Business Psychology

Short Profile

Become the kind of business psychologist who lifts performance by understanding people. Our four-year, 240-ECTS, English-taught programme blends core business competencies with applied psychology so you can drive healthy, high-performing organisations. You’ll explore HRM, marketing, change management and the human side of digitalisation, alongside organisational, cognitive, social and personality psychology, research methods and ethics. Coursework spans entrepreneurship, leadership, consumer behaviour, personnel selection and development, business intelligence and more—always with a people-centred lens. 

Learning at SRH Haarlem is hands-on through the award-winning CORE principle (Competence-Oriented Research & Education): small classes, real-world projects, five-week modules and continuous coaching that build practical skills and confidence from day one. 

Graduates are prepared for roles in HR, talent acquisition, organisational development, change management, coaching, marketing and behavioural research—or to launch ventures of their own. With internships, an optional study-abroad/electives block, and strong industry links in the Amsterdam–Haarlem region, you’ll finish with both a degree and portfolio-ready project experience. Intakes start in September and February. 

In short: learn how people think, feel and work—and use that insight to build inclusive cultures, smarter services and sustainable business results.

Course content

You’ll study people and performance in a business context, moving from foundations to real-world application in five-week CORE modules. That means practical assignments and no written exams. 

Year 1 – Foundations of mind & business

• Introduction to Business Psychology, Organisational Behaviour
• Cognitive & Social Psychology, Personality & Motivation
• Research Methods I, Statistics I, Academic Writing & Ethics
• Business Basics: Marketing, Finance for Non-Financials, Digital & Data Literacy
• Communication, Team Dynamics, Intercultural Skills

Year 2 – Applying psychology at work

• HRM & Talent Acquisition, Psychometrics & Assessment
• Learning & Development, Coaching Skills, Leadership & Followership
• Consumer & User Behaviour, Service Design, Behavioural Economics
• Change Management & Culture, Wellbeing & Inclusion (DEI)
• Research Methods II, Statistics II, Evidence-based Practice

Year 3 – Integration & industry

• People Analytics & HR Tech, Decision-Making & Negotiation
• Employer Branding, Internal Communication, Conflict Management
• Legal & Ethical Issues in People Decisions
• Industry Project with an external partner + Internship (portfolio-ready deliverables)

Year 4 – Specialisation & thesis

• Electives/minor (e.g., People Analytics, Coaching & Wellbeing, Behavioural Design, Digital Transformation & AI)
• Strategic HR & Organisational Development capstone
• Bachelor Thesis based on an applied research question in a company or lab setting

Across all modules you’ll work in small teams on cases, labs, simulations and client briefs, receiving continuous coaching. By graduation, you’ll be fluent in diagnosing human factors, designing behavioural interventions and measuring impact—ready for HR, OD, marketing insights, people analytics or further study.

Career Prospects

As a Business Psychology graduate, you’ll be uniquely positioned at the intersection of people and performance. Employers increasingly seek professionals who understand both business goals and the psychological factors that drive behaviour, motivation and decision-making.

With your skills, you can shape careers, teams and strategies in a wide variety of roles, including:

• Human Resources & Talent Management – recruitment, assessment, personnel development, employer branding, DEI
• Organisational Development & Change – culture building, change management, employee wellbeing
• Marketing & Consumer Behaviour – market research, user and customer experience, behavioural insights
• Coaching & Consultancy – leadership coaching, training, career guidance, business consultancy
• People Analytics & Research – analysing workforce data, evidence-based decision making, applied behavioural science

We expect graduates to typically find employment in HR departments, consulting firms, marketing agencies, NGOs, or international corporations. The programme also equips you with entrepreneurial skills to launch your own practice or start-up.

For those who wish to continue their academic journey, the B.Sc. in Business Psychology provides an excellent foundation for Master’s studies in Psychology, Human Resource Management, Organisational Behaviour, Business Administration or related fields.

In short: your degree opens doors to a career where you can combine scientific insight with practical business impact—helping organisations and people thrive together.

Admission Requirements

To join our international Business Psychology programme, we look for motivated students who are eager to explore both business and psychology in a global context.

Educational background

• A secondary school diploma that qualifies you for higher education in your home country (e.g. Dutch VWO/HAVO, German Abitur, International Baccalaureate, A-Levels, or equivalent).

Language requirements

Since the programme is fully taught in English, applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following (unless exempt for instance Abitur or IB school graduates do not need an English certificate) 

• IELTS Academic: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 per component)

• TOEFL iBT: 80

• Cambridge English: FCE/CAE/CPE with Grade C/169+

Application materials

• Completed online application form

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Motivational letter explaining your interest in Business Psychology and future goals

• Copy of passport/ID 

• Secondary school transcripts/diploma

Selection process

After submitting your documents, you will receive a response form us within 48 hours, suitable candidates are invited for an admissions interview (online or on campus). This is not only to assess your fit for the programme but also to get to know you personally and answer your questions about studying at SRH Haarlem.

We welcome students from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds who share an interest in people, organisations, and making a positive impact in business and society.

Try a Class - Meet Our Students

Get a real feel for SRH Haarlem before you apply.

Free Trial Sessions (Tasters)
Sit in on a real class, meet lecturers, and experience our CORE teaching in action. You’ll join a small-group session, work on a mini-case, and see how five-week modules, coaching, and teamwork actually feel. Perfect if you’re curious about Business Psychology or still choosing between programmes.
What you’ll get: a live class experience, Q&A with the lecturer, and tips from current students.
How to join: sign up for an upcoming taster via our website—online and on-campus options available.

Talk to a Student from 70+ Countries
Nothing beats hearing it from someone who’s living it. Book a 1:1 chat with one of our Student Ambassadors—international and Dutch—who study Business Psychology and other programmes. Ask about coursework, internships, living in Haarlem, housing, part-time jobs, student life, and anything else on your mind.
What you’ll get: honest insights, practical advice, and a feel for our community’s culture and support.
How to connect: request a call or video chat; we’ll match you with an ambassador close to your interests and time zone.

Your next step
Try a class, meet a student, and decide with confidence. It’s free, friendly, and designed to help you find your best fit.