Social and Organisational Psychology (Research)

Specialisation of: Psychology (research)
Degree: Master of Science in Psychology (Research)
Mode of Study: Full-time
Duration: 2 years
Start date: September and February
Language of instruction: English
Location: Leiden
Croho/isat code: 60395
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The Social and Organisational Psychology specialisation of the Research Master’s in Psychology offers in-depth knowledge of a broad range of theories and research domains in this area, all concerning the way people’s social environment influences thoughts, feelings, and behaviour. This specialisation focuses specifically on processes within and between groups. Examples of theory development and research in each of these areas are conflict management, leadership, social dilemmas, diversity, stereotyping and prejudice, individual and group decision making. Relevant fields for application are organisation and management in particular, but also economic behaviour and environmental issues.

The main aim of this specialisation is to provide a broad overview of classic and more recent approaches. You will be trained to integrate different perspectives and findings, in order to develop novel research questions. Through written assignments and discussions and presentations in small groups you will practice developing theory-driven analyses of a range of issues in social and organisational psychology, and learn how to examine these with advanced research methods. You can specialize in the topic of your preference in your choice of assignments and electives, which can also be taken from other programmes. During your training in advanced academic and research skills you will be actively involved in an ongoing research program. Your (international) internship and master’s thesis will enable you to gain hands-on experience and learn from established scholars, under close supervision in research tutorials.

Dr. Naomi Ellemers on: 'Social identity'

(In Dutch)

What our alumni say

Jonne Oldenburg, PhD student Ghent University

“I wanted to know what makes people tick and to understand their behaviour.”

“I started studying psychology because I was interested in people. I wanted to know what makes them tick, to understand their behaviour. At first my idea was to do this through talking to them as a clinical psychologist. However, during my studies I became more and more interested in doing research on the brain and its workings, because of the fundamental role it plays in determining behaviour and the many mysteries still surrounding it. It was this interest that led me to enroll in the Research Master’s programme in Psychology, a choice that to this day has not once disappointed me.

I am currently a PhD student at Ghent University. I’m doing research in cognitive neuroscience, linking brain activation to behaviour, and so furthering our understanding of human nature. Without the Research Master’s this would not have been possible. It taught me very important research skills and enabled me to do an elaborate internship, equipping me with invaluable assets for the career to which I aspired and in which I have, thanks to my training, already taken my first steps.”