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

Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience (research)

★ StudyPath verdict
8.2/10
Best for research-oriented students aiming for PhD or academic careers in cognitive and clinical neuroscience. Strong programme reputation but highly selective with intensive research demands.
Tuition · Intl
?
intl not published · EU: €2,694 ↗
Duration
2 years
120 ECTS
Start
Sep 26
apply by Mar 26
Language
English
IELTS 6.5+
Accred.
NVAO
NVAO 2021
Admission
Open
no intake cap
Enrolled/yr
454
DUO ↓8% ↗
Intl. %
?
no data yet
S:F ratio
18:1
institution-wide ↗
Min. English
6.5
IELTS required
Entry route
Bachelor
degree required ↗
Satisfaction
4.0/5
NSE 2026 ↗
Employment
92%
field est. ↗
Median salary
€3,230
/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
The two-year research master Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience is an English taught programme that focuses on cognition, brain, and behaviour. It is designed for students with a strong interest in research. Each year, 24 students can be admitted to each specialisation: • Cognitive Neuroscience • Drug Development and Neurohealth • Fundamental Neuroscience • Neuropsychology • Clinical Psychology The first year highlights theoretical foundations and focuses on the acquisition of the theoretical, methodological and statistical skills necessary to participate in ongoing research. The second year is largely dedicated to the master’s research internship and thesis. In some specialisations, students may also complete a clinical research internship. In order to promote your development as a scientist, you will closely interact with the academic staff and you will have a personal mentor from the beginning of the programme.
Institution’s own description (HOVI via Studiekeuzedatabase)
English120 ECTSMaster of ScienceField area: HealthcareSector: Gedrag en MaatschappijCode of Conduct (intl.)Full-timeMaster
Teaching formats
Case studyGroup assignmentGroup discussionIndividual assignmentInternshipLab workLectureLiterature study
About Maastricht University
Founded in 1976, Maastricht University is known for its innovative Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach and highly international character with 59% international students. Located in the charming southern city of Maastricht near Belgium and Germany, it excels in economics, law, and health sciences.
Living in Maastricht
Student cost of living
Rent · room
€470/mo
Monthly total
€750–€1,400
Cost of living
Medium
Population
122k

Cosmopolitan, Burgundian, and culturally rich. Maastricht feels distinctly different from other Dutch cities, with influences from Belgium, Germany, and France. The city is known for its excellent food, wine culture, and relaxed southern lifestyle.

View city guide →
Specializations
Tracks from HOVI
In the Cognitive Neuroscience specialisation you acquire a unique combination of in-depth knowledge on human brain function, perception and cognition, paralleled with an extensive
NeuropsychologySpecialisation
The Neuropsychology specialisation offers an integrated curriculum that includes most aspects of basic and applied neuroscience. Under the guidance of a multidisciplinary team of m
The specialisation in Clinical Psychology - formerly known as Psychopathology - provides you with the theoretical background and clinical insight necessary for future research in t
The specialisation in Fundamental Neuroscience provides you with both a theoretical background and practical experience in research at the interface between psychology and biology.
This specialisation provides you with a theoretical background and practical experience in pharmaceutical drug research & development, medicinal nutrition and personalised healthca
Source: HOVI via Studiekeuzedatabase
Curriculum
Course structure by year
?No curriculum data yet
Career outcomes
Graduate surveys · field-group level
Good job-market outlookfield: psychologie
Median starting salary (field)€3,230/mo gross
Employed ~1.5y after graduating92%
Months to a substantial job4
Working in their own field79%
Permanent contract43%
Satisfied with their job3.9/5
Top graduate occupations (field)
Psychologen50%
Professoren en andere onderwijsgevenden in het hoger onderwijs11%
Specialisten op het gebied van personeelszaken en loopbaanontwikkeling4%
Bedrijfs- en organisatieanalisten3%
Vakspecialisten op het gebied van maatschappelijk werk3%
Field-group estimates from national graduate surveys via Studiekeuzedatabase — not measured per programme
Progression & cohort
Official register statistics
Complete this degree88%
Women among first-years76%
Say workload is “just right”49%
Official register statistics (1cijferHO · 2025) via Studiekeuzedatabase
Student voices
National Student Survey (NSE) — first-party reviews coming
4/5overall satisfaction · NSE 2026 · 73 respondents
Content & set-up3.9
Teachers4.1
Atmosphere4.4
Involvement & contact4
Study guidance3.8
Testing & assessment3.6
Facilities4.2
Career preparation3.8
Teachers' English4.7
Would choose again4.2
Source: Nationale Studenten Enquête via Studiekeuzedatabase (Studiekeuze123/LCSK)
Application timeline
Application deadline
2026-03-01
Non-EU deadline
2026-03-01
Upcoming open days
Open dayonline
2 Nov 2026
Open day
20 Mar 2027
Admissions
Minimum language scores · from StudyInNL
  • IELTS overall band: 6.5
  • TOEFL internet based: 90
  • Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English: C1
Internships
?No data yet
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