Psychology at the University of Münster
© IfP - Robert Matzke

Majoring in Psychology

  • Bachelor's programme

    The Bachelor of Science (BSc) programme in psychology requires six semesters to complete and concludes with a first-level, professional qualifying degree. The undergraduate programme imparts scientific fundamentals, methodological skills, application-related content and so-called "key areas of competence", which represent interdisciplinary and interprofessional qualifications. The course of study enables students to fulfil the prerequisites for later psychotherapeutic training in accordance with the Approbation Regulations for Psychotherapists (PsychThApprO). The study programme was officially recognised by the Ministry of Labor, Health and Social Affairs of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia on 31 January 2022. Further information can be found in the BSc Psychology programme profile.

    The German Psychological Society (DGPs) offers an extensive range of information on studying psychology in Germany. You will also find an overview of self-assessment offers as well as descriptions of the typical occupational fields for psychologists. Further information on occupational fields can be found on the homepage of the Berufsverband Deutscher Psychologinnen und Psychologen e. V. (Professional Association of German Psychologists). Detailed information on studying psychology in Germany is also available in the study guide of the weekly newspaper DIE ZEIT.

  • Master's programme

    This two-year master's programme builds on the BSc Psychology programme and enables students to deepen their knowledge in a specialised area of psychology. Two master's programmes in psychology are offered at the University of Münster. Each programme has its own admission regulations:

    1. In the MSc Psychology programme, students choose between three different concentrations of psychological research and application:
    • In Personnel and Business Psychology, students focus on human experience and behaviour in the world of work and in economic contexts. In the action-oriented courses, they acquire in-depth knowledge and skills, for example, to increase the motivation and efficiency of professionals, to make teamwork more effective and to protect the employee health. The latest research findings are continuously integrated, e.g. on changes in work due to digitalisation and internationalisation, on demographic changes and increasing diversity in the workplace and on new methods of leadership and personnel development. The study focus qualifies students for established activities in personnel and business psychology (e.g. personnel selection and development, health management and coaching, team and organisational development), as well as for new and innovative activities (e.g. improving the sustainability of organisations, using artificial intelligence, finding solutions for the shortage of skilled workers etc.) and for scientific research in these subject areas.
    • In Learning, Development, Counselling, students focus on topics in applied developmental psychology, educational psychology and psychological counselling. In intensively supervised courses, they acquire theoretical and practical research knowledge in these subject areas, as well as practical skills in the design, implementation and evaluation of psychological counselling. This prepares students for activities in research and professional practice outside academia (e.g. in counselling centres and educational institutions).
    • In Psychological Analysis of Social Dynamics, students engage in the scientific analysis of social processes that influence the development of individuals, relationships, organisations and even social networks or civil society as a whole. In interactive courses and projects, current knowledge and state-of-the-art methods of data collection and analysis are taught and applied to find solutions for complex social challenges. This results in exciting career prospects in future-oriented industries (including science, start-ups, data science and consulting).
    1. The MSc Psychology programme with specialisation in clinical psychology and psychotherapy prepares students for a subsequent professional career as a psychotherapist and for the required licensing examination.

  • Doctoral studies in psychology

    The Faculty of Psychology/Sport and Exercise Sciences (FB 7) offers attractive doctoral opportunities and awards the academic degree "Doctor of Philosophy" (Dr. phil.) or "Doctor of Natural Sciences" (Dr. rer. nat.) on the basis of a scientifically remarkable dissertation. Doctoral applicants should demonstrate that they are capable of independent scientific work that goes beyond the general study objective. A doctorate in psychology usually takes between two and five years. You can find more information on the doctoral process here.

Psychology in cognitive neuroscience

  • Interdisciplinary master's programme in cognitive neuroscience

    Students in the interdisciplinary master's programme in cognitive neuroscience examine how the brain controls our experience and behaviour. They acquire the theoretical underpinnings in interactive courses and can practically apply the methods and techniques of cognitive neuroscience in interdisciplinary groups.

Psychology in other subjects

  • Teaching degree programmes in psychology

    As part of their educational studies, teaching degree students can register for selected modules in psychology. The lectures and seminars are offered by the Institute of Psychology in Education (PBE).

In-service programmes

  • MA in Leadership and Human Resource Management

    The Master of Arts programme in Leadership and Human Resource Management is targeted at supervisory staff and persons with personnel responsibility. In addition, the programme is aimed at employees in the fields of personnel and organisational development, continuing education and in-house or external management consulting. No previous psychological knowledge is required.