Objectives of the Master’s programme

This pathway graduates practitioners with a theoretical and practical understanding of the causes and effects of human behaviour, experience and consciousness, and the ability to develop and apply relevant explanatory models. Our graduates know basic and advanced methodological approaches and their pros and cons – not just in theory but also from their own experience gained in empirical project seminars.

Their methodological knowledge in connection with insights into all sub-disciplines of Psychology empowers them to apply scientifically founded principles to work independently in the practical and scientific areas of Psychology.

Graduates have in-depth knowledge of the fundamental theoretical approaches in the fundamental subjects (Biopsychological Psychology and Neuropsychology; Measurement, Testing and Evaluation, Cognition and Self-Regulation) as well as specialised knowledge in their chosen areas of emphasis (Clinical Psychology, Health Psychology, Instructional Design and Technology, Human Resources and Organisational Psychology, Human – Technology Interaction).

Specialisations in the Master’s programme

Students can choose their specialisation from the following applied subjects:

• Clinical Psychology
• Health Psychology
• Human Resources and Organisational Psychology
• Human Factors and Training

The Institute, the Faculty and the University all provide great opportunities to build on each of these applied subjects.

The collaboration with the Medical Faculty and its Psychiatric Clinics as well as the Neurology, Epidemiology and Psychosomatic are a great enrichment for the programme, particularly for the applied subjects ‘Clinical Psychology‘ and ‘Health Psychology‘.

The applied subjects ‘Human Factors and Training‘ and ‘Human Resources and Organisational Psychology‘ are closely interwoven with the courses of the Faculty, the Computer Sciences, Engineering and also the Economics (e.g. Health Economics) and are therefore obvious fields of application. The integration of Psychology into the Faculty of Computer Sciences and Engineering creates a great closeness to technical subjects.

‘Human Factors and Training‘ has a strong focus on user-centred development and assessment of new technologies, but also emphasises the area of media-based learning, among others.

Programme structure

The programme usually consists of 4 semesters throughout which the students are required to achieve 120 credit points (ECTS) in total. The study modules are organised in the following four areas:

1. Advanced Fundamentals (10 ECTS)
These lectures teach further in-depth knowledge in the basic subjects of Psychology. Additional seminars and research-oriented specialisations offer opportunities to engage in topical questions from a research perspective.

2. Research Methods and Diagnostics (12+8 ECTS)
The fundamental modules around Research Methods and Diagnostics teach practice-related knowledge of empirical research methods and diagnostic procedures, with particular emphasis on advanced methods like multivariate procedures, for example.

3. Applied Modules (12 +12 ECTS)
Students choose two from the following five modules (12 ECTS each)

• Clinical Psychology
  Deepening of disorder-specific knowledge and fundamental psychotherapeutic treatment options
• Health Psychology
  Deepening of methods and application areas of health psychology with a particular focus on the topic of prevention
• Human Resources and Organisational Psychology
  Deepening in the areas of human resources and organisational psychology as preparation for tasks in staff selection as well as staff and business development
• Human Factors and Training
  (1) Deepening in general topics and methods of human – technology interaction; special emphasis on driver – vehicle interaction and media design
  (2) Deepening in the areas of teaching – learning research, media psychology and media pedagogy; design of media-based learning tools for tertiary, professional and continuing education, staff development and psychoeducation

4. Internship and project seminars (16 + 12 ECTS)

The internship involves a 12-week work placement. Project seminars can be research- or application-oriented. Research-oriented project seminars are a platform to independently work on a research-relevant question by way of an empirical study. After a seminar-style theoretical introduction, students work together in small groups on operationalisation, experiment planning as well as data collection, reduction and analysis. Examples for application-oriented project seminars are clinical case study seminars or the facilitation of assessment centres in the fields of human resources and organisational psychology.

5. Communication of Scientific Results (8 ECTS)

This module is about strengthening and practising scientific work techniques. This includes the oral presentation of research results and manuscript writing.

6. Master’s thesis (30 CP)

For partner universities and the ERASMUS programme in Psychology click here.
ERASMUS coordinator for Psychology is Prof. Dr. Iris Kolassa.

The International Office also offers a variety of pathways to international experiences.

Encyclopaedia and general supplementary booklet (German only)
Flyer Bachelor's and Master’s programme Psychology (German only)
Study curriculum Master's Psychology (German only)
FAQ

Fachschaft (subject-related student representatives) Psychology
Academic Affairs Committee
Dean of Studies: Prof. Dr. Daniel Zimprich
Course advisors
Subject Examination Board
ERASMUS coordination for Psychology: Prof. Dr. Iris-Tatjana Kolassa

Also use the University's online address book.