Psychology Schools and Programs in Germany

Psychology Studies in Germany

Are you looking for a study abroad program that can help you earn credits towards your undergraduate or graduate degree in the field of Psychology?  Have you considered studying in the wonderful country of Germany, one of the leading countries in Europe for its cutting edge education and research?  Germany is an ideal locale for international students looking to live and study in a foreign country for a time, offering not only great educational programs, but a rich cultural experience, tasty cuisine and plenty of things to see and do.
 
Germany, or its official name, the Federal Republic of Germany, is a federal parliamentary republic located in the west-central part of Europe, consisting of 16 states, with its capital and largest city being Berlin.  A major political and economic power, Germany is a land of ideas, a land where education, science and research play a central role. In a Europe free of borders and a world of globalized markets, education lays the basis, enabling the country’s people to take advantage of the opportunities that open borders and world-wide knowledge networks offer. The German education and university system has been undergoing a significant process of renewal, one that is already bearing fruit: Germany is one of the countries that is most preferred by foreign students, a hub of cutting-edge international research and a constant source of new patents.
 
Psychology Education in Germany
 
As a field of study, Psychology is offered by the majority of Germany’s larger universities, leading to undergraduate degrees (Bachelor of Science in Psychology), graduate degrees (Master of Science in Psychology) and doctoral or PhD degrees.
 
At the undergraduate level, the Psychology program generally spans 3-4 years in duration, typically totaling 240 credits.  Students who successfully complete the undergraduate program generally go on to pursue a two-year, 120-credit Master of Science Degree in Psychology, considered the minimum qualification for those who wish to practice psychology as a career field.   Students who wish to further their education, perhaps with the goal of teaching Psychology at the college or university level, may apply, after completing their Master’s Degree, for admission into the PhD program, a program that generally encompasses 3-5 years of classroom study and independent research.
 
Students in pursuit of a degree in Psychology must first take and pass a number of general education requirements, in courses such as science, mathematics, language and writing.  Upper division coursework directly related to the Psychology major can then be taken, with courses that include:
 

• Introduction to Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Psychopathology
• Gro up Psychology
• Therapeutic Boundaries
• Alcoholism/Chemical Dependency
• Advanced Psychology of Addictive and Compulsive Behaviors
• Human Sexuality
• Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy

 
Other courses that make up a degree in Psychology in Germany include Family Systems, Eating Disorders, Dual Diagnosis, Theories of Human Development and Functioning, Positive Psychology, Psychopharmacology, Physiological Psychology, Interpersonal Conflict in the Workplace, Organizational Psychology and the Psychology of Aging.
 
Students pursuing a Master’s degree in Psychology must also develop and defend a Master’s thesis prior to graduation, while those in the PhD program must create an independent and original dissertation based on their specific area of research.
 
Why Study Abroad in Germany
 
Although the excellent education system and dynamic culture in Germany are reason enough to choose this country as your study abroad destination, there are also a number of great places to visit in this beautiful nation when you’re not too busy with your studies.  Some of these interesting and entertaining locales include:
 
Leipzig

The largest city in Germany’s federal state of Saxony, Leipzig is known for its colorful and lively arts and cultural scene—a scene shaped by famous music composers like Bach, Richard Wagner and Felix Mendelssohn. Today, tourists can enjoy performances of Bach’s music at the St. Thomas Church, where Bach once served as choir leader and is now the composer’s final resting place.

Rugen Island

Located in the Baltic Sea, Rugen Island is the largest island in Germany, connected to the mainland by the Rugen Bridge and Rugen Causeway. Charming villas, romantic seaside resorts and gorgeous beaches are just some of the attractions that draw tourists to Rugen Island. However, the most renowned and popular sight on the island is the Jasmund National Park, famous for its unique and perilous chalk cliffs rising some 528 feet (161 meters) over the Baltic Sea below.

The Beautiful Rhine

Winding its way between the cities of Bingen and Bonn, Germany, the Middle Rhine flows through a dramatic geological formation called the Rhine Gorge. This region features a breathtaking landscape dotted with some 40 medieval castles, quaint villages and spectacularly-terraced vineyards. Tourists who wish to take advantage of this beautiful scenery can hitch a ride on one of the many riverboat cruises that are open daily.

Lubeck

As one of the largest Baltic seaports in the country, Lubeck is located in Germany’s northern-most state—the state of Schleswig-Holstein. Founded in 1143, Lubeck served for several centuries as the capital seat of the Hanseatic League. Although it was the first German city to be bombed and damaged during World War II, Lubeck still retains much of its medieval architecture, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.