Why Iris chose Psychology / Legal Psychology

Studying at Maastricht University (UM) is a personalised, life enriching experience that prepares you for the future, both professionally and personally. Our bachelor’s and master’s programmes are designed for students who have an intrinsic curiosity in human behaviour and health. Students ‘who want to go the extra mile’ on a professional and/or personal level. What’s your extra mile?

Iris, 21, is from the Netherlands and stayed in Maastricht for the master’s programme in Psychology / Legal Psychology. “I came to Maastricht for the bachelor’s programme Health Sciences and chose the Mental Health specialisation. I then decided to stay on for this master’s.”

Iris’ extra mile in health: “I strive for equal rights. By completing this Master, I hope I can contribute to unbiased processes in court.”

“I’ve always been fascinated by the psychology in a legal and courtroom setting. So, I decided to look into master’s programmes that fitted this interest. In this programme you learn all about decisions and motives and the actors in the legal process from a cognitive angle, like witness statements, polygraph assessments and so on. It’s very interesting so far and you learn all the skills you need to become an expert who can contribute to solid, well-founded decisions. In my view that is the basis for passing fair sentences.

So far, I’m very happy with my choice. It’s a small-scale programme, very international and with lots of interaction. Also, with our tutors and professors, who are all very approachable. We have very lively discussions, especially since many of my fellow students have different backgrounds and come from all parts of the world. That cultural angle makes it also very interesting.

I’m not sure which field I would like to specialise in, because I’m interested in research, but also the clinical and legal field. As the year progresses, I undoubtedly will find out more and I’m very much looking forward to that.”