Why Ben chose Psychology / Health and Social 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 de
Ben’s extra mile in health: “To find interventions that prevent unhealthy behaviours from occurring and break the cycles of them happening, rather than just settle for interventions that sound good but aren’t actually effective.”

Why Ben chose Psychology / Health and Social 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?

Ben, 26, is from the United Kingdom and came to Maastricht for the master’s programme in Psychology / Health and Social Psychology. “I have a bachelor’s degree in Theology from Birkbeck University in London and was involved in youth work for 6 years through my church. I noticed how a social setting impacts behaviour and I became interested in psychology programmes.”

Ben’s extra mile in health: “To find interventions that prevent unhealthy behaviours from occurring and break the cycles of them happening, rather than just settle for interventions that sound good but aren’t actually effective.”

“Initially I thought that developmental psychology suited my interests, but when I was introduced to social psychology, I could directly apply everything to my work experience so far. In social psychology you look at how social settings directly impact behaviour, habits, motivation etc. During my experiences with young people living in poorer areas, I started to focus on things that are effective in practice and not so much the things that just sound good. Identifying and addressing issues before they get out of hand, that’s the key to really help people improve their situation.

I chose this programme, because I wanted to study in a society that fits with how I want to live my life. Maastricht University is great, they care about you and express genuine interest in people. I was also curious about Problem-Based Learning. My girlfriend, soon wife-to-be, could study Law here, which was also a factor. So far, I’m convinced I have made the right choice. The knowledge and skills I’m acquiring now are exactly what I was looking for.

I really want to make a difference in society and apply my knowledge to help people live a better life. Perhaps start a charity, together with my wife.”