Child Development and Education (research)
University of Amsterdam offers this 24-month English-taught master's in Social Sciences in Amsterdam, ranked #62 by Times Higher Education. Students with a university level bachelor's degree in a related field can also apply.
What it takes to get in
Entry bar: moderate. Driven by GPA floor 7.5 and specific prior degree.
- GPA / grades
- 7.5(1-10)
- Prior degree
- Students with a university level bachelor's degree in a related field can also apply. Whether you are eligible to apply depends on to what extent your previous education contained courses in the field of child development and/or education, (developmental) psychology
- Accepted degrees
- Pedagogical sciencesPsychology
- Documents required
- completed web application form
- statement of purpose
- academic transcript
- list of courses in research methods and statistics
- written academic work
- curriculum vitae
- letter of reference
- proof of English language proficiency
- Deadline
- 1 May 2027
- Apply via
- studielink
What it costs
Plan for a normal Amsterdam student life on top of any tuition fees.
Living in Amsterdam →
What you'll study
120 ECTS over 24 months — core foundations, then a track of your choice, then a thesis.
Tracks
Assumed knowledge
A unique blend of research skills and expertise in both Child Development and Education, along with the freedom to pursue your individual interests, defines this two-year, small-scale research Master's programme. Explore different theories and acquire hands-on research experience, to shape a brighter future for young minds.
Where graduates end up
What graduates of this programme tend to do — and where they end up working.
Common career paths
Rankings
- Times Higher Education 2026#62
- QS World 2025#55
- Times Higher Education 2025#58
- THE — Psychology 2026#14
- THE — Social Sciences 2026#18
Visa & life in the Netherlands
The practical stuff — what's allowed, what's funded, what to expect after you graduate.
- Student visa
- Non-EU students need a residence permit (VVR), arranged by the university on your behalf. EU students only need to register with the local municipality.
- Post-study work
- Orientation Year (zoekjaar) visa — 12 months to find skilled work after graduation. No employer sponsorship needed during this period.
- Tuition
- Statutory fee around €2,500/yr for EU students; institutional fees for non-EU students typically range €14,000–26,000/yr depending on the field.
- Scholarships
- Holland Scholarship (€5,000), university-specific funds such as the Amsterdam Excellence and Justus & Louise van Effen scholarships, plus Erasmus+ for EU mobility.
About University of Amsterdam
The University of Amsterdam serves 41,000 students across 147 master's programs, with particular depth in Arts & Humanities, Business & Law, and Social Sciences. Based in Amsterdam, it ranks 55th globally in the QS World Rankings 2025, with subject-level strengths in Medicine (QS #29) and Law (QS #36).
Worth comparing
Same field, similar entry tier. Most applicants apply to 3–5.
Common questions
What GPA do I need for Child Development and Education (research) at University of Amsterdam?
Admission requires a GPA of 7.5 on the 1-10 scale.
Is Child Development and Education (research) at University of Amsterdam taught in English?
Yes — the programme is taught entirely in English.
What is the acceptance rate at University of Amsterdam?
Not published. Most European public universities don't release acceptance rates — admission is requirements-based, so if you meet the stated requirements your application gets a full review rather than competing against a fixed quota. Based on the published requirements (GPA floor 7.5, specific prior degree, prerequisite coursework), the entry bar here is moderate.
Do I need GRE or GMAT scores?
No — GRE and GMAT scores are not required for this programme.
Can I work in the Netherlands after graduating?
Yes. The Netherlands offers a one-year Orientation Year (zoekjaar) residence permit to graduates of Dutch universities, letting you live and work in the country while looking for a job — no sponsor required during that year.
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 1 May 2027. Deadlines can differ by nationality — confirm on the programme page.
Is University of Amsterdam good for Social Sciences?
University of Amsterdam ranks #14 in Psychology (THE 2026).
Wondering if you'd get in?
Find out in 30 seconds.
Was this useful?