Prevention and Health Psychology, Master of Science

Who is the Master’s Programme "Prevention and Health Psychology" Suitable For?

The Master’s programme Prevention and Health Psychology at SRH Fernhochschule – The Mobile University is aimed at working professionals and academics who want to specialise in health psychology prevention or enter the field of applied psychology. The distance learning course addresses people from various disciplines, for example psychology, medicine, nursing and therapy sciences, physio- and occupational therapy, speech therapy, social work, education, business administration, natural or humanities sciences. The programme is suitable both for those already working in the health sector or in psychological fields and for career changers who are interested in health, mental well-being and preventive measures and want to qualify for specialist and leadership roles.

Admission Requirements at a Glance

• Completed University Degree: A successfully completed Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent university qualification is required. A Bachelor’s degree in psychology is not necessary – degrees in other disciplines such as medicine, social sciences, humanities and natural sciences, education or business administration are also recognised.
• Work Experience:
  • For the 120-ECTS or 90-ECTS model: at least 1 year of professional experience in any occupational context.
  • For the 60-ECTS model: at least 2 years of professional experience in any occupational context.
• Subject Interest: A fundamental understanding of prevention or health psychology-related issues is expected.
• Motivation or Aptitude Interview: For certain variants, an interview with the programme director (motivation interview) or an aptitude test is required.
• German Language Skills: The course is offered in German.

A Numerus Clausus (NC) is not required. Admission is possible regardless of the initial subject of the undergraduate degree. The university offers personalised advice on the recognition of your previous qualifications.

Personal Requirements and Expectations

• Interest in psychological and health science issues as well as prevention concepts.
• Willingness to engage with scientific methods and subject-related research.
• Self-organisation and self-motivation for distance learning.
• Communicative competence and openness towards counselling or coaching processes.
• Desire to develop specialist and leadership skills in the health sector, prevention or workplace health management.
• Work experience in a relevant or any field is necessary but may vary widely (e.g. from social sciences, healthcare, business).

This programme is suitable for you if you are either already working in the health or social sector or want to enter a health psychology-related professional context afresh. Even if you aim for leadership roles, want to become self-employed or work in health counselling, prevention or research, you will gain the relevant know-how.

Detailed Study Content

The Master's programme "Applied Psychology with a Focus on Health Psychology" at SRH Fernhochschule – The Mobile University provides you with profound knowledge in psychology and health sciences. The focus is on psychological strategies and interventions, health psychological diagnostics, preventive measures as well as occupational health management.

You will engage with the following subject areas:

• General Psychology
• Personality and Social Psychology
• Biological Psychology and Medical Basics
• Health Coaching and Communication
• Rehabilitation Psychology
• Prevention in Exercise and Nutrition
• Data Analysis: Quantitative and Qualitative Methods

In the 120 ECTS model, you select two specialisation modules, and in the 90 ECTS model, one elective module. This allows you to tailor your studies individually according to your interests and acquire interdisciplinary competences.

Depending on the chosen variant, you will complete your studies with a Master’s thesis, in which you explore your own research question in depth.

Distance Learning Structure

The distance learning programme is fully organised online and enables you maximum temporal flexibility. Start is possible monthly. The duration of study varies depending on the model:

• 60 ECTS: 2 semesters
• 90 ECTS: 3 semesters
• 120 ECTS: 4 semesters (standard duration, extension up to 8 semesters free of charge possible)

The modules consist of interactive teaching content, digital study materials, online seminars and examinations, which you can organise independently. The entire curriculum is based on current scientific standards and designed for working professionals.

For the variants with 90 and 120 ECTS, the Master's programme is additionally recognised by the Professional Association of German Psychologists (BDP). The programme is officially recognised by the state and approved by the ZFU.

Career Opportunities and Professional Perspectives

With the Master’s degree in Health Psychology, you qualify for numerous specialised and leadership positions in the health sector, education and public institutions. Fields of activity include, among others:

• Health counselling and health coaching
• Occupational and school health promotion
• Prevention projects and training for companies
• Clinics, health resorts and rehabilitation facilities
• Health psychological and prevention-oriented practices
• Research and development in the field of health psychology
• Private and statutory health insurance companies, pension insurances
• Diagnostics and implementation of health measures in companies
• Teaching and further education at higher education institutions
• Public relations concerning health and psychology topics

In combination with a recognised Bachelor's degree, the programme also enables you (according to BDP category B) to obtain full membership in the Professional Association of German Psychologists.

Study Location and Organisation

The study programme is offered 100% as distance learning. You benefit from flexible structures and can study independently of location. All materials, seminars and examination formats are available online.

You are not bound to attendance dates and can adapt your learning times individually to your professional daily routine.

Costs and Financing

The tuition fees depend on the chosen study model:

• 120 ECTS (4 semesters): from 499 euros per month, total from 11,976 euros
• Flex model: Choose between different payment models (e.g. higher monthly rates over a shorter period or lower monthly rates with a longer duration)
• Extensions up to twice the standard period of study are possible without additional costs
• 1,000 euro Superpower bonus is offered

All study materials are included in the price and provided digitally. Funding options as well as tax deductibility can also be utilised.