Master of Arts in Psychology with a Clinical Focus International Psychoanalytic University Berlin

This MA programme explores one of the most differentiated and contemporary perspectives of the human psyche, and one of the most modern of the human sciences. As a science of the unconscious, psychoanalysis is not just a therapeutic method. It also represents a theory of science and knowledge, one that is located between the natural sciences and the humanities, cultural studies and social sciences, and which connects these lines of tradition in an innovative, forward-thinking manner.

With our Master's programme, a unique, multi-layered study course awaits you. Our programme will prepare you for a diverse professional life and career.

Though the course of study has a clinical direction focusing on psychodynamic and psychoanalytical approaches, solid education and training in research methods are additionally provided. These skills are broadened on a fundamental level via in-depth knowledge from non-clinical application areas of psychological and psychoanalytical thinking, such as psychoanalysis as a cultural theory or as an applied social science. While its curriculum is based on the recommendations of the German Psychological Society (DGPS), one focus of the programme is on learning to apply fundamental diagnostics, counselling, and therapeutic competencies.

One of our aims at the IPU Berlin is to familiarise our students with a broad spectrum of discourse in order to enable the greatest possible range of professional options and perspectives for future occupational endeavours. Regardless of whether your plan is to work independently as a clinical psychologist after graduating or if you wish to continue your academic studies and pursue a university career in the future, with the Master of Arts in Psychology from the IPU Berlin, you will be prepared and equipped for a successful professional life.

The programme consists of 120 ECTS credits, which can be earned over the course of four full-time study semesters. The ECTS credits are divided evenly across three semesters, with the Master's thesis to be written during the final (fourth) one.

The MA Psychology programme is divided into five areas of study:

• Reflexive Psychology and Theoretical Psychoanalysis (Modules 1 and 8)
• Social Psychology Studies (Module 2)
• Developmental Psychology, Developmental Psychopathology and Studies of Disorder (Modules 3 and 4)
• Diagnosis and Intervention (Modules 5, 6, 9 and 10)
• Methods of Practice-Orientated Research (Module 7)

The content is spread across the following 10 modules:

1. History of Psychoanalysis in the Context Establishing Psychology as a Science (6 ECTS)
2. Social Psychological Studies (6 ECTS)
3. Developmental Psychology (6 ECTS)
4. General and Specific Studies of Disorder (9 ECTS)
5. Psychological Diagnostics (9 ECTS)
6. Psychotherapeutic Intervention (9 ECTS)
7. Research Methods (18 ECTS)
8. Science and Epistemology / Theories of the Subject (6 ECTS)
9. Prevention and Counselling (6 ECTS)
10. Elective (5 ECTS)

The reasoning behind the compulsory elective subject is to provide the students with the opportunity to focus on a scientific or academic field in line with their own interests (e.g. Neuropsychoanalysis, Social Trauma). The practical internship can be conducted either in Germany or during a stay abroad and has to consist of at least 330 hours.

If you wish to find out more about the contents and structure of the course of study, please have a look here.

Students are required to complete a work placement in order to become acquainted with application areas of psychology and to acquire practical skills in the professional use of psychological working methods. The internship provides the students with an opportunity to gain valuable practical experience while implementing the theoretical knowledge already acquired via the lectures and seminars.

The work placement is to be completed before or after the third semester, either entirely during the semester break or, alternatively, throughout the semester while studying.

Students will earn a total of 15 ECTS credits through the 450 working hours. Out of these working hours, 330 hours (11 ECTS) should be spent on the actual practical work while 120 hours (four ECTS) should be set aside for writing a report.

With a full-time work placement over the semester break, the requirement of 330 working hours can be fulfilled over the course of eight weeks.

Bachelor's degree in psychology
If you are a student from the field of humanities or social sciences and you are uncertain whether your degree qualifies you for the Master's programme, please contact the university at: admissions@ipu-berlin.de.

Chances of admission are especially good for students of humanities who have obtained a minimum amount of 60 credits in psychology.

As in any other university in Berlin, students are required to pay a semester fee which includes contributions to the StudierendenWERK Berlin and the IPU Berlin Student Council. Visit the course page for more information.

Students should expect to need 900 to 1,000 EUR per month to cover their entire cost of living (rent, insurance, personal expenses, etc.).

Students have the opportunity to take up part-time or temporary student jobs with an employer of their choice, work as a student assistant at the university, or take up a paid internship.

Paid employment for students is subject to strict regulations, since it may prolong the period of study. If and how long-term international students are permitted to be employed in Germany depends on the type of employment and the type of residence permit the individual student holds.

For more information, please have a look at our guide for international students.

Deutschlandstipendium: Available from the second semester onwards, providing 300 EUR per month for high-achieving and committed international students who are especially talented and dedicated and who will gain or have already gained outstanding achievements in their studies or professions (link)

In 2024, the IPU Berlin has opened a dedicated International Career Service with funding from the DAAD.

Range of career service events:

• Career Days – A get-together with representatives from organisations on subjects related to work placements and work options
• Information Event by psychoanalytic training institutes in Berlin
• Seminars focusing on preparing international students for the German job market

Professional and career preparation options integrated into the studies

• Obligatory work placement
• Conversations with representatives from organisations at curricular events

Alumni Network

• "Alumni Talks" with IPU graduates
• Online alumni platform

Finding accommodation in Berlin is a challenge. It is highly advisable to initiate your search as early as possible!

Student housing is available via the Student Union or on the private market.

Reasonably priced accommodation for a few days is available in student hotels or backpackers' hostels, usually in shared rooms.

In Berlin, student residence halls or dormitories are run mainly by the StudierendenWERK, the student welfare organisation, rather than by the university. The residence halls are located in various parts of the city. Rooms vary in standard and price, starting at approx. 350 EUR per month. Students can find more information regarding the residence halls and other housing opportunities as well as information on rent and waiting lists on the website of the StudierendenWERK.

Generally, finding accommodation in Berlin is very difficult, especially in the dormitories. The number of applications is very high at all times.

Shared accommodation in private apartments (so-called "Wohngemeinschaften" or "WG"), where all have a room of their own, are very popular, especially within the inner city districts of Prenzlauer Berg/Pankow, Friedrichshain/Kreuzberg, and Neukölln. Rooms in shared accommodation are advertised on the Internet or posted at the university. For a room in a "Wohngemeinschaft", one can expect to pay approx. 400 EUR per month in Berlin.

The IPU Berlin is a state-recognised private university with its campus and administration in Berlin. With the commencement of lectures in 2009, a gap was closed that had arisen in the one-sided natural sciences direction of academic psychology. The study courses at the IPU convey psychoanalysis as a science which maps the human as a biological, social, and culturally imprinted being and which seeks to understand the individual against the background of their history and the influence of their unconscious. All of the courses of study at the IPU are related to research and provide close contact with clinical and pedagogical practice from the first semester onwards.

The IPU Berlin was granted official state recognition on 17 April 2009 by the responsible Berlin Senate Administration. The IPU was awarded its institutional accreditation by the German Council of Science and Humanities, the Wissenschaftsrat. This was effective as of 27 November 2014, and the IPU was successfully re-accredited in April 2020.

The IPU facilitates studies, advanced studies, and further education as well as research with a psychoanalytical basis and pursues a transdisciplinary understanding of science in the fields of teaching and research. In dialogue with other sciences, the IPU contributes to the further development of psychoanalysis as an applied social science and cultural theory.

The academic staff lecturing and researching at the IPU has acquired many years of experience in practice, teaching, and research. Lecturers and researchers enjoy excellent learning and working conditions with the required resources at their disposal. Analysis, discussion, and shared development – on an interdisciplinary level and beyond the limitations of any status groups – represent a defining criterion of the scientific and organisational work at the IPU. The IPU builds up networks and establishes cooperative arrangements with national and international partners in science, training, and practice, which promote mutual enrichment in terms of content and a positive perception within the general public.

Study programmes currently offered at the IPU:

• BSc Psychology (German)
• MA Psychology – Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy (German)
• MA Psychology (English Track)
• MA Psychology Focusing on Organisation (English)
• MA Interdisciplinary Psychosis Therapy (German)
• MA Cultural Studies and Culture Psychology (German)
• MA Leadership and Consulting (German)
• Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's programme in Social Psychology of Transformation

The IPU Berlin runs its own outpatient research facility as well as an EEG lab, and its library has an extensive stock of printed and electronic media as well as attractive reading areas. Together with contacts at our partner universities, our International Office organises and arranges stays abroad for the students.

The Psychotherapeutic University and Research Outpatient Services offer diagnostic and psychotherapeutic services with different forms of therapy to patients, especially focusing on patients with personality disorders. Students of the IPU Berlin are able to gain their first impressions and experiences in this field of practice by participating in clinical services and diagnostic procedures.

The activities and subject areas of importance to the IPU Berlin are presented at public events, such as the university's public lecture series and conferences. Numerous specialist congresses facilitate such scientific exchanges.

Berlin was founded in the 13th century, and despite its long history of war, the city developed into one of the most exciting cultural hot spots in Europe. Over long periods of change, Berlin established a vibrant and unique cultural scene that continually attracts people from all over the world.

The city is an urban centre of creative, colourful life and features distinctive cultural spots, like flea markets, galleries, cafés, and vintage shops. Some of the most famous sights include the Brandenburg Gate, the TV Tower, and the Reichstag parliament building. Germany's capital accentuates exceptional museums, theatres, opera houses, and concert halls. Additionally, Berlin's incomparable music, club, night life, and festival scene form its exclusive setting. Big global events like Berlin's International Film Festival, the Berlinale, and Fashion Week draw numerous visitors to the capital each year. Berlin is also home to many outstanding sports clubs and has hosted many international exemplary sporting events in the past.

Amidst the concrete jungle, one can also find plentiful parks, such as Grunewald, Treptower Park, the Gardens of the World, or former Berlin Tempelhof Airport, which is now a public park. Besides the green beauty, Berlin also features many wonderful rivers and canals intersected by charming bridges that contribute greatly to the quality of urban life. The extensive and affordable public transportation system makes it easy to get around the city to enjoy all of Berlin's great qualities.