Clinical Psychology

Are you intrigued by the complexities of the wide range of mental disorders? Are you eager to develop the knowledge and research skills needed to understand how such disorders come about and to find new ways of treating and preventing them? Then Clinical Psychology is the right choice for you! This highly multidisciplinary programme provides you with the theoretical background and clinical insight necessary for research in the fields of experimental psychopathology, clinical psychology and psychiatry. Clinical Psychology is also an ideal choice for those who intend in the future to combine science and clinical practice.
The specialisation in Clinical Psychology (formerly Psychopathology) provides you with the theoretical background and clinical insight necessary for future research in the various fields of mental health, in particular experimental psychopathology, clinical psychology and psychiatry. A strong focus on research questions that can inform prevention and intervention strategies differentiates this master’s programme from many others, making it an ideal choice for those who intend in the future to combine science and clinical practice. There are many similarities between Clinical Psychology and Neuropyschology, but they differ in the emphasis on brain processes. Clinical Psychology has a broad focus on various mechanisms in the pathways leading to disorders.
A total of nine interactive core seminars, each extending over 4 weeks, cover current theories and methods that can clarify genetic, environmental, psychological and neurobiological processes underlying the onset, course, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders throughout the lifecycle. In addition to specific disorders, attention is paid to broader issues and controversies, such as gender and cultural differences, validity of classification systems for psychopathology, advantages and disadvantages of experimental and animal models, gene-environment interactions and the nature of resilience.
Through extensive practice in writing research proposals, you will learn to formulate testable hypotheses and translate these into research designs. Workshops will expose you to a wide variety of research methods, ranging from neuroimaging to epidemiology. Although research remains the primary focus, this specialisation includes training in diagnostic and other clinical skills, as well as opportunities for clinical and research experience in a health care setting.