Legal psychology, Master of Science

Admission Requirements

For example, with your master's degree in forensic psychology, you can work as a forensic psychologist, forensic psychological expert, or correctional psychologist.

The prerequisite for admission to this program is a successfully completed bachelor's degree (with a grade of "good" or better) with at least 180 ECTS credits or an equivalent academic qualification, such as a diploma. In case of a different grade point average, the ability to study may be proven through a separate selection interview.

For a bachelor's program that is not yet fully completed, at least 80% of the required credits must have been earned at the time of application. The remaining credits must be completed by the time of enrollment.

In the previous bachelor's program, at least 20% of the ECTS credits should be related to the field of economics. Missing ECTS credits from the field of economics can be compensated either by a separate entrance test or by providing evidence of a successfully completed commercial apprenticeship or at least 18 months of relevant business management work experience.

In addition, you must demonstrate proficiency in the German language at least at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages or at an equivalent level.

Study Contents and Specializations

Through practical exercises such as data collection and analysis, as well as specialized modules on evaluation and diagnosis, you will be well-prepared to create psychological expert opinions in practice. With this degree program, doors open to fields in forensic psychology, evaluation and counseling, as well as in many other areas where psychological and legal expertise is required.

The study plan includes the following modules:

• 1st Semester: Multivariate Analysis Methods, Testing and Decision-Making, Introduction to Probabilistic Test Theory, Reception of Current Research Findings, Methods of Conversation Management, Legal Basics
• 2nd Semester: Empirical Research and Evaluation in Theory and Practice, Data Collection - Analysis - Modeling Exercise, Psychological Expert Opinions in Practice, Clinical History Taking and Diagnosis and Selected Application Areas of Clinical Psychology, Specifics in the Assessment of Children and Adolescents, Applied Human Biology I - Patho(neuro)chemistry and -physiology, Internship
• 3rd Semester: Applied Human Biology II - Medicine for Psychologists, Exercise in Forensic and Legal-Psychological Exploration and Credibility Assessment, Exercise in Psychopathological and Psychometric Diagnosis and Assessment
• 4th Semester: Master's Thesis and Disputation, Seminar for the Master's Thesis

Throughout the course of the program, you will also delve into exciting specializations, such as Diagnosis and Diagnostic Procedures.

Studying in Cologne

Fresenius University of Applied Sciences offers the Master's in Legal Psychology in Cologne.

Cologne: Cologne, the vibrant 1.1 million city in North Rhine-Westphalia, not only offers plenty of culture and entertainment. The city is also one of the most important economic centers in Germany. It houses media companies, insurance firms, food, and chemical companies – the chances of launching a successful career in Cologne after your studies are particularly high. You can find the Business & Media Campus as well as the Health & Social Campus of the university directly in the MediaPark, the business park for media companies in the Neustadt-Nord district of Cologne.

The Business and Media Campus of Fresenius University of Applied Sciences in Cologne