Course Profile

Psychology (MSc) with Research Focus at the Faculty of Psychology and Human Movement Sciences
(Research, starting winter semester 23/24)

The Master of Science in Psychology is a consecutive programme with a strong research focus. The standard duration of study is 4 semesters. The language of instruction is mainly English, but some courses must be taken in German. The programme consists of a total of eight modules, which can be divided into three areas. The first area includes two compulsory modules on Advanced Research Methods and Statistics and Psychological Diagnostics. In the second strand, students can choose from two subject areas: (1) cognitive neuroscience and (2) social and emotional processes. The third area includes project-based courses, various elective subjects, and provides all students with the opportunity to undergo a certified coaching training program.

As a Research Master's student, you can choose to study in one of two specialist areas:

Cognitive Neuroscience: How does the brain work? How do we use information and experience to make decisions? What is neuroplasticity? How does stress affect the brain? Selected topics from cognitive neuroscience are taught as part of the basic module in cognitive neuroscience using English-language publications. The focus of all topics is on teaching current neuroscientific paradigms and methods (e.g. imaging techniques and mathematical modelling) that can be used to investigate specific questions.

Social and emotional processes: How do other people influence our thoughts, feelings and behaviour? How do family, school and work environments shape individual characteristics and experiences? And how do these traits, experiences and social dynamics develop over the course of a lifetime? Selected topics in social and emotional processes are taught in the core module Origins of and Differences in Human Cognition and Personality and in the two applied elective modules Social Dynamics of Organisational Behaviour and Socio-Emotional Development and Learning. All topics are considered from an integrative perspective of developmental, social, cognitive, and personality psychology research.
In-depth and comprehensive methodological and statistical skills are taught in all modules. This includes methods of experimental data collection in the laboratory, such as neurophysiological measures (e.g. fMRI, EEG), behavioural measures (e.g. reaction times, eye tracking) and videotaped interactions, as well as methods of data collection in the field (e.g. apps, reports, scan sampling). All modules provide in-depth knowledge of data processing and analysis, including the management and analysis of large repeated measures datasets, the handling of missing data, and the application of various experimental, latent, and cognitive data modelling approaches.

In addition to the research focus and the two complementary subject-specific study areas, the M.Sc. Psychology (Research) includes two other important components: Firstly, we offer our students a systemic coaching training (in accordance with DBVC and ICF standards) that combines theory, empirical research, and practice closely, along with inter- and supervision accompanied by scientific support. Secondly, an internship is planned for the third semester of the program, which can also be combined with a semester abroad. Overall, the teaching formats of the program include various formats such as lectures, seminars, and intensive project seminars. The master's program is a full-time in-person program.

Target group

The degree program is primarily aimed at national and international psychology students who wish to pursue a scientific career (doing a PhD thesis), work as a research practitioner, policy advisor in government institutions, or in the public or private sector where data literacy and the handling and evaluation of statistical data sets is of large importance. Possible job prospects and professional fields include the vast area of human behavior, such as counseling, diagnostics, management, educational interventions, professional development, training programs, developmental support, professions with a methodological focus, and data acquisition and processing (except clinical psychology). In particular, the degree enables students to pursue doctoral studies at a high level. For this purpose, the option of a fast-track doctorate that runs concurrently with the master’s degree program is available. Fast-Track Doctorate.

Application

Enrolment is possible for the winter semester. Further, general information on the application procedure can be found in the "Application information" leaflet (PDF-German).

The Institute of Psychology provides information about special admission requirements and the study and qualification objectives for the Master of Science Psychology (M.Sc.) programme in the "Admission Requirements by Degree Programme" table.

If you did not obtain your bachelor's degree in psychology at the University of Hamburg, please complete the following document when applying: (For better comparability, this document only exists in English, even for international degree programmes): Gegenueberstellung.(.DOCX)

Prerequisites

The degree program has three admission requirements:

Bachelor Degree in Psychology: Qualified bachelor’s degree program in psychology at a university including knowledge, skills, and abilities acquired within the framework of a university with teaching embedded in ongoing research (Research Methods, Psychological Diagnostics and Statistics, General Psychology I and II, Biological Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Differential Psychology, Social Psychology, Educational Psychology, Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Clinical Psychology). If the degree differs, an equivalence check will be conducted during the application procedure. The criteria of the German Psychological Society (DGPs) are used as a basis for comparability.
Proficiency in English: All applicants require a level of B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages – proven by a university entrance qualification, a degree from a general education or vocational school (at least 5 years of school instruction in English) or an international language test (e.g. Cambridge First Certificate of English-grade A or B2; IELTS-5.5 or higher; TOEFL paper-based-at least 550 points, Internet-based-at least 70 points; UNIcert II). Applicants who cannot provide proof of English language skills at the time of enrolment will be admitted on condition that they provide one of the aforementioned required certificates by the end of the first semester at the latest.
Proficiency in German: All applicants who have not acquired their higher education entrance eligibility at a German-language institution must prove sufficient knowledge of the German language before they can study at Universität Hamburg. It is therefore necessary to submit proof of sufficient German language skills with the application for enrollment within the enrollment deadline. Further information on German language proficiency: Campus Center

Application period

Enrollment is available for the winter semester. Starting in the winter semester 2025/26, the application period will be from May 1 to June 15 of each year. For more information on how to apply, please visit the Campus Center.