Cognitive Neuropsychology
Student experiences
Marc Bohlken
(Holland)
I entered the program with a background in Biomedical Sciences, a discipline in which I had always been especially keen on the neuroscientific subjects. However, my interest for human cognition led me to investigate master programs outside of my own faculty. This way I found out about the Research Master of Cognitive Neuropsychology at the William James Graduate School.
What especially attracted me in the program was the opportunity to develop research skills in a multidisciplinary environment. The program really pulls together subjects ranging from medical neuroscience and cognitive psychology, to clinical psychology and manages to create a coherent whole that prepares for a position as a PhD-student in a broad range of disciplines.
Being in my second year, I feel that this program challenges me enough to really become excited about starting a career in the cognitive neurosciences. For me, the challenge comes from the numerous subjects that encourage personal contribution to scientific debate. Besides that, I very much value the practice in both writing by APA standards and presenting about up-to-date research topics.
After my graduation in 2009 I have the ambition to start a career in research on the influence of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s Disease or Parkinson’s Disease, on cognitive processes. With a masters’ degree in Cognitive Neuropsychology, I feel that I have an excellent preparation for this line of research.
Anna Kaisa Sarkka
(Finland)
Two years ago I was looking for an opportunity to increase my skills in research methodology and knowledge of neuropsychological issues. I had studied in Finland earlier and was interested to continue my studies abroad. The research master program of Cognitive Neuropsychology came my way quite accidentally. I did not know a lot about Holland, nor had I heard of Vrije Universiteit before. My master’s thesis in Finland was in cognitive neuroscience and my interest in neuropsychology was increasing, so this program combining both these fields seemed tailor-made.
Now, before starting my internship and writing the master’s thesis, I feel that I have gained plenty of new skills and knowledge. The level of the studies has varied throughout the courses, as some of the topics I was already familiar with and some were quite challenging. The academic atmosphere was somewhat different here at the VU than what I was used to. Here the style of studying feels more controlled, both by the University and the students themselves. I first had to adjust to a more structured and guided educational environment, but the structure has also been helpful in keeping up with the hectic and sometimes difficult studies.
Holland and Amsterdam have been experiences of their own. Biking in the city puts me, most of the time, in a relaxed and happy mood – especially now that I have acquired some basic skills in local biking style. For a big city Amsterdam is cosy and beautiful. People are friendly while not hesitating to give their opinion, and almost everyone speaks English.
All in all, I think that the time I’ve been studying in the research master program has given me more perspective in the research done in the fields of cognitive psychology and neuropsychology. I hope that it has also provided some contacts for me after graduation. It has definitely been a busy and hard two years but in the end I have enjoyed it.
Tobias Gleich
(Germany)
Die Entscheidung mich in dem Forschungs-Master in Kognitiver Neuropsychologie einzuschreiben, fiel mir leicht, da die präsentierten Themen und Kurse mein Interesse sofort weckten. Besonders die sehr wissenschaftliche Herangehensweise an bedeutenden Themen wie Wahrnehmung, Gedächtnis und Emotionen, aber auch die Erkundung fundamentaler Fragen zur Anatomie und Interaktionen zwischen Neuronen im Gehirn, waren für mich ausschlaggebende Punkte mich für diese Master einzuschreiben.
Ich bin überzeugt davon, dass der Forschungs-Master in Kognitiver Neuropsychologie ein sehr zukunftsorientierter und -sicherer Master ist. Nicht nur meine akademische Kariere, sondern auch meine persönliche Entwicklung hat von dem Master-Programm profitiert. Aufgrund der Möglichkeit, aus einem sehr weit gefächerten Angebot von Kursen wählen zu können, wurde mir genaue Feinabstimmung ermöglicht um mich perfekt in der universitären Umgebung entwickeln zu können und trotzdem meine eigenen wissenschaftlichen Interessen zu verfolgen.
Es ist ein internationales Master-Programm mit Studenten aus verschiedene Länder und wird in englischer Sprache unterrichtet. Das Erlernen von Präsentations-Techniken über wissenschaftlich komplexe Themen wird in vielen der angebotenen Kursen gefördert. Außerhalb des Studiums habe ich die Stadt Amsterdam als eine sehr inspirierende und multikulturelle Umgebung erfahren.
