Work and Organizational Psychology, Master of Science

Is the Master’s in Work and Organisational Psychology suitable for you?

The Master’s degree programme is aimed at graduates interested in psychological, safety-related and health-promoting tasks within companies. It is particularly suitable if you want to start a career or further qualify in the fields of occupational safety, corporate health management (BGM), personnel psychology or organisational development. The programme targets both Bachelor graduates in Psychology as well as applicants with other relevant first degrees who can envisage a career focused on mental health, work design and workplace safety.

What formal requirements do you have to meet?

For admission to the Master’s degree programme "Work and Organisational Psychology (M.Sc.)" you need to provide the following proofs:

• First academic university degree (for example Bachelor’s, Diploma or Magister) with at least 180 ECTS, preferably in Psychology or a related subject area
• Complete CV with current passport photo
• Copy of ID (for international applicants: National Identity Card)
• Proof of sufficient German language skills (only for non-native speakers)

The selection process also includes a personal interview. Final admission takes place after successful participation in the interview and conclusion of the study contract.

For the course of study, you should also bring the following personal requirements:

• Interest in psychosocial contexts, safety and health promotion in the workplace
• Willingness to work scientifically on an empirical basis
• Motivation for self-organised learning in a block model (full-time with on-site weekends)
• Social skills, communication ability and the capacity for responsible independent work (e.g., moderation, evaluation, counselling)
• Experience in working with people, ideally some practical experience in relevant fields (advantageous but not mandatory)

What do you learn in the Master’s in Work and Organisational Psychology?

The Master’s programme in Work and Organisational Psychology (M.Sc.) at SRH University Gera imparts solid competencies for healthy and safe work systems within companies. The focus is on mental health in the workplace. You will develop practical skills in the following areas:

• Workplace safety and health: Analysis of psychological stress factors, design of safety-compliant workplaces, development of effective prevention strategies.
• Occupational health management (BGM): Establishment, implementation and evaluation of BGM programmes to promote psychological and physical health.
• Personnel psychology: Personnel selection, personnel development, introduction to counselling and coaching.
• Organisational psychology: Development of health-promoting corporate cultures, introduction to mediation and conflict management.
• Methodological competencies: Empirical, qualitative and quantitative research methods, diagnostics, conducting presentations, moderation and evaluations.
• Integrated additional qualification: Training as a specialist for occupational safety (Level I and II) at no extra cost.

Teaching is based on the university’s CORE principle: alongside professional skills, you acquire social and personal competencies for practical application.

How your studies work at a glance

The Master’s is structured as a full-time block study programme with a standard duration of 4 semesters (120 ECTS) and takes place on the Gera campus. The schedule is specifically designed for working professionals:

• Block structure: Six block weekends per semester (each from Wednesday to Saturday) with face-to-face sessions.
• Practical relevance: Small study groups (10–15 people) encourage individual learning and direct exchange with lecturers.
• Course content: Fundamentals of work and organisational psychology, psychological diagnostics, occupational safety, health in the workplace, empirical methods, internship and Master’s thesis with colloquium.
• Integration with practice: Application of learned material in your job and discussion of practice-relevant issues during classes.
• Support: Intensive and individual supervision by lecturers and student advisors.

The study organisation allows you to balance your studies, work and private commitments.

What career prospects does the Master’s degree offer?

With the M.Sc. in Work and Organisational Psychology and the integrated qualification as a safety specialist, you qualify for key roles in corporate health and safety management:

• Occupational health management (BGM): Development and management of health promotion programmes, contact person for mental health within the company.
• Occupational safety: Design and optimisation of health- and safety-compliant workplaces, risk assessment of psychological stress factors.
• Personnel management: Personnel selection and development, planning and implementing training measures.
• Organisational development: Promotion of a health-oriented corporate culture, process and quality management.
• Further opportunities: Membership in the professional association of psychologists (BDP) as a graduate psychologist.

Graduates take on consulting, management or operational roles in companies, public institutions or consulting agencies with a focus on healthy work and organisational development.

What does the degree cost and how can you finance it?

The tuition fees for the Master’s in Work and Organisational Psychology are:

• €590 per month at the Gera location (a total of €24,480 for 4 semesters/4 years’ duration)
• One-time enrolment fee: €750

Additional fees, such as for exams or re-examinations, are not charged. The university offers maximum cost transparency throughout your studies.

• Financing options: Options such as education loans, scholarship programmes, as well as tax-deductibility of tuition fees as business expenses or special expenses.
• Part-time study model: The block structure allows you to work part-time during your studies to earn additional income to finance your studies.

The fees support the equipment of the campus, services for students and the quality assurance of teaching.