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.
Dennis Uhrig, student of M.Sc. Psychology: Work, Economy and Society / Photo credit: Elisa Berdica
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: €194.30 (further information)
Tuition fees for international students from non-EU countries: €1,500
Tuition fees for a second degree: €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.
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.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
Applicants need to have a bachelor’s degree in Psychology to be admitted to the master’s program in Psychology: Work, Economy and Society (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:
- at least a total of 180 ECTS credits and a standard period of study of at least six semesters.
Furthermore, you must have taken the following modules:
- Quantitative, Mathematical, or Statistical Methods (10 ECTS credits),
- Empirical or Experimental Research Methods (10 ECTS credits),
- Test Theory or Psychological Assessment (10 ECTS credits),
- General Psychology 1, General Psychology 2, or Cognitive Psychology (10 ECTS credits),
- Social Psychology (6 ECTS credits),
- Work and Organizational Psychology, Consumer Psychology, or Educational Psychology (8 ECTS credits).
Language requirements
This program requires proof of proficiency in German on C1 level. Click here for further information.Selection
We take a variety of criteria into account in our selection process:- final grade or current grade average achieved in your bachelor’s degree,
- any relevant outstanding additional qualifications such as vocational training, at least three-months of practical experience, stays abroad, or awards in your field of study,
- results achieved in an (optional) admissions test, if applicable.
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
The University of Mannheim is the most popular university in Germany
In the students' vote on the Studycheck.de platform, the University of Mannheim has reached the top position among all universities. This makes the University of Mannheim the most popular university in Germany.
read more about the award (in German)