Are you looking for a challenging study, in an inspirational environment?  For a study where you as a student are part of a scientific community, stimulated to participate in research, and also to conduct your own research?  And to meet students from all over the world?  Then you are at the right place, right now!

What do we offer?

We offer four excellent Research Master programmes in English:

Cognitive Neuropsychology

Social Psychology

Neurosciences

Cognitive Science

We also offer also 2 different scientist practitioners master programmes, in Psychology and Education. These take one year and are taught in Dutch:

scientist practitioner Master

With his broad area of expertise and knowledge, William James symbolises the research that is carried out at our faculty. Students at the William James Graduate School can learn about and excel in the areas of psychology and education. The William James Graduate School provides students with the skills and knowledge to excel in their field, either as scientist practitioners or as researchers.

VU University also offers you the benefits of being a campus university in one of the best loved cities in the world, Amsterdam. All kinds of facilities are within easy range, be it housing, cultural, sporting or study facilities

Why choose William James Graduate School?

At the William James Graduate School, you can conduct your own research under supervision of renowned researchers. This could even lead to an article being submitted in an international peer-reviewed journal, or to conference participation.

We offer excellent research facilities, access to digital journals, student workrooms and assistance in finding housing. 

At William James Graduate School, we aim to make you the best you can be.

Who are we?

The William James Graduate School is embedded within the faculty of Psychology and Eduction of the VU University Amsterdam, a thriving community of about 300 staff members, and each year more than 300 first year’s bachelor students.

The staff members are involved in high level research, and several departments have been evaluated externally as being the best in the country. Professors like Erik Scherder, Caryl Rusbult, Jan Theeuwes, Paul van Lange, Jaap Oosterlaan are top researchers in their field, and are also involved in teaching on a daily basis in the research master programmes.

The academic setting allows both students and staff to develop an inquiring sense of wonder, and equips them with the tools to seek the answers, both alone and through collaboration.

Application form for the William James Alumni symposium is now online! read more

Amsterdam is unique in having all the advantages of a big city – culture, history, good food, entertainment and extensive public transport – but with the relaxed atmosphere of a global village. read more

Who was William James? William James (January 11, 1842 – August 26, 1910) was a pioneering American psychologist and philosopher. read more