I earned my bachelor’s degree from the University of Mannheim and decided to stay for my master’s degree, which was the right choice! The master’s program is really challenging and requires students to work hard. In return, we are trained to a high standard in both methods and theory. The program includes a broad selection of courses you can choose from. This enables me to focus on applied psychology and to develop my personal profile, which is a good preparation for my future career.
Program facts and information
Degree: Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Standard period of study: 4 semesters (2 years)
ECTS credits: 120
Language of instruction: German, English
Language requirements: German (click here for further information)
Program start: Fall semester (September)
Academic calendarSchool: School of Social Sciences
Semester fee: EUR 169 (more information)
Tuition fees for international students from non-EU countries: EUR 1,500
Tuition fees for a second degree: EUR 650Program overview
In the master’s program in Psychology: Work, Economy and Society (M.Sc.), you can choose from the following areas of specialization:
- Work and Organization
- Education and Learning
- Consumer and Economic Behavior
- Cognition and Behavior in the Social Context
During the program, you will gain advanced knowledge of how to plan, carry out, and analyze the results of psychological studies. The in-depth study of classical test theory and modern item response theory will be a valuable addition to your skill set.
To prepare for your master's thesis, you will contribute to ongoing research projects, which is an important component of your studies. Among others, you can choose from the following areas: Stress, Recovery and Health, Proactivity, Creativity and Informal Learning, Consumer Psychology, Cognitive and Motivational Processes during Learning, and Attitude Change.
Why study Psychology: Work, Economy and Society at the University of Mannheim?
With its focus on the research areas Work and Organizational Psychology, Consumer Psychology, Social Psychology, and Educational Psychology, the Department of Psychology of the University of Mannheim is one of Germany's leading higher education and research institutions for Psychology.
Numerous national and international rankings, such as the Times Higher Education Subject Ranking or the CHE University Ranking, have confirmed the outstanding quality of this program of study. They have also declared the University of Mannheim one of the best universities for studying Psychology in Germany.
Our master’s students benefit from the excellent study conditions at our school: They are flexible in compiling their course schedules and can choose their own specializations. Our courses are designed for small groups and cover current topics in research and practice. Our modern infrastructure includes recently renovated seminar rooms with good computer equipment and libraries with long opening hours. The program managers are happy to provide you with extensive support during your studies.
Career opportunities
Our graduates work as coaches or as advisors in organization development or people development and in Human Resources. As such, they are responsible for identifying and combating straining work environments, for example. Their master’s degree also allows them to find employment in market research or in the product development departments of advertising agencies.
If they decide to become a school counselor or an educational psychologist, they support pupils and offer advice to teachers in an educational context.
In addition, they are well prepared for an academic career in research and teaching, and can also carry out research projects independently in pursuit of a doctoral degree or habilitation.
Required interests and skills
- be interested in consumer behavior or behavior in an organizational or educational context,
- have a sound knowledge of statistics, assessment, and research methods,
- have good analytical skills,
- have a good level of English proficiency,
- have strong communication skills and be able to empathize with others.
Program structure
Module catalog
The module catalog, which is only available in German, gives you an overview of the courses and their content.Studying abroad
In the master’s program in Psychology, spending a semester abroad is optional. If you choose to go abroad, you can do so either in the third or fourth semester. The University of Mannheim is partners with 450 universities around the world. In collaboration with the International Office, the international coordinators for Psychology can help you plan a period of study abroad.Internships
All students enrolled in the master’s program in Psychology complete a mandatory internship of at least eight weeks, either in Germany or abroad. The school's Internship Office supports students in all internship matters.Continuing Education
Certificate programs
Strengthen your potential, deepen your knowledge, find solutions for challenges we will face tomorrow – there are many good reasons to think outside the box, get to know and try out new things even during your studies.At the University of Mannheim, you can do this in the “Studium Oecologicum” which focuses on sustainability. In our certificate program, you will acquire interdisciplinary expert knowledge which can help you to act ethically and to make holistic decisions.
Language courses
Making language learning easier: No matter if you want to learn Japanese, Hebrew, Spanish or Norwegian, take the Graduate Record Examination Test (GRE), The European Language Certificates (telc) or the TOEFL test – each semester, the University of Mannheim offers language courses and language certificates in more than 16 languages for students and non-university members, online and on campus!Doctorates
Successful graduates can pursue a doctorate at the Center for Doctoral Studies in Social and Behavioral Sciences (CDSS) of the Graduate School of Economic and Social Sciences (GESS). The doctoral programs are taught in English.
Apart from that, you can also earn a doctoral degree at one of the psychological chairs of the School of Social Sciences.
Doctoral programs and opportunities at the School of Social Sciences
General information on doctoral studies at the University of MannheimAdmission requirements and selection
In our selection process, we take numerous criteria into account. For more details, please check the selection statutes (see below). Be bold! Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need advice. We are looking forward to receiving your application!
Admission requirements
If you have not yet completed your bachelor’s degree, you may still apply for a master’s program as long as will provide a proof that you have obtained at least 120 ECTS credits.
- Completion of a bachelor’s program in Psychology or a program recognized as equivalent by the admissions committee with courses in Psychology corresponding to at least 50% at a German higher education institution or abroad (also Berufsakademie), corresponding to at least 180 ECTS credits or a standard period of study of at least three years, including the following modules:
- Quantitative, mathematical or statistical methods (at least 10 ECTS credits)
- Empirical or experimental methods (at least 10 ECTS credits)
- Test Theory or Psychological Assessment (at least 10 ECTS credits),
- General Psychology 1, General Psychology 2, or Cognitive Psychology (at least 10 ECTS credits),
- Social Psychology (at least 6 ECTS credits)
- Work and Organizational Psychology, Consumer Psychology or Educational Psychology (at least 8 ECTS credits)
- Proof of proficiency in German
Selection criteria
- The final grade or – for students still completing their degree – the grade average of the bachelor’s program
- Result of the admission test
- The admission test for the master’s programs in Psychology may be taken at the University of Mannheim.
- Additional qualifications relevant to the program (for more information, please see here), including:
- practical experience gained in the course of employment, jobs or internships in Work and Organizational Psychology, Consumer Psychology and Educational Psychology or in research and teaching in these or other areas of Psychology.
- scientific conference contributions and publications.
Selection statutes
Under “Admission requirements and selection” we have compiled the most important selection criteria of the program for you. For more detailed explanations of the selection process and the legally binding requirements of the degree program, please refer to the selection statutes.- Completion of a bachelor’s program in Psychology or a program recognized as equivalent by the admissions committee with courses in Psychology corresponding to at least 50% at a German higher education institution or abroad (also Berufsakademie), corresponding to at least 180 ECTS credits or a standard period of study of at least three years, including the following modules:
Application
