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Contents
- Where to study psychology in Germany? The best cities at a glance
- Study requirements: Psychology studies also without baccalaureate and without NC
- Costs and tuition fees
- Private universities with Psychology programmes in brief portrait
- Study Psychotherapy at private universities in Germany
- Distance learning programmes in Psychology in Germany
Psychology without NC, without overcrowded lecture halls and with intensive support: Only private universities offer you these opportunities.
Here I show you all the universities and colleges in Germany where you can study psychology and also psychotherapy.
I also show you how much it costs to study psychology at private universities and which are the best cities to study in.
Overview of all Courses
We have a total of 66 courses in the field of Psychology. The first 30 top courses are displayed. Use the filter function or our search to discover more courses in the field.
Psychology
- Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- Frankfurt/Main, Wiesbaden, Berlin, Dusseldorf, Heidelberg, Hamburg, Cologne or Munich
- German
The Bachelor's degree program in Psychology (B.Sc.) at Hochschule Fresenius is aimed at prospective students without restrictions related to grade point averages and is also accessible without a university entrance …
Psychology
- PFH Private University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- Göttingen
- German
- Introduction to Psychology and Psychological Methods, Statistics I, General Psychology I, Biological Psychology I, Differential Psychology and Persona…
Applied Psychology
- APOLLON University of Health Care Management
- 6 Semester
- online
- German
The part-time Bachelor's degree program in Applied Psychology at the APOLLON University of Health Care Management in Bremen offers a comprehensive education over 36 months. Students acquire knowledge in psychological …
Applied Psychology
- German Sport University of Health Sciences
- 7 Semester
- Berlin, Ismaning or Unna
- 2 Comments & Questions
- German
- Introduction to Psychology, Methodology, Descriptive Statistics and Probability Theory, Inferential Statistics, Research Methods, Journal Club, Empiri…
Psychology
- Witten/Herdecke University
- 6 Semester
- Witten
- German
- Introduction to Psychology, Statistics, Psychological Research Methodology, Philosophy of Science and Philosophical Foundations of Psychology, Basics …
Psychology
- Medical School Berlin
- 6 Semester
- Berlin
- German
- General Psychology, Differential and Personality Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology, Biological Psychology, Cognitive-Affective N…
Psychology
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- Aachen, Augsburg, Berlin, Bielefeld, Bochum, Bonn, Brunswick, Bremen, Cologne, Dortmund, Dresden, Duisburg, Dusseldorf, Erfurt, Essen, Frankfurt a.M., Freiburg, Hamburg, Hanover, Karlsruhe, Leipzig, Luebeck, Mainz, Mannheim, Munich, Muenster, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Rostock, Stuttgart, Ulm, Wuerzburg or Virtual Campus
- German
If you want to know how and why each person is different, the Bachelor of Psychology at IU offers you deep insights. Use interpersonal communication and human behavioral patterns to …
Applied Psychology
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- online
- German or English
In the online study programme Applied Psychology, you systematically deal with topics such as personality psychology, counselling basics and intercultural psychology. The programme lasts 6 semesters in full-time study, 8-12 …
Psychology
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- online
- German
The Bachelor's degree program in Psychology at IU provides students with a comprehensive understanding of human behavior and the human psyche. The program includes various focuses such as clinical, educational, …
Psychology
- European Distance Learning University Hamburg
- 8 Semester
- Hamburg
- 2 Comments & Questions
- German
The Bachelor’s distance learning programme in Psychology (B.Sc.) offered by the European Distance Learning University Hamburg provides comprehensive psychological knowledge in the fields of Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, as well …
Psychology
- Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
- 4 Semester
- Dusseldorf, Cologne, Munich, Heidelberg or Frankfurt am Main
- German
The Master's degree programme in Psychology (M.Sc.) at Hochschule Fresenius is aimed at graduates of an undergraduate psychology degree with at least a grade of "good." The full-time programme, offered …
Psychology
- Döpfer University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- Cologne and Regensburg
- German
- General Psychology, Differential Psychology, Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Biological Psychology / Neuroscience, Mental Health / Clinic…
Applied Psychology
- IB University of Health and Social Sciences
- 7 Semester
- Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, Munich
- German
- Introduction to Psychology and Its Areas of Application, General and Cognitive Psychology I, Developmental Psychology, Scientific Key Qualifications, …
Health Psychology
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- online
- German
Discover the fascinating world of health psychology and help people improve their health and well-being! The Bachelor's program in Health Psychology at IU Distance Learning provides you with comprehensive knowledge …
Psychology
- Medical School Hamburg
- 6 Semester
- Hamburg
- German
- Here are the given data translated into English (en-GB): General Psychology, Differential and Personality Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Socia…
Psychology
- PFH Private University of Applied Sciences
- 4 Semester
- Göttingen
- German
- Statistics for Advanced Students: Multivariate Methods, Psychological Diagnostics for Advanced Students, Social Psychology, Basic Module (Personnel Di…
Psychology
- Döpfer University of Applied Sciences
- 4 Semester
- Cologne, Regensburg
- German
- Research Methods and Evaluation, Multivariate Procedures, Psychological Assessment, Diagnostic Practice, Psychobiology and Neuropsychology, Specializa…
Psychology
- Fresenius University of Applied Sciences Heidelberg
- 6 Semester
- Heidelberg
- German
This degree programme prepares students both for an initial qualified professional activity and for the opportunity to deepen their knowledge through a subsequent master's degree, thereby opening up further professional …
Psychology
- European Distance Learning University Hamburg
- 6 Semester
- online
- German
The distance learning course "Psychology" offered by the European Distance University Hamburg GmbH provides basic knowledge in various areas of psychology. The content includes General Psychology, Biological Psychology, Social Psychology, …
Psychology
- PFH Private University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- online
- German
Psychology
- Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- online
- German
The distance learning Psychology programme (B.Sc.) is aimed at professionals and career changers who wish to study flexibly from home. It provides comprehensive knowledge in developmental, social and personality psychology, …
Coaching (120 CP)
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 4 Semester
- online
- German
Become a professional coach and support people in their personal and professional growth! The Master's program Coaching at IU Distance Learning provides you with comprehensive knowledge in the fields of …
Coaching
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 2 Semester
- online
- German
The master's program Coaching lasts 2-4 semesters in full-time study, depending on prerequisites, or 4-8 semesters in part-time study. You will explore topics such as Virtual Coaching and Self-Coaching, and …
Applied Psychology
- German Sport University of Health Sciences
- 3 Semester
- Berlin, Ismaning or Unna
- German
- Clinical disorder patterns, neuroanatomy and psychopharmacology, psychological diagnostics & test theory, advanced research methods in the chosen focu…
Psychology
- Macromedia University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- Munich, Stuttgart, Cologne, Hamburg, Berlin, Leipzig or Freiburg
- German
Psychology
- Sigmund Freud Private University Berlin
- 6 Semester
- Berlin
- German
The degree programme "Bachelor Psychology Berlin" at the Sigmund Freud Private University provides a broad-based, culturally and socially oriented basic training in scientific psychology. The programme is designed for prospective …
Psychology PLUS
- Berlin International Psychoanalytic University
- 6 Semester
- Berlin
- German
- Introduction to Psychology and Psychoanalysis, General Psychology, Statistics I, Theory of Science and Methodology, Statistics II, Biopsychology/Neuro…
Psychology with an emphasis in legal psychology
- Medical School Hamburg
- 4 Semester
- Hamburg
- German
- Clinical Psychology: Forensics, Clinical Psychology: Mental Disorders, Neurosciences, Medicine for Psychologists, Research Methodology, Clinical Psych…
Life Coaching
- German Sport University of Health Sciences
- 7 Semester
- Berlin, Unna, Ismaning
- German
- Communication and conversation skills, counselling and coaching, conflict management and mediation, life planning and personal development, case studi…
Psychology with an emphasis in legal psychology
- Medical School Berlin
- 4 Semester
- Berlin
- German
- Clinical Psychology: Forensics, Clinical Psychology: Mental Disorders, Neurosciences, Medicine for Psychologists, Research Methodology, Clinical Psych…
Where to study psychology in Germany? The best cities at a glance
By far, the most private universities offering Psychology and Psychotherapy degree programmes are located in Berlin: More than 11 universities are located there or operate a campus and offer the opportunity to study psychology.
But is Berlin necessarily the best city to study psychology?
Berlin is very hectic and offers an enormous number of distractions. From my personal experience, I can say that it can be enormously stressful to study in Berlin - the city is very loud, very colorful and restless, and quickly distracts from focused study.
The antithesis to Berlin are tranquil cities like Heidelberg or Göttingen, which allow you to study psychology in an absolutely quiet atmosphere. Both cities are student towns and thus offer numerous opportunities to make contacts beyond the private universities.
Here is an overview of the best cities for psychology at private universities:
| City | Cost of living | Quality of life | Population density | Universities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Munich | 59.35 | 177.40 | 4,736 | IU International University, Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, German University of Health and Sport |
| Frankfurt/Main | 55.36 | 173.16 | 3,067 | Fresenius University of Applied Sciences |
| Hamburg | 51.34 | 165.92 | 2,447 | MSH Medical School Hamburg, Europäische Fernhochschule Hamburg, University of Applied Sciences Europe |
| Stuttgart | 50.49 | 170.25 | 3,062 | IB University of Health and Social Sciences |
| Heidelberg | 49.36 | – | 1,473 | Fresenius University Heidelberg |
| Cologne | 47.83 | 158.75 | 2,686 | HSD Döpfer University of Applied Sciences, IU International University of Applied Sciences, Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, IB University of Applied Sciences Berlin |
| Düsseldorf | 47.66 | 176.29 | 2,860 | Fresenius University |
| Berlin | 46.62 | 164.42 | 4,115 | Medical School Berlin, University of Applied Sciences, Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, Psychological University Berlin, Sigmund Freud Private University Berlin, Touro College Berlin, Sigmund Freud Private University Berlin, International Psychoanalytic University Berlin, IB University of Applied Sciences, IU International University, University of Applied Sciences Europe |
| Bremen | 43.39 | – | 1,743 | Constructor University, APOLLON University of Health Care Management |
| Göttingen | – | – | 1,017 | PFH - University of Applied Sciences |
| Gera | – | – | 612 | SRH University of Health |
Study requirements: Psychology studies also without baccalaureate and without NC
There is no numerus clausus at any of the universities I am presenting here. That's because personality, willingness to perform and motivation are more important to the universities than grades. Apart from that, the courses of study are not always favorable, which in itself represents a kind of entry restriction.
For a Bachelor's degree, a university entrance qualification is formally required at all the private universities I am presenting here. This is usually a baccalaureate or a specialized baccalaureate, but can also be the specialized university entrance qualification.
You can also enroll in many degree programs without a baccalaureate, such as the Psychology degree programme at IU International University, which requires the following:
- You have successfully completed a German advanced training course, for example a master craftsman's examination or further training to become a state-certified business economist.
- Or you have completed German vocational training, such as training as a health care worker and nurse. Following your training, you have worked full-time in this profession for at least 3 years. The profession should fit the psychology subject. If it does not fit, you will have to first complete a trial study at IU before you are enrolled regularly.
At other private universities, similar requirements apply to anyone who wants to enroll in a degree programme without a baccalaureate.
Costs and tuition fees
Private universities are of course expensive compared to state universities, although the price differences between individual universities and UAS are enormous. Particularly inexpensive: IU International University, which currently offers campus study programs and distance learning programs in Psychology.
An important cost factor is, of course, the city in which you study. In southern Germany, the cost of living as well as rents are predominantly more expensive than in cities such as Berlin, for example. You can find a comparison of each earlier in this post.
Here are the costs for popular Bachelor's degree programs in Psychology at a glance:
| Course | University | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, Bachelor of Science On-campus program | Sigmund Freud Private University Berlin | 6 Semester | from 32148 € total from 893 € monthly | |
| Psychology, Bachelor of Science On-campus program | Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane | 6 Semester | from 29880 € total from 830 € monthly | |
| Psychology PLUS, Bachelor of Science On-campus program | Berlin International Psychoanalytic University | 6 Semester | from 26400 € total from 820 € monthly | |
| Psychology, Bachelor of Science On-campus program | Macromedia University of Applied Sciences | 6 Semester | from 26100 € total from 725 € monthly | |
| Psychology, Bachelor of Science On-campus program | Medical School Hamburg | 6 Semester | from 25020 € total from 695 € monthly | |
| Psychology, Bachelor of Science On-campus program | Medical School Berlin | 6 Semester | from 25020 € total from 695 € monthly | |
| Psychology, Bachelor of Science Fulltime programm (blended learning) | IU International University of Applied Sciences | 6 Semester | from 15804 € total from 439 € monthly | |
| Psychology, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | Fresenius University of Applied Sciences | 6 Semester | from 15058 € total from 209 € monthly | |
| Psychology, Bachelor of Science Part-time program | European Distance Learning University Hamburg | 8 Semester | from 13680 € total from 199 € monthly |
Incidentally, as a student at a private university, you are of course entitled to funding under the German BAFöG. Most universities also help their first-year students to find financing partners and thus, for example, to take advantage of a student loan from KFW (Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau/Credit Bank for Reconstruction). Some universities also support their students with scholarships, such as the IU International University.
Private universities with Psychology programmes in brief portrait
Interestingly, most private colleges offering studies in psychology are universities. Universities are authorized, for example, to award doctorates. In addition, it is possible to obtain a psychotherapy license by studying psychology at a university.
Here is a brief portrait of the most important universities:
Medical School Berlin: Medical School Berlin - Hochschule für Gesundheit und Medizin (MSB) is a private, state-recognized university. The university was founded in 2012 and is located in Berlin-Wilmersdorf on Rüdesheimer Straße. In WS 2019/2020, a total of 1,650 students were enrolled at the university. MSB consists of 2 faculties: the Faculty of Natural Sciences is a university faculty, and the Faculty of Health Sciences is a university of applied sciences faculty. Psychology courses are organized by the Faculty of Natural Sciences. Since WS 2020, the university also offers a Master's degree programme in Psychotherapy.
Fresenius University of Applied Sciences: Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, located in Idstein/Hesse as well as in Heidelberg, is one of the largest private universities of applied sciences in Germany and was founded in 1848. In WS 2019/2020, a total of 12,991 students were enrolled at the university. The university offers a very comprehensive study program in natural sciences, in economics and for example also in social sciences. The university offers the Psychology programme at various locations in Germany, for example in Berlin or Cologne.
IU International University of Applied Sciences: With over 130,000 students, IU is the largest university in Germany and was founded in 1998. In addition to the numerous distance learning programs, for example in Psychology, in Health Psychology, in Communication Psychology as well as in Business Psychology, IU also offers part-time Bachelor programs in Psychology and Business Psychology, for example in Berlin, Cologne, Munich. Special feature: Studying at the IU is extremely flexible, even exams can be written remotely - online and from home.
Medical School Hamburg: MSH is a private, state-recognized university based in Hamburg. The university was founded in 2009, and in WS 2019/2020 a total of 3,023 students were enrolled in one of the 4 faculties. The Faculty of Human Sciences has the status of a scientific university, so it is equal to a university. Among other courses, the Faculty offers a Bachelor's degree in Psychology as well as a Master's degree in Psychotherapy.
Witten/Herdecke University: Witten/Herdecke University is a private, state-recognized university and was founded in 1982. In the winter semester 2019/2020, a total of 2,617 students were enrolled at the university. As one of the few private universities, Witten University also offers a degree program in Human Medicine with the final goal of a state examination. The Bachelor's degree program in Psychology has already been adapted to the reform of psychotherapist training. Admission to the Psychology programme is severely limited to just over 30 students per semester, who undergo a multi-stage selection process.
Sigmund Freud Private University Berlin: SFU Berlin is not a university under German law, but a campus of Sigmund Freud PrivatUniversität in Austria. SFU was founded in 2005, and in addition to Berlin, the accredited university operates campuses in Vienna, Linz, Paris, Milan and Ljubljana. The university offers both a B.Sc. and an M.Sc. in Psychology. In addition, one can study Psychotherapy Science at SFU; degree goals in each case are BA. pth. (Bakkalaureus/Bakkalaurea for Psychotherapy Science) as well as the Mag. pth., both degrees according to Austrian law.
Berlin International Psychoanalytic University: IPU is a private, state-recognized university located in Berlin-Moabit. The university was founded in 2009, and in WS 2019/2020 a total of 700 students were enrolled at the university. In addition to various Master's programmes in the field of psychology, the university offers the undergraduate Bachelor's program Psychology Plus. Plus means that students additionally acquire a certificate in Psychodynamic Interviewing during their studies.
Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane: MHB is a young university located in Neuruppin with an additional campus in Brandenburg an der Havel. The university was founded in 2014, and in the winter semester 2019/2020, a total of 444 students were enrolled at the university. The university currently offers two degree programs: Human Medicine and Psychology. In WS 2020/2021, MHB also introduced Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes in Psychotherapy, which will lead to the national state examination and a limited license to practice psychotherapy for 5 years.
Berlin School of Psychology: The PHB, located in Berlin-Mitte, is a university and was founded in 2010 by the professional association of German psychologists. In WS 2019/2020, a total of 458 students were enrolled at the university. The university offers Bachelor's and Master's degree programs in Psychology as well as the opportunity to complete psychotherapy training.
Campus of the Fresenius University of Applied Sciences in Hamburg
Campus building of the University of Witten/Herdecke
Campus of the MSB Medical School Berlin
Campus of the Brandenburg Medical School
Study Psychotherapy at private universities in Germany
With the German Amendment of the Psychotherapists Act 2020, the training for psychotherapists will also change. At many of the universities I am presenting here, it was previously possible to study psychology with a focus on clinical psychology as a Bachelor's and Master's degree. Graduates could then apply for training as psychotherapists.
As a result of the legislative reform, Psychotherapy degree programs are now being created to lead to a state examination and a limited license to practice. The first direct study programs started in winter semester 2020/2021, for example at the Brandenburg Medical School.
Here is an overview of the current Psychotherapy degree programs at private universities:
More degree programs here: Study Psychotherapy at private universities: All study programs at a glance
Distance learning programmes in Psychology in Germany
Distance learning is the form of study for anyone who wants to study while working or who is in special phases of life, such as parental leave.
What are the advantages of distance learning? Distance learning courses are mainly completed from home, with the help of online lectures and study scripts. Some universities, such as IU International University, even offer the option of writing exams from home. In addition, distance learning programs at private universities are significantly less expensive than face-to-face programs.
Here is an overview of popular distance learning programs in the field of psychology:
Read more about Psychology in distance learning here (German): Psychology distance learning: 20 degree programs + paths to Psychotherapy.
About the Author Christian Wolf
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