Social Psychology track (Research Master in Social and Behavioral Sciences)
Become a research expert on social groups, interactions, behavioral decision-making in complex and uncertain situations, the factors (social, cultural, affective) that influence how we process information, and the importance of emotions and motivation in our interactions with others. Social Psychology is a track of the Research Master in Social and Behavioral Sciences.
to apply your knowledge
to improve your research skills
Program and courses
Become a research expert in the field of social psychology and study the factors that influence how we make decisions, behave and interact in uncertain and complex situations.
- This Research Master is unique in the Netherlands
- You become part of a small-scale, interactive learning environment with individual guidance and an ambitious and international group of students.
- You can apply your skills during four in-house traineeships and one international research traineeship.
- Personalize your study by choosing this track and by selecting supervisors, research topics, and traineeships, based on your interests and learning goals.
Typical courses are:
- Social Cognition
- Behavioral Decision-making
- Emotion and Motivation
- Experimental Research
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Eugenia Bajet Mestre
Research Master's student"The program incorporates foundational, theoretical and methodological courses, internships with the members of the department, attending seminars, as well as writing two thesis!"
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Carmem Meira Cunha
PhD candidate University of Antwerp" The professors were always there to support, encourage and challenge me. One of the most important skills that I developed was to think critically about research – something I use every day at my current job."
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Teun Siebers
PhD candidate University of Amsterdam"The program taught me the importance of scientific research. With small classes, high cultural diversity, and a focus on both theory and methodology, it is the perfect environment to develop professional skills."
Career prospects
You will become an all-round researcher who thinks outside the box and who is specialized in social psychology. This track gives you a competitive advantage in any career that requires sharp analytical and problem-solving skills, project management, or hands-on experience with the full empirical research cycle, often resulting in publications. You explore applications of social psychology in policy and research departments at governments and in companies. Our graduates have developed strong careers in- and outside academia. You can also do a PhD program at Tilburg University or any other university.
Recent alumni placements include:
- PhD student (Stanford University, Tilburg University)
- Behavioral Change Expert (Dijksterhuis & Van Baaren)
- Data Analyst and Research Expert (ING Bank)
- HR data analyst (EY)
Alumni facts
- Average number of months until first paid job: 3.5
- 100% find a job within 6 months after graduation
- Gross monthly income one year after graduation: €2.983
Source: National Alumni Survey, 2021 | n=4

Application and admission
This Master's program starts:
End of August
Best preparatory programs:
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Pre-Master's program:
The Research Master in Social and Behavioral Sciences does not offer a pre-Master’s program. However, in case you successfully complete one of the pre-Master’s programs of the Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences (e.g., the pre-Master's program in Sociology, Organization and Management Studies, or Human Resource Studies) you become eligible for admission to the Research Master in Social and Behavioral Sciences. Please note that the other admission requirements and application procedure still apply.
Tuition fees and scholarships
International students find all information about tuition fees and scholarships here.
Interested in this Master's program?

More information on this Master's program
Download the brochure with information on program content, admission requirements, career prospects, housing and immigration matters, and student life in Tilburg. Throughout the year you can take part in various types of events: on-campus, abroad or online.
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13:30 - 16:00
Campus Experience
Are you curious about life as a student at Tilburg University, or not sure which university you want to attend? Join our Campus Experience on January 31 or February 21! Discover our compact and green campus with one of our students and find out if Tilburg University is your future home.
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To be announced
Master's Open day
Are you interested in doing a Master's program? Do you want to specialize or are you looking for a Master that broadens your possibilities? Join us at the Master's Open Day on March 23 to find out which (pre-)Master's program suits you best. Learn all about our (pre-)Master’s programs and tracks, and ask teachers, students, and education coordinators your questions.
Interested in the Research Master in Social and Behavioral Sciences?
Do you have:
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the ambitions for an intellectual challenge
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strong critical and analytical abilities
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an interest in and experience with doing research
Then check your eligibility and the deadlines for application.