Forensic and Legal Psychology
Erasmus University Rotterdam offers this 12-month English-taught master's in Social Sciences in Rotterdam, ranked #52 by FT — Global MBA.
What it takes to get in
- English tests
- IELTS 6.5 · TOEFL iBT 90
- Deadline
- 1 Apr 2027
What it costs
Plan for roughly €45k–€48k per year all-in as a Non-EU student — tuition plus a normal Rotterdam student life.
Living in Rotterdam →
What you'll study
60 ECTS over 12 months — core foundations, then a track of your choice, then a thesis.
This programme will give you insight into why people misbehave and commit crimes, the concept of criminal irresponsibility, and how forensic patients need to be treated. In addition to these typical forensic topics, the programme offers insight into legal psychological topics such as eyewitness evidence, deception detection, and legal decision-making. Why this study What you will learn This programme will teach you how to apply scientifically validated knowledge and instrumentation to forensic problems. Programme overview Is this the right programme for you? The programme aims to implement state-of-the-art scientific insights in forensic psychology (i.e., evidence-based practice), with the possibility of focusing on clinical forensic (neuro)psychology or legal psychology. The programme employs various educational approaches ranging from lectures to practical assignments. This one-year programme is unique in that it combines forensic (neuro)psychology and legal psychology.
Rankings
- FT — Global MBA 2026#52
- Times Higher Education 2026#107
- FT — Masters in Finance 2025#28
- THE — Social Sciences 2026#80
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 Erasmus University Rotterdam
Erasmus University Rotterdam is a university in Rotterdam, Netherlands, with 31,652 students and 82 programs across its corridors. Its primary academic strengths lie in Business & Law, Arts & Humanities, and Social Sciences, with QS Subject rankings of #24 in Business and #51 in Medicine. The university placed #101 in the 2024 ARWU overall ranking.
Worth comparing
Same field, similar entry tier. Most applicants apply to 3–5.
Common questions
Is Forensic and Legal Psychology at Erasmus University Rotterdam taught in English?
Yes — the programme is taught entirely in English. Non-native speakers need IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 90 (minimum).
How much does Forensic and Legal Psychology at Erasmus University Rotterdam cost?
International tuition is €21,000 per year. Over the full 12-month programme that's roughly €21,000 in tuition, before living costs.
What is the acceptance rate at Erasmus University Rotterdam?
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.
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 Apr 2027. Deadlines can differ by nationality — confirm on the programme page.
Is Erasmus University Rotterdam good for Social Sciences?
Erasmus University Rotterdam ranks #80 in Social Sciences (THE 2026).
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