M.Sc. Psychology (Research, as of WiSe 23/24)
Master of Science (MSc) in Psychology at the Faculty of Psychology and Human Movement Science
The Master of Science in Psychology is a consecutive program that is strongly research-oriented. The regular period of study is 4 semesters. Teaching language is primarily English. The degree program comprises 8 modules with 2 complementary areas of concentration.
One area focuses on cognitive neurosciences research, which is taught in the compulsory modules Advanced research methods and statistics and Psychological diagnostics, the complementary basic research module Cognitive neurosciences, and the elective course Developmental cognitive neuroscience. The second area focuses on research on social and emotional processes, which is taught in the applied elective subject modules Organizational Psychology: Social Dynamics of Organizational Behavior and Educational Psychology: Socio-Emotional Development and Learning and in the complementary basic research module Origins of and Differences of Human Cognition and Personality. Extensive methodological and statistical skills are taught (required modules). The degree program places special emphasis on methods, which are taught in depth in the complementary basic research modules, the applied modules, the project seminar, and the thesis module. These methods include laboratory-based experimental data collection—taking into account the range of modern measurement methods such as neurophysiological measures (e.g., fMRI, EEG), behavioral measures (e.g., reaction times, eye-tracking), and videographed interactions—the collection of data in the field (e.g., apps, reports, scan sampling), the statistical evaluation of large data sets with repeated measurements, and data modeling. An internship is planned for the third subject semester, during which a stay abroad is also possible. Teaching formats for the degree program include lectures, advanced seminars, project seminars, and seminars. These take place predominantly in person; depending on circumstances, they may be held also in hybrid and digital forms (synchronous and asynchronous).
Target group: The degree program is primarily aimed at international psychology students who wish to pursue a scientific career; a research-based, practical psychological activity; and/or the handling and evaluation of statistical data sets. Possible professional fields include the vast area of human behavior, such as counseling fields, diagnostics, staff 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 possibility of a fast-track doctorate that starts alongside the master’s degree program is offered.
Prerequisites: The degree program builds on the knowledge, skills, and abilities that have already been acquired within the framework of a qualified bachelor’s degree program in psychology at 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 can be conducted during the ongoing application procedure. The criteria of the German Psychological Society (DGPs) are used as a basis for comparability.
Additional admission prerequisites are proficiency in English at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages—proven by the higher education entrance eligibility (at least 6 years of instruction) 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 proficiency in English (i.e., 6 years of instruction or a B2 certificate in English) at enrollment will be admitted on condition that they provide the required proof by the end of their first semester at the latest.
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: https://www.uni-hamburg.de/en/campuscenter/bewerbung/international/studium-mit-abschluss/sprachkenntnisse/deutschkenntnisse.html
Application period: Enrollment is possible for the winter semester. The application period is 1 June–15 July each year. Learn more about applying at https://www.uni-hamburg.de/campuscenter/bewerbung/master/papierlose-bewerbung/papierlose-bewerbung-psychologie.html.