Master of Arts in Psychology with a Clinical Focus

This master's programme offers an in-depth study of psychoanalytic perspectives on the human mind, treating psychoanalysis not only as a therapeutic approach but also as a theory of knowledge that bridges natural sciences, humanities, cultural studies and the social sciences. The curriculum examines contemporary and nuanced views of the unconscious and situates psychoanalytic thought within broader intellectual and cultural debates, giving students a rich, interdisciplinary foundation.

The course has a clear clinical orientation, emphasizing psychodynamic and psychoanalytic methods, while also providing rigorous training in research methodology. Students deepen their clinical competencies—diagnostics, counselling and therapeutic skills—while also exploring non-clinical applications of psychoanalytic thinking, such as cultural theory and applied social science. The programme’s structure follows the recommendations of the German Psychological Society (DGPS) to ensure a solid professional grounding.

Designed to open a wide range of career options, the programme prepares graduates both for independent clinical work and for continuing academic research or university careers. Instruction is delivered in English and the curriculum aims to expose students to a broad spectrum of theoretical and practical discourse so they can pursue diverse professional pathways after graduation.

Key programme focus and outcomes

• English-language instruction and interdisciplinary study combining clinical and cultural-social perspectives
• Clinical focus on psychodynamic and psychoanalytic approaches
• Solid training in research methods and empirical skills
• Emphasis on fundamental diagnostics, counselling and therapeutic competencies
• Exposure to non-clinical applications: psychoanalysis as cultural theory and applied social science
• Curriculum aligned with German Psychological Society (DGPS) recommendations, preparing students for both clinical practice and further academic work

Curriculum overview

This 120 ECTS Master’s program is designed to be completed full‑time over four semesters. Credits are distributed evenly across the first three semesters, with the fourth semester reserved for writing the Master’s thesis. The degree combines a strong theoretical foundation in reflexive psychology and psychoanalysis with clinically oriented training in diagnosis, intervention and prevention, and a substantial practice‑oriented research component.

Core learning outcomes include: a deep understanding of the historical and epistemological roots of psychoanalysis; competence in social and developmental psychology and the study of psychopathology; practical skills in psychological diagnostics, psychotherapeutic intervention, prevention and counselling; and the ability to design and carry out practice‑oriented research. The programme also offers a compulsory elective to let you pursue a specialised scientific interest (examples given: Neuropsychoanalysis, Social Trauma), and includes a supervised practical internship of at least 330 hours that may be completed in Germany or abroad.

Key modules and structure (requirements)

• Total credit load: 120 ECTS over four full‑time semesters
• Master’s thesis: written in the final (fourth) semester
• Internship: at least 330 hours (in Germany or abroad)

Module list with ECTS:

• Module 1 — History of Psychoanalysis in the Context of Establishing Psychology as a Science (6 ECTS)
• Module 2 — Social Psychological Studies (6 ECTS)
• Module 3 — Developmental Psychology (6 ECTS)
• Module 4 — General and Specific Studies of Disorder (9 ECTS)
• Module 5 — Psychological Diagnostics (9 ECTS)
• Module 6 — Psychotherapeutic Intervention (9 ECTS)
• Module 7 — Research Methods (practice‑oriented) (18 ECTS)
• Module 8 — Science and Epistemology / Theories of the Subject (6 ECTS)
• Module 9 — Prevention and Counselling (6 ECTS)
• Module 10 — Elective (compulsory elective to specialise; e.g. Neuropsychoanalysis, Social Trauma) (5 ECTS)

These modules are grouped into five thematic areas: Reflexive Psychology & Theoretical Psychoanalysis (Modules 1 & 8); Social Psychology (Module 2); Developmental Psychology and Studies of Disorder (Modules 3 & 4); Diagnosis & Intervention (Modules 5, 6, 9, 10); and Methods of Practice‑Orientated Research (Module 7).

The MA in Psychology (Clinical Focus) prepares graduates for a diverse range of professional roles in clinical and non-clinical settings. Coursework in diagnostics, psychotherapeutic intervention, prevention and counselling, combined with a substantial research-methods component and a Master's thesis, equips graduates for clinical work in hospitals, counselling centres, social services, research institutes and related organisations. Many graduates go on to pursue further postgraduate psychotherapy training or specialized clinical qualifications.

Practical experience through the compulsory internship (450 hours) and elective options (e.g. neuropsychoanalysis, social trauma) enhances employability and practical skills. The programme also provides a solid foundation for continuing into academic careers or doctoral study in psychology or related fields; however, independent clinical practice or psychotherapy licensure may require additional national/postgraduate training depending on local regulations.