Îçҹ̽»¨

Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy

Master of Science (MSc)

Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy

In the winter semester 2023/2024, the new Master's degree course in Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy (M.Sc.) was introduced at Îçҹ̽»¨ alongside the Master's degree course in Psychology (M.Sc.).

The course is aimed at students who have completed a Bachelor's degree in psychology in accordance with the requirements of the licensing regulations for psychotherapists and is intended to give students access to the state psychotherapeutic examination and the reformed psychotherapy further training in accordance with the new version of the Psychotherapy Act (PsychThG). The professional recognition of the degree program was confirmed by the Stuttgart Regional Council in the summer semester of 2023 and accreditation took place in the summer semester of 2024.

More about the course

In the Master's degree program in Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy at the University of Ulm, students acquire in-depth knowledge in the following areas:

  • Research methods and scientific work
  • Application of advanced psychodiagnostic methods and models and preparation of clinical-psychological and psychotherapeutic assessments
  • special disorders and procedures in psychotherapy as well as target group-oriented communication of psychotherapeutic and scientific topics
  • applied in-depth practice of psychotherapy with adults and older people as well as children and adolescents and consideration of professional ethical principles
  • practice-oriented psychotherapeutic treatments in the context of outpatient and inpatient care as well as their reflection, evaluation and quality assurance measures
Academic Degree

Master of Science (MSc)

Type of Study
  • full-time
Study Curriculum

Admission regulations

further information

Start of Study
  • each winter semester
University Place

60

Language of instruction
  • German and English
Admission Requirements
  • restricted (for further information see 'Application')
ECTS Credits

120

Standard Period of Study

4

Îçҹ̽»¨ was recognised as the TOP university in Germany in the StudyCHECK ranking of the most popular universities in 2025.

Programme structure M.Sc. Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy

Here you can see how the Master's degree programme in Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy is roughly structured over the semesters.

Methods & Diagnostics
Fundamentals
Application
1st semester (in the programme)
Methods & Diagnostics
Application
2nd semester (in the programme)
Application
BQT-III - Applied Practice of Psychotherapy
Master's thesis
3rd semester (in the programme)
BQT-III - Applied Practice of Psychotherapy
Master's thesis
4th semester (in the programme)
  • Methods & Diagnostics
    Fundamentals
    Application
    1st semester (in the programme)
  • Methods & Diagnostics
    Application
    2nd semester (in the programme)
  • Application
    BQT-III - Applied Practice of Psychotherapy
    Master's thesis
    3rd semester (in the programme)
  • BQT-III - Applied Practice of Psychotherapy
    Master's thesis
    4th semester (in the programme)

Very practical

The study/degree programme has a high practical relevance. This is not only a change from studying from a book, but is also a lot of fun.

(Image source: Psychotherapeutic university outpatient clinic)

Psychology at Îçҹ̽»¨ - research, learning, design


Psychology at Îçҹ̽»¨ is characterised, among other things, by its reinforced research and application orientation. Students are involved in research projects and have the opportunity to work with prestigious scientists. Innovative teaching concepts, courses in small groups and good personal support make the degree programme special. Based on the scientific tradition of Îçҹ̽»¨, students are taught both in-depth specialist knowledge and good methodological skills. At the same time, in compliance with the requirements of the licensing regulations for psychotherapists, a very practice-oriented degree programme is offered that prepares students for the licensing examination and continuing education as a specialist psychotherapist. Graduates should be able to think and work in a scientific manner as well as acquire practical professional skills for working in the field of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy.

The connection to the various psychiatric clinics at Îçҹ̽»¨ Hospital and the university's own Psychotherapeutic Outpatient Clinic (PHSA) provides opportunities for practical and local teaching and research. Thanks to our cooperation with the Medical Faculty of Îçҹ̽»¨, we have an interdisciplinary teaching programme and can guarantee places for the Professional Qualification III in Ulm and the surrounding area.

Aim and content of the degree programme


After completing your studies, you will be theoretically and practically able to diagnose, analyse and classify mental disorders and prepare clinical-psychological and psychotherapeutic assessments. You will also have skills in psychotherapeutic work with patients of all age groups in outpatient and inpatient care, taking into account professional ethical principles. This also includes the evaluation and quality assurance of psychotherapeutic measures as well as the communication of scientific findings in a way that is appropriate for the target group. You will also be taught methodological and empirical skills through practical seminars. The content of the programme is taught through practical elements such as role-playing, small group work, discussions, practical simulations and clinical internships. The degree enables you to take the licensing examination to practice as a psychotherapist and opens up opportunities for pursuing a doctoral degree, continuing education and work in diagnostics, counselling, prevention or rehabilitation facilities and psychotherapy research.

Programme structure of the Master's degree programme in Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy


The Master's degree programme in Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy generally comprises four semesters (120 CP). The modules are divided into the following areas:

1. Research Methods & Diagnostics (22 CP): Practical knowledge of advanced methods of empirical research and diagnostic procedures.

2. Advanced Topic in Basic Psychological Subjects (6 CP): In-depth study of specialised areas of psychological knowledge and systematic recording of experience and behaviour.

3. Applied Psychotherapy (8 CP): Focus on care systems, quality management and care provision.

4. Specific Abnormal Psychology: The Science and Treatment of Mental Disorders  (12 CP): Knowledge of the fundamentals of psychotherapeutic treatment as well as case conception and treatment planning for various disorders.

5. Advanced Practice of Psychotherapy - BQT-II (15 CP): Competence in the field of psychotherapeutic work across the entire age range, e.g. therapeutic conversation, psychoeducational measures, emergency and crisis situations as well as new scientific developments in psychotherapy.

6. Research-oriented practical course II (5 CP): Independent study of an issue relevant to psychotherapy research and its implementation in an empirical study.

7. Applied Practice of Psychotherapy - BQT-III (22 CP): Extensive pre-professional activities in accordance with § 18 of the Licensing Regulations for Psychotherapists. You will complete these as part of an application-oriented course totalling 450 hours in (partial) inpatient care and 150 hours in outpatient care.

8. Master's thesis (30 CP): Master's thesis in the form of an empirical study on psychological and/or psychotherapeutic issues.

Accreditation and professional recognition


The Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy master's programme was accredited in the summer semester 2024. The degree programme fulfils the professional requirements in accordance with the Psychotherapists Act and the Licensing Regulations and is recognised under professional law. The licence to practise and subsequent continuing education as a specialist psychotherapist are therefore possible.

In the new premises of the Psychotherapeutic University Outpatient Clinic, there is enough space for the training of prospective psychotherapists.

(Image source: Psychotherapeutic university outpatient clinic)

Paths abroad

A great way to broaden your horizons in a discipline is to study at a foreign university. Îçҹ̽»¨ students can apply for one or two semesters abroad at numerous universities, both throughout Europe as part of the ERASMUS programme and outside Europe. If lectures are not required, internships and theses at other universities are also possible. Îçҹ̽»¨ has exchange agreements with over 100 universities in 26 countries.

As the Master's programme in Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy is strongly aligned with the requirements of the German licensing regulations for psychotherapists, only a small amount of coursework from abroad can be credited to the degree programme. A semester abroad therefore usually leads to an extension of the degree programme. The course advisors will be happy to advise you individually on the options for a stay abroad.


International Office

Most of the courses in your Psychology degree programme take place at the University West.

(Source: University of Ulm)

Panoramic view of the University West.

(Source: University of Ulm)

Examplary extract of psychotherapy with children and adolescents.

(Image source: Psychotherapeutic university outpatient clinic)

External content

To use this content (Source: www.xyz.de ), please click to Accept. We would like to point out that by accepting this iframes data to third parties transmitted or cookies could be stored.

You can find further information in our Privacy policy..

Studying at Îçҹ̽»¨ - Info film

External content

To use this content (Source: www.xyz.de ), please click to Accept. We would like to point out that by accepting this iframes data to third parties transmitted or cookies could be stored.

You can find further information in our Privacy policy..

Graduation ceremony 2024 on Münsterplatz

External content

To use this content (Source: www.xyz.de ), please click to Accept. We would like to point out that by accepting this iframes data to third parties transmitted or cookies could be stored.

You can find further information in our Privacy policy..

Impressions of the city of Ulm and the University

Possible fields of activity for graduates of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy:

  • Continuing education within the framework of the PsychThG, e.g.: Continuing education to become a specialist psychotherapist for adults, children and adolescents or for neuropsychological psychotherapy
  • Clinical psychology, e.g.: Clinical-psychological diagnostics, counselling and support for health promotion and prevention measures, assessment activities
  • Doctoral degree and scientific activities, e.g.: psychotherapy research, teaching and research activities

Studying and living in Ulm

Welcome to the most liveable city in Germany. Albert Einstein's birthplace is a unique combination of science, leisure, top employers and culture. Top locations and events such as the Ulmer Zelt, Nabada or the Donaufest attract visitors to the quaint streets. Here, you'll feel at home!

Copyright: City of Ulm

oal achieved! You now have all the information you need about the Master's degree programme in Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy.

Last step: If you can answer many of these questions positively, the Master's degree programme in Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy could be the programme of your choice!

  • Do you have a fundamental interest in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders?
  • Do you enjoy transferring scientific findings into psychotherapeutic practice?
  • Are you fascinated by the possibility of developing and applying innovative approaches to the treatment of mental disorders?
  • Would you like to contribute to improving people's mental health and quality of life?

Yes!

Are there any questions left? To the study counselling service

Related Study Courses