Psychology (Bachelor of Science, B.Sc.)
The Bachelor's degree in Psychology at Humboldt-Universit?t provides scientifically grounded knowledge about experience and behavior. The programme has a strong empirical and natural science focus, with students learning to design and statistically analyze psychological experiments. The degree is polyvalent – with appropriate module selection, can lead to licensure as a psychotherapist.
Table of Contents
At a glance
Aptitude test for university studies (BaPsy-DGPs)
Improving chances in the admission process for Psychology – please note the FAQS and the deadlines on the website!
Course structure and content
Through the study of key psychological models of experience and behavior, students acquire fundamental knowledge, skills, and abilities in scientifically grounded psychology. They become familiar with theories and research questions and can apply them to selected examples within their respective field. They also acquire the fundamentals of empirical research, enabling them to plan, conduct, and statistically analyze psychological experiments.
In essence, students acquire competencies that qualify them for advanced studies leading to a Master's degree or doctorate, particularly in psychology. This is a versatile Bachelor's degree which – with the selection of appropriate modules (see below) – is a prerequisite for a Master's programme in Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy and for subsequent licensure as a psychotherapist.
The 5th or 6th semester is particularly well-suited for studying at a university abroad.
Mono-Bachelor's Course (180 CP)
Mandatory Modules (120 CP)
| Module | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Methodology I | 5 CP |
| 2 | Methodology II | 10 CP |
| 3 | Social Psychology | 5 CP |
| 4 | General Psychology I | 5 CP |
| 5 | General Psychology II | 5 CP |
| 6 | Biological Psychology | 5 CP |
| 7 | Developmental psychology | 5 CP |
| 8 | Psychological Diagnostics, Test Theory and Test Construction I | 10 CP |
| 9 | Psychological Diagnostics, Test Theory and Test Construction II | 5 CP |
| 10 | Clinical Psychological Disorders and Principles of Action | 10 CP |
| 11 | Personality Psychology | 5 CP |
| 12 | Work, Engineering and Organisational Psychology | 10 CP |
| 13 | Experimental Psychology Research Internship | 10 CP |
| 14 | Orientation and Vocational Internship? | 15 CP |
| 15 | Final Module/Bachelor's Thesis | 15 CP |
? If your career goal is to become a psychotherapist, the internship must be completed in a suitable institution (see Study regulations for Psychology).
Subject-specific mandatory elective modules (40 CP)
Modules totaling 40 ECTS credits must be selected from the following areas.
? - These modules are mandatory for a career as a psychotherapist.
| Module | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 16? | General, Biological and Neurocognitive Psychology (Advanced Level A) | 5 CP |
| 17? | General, Biological and Neurocognitive Psychology (Advanced Level B) | 5 CP |
Bei einem Berufsziel Psychotherapeut*in ist Modul 16 oder 17 zu w?hlen.
| Module | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 18 | Psychology and Society I (Advanced Level) | 5 CP |
| 19 | Psychology and Society II (Advanced Level) | 5 CP |
| Module | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 20? | Fundamentals of Pedagogy and Educational Psychology in a Psychotherapeutic Context | 5 CP |
| Module | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 21 | Work, Engineering and Organisational Psychology (Advanced Level A) | 5 CP |
| 22 | Work, Engineering and Organisational Psychology (Advanced Level B) | 5 CP |
| Module | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 23? | Psychotherapy, Prevention and Rehabilitation | 10 CP |
| 24? | Fundamentals of Medicine and Pharmacology | 5 CP |
| 25 | Research in Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy | 5 CP |
General elective modules (20 CP)
Students must take interdisciplinary elective modules. These are listed in the relevant module catalogues of other subject areas.
General elective course offerings for Students coming from other degree programmes
As a cross-disciplinary mandatory elective module, the study of Psychology offers students of other subjects an overview of the content, issues and research methods of Psychology. Each of the following modules can accommodate up to five students from other subject areas:
| Module | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | General Psychology I | 5 CP |
| 5 | General Psychology II | 5 CP |
| 6 | Biological psychology | 5 CP |
| 26 ?WP | Clinical and Social Psychology | 10 CP |
| 27 ?WP | Cognitive-Affective Neuroscience and Pharmacology | 5 CP |
| 28 ?WP | Personality and Diagnostics | 5 CP |
| 29 ?WP | Work, Engineering and Organisational Psychology | 10 CP |
Special features
There are no subject-specific entry requirements. However, for this degree programme, the results of the "DGPs Bachelor Psychology Aptitude Test" (BaPsy-DGPs) are considered in the university's selection process. Further information regarding the test can be found on the website of the Institute of Psychology.
Psychology has a long tradition at Humboldt-Universit?t zu Berlin. Internationally renowned scholars such as Hermann Ebbinghaus, Wolfgang K?hler, Kurt Lewin, and Friedhart Klix taught here. The institute is currently very well staffed with 14 professorships, resulting in a favorable student-to-staff ratio.
From this tradition, psychology at HU has developed a strong natural science orientation. This is reflected in the preference for empirical and experimental research techniques, as well as in the investigation of the physiological basis of psychological processes and disorders.
Also stemming from this tradition are key areas of focus, including clinical psychology, cognitive and biological psychology, industrial and organizational psychology, and personality and developmental psychology.
The practice of Humboldt's principle of the unity of teaching and research is particularly noteworthy. Students are actively involved in research from their very first year of study through various courses.
Subject-specific admission and enrolment rules
Career opportunities & prospects
At HU, a consecutive Master's programme in Psychology is offered, as well as an M.Sc. in Psychology with a focus on Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy after completion of suitable modules.
Find out more in the course catalogue or via the database Hochschulkompass nationwide.
The acquired knowledge enables students to work primarily in the fields of diagnostics, counseling, evaluation, and research. This includes professions with primarily diagnostic and counseling tasks in the health and social services sector, in education and training, in administration, business and industry, and for activities in the context of scientific studies as well as for tasks within the framework of professional training and continuing education.
Potential career fields include positions in human resources, health education and schools, counseling in both educational and clinical/occupational psychological settings, and also in the areas of surveys and market research.
More information on career prospects and alternatives can be found in the Berufenet database.
Course Advisory Service
For questions about the study programme, please contact Dr. Manuel Arnold by phone: 030 2093-98936 or email.
Recognition of credits
Questions regarding recognition can be answered by Prof. Dr. Matthias Ziegler, by phone 030 2093-9447 or email.
Contact information for the institute
Department of Psychology
Wolfgang K?hler-Haus, Institutsgeb?ude, Rudower Chaussee 18, 12489 Berlin