This thesis introduces the concept of

The master’s specialisation Evolutionary Biology at Leiden University investigates biology at all levels. The specialisation includes genomics, functional developmental genetics, paleobiology, behavioral biology and evolutionary ecology.

Promotors: Prof.dr. T.H.W. Bäck, Prof.dr. B. Sendhoff (Technische Universität Darmstadt)

Promotor: Erik F. Smets, Co-promotores: Barbara Gravendeel, Niels Raes

How do balanced lethal systems originate and persist in nature?

This thesis describes the use of the evolutionary approach in the study of language change, aiming to provide a better insight in the mechanisms that play a role in language change and to validate this approach in the field of language change.

Which traits did change due to the invasion process of plants and how do these traits contribute to the invasiveness of such species. What is the role of carbohydrate accumulation? What is the function of carbohydrate accumulation in plants? Is genetic variation depleted in invasive species under se…

We developed the bitterling as a unique, well-studied model organism in the area of the evolutionary ecology of brood parasitism. The bitterling-mussel relationship, interspecific mussel host preference, and mussel gill structure are studied in detail, to help understand the developmental adaptation…

Multi-objective evolutionary computation aims to find high quality (Pareto optimal) solutions that represent the trade-off between multiple objectives.

Robotics, using social mechanisms like hormonal modulation, may accelerate our understanding of core sociality principles. By looking at social robotics through an evolutionary lens, we propose this field as a promising framework to investigate the fundamental bricks of sociality from an evolutionary…

The Institute of Psychology is committed to play a prominent role in teaching and research at the national and international level.

What is the function of the insect serosa?

Multi-objective optimization is an effective technique for finding optimal solutions that balance several conflicting objectives. It has been applied in many fields of our world, because practical problems usually have more than one desired goal. For example, developing a new vehicle component might…

The Institute of Psychology is responsible for innovative and interdisciplinary research and education within psychology and related disciplines.

We are very happy to welcome you to spend a semester or year studying with us at the Institute of Psychology. Here you will find practical information on studying Psychology in Leiden as an exchange student.

The mycorrhizal symbiosis is among the most widespread species interactions on Earth⁠. This thesis focuses on orchid mycorrhiza, a unique mycorrhizal type that has caught scientists’ attention for centuries⁠.

Promotor: Prof.dr. E Gittenberger, Co-Promotores: C.H.J.M. Fransen, Dr. B.W. Hoeksema

he master’s programme in Psychology focuses both on in-depth study of theory and on the acquisition of professional and research skills. The distinctive feature of the Leiden master’s programme is that the teaching is not restricted to only the functioning of psychological processes; these processes…

Cognitive psychology is the study of cognitive functions such as attention, memory, consciousness, emotion, language and action control. The goal is to understand the complex relationships between brain, mind and behavior.

Clinical psychology is a discipline concerned with the application of psychological science to the assessment and treatment of mental disorders.

The International Bachelor in Psychology in Leiden is a broad study with a strong focus on research.

Are you thinking about studying School Psychology? Learn more and watch the videos.

Are you thinking about studying Clinical Psychology? Learn more and watch the videos.

β-Lactamases are enzymes that can break down β-lactam substrates, such as antibiotics, preventing the use of these antibiotics for the treatment of various infectious diseases. However, some compounds, β-lactamase inhibitors, can block these enzymes allowing for possible treatments using a combination…

The master’s programme in Psychology in Leiden focuses both on in-depth study of psychological theory as well as on the acquisition of professional and research skills. Students develop their knowledge of psychology as a science and its application in order to effectively address relevant issues. The…

The master’s programme in Psychology in Leiden focuses both on in-depth study of psychological theory as well as on the acquisition of professional and research skills. Students develop their knowledge of psychology as a science and its application in order to effectively address relevant issues. The…

In the specialisation Occupational Health Psychology, part of the Master in Psychology, you will integrate knowledge of several disciplines in psychology, with a clear focus on workers and their work setting.

The MSc in Psychology (research) is a two-year programme that is focused on acquiring research skills in a particular field of psychology.

In the Dutch healthcare system, only MHC psychologists (GZ-psychologen) are licensed to practice psychology unsupervised.

Are you thinking about studying the Research Master in Psychology? Learn more and watch the videos.

Psychology Lab on Wheels makes research accessible to all: with our mobile lab we literally reach people on the street. From bustling city centres to remote areas, our lab travels all over, making it easy for you to participate in our research. And with your help, we gain new insights and deepen our…

In the specialisation Applied Cognitive Psychology, part of the Master in Psychology, you develop all the practical and academic skills necessary to apply psychological knowledge to real-life problems in working environments and organisations.

Developmental and Educational psychology is concerned with the developmental course and dynamics of cognition, self-regulation, and emotional competence, and the implications for educational and clinical practice.

Study information

Study information

The Developmental Psychology specialisation of the Research Master’s in Psychology offers a strong theoretical background to provide the varied knowledge-base needed for a thorough understanding of emotional and cognitive development across childhood and adolescence.

In the specialisation Clinical Psychology, part of the Master in Psychology, you gain extensive knowledge on the asessment and treatment of mental disorders.

This minor provides a representative and coherent overview of the entire discipline of Psychology.

In the specialisation School Psychology, part of the Master in Psychology, you will learn how to create positive learning environments to support talent development and potential for learning as well as practical clinical skills for all students, regardless of their intellectual or mental states.

Students and lecturers from around the world bring an international and multi-cultural perspective on psychology to the class room. This, combined with the fact that all teaching and discussions will be in English, that we offer cross-cultural courses, and that you can study abroad for a semester, ensures…

The International Bachelor in Psychology in Leiden takes you along all the different subdisciplines in Psychology.

For Humans of Psychology, students and staff will be put into the spotlight. At our institute prizes are won, exiting research is conducted, knowledge is harnessed, public meeting are organised and open science is highlighted. Take a look behind the scenes.

The mobile lab, the Psychology Lab on Wheels, brings science to the general public!

Are you thinking about studying Occupational Health Psychology? Learn more and watch the videos.

Are you thinking about studying Economic and Consumer Psychology? Learn more and watch the videos.

Are you thinking about studying Social and Organisational Psychology? Learn more and watch the videos.

Are you thinking about studying Child and Adolescent Psychology? Learn more and watch the videos.

Are you thinking about studying Applied Cognitive Psychology? Learn more and watch the videos.