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.

At a glance

Degree
Bachelor of Science (Monobachelor)
Offered as
Monobachelor
Standard period of study
6 semester
Study type
Fundamental
Teaching degree
not related to teaching
Start of studies
Winter semester
Admission restriction (NC)
Teaching language
German

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!

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)

ModuleTitleSize
1Methodology I5 CP
2Methodology II10 CP
3Social Psychology5 CP
4General Psychology I5 CP
5General Psychology II5 CP
6Biological Psychology5 CP
7Developmental psychology5 CP
8Psychological Diagnostics, Test Theory and Test Construction I10 CP
9Psychological Diagnostics, Test Theory and Test Construction II5 CP
10Clinical Psychological Disorders and Principles of Action10 CP
11Personality Psychology5 CP
12Work, Engineering and Organisational Psychology10 CP
13Experimental Psychology Research Internship10 CP
14Orientation and Vocational Internship?15 CP
15Final Module/Bachelor's Thesis15 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.

ModuleTitleSize
16?General, Biological and Neurocognitive Psychology (Advanced Level A)5 CP
17?General, Biological and Neurocognitive Psychology (Advanced Level B)5 CP
Areas of General Psychology and Biological Psychology

Bei einem Berufsziel Psychotherapeut*in ist Modul 16 oder 17 zu w?hlen.

ModuleTitleSize
18Psychology and Society I (Advanced Level)5 CP
19Psychology and Society II (Advanced Level)5 CP
Field of ??Psychology and Society
ModuleTitleSize
20?Fundamentals of Pedagogy and Educational Psychology in a Psychotherapeutic Context5 CP
Field of Educational Psychology
ModuleTitleSize
21Work, Engineering and Organisational Psychology (Advanced Level A)5 CP
22Work, Engineering and Organisational Psychology (Advanced Level B)5 CP
Field of Work, Engineering, and Organizational Psychology
ModuleTitleSize
23?Psychotherapy, Prevention and Rehabilitation10 CP
24?Fundamentals of Medicine and Pharmacology5 CP
25Research in Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy5 CP
Field of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy

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:

ModuleTitleSize
4General Psychology I5 CP
5General Psychology II5 CP
6Biological psychology5 CP
26 ?WPClinical and Social Psychology10 CP
27 ?WPCognitive-Affective Neuroscience and Pharmacology5 CP
28 ?WPPersonality and Diagnostics5 CP
29 ?WPWork, Engineering and Organisational Psychology10 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

Not barrier-free

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.

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Recognition of credits

Questions regarding recognition can be answered by Prof. Dr. Matthias Ziegler, by phone 030 2093-9447 or email.

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Contact information for the institute

Department of Psychology

Address
Wolfgang K?hler-Haus, Institutsgeb?ude, Rudower Chaussee 18, 12489 Berlin