English 
Deutsch Who is the Master’s in Psychology – Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy suitable for?
The Master’s programme is aimed at graduates of a relevant Bachelor’s degree in Psychology who wish to specifically prepare for the licensing examination and a subsequent career as a psychotherapist. The programme is particularly suitable for individuals who want to work or conduct research in clinics, counselling centres, outpatient clinics or scientific institutions. The course appeals both to future practitioners interested in patient-centred work and to individuals who value sound research and the theoretical reflection of mental disorders.
What formal admission requirements apply for enrolment?
To be admitted to the Master’s in Psychology – Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, you must meet the following requirements:
- University entrance qualification: General university entrance qualification or a subject-specific university entrance qualification in accordance with § 11 of the Berlin Higher Education Act (BerlHG).
- Relevant Bachelor’s degree: Completed Bachelor’s degree in Psychology (at least 180 ECTS) with a clinical focus or a qualification in Psychotherapy. The degree must meet the requirements according to §9 of the Psychotherapists Act (PsychThG), §§13-15 and Annex 1 of the Licensing Regulations for Psychotherapists (PsychThApprO).
- German Bachelor’s degree: The required qualifications are currently only provided by corresponding Bachelor degree programmes at German universities adapted to the new legal situation. Degrees that are not aligned with the new legal requirements, as well as foreign degrees, are not recognised.
- Personal selection procedure: Part of the admission process usually consists of an interview during which personal suitability, motivation and, where applicable, prior experience and social commitment are assessed.
Personal prerequisites include a pronounced interest in clinical psychological issues and working with people, analytical and reflective thinking skills as well as a willingness to engage in critical self-reflection. Additionally expected are empathy, emotional resilience, a sense of responsibility and social skills when dealing with patients or clients. Prior experience in counselling, therapeutic or socially engaged activities is advantageous but not mandatory.
Study Content in Detail
In the Master’s programme Psychology – Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy at the International Psychoanalytic University Berlin, clinical psychological and psychotherapeutic competencies are central. The curriculum is based on the legal requirements of the current licensing regulation and conveys all necessary scientific and practical content to prepare for the licensing examination.
- Specialisation in clinical psychology and psychotherapy focusing on all scientifically recognised methods: cognitive behavioural therapy, depth psychology and psychoanalysis.
- Comprehensive research methods (quantitative and qualitative); engagement with social science, natural science and humanities approaches.
- Practice-oriented courses, often in cooperation with the IPU university outpatient clinic and external psychotherapeutic institutions.
- Reflection on personal experiences and development of a socially and culturally reflective perspective on mental illnesses.
- Transdisciplinary content at the interface between psychology, cultural, social and humanities sciences.
- Integration into current research projects and application of findings in independent scientific work.
Graduates acquire the ability to diagnostically assess mental disorders, treat them, evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic methods and build a reflective therapeutic relationship within the treatment context.
Course Structure
The Master’s programme is designed as a full-time course and extends over four semesters (standard period of study). Overall, you earn 120 ECTS credits. Teaching is done through lectures, seminars and research-oriented workshops.
- Start each year in the winter semester
- Three core modules: Advanced research methods, research-oriented internship, Master’s thesis
- Research-oriented internship: implementation of independent projects in small groups, including planning, data collection, evaluation and interpretation
- Strong practical relevance: practical placements in the university outpatient clinic and cooperating clinics
- Regular case seminars, first interview seminars and case-based exercises to develop core therapeutic skills
- Completion with the Master’s thesis, which combines independent research with scientific and/or application-oriented questions
The research-based learning and close supervision in small year groups (approx. 60 students per cohort) ensure an individual, practice-oriented study experience.
Career Prospects & Employment Opportunities
After graduation, you are optimally prepared, both professionally and practically, for the licensing examination as a psychotherapist. With the Master's degree, you meet the legal requirements to register for further training according to the Psychotherapists Act (PsychThG). You can further qualify in the recognised psychotherapeutic methods (cognitive behavioural therapy, depth psychology-based psychotherapy, psychoanalysis).
- Clinical work as a psychotherapist in private practice, clinics or counselling centres (after completed further training and licensing)
- Collaboration in research institutions, university settings and psychotherapeutic training institutes
- Employment in psychosocial institutions, prevention, health promotion and public administration
- Scientific further qualification including doctoral studies
- Fields of work at the interfaces with cultural, social and educational sciences as well as in public relations
The Master’s degree opens access to leading clinical and research-oriented positions and is a prerequisite for therapeutic licensing in Germany.
Place of Study
The programme is conducted on the campus of the International Psychoanalytic University (IPU) in Berlin. Here you benefit from:
- Modernly equipped seminar rooms and research workshops
- Central location in the heart of Berlin (Stromstr. 3b, 10555 Berlin)
- Own university outpatient clinic for practical training
- International networking via the IPU partner university network and the Erasmus+ programme
- Opportunity for internships abroad or a semester abroad (contractually secured ECTS recognition)
The IPU offers a familiar study environment with individual supervision in small study groups and comprehensive integration into the clinical practice landscape of the capital region.
Costs and Financing
The tuition fees for the Master Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy at IPU Berlin amount to €5,950 per semester. Alternatively, you can pay monthly €1,030 or in advance €22,700 for the entire programme. Graduates of the IPU BSc Psychology receive a reduced rate (€5,800 per semester, monthly €1,000, or €22,200 in advance).
- Additionally, a semester contribution to the Studentenwerk must be paid (amount variable)
- Application for a Deutschlandstipendium (€300/month) possible, especially with good performance and commitment
- Possibility of a loan from the Student Loan Fund Berlin e. V. (DAKA) at favourable conditions
- Access to reverse generational contracts with Brain Capital, through which repayment is income-dependent in the future
For individual financing, you combine various funding options, scholarships, loans and/or instalment payments.
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