Psychotherapy, Master of Science

Who is the Master’s Psychology (M.Sc.) programme at MSH suitable for?

This degree programme is aimed at graduates of a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology who wish to deepen their academic qualification, expand research-related skills, or seek entry into psychotherapeutic training and work. It is particularly aimed at individuals aspiring to work in counselling, clinical psychology, sexual psychology, educational and school psychology, or scientific research. The programme is relevant for you if you want to gain not only advanced professional knowledge but also practical experience and a potential pathway to a doctorate.

What are the formal admission requirements?

The admission to the Master’s Psychology (M.Sc.) programme at MSH requires the following prerequisites:

• Completed Bachelor’s degree in Psychology covering large parts of the curriculum of the B.Sc. Psychology at MSH
• Qualification for studies in Master’s programmes according to § 39 HmbHG (Hamburg Higher Education Act)

You do not need a specific grade average (no NC). Your personal motivation and suitability will be assessed in an individual admission interview after application.

Personally, you should have a strong willingness for independent scientific work, analytical thinking skills, and interest in empirical research. Communication and reflection skills, empathy, openness to interdisciplinary collaboration, as well as a sense of responsibility for ethical and societal issues in the psychological profession are important prerequisites. Initial experience with quantitative and qualitative research methods and a willingness to engage with new professional fields – such as sexual psychology or educational psychology – are advantageous.

What study content can you expect in the Master’s degree in Psychology (M.Sc.)?

In the Master’s programme in Psychology (M.Sc.), you will deepen your skills in five central subject areas with a total of 14 modules. The main focuses are:

• Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy: Deepening diagnostics and interventions for mental disorders in adults, children and adolescents. Teaching of behavioural therapeutic, depth psychological/psychoanalytic and systemic methods.
• Elective modules: Through the elective module programme “New Generation of Health Professionals”, you can take modules such as Psychology of Diversity or Positive Psychology to expand your basic psychological knowledge according to your personal interests.
• Advanced subject expertise: Depending on your specialisation, you acquire in-depth knowledge in Sexual Psychology or Educational and School Psychology, including career preparation in your chosen practical field.
• Practical professional skills: Concrete application of your acquired skills in practical fields, including case work and preparatory measures for starting your career.
• Scientific and methodological skills: Expansion of your knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods, current statistics and study practice. Completion with an independent master’s thesis.

Optionally, you can focus in your studies on Sexual Psychology or Educational/School Psychology. In the Sexual Psychology specialisation, you learn sexual psychological diagnostics, counselling, communication and intervention measures for different target groups and contexts. In the Educational and School Psychology specialisation, the focus is on counselling, diagnostics and intervention concepts for schools and educational institutions, crisis intervention and prevention.

What is the course structure and progression?

The full-time Psychology (M.Sc.) programme lasts four semesters and starts on 1 April and 1 October each year. The structure includes:

• 14 modules spread over five competency areas
• Practice-oriented case work for applying theoretical knowledge
• Disciplinary and interdisciplinary elective modules within the elective module programme
• Research proximity from the first semester through involvement in the university’s research projects
• Completion of the programme through an independent master’s thesis

Already during your studies, you can participate in current research activities, especially in connection with the psychotherapeutic university outpatient clinic of MSH. The curriculum is designed to prepare you for an academic career or subsequent psychotherapy training.

Which career opportunities and professional paths open up for you?

With the Master’s degree in Psychology (M.Sc.), you qualify for diverse fields of activity depending on the chosen specialisation:

• Sexual Psychology:
  • Diagnostics of sexual disorders
  • Couple and sexual counselling
  • Expert witness activities
  • Work at AIDS support centres, family counselling or schools
  • Development of prevention measures and research
• Educational and School Psychology:
  • School psychologist (state or private)
  • Crisis intervention and counselling work in schools
  • Prevention work for authorities and education providers
  • Educational-psychological research and concept development
• Psychotherapy: Prerequisite (within the framework of statutory transitional periods) for postgraduate psychotherapy training (e.g. at the HIP HafenCity Institute for Psychotherapy) with specialisations in behavioural therapy or depth psychological psychotherapy.
• Science and research: The degree entitles you to pursue a doctoral degree and enables a career at universities, research institutes or in health and care research.

What costs should you expect and how can you finance your studies?

The tuition fees for the Master’s in Psychology (M.Sc.) are 795 euros per month. In addition, there is a one-time enrolment fee of 100 euros.

• Total study costs: €795 x 24 months = €19,080 plus €100 enrolment fee
• All study materials and the use of university facilities are included in the fees

There are various options for financing. Examples include education loans, support from your employer or tax deductibility as work-related expenses. In many cases, state funding programmes or scholarships can also be used.