Psychology, Bachelor of Science

Who is the Psychology degree course at the Health and Medical University suitable for?

The Bachelor's degree programme in Psychology (B.Sc.) at the Health and Medical University in Potsdam or Erfurt is aimed at individuals who have a scientific interest in human experience and behaviour. The course is particularly suitable for school leavers who can imagine a future career in fields such as clinical psychology, healthcare, prevention, psychotherapy, educational psychology, or work and organisational psychology. Those interested in pursuing training as a psychotherapist in the medium term will also find a suitable academic foundation here for their career path.

Admission: What do you need for the course?

• General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur): Admission to the Bachelor's degree programme in Psychology requires the general higher education entrance qualification, as defined in § 9 of the Brandenburg Higher Education Act.
• No Numerus Clausus (NC): Admission is NC-free, i.e. regardless of the Abitur grade.
• Individual admission interview: After applying, the university examines your personal motivation in an individual interview. This gives you the opportunity to explain your reasons and goals for the course.
• For international qualifications: Proof of recognition of the school leaving certificate in Germany is required. Further information is provided by HMU for international applicants.

Personal requirements:

• Interest in scientific work and methodological questions in the field of psychology.
• Willingness to engage with complex psychological, social and medical topics.
• Communication skills and empathy – especially with regard to later work with people in difficult life situations.
• Ability to work in a team, as many projects and practical modules are carried out in groups.
• Self-motivation and perseverance, as the course conveys demanding theoretical and practice-related content.

What do you learn in the Bachelor of Psychology at the Health and Medical University?

The Bachelor's degree in Psychology at the Health and Medical University (HMU) provides you with a comprehensive insight into key areas of psychology. The course is polyvalent in structure and covers a wide spectrum from fundamental principles to practice-oriented fields of application. The curriculum is aligned with the licensing regulations for psychotherapists (PsychTh-ApprO) and is divided into four competence areas:

• Fundamentals of professional action competencies: You will learn the basics of psychology, including General Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Personality Psychology, Social Psychology, Biological Psychology as well as Pedagogy. Additionally, you will gain insights into medical basics, psychosomatics, and psychopharmacology.
• Advanced subject-specific competencies and fields of application: The modules include the study of mental disorders, diagnostics, psychotherapy methods as well as prevention and rehabilitation. Moreover, content from work and organisational psychology, sports psychology, forensic psychology, and other application areas is taught.
• Professional practical competencies: An orientation internship as well as a professionally qualifying activity give you first practical insights – for example, in healthcare institutions or psychotherapeutic care.
• Scientific, methodological, and legal competencies: You will engage with statistics, research methodology, ethics, and relevant legal foundations. A research-oriented internship and the bachelor thesis complete the course.

The total of 29 modules include, among others: Psychological diagnostics, work and organisational psychological interventions, practice of psychotherapy, research-oriented experimental internship, as well as research ethics & professional and social law in psychotherapy.

How is the Psychology degree structured at HMU?

The course is offered full-time and is designed for six semesters (three years). The start of studies is possible both in the winter and summer semesters. The degree follows a scientific-methodological approach and combines theoretical fundamentals with practical elements. Over the course of your studies, you will shift your focus from fundamental topics such as General Psychology towards specific fields of application, for example Clinical Psychology, work and organisational psychology or other special disciplines of your choice.

• The teaching is modularised. All content is structured according to current scientific standards and the requirements of the PsychTh-ApprO.
• An orientation internship and professional practical placements are firmly integrated into the course of study.
• At the Centre for Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics at HMU, there is a close link between teaching and current research, often related to the university's psychotherapeutic outpatient clinic.
• The course concludes with a scientific bachelor thesis.

What career opportunities does the Bachelor of Psychology at HMU offer you?

After completing the Bachelor of Psychology at HMU, you are qualified for diverse activities, especially in:

• Prevention and health promotion
• Healthcare for people impaired by or suffering from mental illness
• Work and organisational psychology

You can, for example, work in counselling centres, personnel departments, health and social services, or research projects. For independent psychotherapeutic practice or roles as a psychologist with licensure, a subsequent master's degree, for instance in Psychotherapy, is required. HMU offers a suitable consecutive master's programme for this purpose.

Where do you study Psychology at HMU?

The course is available either at the Potsdam campus or at the Erfurt campus. Both locations belong to the Faculty of Health and Sport. Teaching takes place in modern learning environments, often with close practical and research links through cooperating local institutions.

What costs are involved in studying Psychology and how can you finance them?

The tuition fees for the Bachelor of Psychology at HMU are:

• Monthly: 695 €*
• Per semester: 4,170 €*
• Total costs (6 semesters): 25,020 €*
• Registration fee: one-off 100 €

Various financing models and funding opportunities are available, including the Brain Capital model (“Study first – pay later”) as well as traditional financing options such as BAföG or education loans.

* Figures may vary depending on location and cohort.