Language of instruction
Although in principle all study material is in English, the master’s programme in Mental Health is taught in Dutch.
There are several obstacles in the programme for non-Dutch speaking students. All clinical trainings are given in Dutch (e.g. neuropsychological test diagnostics, which uses Dutch language tests). Most problematic will be the clinical internship, which runs parallel to the coursework. We offer positions in Dutch Mental Healthcare institutions, which require proficiency in Dutch. Students may be allowed to do their clinical internship in their home country, but in this case the internship has to be moved to a later point in time since the three courses that are offered from the beginning of September to the end of February are mandatory. Thus, if a student is not able to follow the three mandatory courses and start with the clinical internship at the same time, this may implicate that the master's programme may not be completed within one year.
The internship may also be replaced by electives, but we do not offer electives ourselves, so students have to take them elsewhere. In the past, it has been nearly impossible for non-Dutch speaking students to complete the master's programme in Mental Health; therefore applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the Dutch language (see admissions).
"The Problem-Based Learning system and the diversity of the students make Maastricht University very appealing" >>