Legal Psychology
How reliable are eyewitness testimonies? Which tests can you use to detect malingers? You'll explore topics like this in the specialisation in Legal Psychology. This programme, the only one of its kind in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, includes courses on topics such as lie detection, eyewitness testimonies, interrogation techniques and false confessions. By combining theory with practical skills, you’ll be equipped with all the training you need to pursue a career in police investigation units, juvenile offenders’ institutions, child protective services and high-security forensic facilities.
Led by the Forensic Psychology section.
Fast facts
- focusses on applying cognitive psychology to legal issues
- unique in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany
- opportunities to participate in ongoing research
- 1-year, full-time master’s, taught in English
- starts in September
- weekly: 6-8 hrs classes/practicals, 2-4 hrs lectures, 25 hrs independent study
- you’ll get an MSc in Psychology
Ask a student
Meet Maria: the student ambassador for the specialisation Legal Psychology.
On her Instagram account she shares her study experiences, moments of her life in Maastricht, and much more. Follow her to get a sneak peak of your possible future!
If you have questions about the programme and/or about (student) life in Maastricht, don't hesitate to get in touch with Maria through her Instagram page; she's happy to help you with your study choice, as previous student ambassadors helped her with hers.

Let's meet!
If you're thinking about starting a master's programme at the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, but you need some more information. You can visit this page to find out all about our master events, our student ambassadors, and where to find more information.
Iris’ extra mile in health: “I strive for equal rights. By completing this Master, I hope I can contribute to unbiased processes in court.”
Master in Psychology is 4th in its category in the national Keuzegids Masters 2019 ranking
Keuzegids Masters 2019Best Psychology master's programme in the Netherlands: Elsevier
Elsevier Best Studies 2017UM is the sixth best Young University in the world
Times Higher Education 2020 Young Universities RankingThis master thoroughly covers the influence of human psychology on all aspects of the law
Calendar
Life@UM
Find out what it's like to live and study in Maastricht:
- a day in the life of a student
- this beautiful European city
- sports & outdoor activities
Practical matters
In the support section, you can find out more about practical matters and UM regulations, such as:
- scholarships
- accommodation
- visas & residence permits
- Education and Examination Regulations (EER)
Visit 'Support' for prospective
students
Visit Maastricht University
regulations to find the EER of your
study programme
Questions?
For general info, please contact us at:
+31 43 388 5388
study[at]maastrichtuniversity[dot]nl
Bonnefantenstraat 2
6211 KL Maastricht
Chat with us (Mon-Fri from 8.30 to 17.00 CET)
For more info on a programme's
content, visit the programme's
contact page or order a brochure