MA Psychology (English track)

The M.A. Psychology program with a Clinical Psychology Focus (in English) at IPU Berlin offers a comprehensive exploration of the human psyche from a contemporary psychoanalytic perspective. This program bridges natural sciences, humanities, cultural studies, and social sciences, providing an innovative and forward-thinking approach to understanding the unconscious.

The curriculum is designed to prepare students for diverse careers by providing a multi-layered study course. It emphasizes psychodynamic and psychoanalytic approaches, solid training in research methods, and in-depth knowledge from non-clinical application areas of psychological and psychoanalytic thinking. The program aligns with the recommendations of the German Psychological Society (DGPs) and focuses on applying diagnostic, counseling, and therapeutic competencies. Psychoanalytic methods are central, alongside behavioral therapy, Gestalt therapy, and systemic approaches.

Students will become familiar with psychoanalysis as a psychotherapeutic method, a cultural theory, and an applied social science. The program is structured into five areas of study:

• Reflexive Psychology and Theoretical Psychoanalysis




• Social Psychology Studies




• Developmental Psychology, Developmental Psychopathology and Studies of Disorder




• Diagnosis and Intervention




• Methods of Practice-Orientated Research

The program consists of 10 modules, covering topics such as the history of psychoanalysis, social psychological studies, developmental psychology, general and specific studies of disorder, psychological diagnostics, psychotherapeutic intervention, research methods, science and epistemology, prevention and counseling, and an elective subject. Students are also required to complete a practical internship of at least 330 hours.

Graduates will be equipped to work independently as clinical psychologists, pursue further scientific or academic studies, and embark on university or higher education careers. The program aims to provide students with a broad spectrum of discourse, opening various professional options and perspectives.

The program is accredited under the old system, qualifying graduates for psychotherapy training in Germany within the transition period (until 2032, or in special cases, until 2035), provided they have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology (or equivalent) that started before September 1, 2020.