TU Dortmund University Introduces M.Sc. in Psychology

The Master’s program, which is run by the Department of Educational Sciences and Psychology, comprises a number of compulsory and compulsory elective modules. In the compulsory modules, students learn about research methods, such as multivariate analysis and psychological diagnostics, for example preparing psychological assessments. They additionally include a colloquium on science communication and project work as well as the Master’s thesis. Students must also complete an eleven-week period in professional practice outside the university.

To hone their academic profile and personal skills, students can choose two modules each from two groups of compulsory electives: Advanced Fundamentals and Advanced Practice. From the first group, students can choose modules in Differential Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Neuropsychology, Social Psychology or Work and Organizational Psychology, while from the second group they can choose modules in Empirical Educational Research, Human Factors Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Educational Psychology. By adopting this structure, the program coordinators are also following the guidelines of the German Psychological Society.

Strong research focus

“Through interactive teaching formats and by integrating current social issues, our M.Sc. in Psychology encourages students to engage in a process of self-reflection, question their own basic assumptions and further develop their personality,” says Professor Norbert Zmyj from the Institute of Psychology, co-initiator of the new degree program. The new program also has a strong focus on research: “Independent academic work is particularly important to us. Students familiarize themselves with common standards such as open science, and we involve them in ongoing research projects at an early stage,” says Professor Zmyj.

Broad career prospects

The M.Sc. in Psychology does not license students to practice as a psychotherapist. It does, however, qualify them for many different careers in the field of psychology, explains Professor Zmyj: “Our graduates can work, for example, in child guidance or career counseling. The program is also a key prerequisite for working as a school psychologist. In addition, there are lots of opportunities in the corporate sector, for example in HR development or recruitment, further training and continuing education or human-machine interaction. Another option is an academic career. For example, we regularly advertise positions for doctoral candidates at TU Dortmund University.”

Admission is in the winter semester and students can apply up until 15 July each year. All students with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology may apply. Students currently in the sixth semester may also apply, provided they have already earned at least 150 credit points. In this case, the current average grade counts for admission to one of the 20 places instead of the grade of the Bachelor’s degree. 

TU Dortmund University expects the accreditation procedure for the M.Sc. in Psychology to be successfully completed by the end of August.

Further information

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Editorial note: The announcement was updated regarding the completion date for the accreditation procedure on 8 July.