Programs/Master/Humanities, social sciences, communication and arts
Master

Behavioural and Social Sciences

★ StudyPath verdict
8.2/10
Best for students pursuing a PhD or research career in behavioural and social sciences. Offers rigorous methodological training at a well-regarded Dutch research university with strong interdisciplinary focus.
Tuition · Intl
€22,200
EU: €2,694/year · click ↗
Duration
2 years
120 ECTS
Start
Sep 26
apply by May 26
Language
English
IELTS 6.5+
Accred.
NVAO
NVAO 2021
Admission
Open
no intake cap
Enrolled/yr
148
DUO ↑121% ↗
Intl. %
?
no data yet
S:F ratio
25:1
institution-wide ↗
Min. English
6.5
IELTS required
Entry route
Bachelor
4 bachelor routes ↗
Satisfaction
4.1/5
NSE 2026 ↗
Employment
97%
field est. ↗
Median salary
€3,149
/mo gross · field ↗
Alumni
?
no data yet
↗ Real values are sourced; tiles marked “?” aren’t collected yet · Enrolled/yr is live from DUO · Satisfaction/outcomes are live from StudiekeuzedatabaseLast sync: 24 Jun 2026
About this program
Do you want to advance your research skills in the social sciences? Learn from different disciplines, find your specialization and dive into the topics you wish to engage in! In this research master's, you develop into an independent researcher in academic or applied settings or prepare for a combined scientist-practitioner career in the mental health field. Theme-specific courses provide a broad view on the multidisciplinary theme and introduce you to the unique perspectives of theme-related specializations. You will explore complex social questions, generate new insights into human behaviour and society, and cross disciplinary boundaries. You choose the theme that aligns with your interests. Mental Health: Perspectives from Neuro- and Clinical Psychology What are the origins of psychopathological and brain disorders? Improve diagnostic methods and treatment strategies for people with mental and neurological disorders. 2. Individual Development in Social Context How do individuals develop across their lifespan? Help education, healthcare and policy to better support development and well-being in different stages of life. 3. Understanding Societal Change How do individuals and groups adapt to the changing world? Help governments, organisations and communities to respond better to societal challenges such as social inequality, climate adaptation and diversity.
Institution’s own description (HOVI via Studiekeuzedatabase)
English120 ECTSMaster of ScienceField area: Behaviour & SocietySector: Gedrag en MaatschappijCode of Conduct (intl.)Full-timeMaster
Teaching formats
Group assignmentGroup discussionIndividual assignmentLectureLiterature studyOral presentationPoster presentationResearch
About University of Groningen
Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen is the second oldest university in the Netherlands with over 33,000 students. Known for its vibrant student city atmosphere (1 in 4 residents is a student), excellent research output, and 4 Nobel Prize laureates including Ben Feringa (Chemistry 2016).
Living in Groningen
Student cost of living
Rent · room
€450/mo
Monthly total
€800–€1,400
Cost of living
Medium
Population
234k

Young, vibrant, and welcoming. Groningen has a laid-back northern Dutch charm combined with the energy of a true student city. The compact city center is easy to navigate by bike, and the local community is known for being friendly and open to international students.

View city guide →
Specializations
Year 3 tracks
?No data yet
Curriculum
Course structure by year
?No curriculum data yet
Career outcomes
Graduate surveys · field-group level
Good job-market outlookfield: sociale wetenschappen
Median starting salary (field)€3,149/mo gross
Employed ~1.5y after graduating97%
Months to a substantial job6
Working in their own field61%
Permanent contract35%
Satisfied with their job3.4/5
Top graduate occupations (field)
Professoren en andere onderwijsgevenden in het hoger onderwijs29%
Field-group estimates from national graduate surveys via Studiekeuzedatabase — not measured per programme
Progression & cohort
Official register statistics
Complete this degree79%
Women among first-years80%
Say workload is “just right”34%
Official register statistics (1cijferHO · 2025) via Studiekeuzedatabase
Student voices
National Student Survey (NSE) — first-party reviews coming
4.1/5overall satisfaction · NSE 2026 · 35 respondents
Content & set-up4.1
Teachers4.1
Atmosphere4.5
Involvement & contact4.1
Study guidance3.6
Testing & assessment3.6
Facilities3.8
Career preparation3.8
Teachers' English4.5
Would choose again4.1
Source: Nationale Studenten Enquête via Studiekeuzedatabase (Studiekeuze123/LCSK)
Application timeline
Application deadline
2026-05-01
Non-EU deadline
2026-04-01
Application deadline
2027-05-01
Non-EU deadline
2027-04-01
Application deadline
2028-05-01
Upcoming open days
Open day
27 Nov 2026
Open dayonline
7 Dec 2026
Open day
12 Mar 2027
Open dayonline
15 Mar 2027
Admissions
Minimum language scores · from StudyInNL
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • TOEFL iBT: 90
Internships
?No data yet
🤝
Got admitted? We handle the rest.
Document review, visa, housing. 92% success rate. From €499.