Psychology of People and Organizations

Why choose this program?
This program equips you with the insights, skills, and connections to effectively leverage human behavior for change, leadership, and organizational development.

Psychology with real-world impact
Gain a deeper understanding of the psychological drivers behind behavior in organizations. No abstract models for their own sake—but knowledge that inspires action.

A future-focused perspectiveExplore how trends like AI, automation, and hybrid work are reshaping the human role—and how to respond with insight and empathy.

Learn by doing and sharing
Tackle a real-world challenge from your own work environment. Collaborate with a peer learning partner and engage in group sessions to test ideas, reflect on what works in your organization, and conclude with a well-supported pitch to your team or manager.

Flexible and in-depthEach module consists of three consecutive in-person learning days, supported by hybrid group sessions and clear planning—making it easy to combine with your job, without compromising academic depth.

Learning with and from peers
You’ll study alongside a consistent group of professionals in your chosen track, guided by experts who bridge academic research and real-world practice.

Scientific foundation, practical applicationCo-developed with Tilburg University, the program is taught by academics and practitioners who translate the latest behavioral science into actionable strategies grounded in research.

Insights from the Field

Leaders and professionals in practice confirm the relevance of this program:

“The core of effective leadership and organizational development lies in understanding and influencing people. This program combines people knowledge and people science with business thinking. That combination prepares professionals for the future.”
– Sven Rickli, Founder of Nolost

“Leadership today demands empathy, communication, and emotional intelligence. This program develops leaders who excel in exactly those areas—with a solid foundation in psychology and strong strategic insight.”
– Kirsten de Roo, Leadership Expert and Coach

“We need a bridge between human behavior and business strategy. This program builds that bridge—and delivers professionals who know how to apply behavioral principles in complex organizations.”
– Marc Broekema, Co-head Valuation Services Netherlands at Kroll

Two tracks. One goal: behavioral insights that work.

The Advanced Program: Psychology of People and Organizations offers two learning tracks. You choose the one that best fits your professional challenge and learning objectives.

Both tracks begin with Module 1—a shared exploration of the future of people, work, and organizations—before diving into their own in-depth specialization:

Track 1: Psychology of Change and Influence
Focuses on the psychological principles behind organizational change, persuasion, and consumer behavior. Designed for those who want to understand and guide behavioral change—within teams or toward customers.

Track 2: Psychology of Thinking and Doing

Explores cognitive, social, differential, and emotional psychology. Ideal for those seeking deeper insight into how people differ, and how they think, feel, and act—both individually and in social settings.

Program Structure

• Each track consists of three modules, including in-person sessions, online peer learning, and a final pitch day.
• Every module begins with an online info session, followed by three consecutive in-person learning days.
• Between modules, you’ll work with your group and learning buddy on your own behavioral challenge—applying insights directly in your professional context.
• The program concludes with a pitch day, where your manager or sponsor is warmly invited—to help make your impact both visible and lasting.
  

Track 1: The Psychology of Change and Influence

Understand resistance. Build support. Move people.

Change is rarely just a matter of planning. It revolves around behavior—and behavior often doesn’t follow a plan. Whether you're driving internal transformation or aiming to win over customers, a lack of insight into how people respond increases the risk of stagnation before real change begins.

In this track, you’ll explore the psychology behind change, influence, and consumer behavior. You’ll learn how people develop resistance, what motivates them, and how to guide behavioral change in a responsible and effective way—within your organization and beyond.

From the impact of culture and generational differences on change readiness to the role of marketing psychology in value creation, this track offers both strategic insight and practical tools to create forward momentum.

What you’ll learn

• How psychological principles can enable—or block—change
• How to recognize and work with personality and group dynamics
• How to apply behavioral psychology in marketing and communication
• How to turn resistance into ownership 

This track consists of the following modules:

• Module 1: The Future of People,Organizations, and Society
• Module 2: Psychology in OrganizationalChange
• Module 3: Psychology in Marketing andConsumer Behavior

Track 2: The Psychology of Thinking and Doing

Understand how people work. Gain insight into behavior.

What drives people? Why do we act the way we do—even when it seems irrational? In this track, you’ll return to the psychological foundations of human behavior: from brain and emotion to social interaction and individual differences.

You’ll explore how mental processes such as attention, perception, memory, and decision-making arise, and how emotions influence behavior—often unconsciously. You’ll also examine how people function in groups, how social context shapes behavior, and why not everyone responds in the same way.

These insights will help you collaborate more effectively, communicate with greater clarity, and make sharper decisions—even in complex environments.

What you’ll learn

• How cognitive processes shape decisions and behavior
• The role of emotions in collaboration, decision-making, and leadership
• How personality traits help explain and guide behavior
• How social contexts influence interaction and communication

This track consists of the following modules:

• Module 1: The Future of People,Organizations, and Society
• Module 4: Cognitive and Social Psychology
• Module 5: Emotion and DifferentialPsychology

Each program track includes an online kick-off, 3 in-person modules, 3 peer group sessions, and a final pitch day.

The total fee for a single track is € 9000 (exempt from VAT).

This fee includes:

• Full day arrangements during on-campus sessions (lunch, coffee/tea, andrefreshments)
• Registration and administration costs
• Access to the online learning environment
• Required literature, textbooks, and course materials
  

Additional costs (optional):

• Dinners and overnight accommodation

How do you finance your education?

You have found the program that best suits your learning goals and ambitions. But how do you finance this? There are different ways to do that. Your employer can play a role, but there are also interesting statutory regulations that you can use yourself. We list the possibilities for you.

Read about the possibilities here »

Dates and Locations – Psychology of People and Organizations

The Advanced Program: Psychology of People and Organizations offers two learning tracks. You choose the one that best fits your professional challenge and learning needs.

Our faculty team consists of leading academics from Dutch and international universities, with deep expertise in psychology and/or business. They combine academic rigor with real-world experience and translate theory into solutions for today’s organizational challenges.

In addition, the program features experts with strong backgrounds in behavioral psychology, organizational science, economics, and marketing—offering both theoretical frameworks and hands-on applications.

Thanks to this diverse blend of expertise, the program provides a unique combination of scientific depth and practical learning. It’s an environment that fosters reflection, interaction, and meaningful network-building.

Apply for one of the two tracks or one of the five individual modules of the Advanced Program: Psychology of People and Organizations.