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The Central State Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) has approved the course Psychology under the number 1135922c. Who benefits from the Master’s in Psychology with a focus on Counselling Psychology?
The Master’s degree programme in Psychology (M. Sc.) with a focus on counselling psychology is aimed at graduates with a bachelor’s degree in psychology or related fields. It particularly addresses professionals working in the health, social and education sectors who wish to expand their scientific and practical counselling skills. The programme is suitable for individuals who are active in counselling or take on responsibilities in clinical, school, occupational or forensic psychology contexts – for example, in counselling centres, clinics, companies, schools or authorities.
Formal admission routes to the Master’s in Psychology (M. Sc.)
For admission, you need a first professional higher education qualification (bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in one of the following areas:
- Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Applied Psychology or a psychological subdiscipline (at least 180 ECTS). The following study components must be documented from the previous studies:
- at least 30 ECTS in psychological basic subjects (e.g. General Psychology, Biopsychology, Social Psychology)
- at least 15 ECTS in methodological subjects (including diagnostics)
- at least 48 ECTS in psychological applied subjects
- Psychology-related bachelor’s degree (e.g. Educational Science, Pedagogy, Teaching), provided that at least 48 ECTS in psychological applied subjects can be documented. Missing components in basic and methodological subjects can be made up via a preparatory course at APOLLON University.
A Numerus Clausus is not provided. The individual examination of admission requirements is carried out by the university’s Student Services. A bachelor’s degree recognised by the BDP (Professional Association of German Psychologists) is necessary if you later wish to officially use the professional title of psychologist.
For admission, you should bring personal interest and experience in the following areas:
- Interest in scientific psychology and its counselling practice, including in digital settings
- Independent time and task management for part-time distance learning
- Communication skills, empathy and a reflective approach to people in counselling processes
- Willingness to engage with empirical methods and statistics
- Analytical thinking ability and motivation for independent scientific work
- Ideally, initial practical experience in counselling, therapy, coaching or related areas, e.g. in health, social or educational sectors
What content does the Master’s distance learning degree in Psychology with a focus on Counselling Psychology cover?
In the Master’s degree programme in Psychology (M.Sc.), you acquire a broad foundation of psychological expertise combined with practical skills for counselling. The content focus lies on the interconnection of theoretical foundations and application modules – especially in the field of counselling psychology.
- General, biological and social psychological fundamentals: You gain in-depth knowledge in central areas such as communication psychology, social psychology and biopsychology for health-related counselling.
- Diagnostics & assessment: Content on psychological diagnostics, preparation and communication of psychological expert reports, as well as quality assurance in the counselling process, is conveyed.
- Research methods: You learn both quantitative and qualitative research methods, including computer-assisted data analysis and evaluation – important for research and evidence-based practice.
- Counselling psychology & communication: Focus areas include counselling methods, non-verbal communication, coaching, conflict counselling, mediation and systemic thinking.
- Intercultural competencies: One module teaches you models of intercultural communication and counselling approaches in international contexts.
Additionally, you choose two individual focus areas from the following six elective modules to sharpen your personal profile:
- Clinical psychology in childhood and adolescence
- Clinical psychology: counselling and intervention in psychotherapy
- Counselling and intervention in school psychology
- Couple, family and educational psychology for counselling and therapy
- Legal psychology and forensic assessments
- Personnel psychology and communication
During the course of your studies, you will strengthen your diagnostic, communicative and intercultural counselling skills. The content is characterised by a strong theory-practice transfer – among other things through an internship and the handling of real case studies.
How is the course structure organised in the distance learning Psychology (M.Sc.) programme?
The programme is designed as a part-time distance learning course and offers you maximum flexibility. The standard period of study is 24 months in the full-time or 32 months in the part-time model and comprises a total of 120 ECTS.
- Study materials: All documents are available to you in digital formats (PDF, e-book, audio, web-based trainings). Optionally, you can also receive them as printed booklets.
- Didactics and support: Via the online campus, you can contact lecturers, tutors and access additional materials.
- Seminars: Seminars take place online or optionally in person – with freely selectable dates. The introductory seminar supports you at the start of your studies.
- Examinations: Achievements are demonstrated through case assignments, project work, written exams, term papers, internship reports, group projects as well as the master’s thesis with a colloquium. Many examinations can be taken online.
- Internship: The external internship (10 ECTS) can often be credited through your professional activity.
- Start of studies: You can begin at any time.
- Extension: A free extension of up to 50% of the study duration is offered (12 or 16 months). Interruptions, e.g. for parental leave, are possible.
The organisation allows you to combine self-study, virtual networking and attendance phases. You design your own pace individually, also internationally and independent of location.
What professional prospects does the Master’s in Psychology at APOLLON University offer?
This degree programme qualifies you for a broad range of psychological and counselling-related activities. Upon completion, you receive a state-recognised Master of Science degree, which is recognised by the Professional Association of German Psychologists (BDP) – possibly with the right to use the professional title Psychologist.
Possible fields of application are:
- Psychological counselling: e.g. family, couple, educational and school counselling, activities in psychosocial counselling centres
- Clinical fields: counselling activities in clinics/rehabilitation clinics, prevention programmes, mental health promotion
- Personnel and organisational development: personnel psychology, communication training, coaching and mediation in companies or authorities
- Legal psychology & expert activities: preparation of forensic expert reports, work in criminal psychology
- Research & science: conducting and analysing psychological studies, empirical research
Unlike university education, the degree does not entitle you to medical psychotherapy training. For other postgraduate additional qualifications – such as systemic counselling or coaching – the degree forms a solid basis. With 300 ECTS points, you also meet the formal requirements to pursue a doctorate.
What does the spatial and digital organisation of the distance learning Psychology course look like?
The Master’s programme at APOLLON University is entirely online-based. You study location-independently and decide for yourself whether you:
- choose a pure online study with digital study materials or additionally order printed materials
- attend seminars online or at on-site locations in Germany, Austria and Switzerland
- take exams online (open-book) or at examination centres – internationally this is also possible at Goethe Institutes/consulates
Support is provided via the online campus, which gives you access to study materials, discussion forums and counselling. The university is based in Bremen, but the distance learning course itself can be completed flexibly worldwide.
How much does the Master’s distance learning Psychology course cost and what funding options are available?
The tuition fees at APOLLON University of Health Economics amount to from €294 per month (if a discount applies) – regularly €311 per month in the standard model. The total price is €8,760 (at 28 months x €311) for the entire course of study.
- The minimum duration of study is 24 months in full-time or 32 months in part-time model. Extensions up to 50% of the chosen variant are possible free of charge.
- Installment payment: Monthly payment is standard, individual models are possible.
- Free trial phase: After registration, you have four weeks for non-binding trial. There are no costs in case of withdrawal.
- Funding and support: Support is possible through the Advancement BAföG, tax deductibility as work-related expenses, scholarships and, if applicable, support offers from employers.
APOLLON University provides individual advice on funding programmes and financial support options to further facilitate your access to the course.
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