Why Mareike chose Forensic 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?

Mareike, 23, is from Germany and decided to stay in Maastricht for the 2-year master’s programme in Forensic Psychology. “I have a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Maastricht University. I spent my internship and the following summer holidays last year in South-Africa. It triggered my fascination for cross-cultural differences in assessment instruments.”

Mareike’s extra mile in health: “Contributing to equal chances for everyone in the criminal system, regardless of their psychological state, race, religion or cultural background.”

“In Forensic Psychology you focus on the offender. This is the only programme to do so, which makes it unique. In the first year you have courses, in the second there are 2 internships, a clinical and a research internship. My internship in a forensic clinic in South-Africa next to my bachelor studies showed me one thing: I wish to be a part of a global change in the criminal field, leading to equal and fair chances for every person in the criminal system, not depending on their psychological state, their race, religion or cultural background. Cultural differences should be taken into account much more.

It’s a small-scale master’s programme and my fellow students come from all over the world. This multicultural international background adds to the discussion, especially since legal systems differ so much around the globe. I think the Problem-Based Learning method is even more fruitful in a master’s because everyone is so motivated and eager to learn from each other.

I’m not quite sure what I want to do after I graduate. Maybe I’ll work in a clinic but a combination of teaching and becoming an expert witness in court is also a very appealing prospect.”