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Who is the Master's Distance Learning Programme in Psychology at FernUni Hagen suitable for?
The programme is aimed at graduates of a basic psychology degree who wish to deepen their knowledge and qualify for demanding roles in counselling, education, diagnostics, intervention, or research. The programme is particularly suitable for working professionals who want to complete the master's degree flexibly alongside their job, as well as for individuals seeking an academic career or leadership positions in the field of psychology.
What formal requirements must you meet?
The following requirements apply for admission to the Master's Degree in Psychology at FernUniversität in Hagen:
- Completion of a bachelor's degree in psychology with at least 180 ECTS credits.
- The bachelor's degree must be completed with an overall grade of “good” (2.5 or better).
- Only degrees recognised that meet the recommendations of the German Psychological Society (DGPs) are accepted – this means: specific content and volume of study in psychology.
- A completed master's degree in psychology or a diploma in psychology also fulfil the admission requirements.
- A university entrance qualification is required for study.
- No admission is granted to applicants with non-related or related but not approved degrees (e.g. business psychology without reference to the DGPs curriculum).
- Application period: 1 June to 31 July for the winter semester.
Personally, you should bring high self-motivation, self-organisation, and discipline to the distance learning programme. Interest in scientific working methods, analytical thinking, and openness to interdisciplinary issues are expected. Since the study programme is largely self-directed and attendance times are limited, responsible time management is crucial. Initial practical experience, for example through a bachelor's internship in the psychological field, is an advantage. Communication willingness and teamwork skills are required for cooperative group work.
Which content do you deepen in the Master’s distance learning programme in Psychology?
In the Master’s degree programme in Psychology at the FernUniversität in Hagen, you expand your knowledge in the central application areas of psychology. The curriculum particularly includes four focal points: educational psychology, work and organisational psychology, community psychology, as well as health-related psychology with topics such as stress management, prevention, and health promotion. You acquire advanced skills in research methods, data analysis, evaluation, and psychological diagnostics – including test construction and report preparation. A special focus is placed on interdisciplinary approaches that incorporate individual, social, and organisational levels. During a nine-week career-oriented internship, a project module, and the final Master’s thesis, you specifically promote your practical and research skills. The close integration of social sciences and practice-oriented psychological application enables you to systematically further develop abilities in counselling, communication, and scientific reflection.
How is your study process structured in the Master’s Psychology programme?
The distance learning course is organised as a combination of self-study, digital learning materials, and occasional presence phases. The standard period of study is four semesters full-time; part-time study is individually planable. Each semester, you work on modules whose content you study using written study materials, online platforms (Moodle), video lectures, and interactive tasks. On-campus seminars lasting one to two weekends and mentor-supervised study groups complement the online studies and promote collaborative learning. Examinations are taken in the form of written exams, term papers, open-book formats, or oral exams. The final phase consists of an internship, a practice-oriented project module, and the Master’s thesis. The start of the course is always in the winter semester with an introductory event via livestream that provides access to digital and printed study materials as well as fixed dates for course material dispatch and examinations. You benefit from transparent organisation and can flexibly adapt your learning pace to your life circumstances.
In which professional fields does the Master’s in Psychology open new perspectives for you?
With the Master’s degree in Psychology, you are entitled to use the professional title psychologist. You qualify for diverse activities in counselling, diagnostics, psychological intervention, and evaluation of measures. Typical areas of employment include educational organisations, human resources (for example personnel development), the health and social sectors, administration, coaching, as well as the justice system and forensic detention. Furthermore, career opportunities open up for you in policy advice, management consulting, educational institutions, and research projects. You can take on responsible tasks, for example in accompanying change processes, conflict management, or in the conception and implementation of psychological measures in the workplace and educational institutions. The Master’s degree also entitles you to pursue a doctorate and thus forms the basis for a scientific career in research and teaching.
What does the Master’s degree in Psychology at FernUni Hagen cost and how can you finance it?
The total tuition fees for the Master’s degree in Psychology in the full-time model (four semesters) amount to approximately 1,100 euros. These consist of a basic fee of 60 euros per semester and enrolment fees per ECTS credit taken. In part-time studies, costs increase depending on the duration of study, since the basic fee is added for each additional semester. Small additional expenses may apply for the student union fee, learning materials, as well as travel and accommodation costs for presence seminars or exams. The FernUniversität Hagen is therefore significantly cheaper than private providers. Tax deductibility as income-related expenses as well as possible support from employers or the application for scholarships and educational loans are common financing options. Additionally, there are regulations for fee reductions for those in need or in special life circumstances.
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