Master's Program in Psychology: Work, Economy and Society

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 calendar

    School: School of Social Sciences

    Semester fee: € 204,30 (further information)
    Tuition fees for international students from non-EU countries: €1,500
    Tuition fees for a second degree: €650

  • Program 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

    Students of Psychology – Work, Economy and Society should

    • 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 Mannheim

  • Admission 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

    Application deadline
    The application deadline for fall semesters starts on 1 April and ends on 15 May (subject to approval).

    It is not possible to apply for the spring semester.

Contact

Leonie Cegla, M.Sc.

Leonie Cegla, M.Sc.

Program Manager Psychology
University of Mannheim
School of Social Sciences
A 5, 6
Building A – Room A 419
68159 Mannheim
Admissions Office

Admissions Office

University of Mannheim
L 1, 1 – Room 157, 158
68161 Mannheim

The University of Mannheim is the most popular university in Germany
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read more about the award  (in German)