Degree: Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Standard period of study: 4 semesters (2 years)
ECTS credits: 120
Language of instruction: German, English
Language requirements: This program requires proof of proficiency in German on C1 level.
Program start: Fall semester (September)
Academic calendar
School: School of Social Sciences
Semester fee: €194.30 (further information)
Tuition fees for international students from non-EU countries: €1,500
Tuition fees for a second degree: €650
In the master’s program in Cognitive and Clinical Psychology (M.Sc.), students will take a closer look at the fields of clinical psychology, psychopathology, and psychotherapy, and build on the research skills in cognitive psychology they have already acquired. During the program, they 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 their skill set.
With a curriculum that includes practical courses on clinical interviewing and intervention techniques, a new area of study dealing with intervention methods and psychotherapy, and a module in health psychology, the program is clearly geared towards applied clinical psychotherapy. If you want to go on to complete additional, state-regulated training to become a psychotherapist (Psychologischer Psychotherapeut) in accordance with the German legislation on psychotherapy (Psychotherapeutengesetz), this master’s program is the perfect choice. A range of services in this field is offered by the Otto Selz Institute for Applied Psychology (OSI), the University of Mannheim’s research and training center.
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: Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy Research, Cognitive Psychology, Neuropsychology, Clinical Assessment, or Health Psychology.
With its focus on the research areas Cognitive Psychology and Clinical Psychology, the Department of Psychology of the University of Mannheim is one of Germany's leading higher education and research institutions.
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.
The master’s degree enables graduates to use scientifically validated psychotherapeutic procedures to diagnose, cure, and alleviate the symptoms of mental disorders, thereby acquiring the required qualification to begin postgradual training as a psychotherapist (Psychologischer Psychotherapeut).
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.
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.
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 Schooof Social Science
General information on doctoral studies at the University of Mannheim
Applicants need to have a bachelor’s degree in Psychology to be admitted to the master’s program in Psychology: Cognitive and Clinical Psychology (M.Sc.). A degree in a different field is sufficient if students obtain at least 50% of the credits in psychology-related subjects. The following requirements must be met:
Furthermore, you must have taken the following modules:
Language requirements
This program requires proof of proficiency in German on C1 level. For more information, please click here.
Selection
We take a variety of criteria into account in our selection process:
Conditional admission
If you have not yet completed your bachelor’s program by the application deadline, you may still be admitted to the master’s program as long as you provide proof that you have obtained at least 120 ECTS credits. In this case, your admission to the program is subject to receipt of your degree certificate before you register for your first examination in the master's program (refer to selection statutes).
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.
Application deadline
The application deadline for the fall semester 2022/2023 will start on 15 March and will end on 31 May 2022. It is not possible to apply for the spring semester.
Current information on the application procedure
New master's program
On 15 November 2019, the Bundesrat adopted the German psychotherapist training reform act (PsychThGAusbRefG). The University of Mannheim will offer a new master's program in clinical psychology and psychotherapy that meets the requirements of the new German medical licensing regulations (PsychThApprO) of 4 March 2020. Graduates are eligible for admission to the licensing exam in psychotherapy. The new program will probably start in the fall semester 2023/2024.
In 2022, we will offer the master's program in Psychology: Cognitive and Clinical Psychology (M.Sc.) for the last time. Graduates are eligible to apply for postgraduate training in psychological psychotherapy.