Program Overview

Program Overview

The Clinical Neuropsychology specialisation is part of the Psychology program at the University of Amsterdam. This specialisation focuses on the applied science of the brain-behavior relationship, encompassing cognition, emotion, and general behavior, including their biological basis.

Educational Objectives

The main focus of this specialisation is to gain knowledge about assessing and treating consequences of brain dysfunctions, which can be the result of specific neurological and/or mental health conditions. Students will gain in-depth knowledge regarding cognition, neuropsychological tests, neurological and psychiatric conditions, and psychological interventions. They will also learn the practical skills necessary for a neuropsychologist, such as communication, testing, and reporting.

Program Structure

The specialisation starts in the second semester of the second year of the Psychology program. In this semester, students will follow courses that delve deeper into the different neuropsychological functions and the differences in these functions in various brain disorders. They will learn how to examine these functions, acquire knowledge and insights into neuropsychological theories and diagnostics of psychological complaints and psychopathology, and learn how to apply neuropsychological diagnostics and treatment options.

Year 2

In the second year, students will take the following courses:

• B&C From Perception to Consciousness (6 EC)
• KNP Neuropsychologisch Onderzoek (6 EC)
• KNP Interventies (6 EC)
• KNP Psychopathologie (6 EC)
• KNP Diagnostiek (6 EC)

Year 3

In the third year, students will take the following courses:

• Evidence-based Clinical Practice: Research Methods (6 EC)
• Bachelorthese Klinische Neuropsychologie (12 EC)
• Restricted-choice electives: Current Topics (12 EC)
  • Current Topics: Introduction to Sport and Performance Psychology (6 EC)
  • Current Topics: Clinical Developmental and Health Psychology (6 EC)
  • Current Topics: Consciousness: From Theory to the Clinic (6 EC)
  • Current Topics: Polarisation (6 EC)
  • Current Topics: Stress in Health and Disease (6 EC)
  • Current Topics: A Clinical Perspective on Today's Issues (6 EC)
  • Current Topics: Climate Psychology (6 EC)
  • Current Topics: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace (6 EC)
  • Current Topics: Introduction to Cultural Psychology (6 EC)
  • Current Topics: Psychology and AI (6 EC)

Specialisation Requirements

All specialisation courses must be followed, with the exception of students who have already completed the specialisation KP. These students will not take the course KNP Psychopathologie, but will instead receive advice from KNP to take the course B&C Memory, Language and Emotion.

Career Opportunities

After completing the bachelor's program in Psychology, students can enter the labor market directly. However, for most jobs in psychology, a master's degree is required. The University of Amsterdam offers several master's programs in psychology. Students who complete the KNP specialisation can be admitted to the following master's tracks:

• Track Klinische Neuropsychologie
• Track Training and Development
• Track Health Promotion & Behaviour Change
• Track Cultural Psychology (with an additional course)
• Track Sport and Performance Psychology (with an additional course)

Additional Requirements

In the bachelor's program, students must earn five colloquium points. A colloquium is a lecture organised by the Psychology program. For more information about the colloquium requirement, please refer to the program's website.

Basisaantekening Psychodiagnostiek (BAPD)

Within the study program of the bachelor and master Klinische Neuropsychologie, there is the possibility to obtain the Basisaantekening Psychodiagnostiek (BAPD). Students who complete their bachelor's degree in psychology with the KNP specialisation can obtain the BAPD if they also complete the master's track KNP at the University of Amsterdam. For more information about the BAPD and possible career opportunities, please refer to the Track Klinische Neuropsychologie.