Clinical Neuropsychology

Specialisation of: Psychology
Degree: Master of Science in Psychology
Mode of Study: Full-time
Duration: 1 year
Start date: September and February
Language of instruction: English
Location: Leiden
Croho/isat code: 60395
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The master’s specialisation in Clinical Neuropsychology provides a theoretical background and practical training in neuropsychology and (clinical) neuropsychological research.

There is increasing recognition of the role neuropsychologists play in the management of brain diseases. The demand for their services is becoming greater as the population ages and medical (neuro)technology advances. Neuropsychologists assess and treat the cognitive, emotional and behavioural consequences of brain dysfunction.

These are a result of various neurological and psychiatric conditions:

  • Congenital neurodevelopmental disorders
  • Stroke
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Brain tumours
  • Substance abuse
  • Schizophrenia
  • Dementia

Evidence-based practice

The specialisation is grounded in the neurosciences relevant to neuropsychology with a strong focus on evidence-based practice. This means that you are taught to focus on the conscientious, explicit and well-judged use of current best scientific evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients; this in terms of diagnostics, prognostics and interventions (the ‘scientist-practitioner’ model).

Aim of the programme

The specialisation is attractive not only if you wish to become professionally active in the field of clinical neuropsychology, for instance as a Health Care psychologist/Gezondheidszorgpsycholoog BIG, Clinical Neuropsychologist/Klinisch Neuropsycholoog or Clinical Psychologist/Klinisch Psycholoog’. The programme is also suitable if you are interested in a scientific career. You are involved in the neuropsychological assessment, treatment and guidance of patients with brain damage.

What our alumni say

Laura a’Campo, MSc

“I am conducting research on the effectiveness of a psychosocial education programme for patients and partners.”

“I have always been interested in the medical and psychological aspects of human beings. This is why I was so attracted to neuropsychology, which combines both these interests. I really enjoy neuropsychological theory, and during my internship at a psychogeriatric nursing home I had my first practical experience with treating patients and dealing with their families.

I now have a PhD position at the Leiden University Medical Center, in the Department of Neurology/Neuropsychology where I am conducting research on the effectiveness of a psychosocial education programme for patients and partners. Most of the patients I study are suffering from Parkinson’s or Huntington’s disease, but some also have other diseases. My job is particularly fulfilling and enjoyable because of the variety of patients I treat and because, as well as conducting research, I also have the opportunity to apply and learn about different psychosocial treatments. There are currently three master’s students involved in my research and I am their thesis supervisor.

What I most appreciated about my master’s was that it was very variable, from theory to testing and applying treatment skills in practice. It was an excellent preparation for this job, which has just the same kind of variable challenges.”