Master
Social Psychology (research)
★ StudyPath verdict
7.8/10
Best suited for students aiming for a research career or PhD in social psychology, with strong interest in topics like morality, cooperation and evolutionary psychology. Trade-off: highly research-focused with limited direct industry applic
Tuition · Intl
↗€14,762
via SKDB 2020 ↗
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
↗102
DUO ↑183% ↗
Intl. %
?
no data yet
S:F ratio
↗25:1
institution-wide ↗
Min. English
6.5
IELTS required
Entry route
↗Bachelor
1 direct routes ↗
Satisfaction
↗4.1/5
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: 23 Jun 2026
About this program
How are our thoughts, feelings and behaviours shaped by our social environment? And how do we shape that environment with our minds? The Research Master’s in Social Psychology at VU Amsterdam focuses on evolution, morality and cooperation. Your research will inform not only the basic aspects of individual-level psychology like genetics and neuroscience, underlying personality, emotion and behaviour. But also more complex, society-wide phenomena like moral and political behaviour within a society. Or even ecological influences on cooperation across societies. The Social Psychology programme enables you to develop the knowledge and skills you’ll need in every step of the research process. Courses provide comprehensive training in research methods, statistics, writing and making presentations. Plus, you’ll get an overview of the theoretical perspectives used to understand and address critical issues for science and society
Institution’s own description (HOVI via Studiekeuzedatabase)
English120 ECTSMaster of ScienceField area: Behaviour & SocietySector: Gedrag en MaatschappijCode of Conduct (intl.)Full-timeMaster
Teaching formats
ColloquiumGroup assignmentGroup discussionIndividual assignmentLectureLiterature studyOral presentationResearch
About Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) is a public research university founded in 1880. Known for its international outlook and innovative research, VU has over 30,000 students and offers programs across humanities, sciences, and social sciences.
Living in Amsterdam
Student cost of living
Rent · room
€700/mo
Monthly total
€1,000–€2,000
Cost of living
High
Population
873k
Bustling, international, and culturally rich. Amsterdam balances historic charm with modern innovation. The city is bike-friendly, walkable, and offers endless opportunities for exploration and networking.
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: 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 degree84%
Women among first-years81%
Say workload is “just right”57%
Official register statistics (1cijferHO · 2025) via Studiekeuzedatabase
Student voices
National Student Survey (NSE) — first-party reviews coming
4.1/5overall satisfaction · NSE 2026 · 24 respondents
Content & set-up4
Teachers4.3
Atmosphere4.4
Involvement & contact4.2
Study guidance3.7
Testing & assessment3.7
Facilities4
Career preparation3.4
Teachers' English4.4
Would choose again4.1
Source: Nationale Studenten Enquête via Studiekeuzedatabase (Studiekeuze123/LCSK)
Admissions
Minimum language scores · from StudyInNL
- Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: B1
- Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English: C1
- IELTS overall band: 6.5
- TOEFL paper based: 580
- TOEFL computer based: 237
- TOEFL internet based: 92
Scholarships
UAF: Foundation for Refugee Students—
Internships
?No data yet
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Document review, visa, housing. 92% success rate. From €499.