Why this programme

Hi there! My name is Natacha, and I'm currently finishing my master's degree in Clinical Psychology.
Choosing to do my master's degree at Erasmus was an easy decision because, as a former student, I was already acquainted with the university's lovely atmosphere. In addition, I love living and studying in Rotterdam, since this beautiful and dynamic city is also one of the most diverse cities in the Netherlands!
I've always enjoyed the process of delving deeply into a subject and am fascinated by how research can help increase our understanding about people, and by extension, about the world. I also find clinical practice particularly rewarding. I aspire to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to help and support others, as they learn to help and support themselves. 

Because I have a shared passion for research and clinical practice, I decided to follow both the research and the clinical training tracks*. What I liked most about this master's programme is that the courses are structured in a way that encourages deep critical thinking and stimulates personal reflection. I also appreciate how much emphasis was put on the importance of treating people as multi-faceted individuals, and not as a cluster of symptoms. For example, during several courses, we got to hear individuals with particular disorders (e.g., psychosis and addiction) elaborate on the complexities of living with a mental illness. Some of my favourite moments during this programme include a lecture in which we participated in a short session of dance therapy and the movie nights in which we watched clinicians who specialise in treating personality disorders apply different therapeutic techniques.

Regarding the practical training in the research training track, we learned to analyse statistical data using R, gained practical experience collecting EEG data and learned to programme experiments using E-prime. In the clinical training track, we got acquainted with several intervention skills and interviewing techniques which are relevant when working with couples and people who experience sexual problems and learned to apply several cognitive-behavioural methods. I particularly enjoyed the role-plays of the clinical practical training, where we practised therapeutic skills with our peers in a safe and encouraging environment.

All in all, during this master's programme, I gained knowledge and practical skills. Most importantly, I better understood what type of psychologist I want to be and how I want to contribute to this field.

*Note: Following both tracks is highly exceptional and something we generally do not do.

Hi! My name is Elize, and I just graduated with a master's degree in Clinical Psychology. I also earned my bachelor's degree in psychology at Erasmus University, which I really enjoyed, so I decided to do my master's here, too. I also think Rotterdam is a nice and versatile city in which to study. In addition to study opportunities, Rotterdam also offers many fun activities to do in your free time! There are various nightlife options, and several festivals are organised every year. The Erasmus University campus is also very versatile. There is a gym, various places to study and even a bar where you can have a drink with fellow students.

I found the master's programme itself very interesting. You take various courses that prepare you for your future career. This allows you to delve deeper into the subject than in a bachelor's programme. The theoretical courses focus on addiction, personality disorders and severe mental illness in an urban context. In the latter course, you learn to critically examine the material you have learned over the years and assess what each future client needs during a treatment programme. This block has stayed with me because it shows an interesting link between theory and practice. 
During the practical modules, you will also be prepared for the professional field. In the first module, you will learn about couples therapy and sexuality. In the following two modules, you will learn about cognitive behavioural therapy. You will learn specific techniques that you can use as a future therapist. Before your internship, you will also take a statistics course to teach you all the skills you need to write a successful thesis!

Finally, this master's programme also offers very interesting lectures by experts with practical experience in the field. During the addiction module, for example, you will have the opportunity to ask questions to someone who has been addicted for many years. These lectures bring the theoretical material to life and help reduce the stigma surrounding addiction and mental disorders in general.
I have found the master's programme and the accompanying internships very educational. I have now acquired the right skills and knowledge that I will apply in practice as a future psychologist!

Taking further educational steps and deciding where to specialise and obtain a master's degree could be difficult. As a soon-to-be graduate in BA psychology, I was eager to find a university and postgraduate programme that would deliver top-quality education in one year. Thankfully, my dear friend recommended looking into the clinical psychology programme offered by Erasmus University Rotterdam, which instantly felt like a perfect match. The programme strongly focuses on practical skills and theoretical knowledge regarding adult psychopathology and its research. With two possible tracks to choose from: clinical or research, I believe anyone can find what matches their interests best. Personally, I followed the clinical track, which has taught me a variety of treatment techniques within couple and behavioural-cognitive therapy and has confidently prepared me for future counselling.

Nevertheless, it is an intensive programme, requiring a lot of individual and group effort to solve problems encountered in the field. We were often given material that required deeper and unconventional thinking, which inspired us to dive into topics that are current or future focuses in psychology. And if in doubt, thankfully, the professors and tutors who had extensive experience and were highly skilled professionals were always happy to help and navigate the unknown. If you want to become a skilled clinical psychologist and acquire up-to-date knowledge within the mental health field, the Clinical Psychology master's at EUR is just for you!