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The Central State Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) has approved the course Psychology under the number 1135922c. Does the Master's in Psychology at APOLLON University suit your profile?
The Master's degree programme in Psychology with a focus on counselling psychology is aimed at graduates of psychology or psychology-related bachelor's programmes who wish to further qualify scientifically in the field of counselling. The programme is particularly suitable for professionals working in healthcare, social services, or education who want to take on counselling roles – for example, in clinics, counselling centres, schools, or companies. The flexible distance learning structure specifically appeals to those who want to organise their studies alongside work.
Formally, you need to meet the following requirements
For admission to this Master's programme you need:
- A completed bachelor's degree with at least 180 ECTS in Psychology, Applied Psychology, or psychology sub-disciplines (for example, business psychology, health psychology, organisational psychology).
- Your prior studies must include the following ECTS components:
- 30 ECTS in basic psychology subjects (e.g. General Psychology, Biological Psychology, Social Psychology).
- 15 ECTS in psychological methods subjects including diagnostics.
- 48 ECTS in applied psychology subjects.
- If you have a psychology-related bachelor's degree (e.g. in educational science, pedagogy, teaching), at least 48 ECTS in applied psychology subjects are required. Missing components in basic and methods subjects can be made up through a preparatory course; the student services will check this individually.
- There is no Numerus Clausus (NC) for this programme.
You should enjoy analytical thinking, possess communication skills, and have an interest in scientific counselling. Practical experience in psychosocial, educational, or health-related fields is recommended. For the part-time distance learning programme, time management, self-organisation, and a certain degree of self-motivation are crucial as you will work through extensive content independently. Openness to digital learning formats and willingness to engage in active digital communication will support a successful course of study.
Psychological Content and Counselling Competence in the Master’s Degree
In the Master's degree in Psychology (M.Sc.) with a focus on Counselling Psychology at APOLLON University, you acquire a broad psychological knowledge base and targeted counselling skills. The course combines scientific fundamental subjects such as biological, social, and communication psychological approaches with practice-oriented modules. Key areas include:
- Counselling and communication competence: The development of professional conversational skills and non-verbal communication for various counselling situations.
- Psychological diagnostics: Skills in testing, decision-making, and creating comprehensible and legally compliant reports.
- Social psychology: Basic understanding of conflict counselling, team processes, and social psychological dynamics.
- Intercultural counselling: Abilities for successful communication and counselling in intercultural contexts.
- Research methods: Application of quantitative and qualitative methods, including computer-assisted data analysis and empirical projects.
- Theory-practice transfer: Practical relevance through case studies, group projects, an external internship, and seminars.
In the elective compulsory area, you choose two out of six specialisations, thereby setting individual accents for your career:
- Clinical psychology in childhood and adolescence
- Clinical psychology: counselling and intervention in psychotherapy
- School psychological counselling and intervention
- Couple, family, and educational psychology
- Legal psychology & forensic report writing
- Personnel psychology and communication in the corporate context
With the Master's degree, you have the ability to plan, implement, and evaluate psychologically founded counselling processes. You develop critical-analytical thinking, methodological security, and a profound understanding of evidence-based psychological interventions.
Flexible Distance Learning – Course Progression and Structure of the Master’s in Psychology
The degree can be completed flexibly in 24 or 32 months. At the start of your studies, you receive digital or, on request, printed study materials at regular intervals (every three or four months depending on the variant). The entire process is designed for maximum compatibility with your job:
- Start at any time possible, no fixed semester dates.
- All learning materials, web-based trainings, and videos are available digitally.
- Seminars and exams optionally online or at campus locations.
- Introductory seminar at the beginning for orientation and networking with fellow students.
- Practical relevance through an external internship and supervision phases – current employment can usually be credited.
- Various examination formats: term papers, exams, case studies, group projects, and the final master's thesis with colloquium.
- In the elective compulsory area you select individual specialisations to shape your professional profile.
- Free extension of the standard period of study by up to 12 months (for 24 months option) or 16 months (for 32 months option) is possible.
- Trial study: You can try the course free of charge and without obligation for four weeks.
Diverse Career Paths in Counselling and Psychology
With the Master’s in Psychology (M.Sc.) you have access to widespread fields of activity across the entire spectrum of psychological and counselling professions. The degree is recognised by the Professional Association of German Psychologists (BDP) and qualifies you for numerous professional fields:
- Clinical counselling in psychosocial institutions, hospitals, or rehabilitation centres
- Counselling work in family, couple, educational, and youth counselling centres
- School psychology and educational counselling
- Personnel development and psychological counselling in companies (e.g., in HR)
- Legal psychology, e.g., preparing forensic reports or working in authorities
- Self-employment as a psychologist (provided the requirements are met)
The scientific orientation with a counselling focus also qualifies you for work in research, evaluation, coaching, or as a basis for a doctorate. Excluded is postgraduate training for psychological psychotherapy, which remains reserved for classical university degree programmes.
Tuition Fees and Financing Options
The tuition fees start at €294 per month (discount campaign possible), with a standard period of study between 24 and 32 months. The total price is usually €8,760 (monthly €311 over 28 months, according to the provider). The price includes all learning materials, support, online exams, and extended supervision periods.
- Four weeks free trial at the start of the course
- Free extension of study duration by up to 50 % possible
- Option for a purely online variant with a fee reduction
- Funding opportunities: education voucher, BAföG, educational leave, and scholarships are available
- Possibility of installment payments without surcharge
- Tax deductibility as income-related expenses/business expenses possible
Many employers financially support further training, especially if psychological competence is required in the current professional field. The university offers personal advice on all funding and financing options.
Advisory Service
Have questions about Academic Programs Psychology? Ask your question here, even anonymously. An employee of the institution APOLLON University of Health Sciences or the editorial team will answer you.