS World University Rankings. All of KU Leuven’s disciplines proudly belong to the top 100 of their field.
Accreditations
Gallery
Career Opportunities
Many of our graduates go on to pursue a PhD and academic careers at top universities. The program also provides a solid background for international careers in a variety of other settings, such as: data science; pharmaceutical, food, and medical technology industries; or scientific research and policy functions in research institutes or government agencies. A strong psychological knowledge, combined with thorough background in data science, statistics and research methodology makes for a unique profile in the labour market.