What distinguishes our MSc Psychology programme?

The Department of Psychology in Münster is one of the largest institutes nationwide in terms of the number of students and chairs. We are a place where current developments in psychology are adopted, promoted and explored in detail. In this regard, we see our teaching and study programmes as a contribution to shaping social progress and a sustainable future.

Our courses convey both basic knowledge and current findings from scientific research, e.g. on the role of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in the field of psychology. We impart competence on interdisciplinary topics, for example, on methods of scientific analysis or on systemic thinking. Our teaching adheres to the notion of the scientific practitioner, in which practical interventions and the design of practical fields are based on a systematic and scientifically sound analysis. We are convinced that psychology offers solutions to key challenges of our time (e.g. in the areas of mental health, burnout and stress, increasing digitalisation of life, big data and open science, climate crisis and environmental behaviour, demographic changes and migration, social cohesion and integration). Consequently, we actively train students to develop solutions creatively, reflectively and collaboratively, as well as to communicate these appropriately to experts and laypersons.

Why is our MSc Psychology programme a good choice?

Our Master of Science degree programme in psychology has been designed according to the recommendations of the German Psychological Society and therefore represents a study programme for future psychologists that meets the highest standards. The Department of Psychology in Münster offers excellent study conditions which have been repeatedly certified in the nationwide CHE ranking [please note: to view the CHE rankings, you must first register with ZEIT ONLINE].

Divided into lectures open to all students and with seminars ranging from 15 to 25 participants, the programme offers a stimulating and structured immersion in the science and application of psychology.

The programme content consists of a non-specialised part. This includes the modules Advanced Statistics (e.g. linear and generalised linear models, mixed linear and nonlinear models, structural equation modelling and meta-analysis), Diagnostics (e.g. in-depth study of diagnostic process; including large-scale, diary assessments, experience sampling; test and questionnaire construction; report writing), and Scientific Practice and Science Communication (e.g. skills and knowledge to substantiate, justify and communicate scientific findings). In the module Research Approaches and Perspectives of Psychology, students may choose two lectures and one seminar from the other concentrations. In this way, important course content is taught outside the student's own area of specialisation. Explanations of the specialisation-specific content can be found on the corresponding pages of the master's concentrations PWP, LEB, PASD.

Students are taught in modern lecture and seminar rooms in accordance with the latest technical standards. Furthermore, all students are able to complete the programme in a standard period of four semesters. This includes a guaranteed place in seminars and lectures provided for in the course curriculum. In addition, we offer a study-accompanying programme oriented to the students' needs during their studies to optimally prepare them for the upcoming challenges in their studies (e.g. stays abroad, mandatory internship, professional orientation, final thesis, graduation). To this end, we cooperate closely with central facilities of the University of Münster, such as the Student Advice and Counselling Centre (ZSB), the International Office or the Careers Service. The services offered by these facilities are fully available to our students. We also provide students with a central point of contact for problems related to software-supported data collection and analysis for their theses in the Methods and Statistics Support. And we have our own library where students can study and work. We record the quality of our teaching in our own teaching and examination evaluations, which we use to steadily improve the quality of instruction.

The size and high quality of our department offer students many opportunities for research internships and paid assistantships. Of course, our department also offers excellent opportunities for advanced academic qualification within the framework of a doctoral programme (Dr. rer. nat. or Dr. phil.). We also promote student research with additional funding to enable students to present their own work at scientific conferences.

Aside from our academic programme, there is much to discover at the University of Münster. With a rich tradition stretching back to 1780, the University offers 280 courses of study in 15 faculties and provides instruction to some 45,000 students annually. Students have access to an extensive range of University Sports and can participate in a wide variety of student groups and organisations. Finally, the city of Münster offers an incomparably beautiful and diverse place to live during your time at university. This includes the city's diverse art and cultural event programme as well as the vibrant student life in Münster's café and pub scene.

What concentrations are offered in the MSc Psychology programme?

Prospective students begin by applying for admission to the MSc programme. After receiving a study place, they are assigned an area of specialisation, or concentration. To this end, candidates can indicate their priorities at the time of application. There are three different concentrations:

Personnel and Business Psychology (PWP)

The concentration in personnel and business psychology conveys the latest research findings and areas of competence in psychology in working and business contexts. It optimally prepares students for diverse and innovative professional activities as psychologists in these areas, e.g. in personnel selection or personnel development, as team or project managers, in management consultancies, in corporate health management, as change managers in organisational development (e.g. for more sustainability), for founding start-ups or designing software and information systems. In addition, the concentration also offers excellent opportunities for pursuing a subsequent doctorate and academic career.

Learning, Development, Counselling (LEB)

The concentration in learning, development, and counselling addresses topics in applied developmental psychology, educational psychology, and psychological counselling. These include social-emotional development, cultural diversity, self-regulated learning, and well-being in the teaching-learning context. The LEB concentration prepares students for activities in both research and professional practice outside the university (e.g. in counselling centres and educational institutions). Instructors design courses with a practical orientation and accompany them intensively. This allows students to apply their acquired skills in practice and develop them further.

Psychological Analysis of Social Dynamics (PASD)

The concentration in psychological analysis of social dynamics enables students to familiarise themselves with the scientific analysis of social processes underlying the development of individuals, relationships, organisations, social networks and even society on a whole. In interactive courses and projects, current knowledge and the latest methods of data collection and analysis are taught and applied to find solutions for complex social challenges. This results in versatile career prospects in future-oriented industries (including science, start-ups, data science and consulting).

Examination regulations, programme structure, performance overview and module handbook

The examination regulations contain all the rules and requirements for the Master of Science programme in psychology and apply to all concentrations (PWP, LEB and PASD). The curriculum is divided into courses that either apply to all areas of specialisation (e.g. statistics, diagnostics) or individual areas of specialisation. You can find descriptions of all courses and their respective concentrations in module handbook, as well as in the appendix of the examination regulations. The programme structure and performance overviews can be found on the pages of the respective areas of specialisation.

Psychotherapeutic training (in accordance with the old law)

Regardless of one’s chosen concentration, students in our MSc Psychology programme can register for up to two exams in the area of clinical psychology. For this purpose, in Module C “Research Approaches and Perspectives”, students can complete up to two lectures and their corresponding examinations from our MSc Psychology programme with specialisation in clinical psychology and psychotherapy. This allows students, for example, to fulfil the admission requirements for psychotherapeutic training (in accordance with the old law) in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Application

Please see our information on the regular application process and on special cases in the application process.
Basically, you begin by applying for admission to the MSc Psychology programme. In the application portal, you should indicate which major you are interested in. If the number of students admitted to the MSc Psychology programme exceeds the number of study places available in this concentration, the study places are allocated by the drawing of lots.