Applied Psychology and Consulting, Master of Science

Distance learning program @ IU International University 

👉 The Master's programme in Applied Psychology and Consulting at IU International University is designed for graduates of a first degree with a psychological or related background who wish to apply psychological expertise in practice. The programme is completely online and offers flexible scheduling options (24, 36, or 48 months). The content is divided into three main areas: clinical psychology, business psychology, and counselling skills. Elective subjects such as resilience promotion or AI applications allow for individual specialisations. The admission requirement is a Bachelor's degree with at least 180 ECTS credits. Graduates qualify for consultancy, coaching, or leadership roles in the healthcare, social, and corporate environment.

At a Glance

🏫 Provider IU International University, UAS based in Erfurt (Germany)
Studying, anytime and anywhere – according to your own rules: The distance learning at IU International University (IU) not only makes this possible, but is constantly meeting individual learning needs and providing the latest gadgets for a maximally flexible study. The state-recognized bachelor's and master's programs, which can be completed part-time or full-time, are intended to adapt to the students' everyday lives – whether alongside work, during parental leave, or while traveling the world. Self-directed learning has never been easier: from the innovative learning app IU Learn, through the online campus with live formats, to the in-house and thus first AI-based university chatbot Syntea. Currently, there are over 130,000 students enrolled at IU – making IU the largest German university.
🎓 Field of Study Health & SocialPsychology
📜 Degree Master of Science (M.Sc.)
⏳ Duration 4 Semesters
🎯 ECTS 120 Credit Points
🌍 Language of Instruction German
📖 Course contents Conversation management and communication techniques, Clinical Psychological Assessment: Information Gathering and Differential Diagnosis, Coaching and Counseling, Talent Management and Personnel Development, Applied Research, Applied Project Management, Psychotherapy - Procedures and Indications, Clinical Psychological Assessment: Psychological Evaluation, Consumer Behavior, Seminar: Digital Technologies in Psychotherapy, Crisis Intervention, Conversation Management and Conflict Management, Work and Organizational Psychology, Corporate Health Management, Elective Modules, Master's Thesis, Research Methods, Resilience Promotion, Clinical Social Work and Health Promotion, Competent Conversation Management, Media and Communication, Participatory Research, Practical Project: Applied Psychology, Public Health, Employment Law, AI and Mastering Prompts
📚 Electives Research methods, Promotion of Resilience, Clinical Social Work and Health Promotion, Competent Conversation Skills, Media and Communication, Participatory Research, Applied Psychology Project, Public Health, Labor Law, AI and Mastering Prompts
✅ ZFU Approval The Central State Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) has approved the course Applied Psychology and Consulting under the number 1152423.
📅 Enrollment Anytime
💶 Fees
from 299 € monthly
from 12775 € total
🔗 More Info https://www.iu-fernstudium.de
  • 3 flexible time models from full-time to part-time for every stage of life
  • interesting specialisations, such as in Clinical Social Work and Health Promotion
  • innovative learning concept with IU Learn app and digital courses

Requirements and Target Group: Who is the Master of Applied Psychology and Consulting suitable for?

With your Master's in Applied Psychology and Consulting, you can work, for example, as an industrial psychologist or reintegration companion.

The Master's programme "Applied Psychology and Consulting" at IU International University is aimed at all those who want to acquire well-founded, practice-oriented psychological expertise and apply it in various areas of counseling, coaching, and mental health promotion. The target group includes graduates of a first degree in psychology or related disciplines who want to expand their career prospects - whether in clinical practice, in companies, as managers in the healthcare sector, or as independent consultants. Those interested in in-house consulting, employee development, clinical diagnostics, or innovative approaches such as digital counseling and AI in psychology will find the right offer in the interdisciplinary concept of this Master's programme.

Admission Requirements: What do you need to start your studies?

Completed undergraduate studies in psychology or related fields: You need a Bachelor's degree, a diploma, or a comparable university degree with at least 180 ECTS points in psychology, applied psychology, health psychology, communication psychology, or business psychology. The degree must be from a state-recognized or state-accredited university.

Minimum grade of "Satisfactory": Your final grade should be at least 3.0. Exceptions are possible for graduates with a grade of "Sufficient" (up to 4.0) - for example, through additional achievements or relevant further education amounting to at least 40 ECTS, a suitable Master's degree, or non-academic qualifications at DQR level 7.

Different initial study fields: If you do not have a focus in psychology, you can still be admitted to the programme through a master's entrance examination. You must successfully complete two selected modules of the degree programme within the first 12 months. These modules will be fully credited to you in the further course of study.

Language Proficiency: For the German-language study programme, applicants from abroad are required to provide proof of German language skills (at least level B2, e.g. through TestDaF, DSH, Telc, or ÖSD).

Personal Requirements: What type of student are you?

  • Analytical and empathetic: Interest in human experience, behaviour, and processes of change are essential for academic success and for future counseling activities.
  • Independence and self-organization: The part-time and fully flexible online study programme requires self-discipline, time management, and a continuous willingness to learn.
  • Communicative competence: Enjoyment of exchange with people, a high willingness for empathetic and respectful interaction, as well as interest in conversation management and conflict resolution are advantageous.
  • Interest in interdisciplinary questions: The content orientation between clinical psychology, business psychology, and counseling appeals especially to those who want to broaden their horizons and have an eye on various professional fields.
  • Technical affinity: Openness to digital tools, online learning environments, and innovative approaches such as AI-supported learning platforms is desirable.

What do you learn in your studies? – Modules and competencies at a glance

In the Master's distance learning programme "Applied Psychology and Consulting" at IU International University, you will acquire advanced competencies in psychological counselling, clinical psychology, and business psychology. The programme combines research-oriented fundamentals with practice-oriented application areas.

Three pillars of the training:

  • Clinical Psychology: Diagnostics, psychological assessments, psychotherapeutic procedures, use of digital technologies in psychotherapy, crisis intervention.
  • Business Psychology: Occupational and organizational psychology, talent management, personnel development, corporate health management, applied project management, consumer behavior.
  • Counselling Competence: Conversation management and communication techniques, coaching methods, conflict management, counselling for psychological problems and conflict situations.

Elective areas and specializations:

  • Research methods
  • Promotion of resilience
  • Clinical social work and health promotion
  • Effective communication
  • Media and communication
  • Participatory research
  • Applied psychology project
  • Public health
  • Labour law
  • Artificial intelligence and mastering prompts
  • You select two of these specialisation areas individually.

Thesis: In the fourth semester, you will write a master's thesis, where you will either work on a research project or a practice-oriented application topic.

How does distance learning work? – Organization and learning environment

The master's programme "Applied Psychology and Consulting" can be completed 100% online. This allows you to adapt your learning progress optimally to your individual life situation.

Study models: Choose between three time models:

  • Full-time: 24 months
  • Part-time I: 36 months
  • Part-time II: 48 months
  • A flexible switch between the models is possible.

Learning materials & Online Campus:

  • Digital and printed study materials
  • IU Interactive Books with quiz questions and videos
  • Podcasts & Shortcasts complement the learning material
  • IU Learn App and Online Campus for location- and time-independent learning

Digital support from AI: Learning AI Syntea answers questions 24/7, supports your progress, and provides targeted learning recommendations.

Examinations:

  • Online exams around the clock, optionally also exams in nationwide exam centres
  • Other forms of examinations: written and project work, presentations, oral exams (e.g. via video conferencing)

Support & Community:

  • Personal contact persons: professors, tutors, study coaches
  • Career coaching and optional semester abroad
  • A variety of online events and virtual study groups

What career opportunities do you have as a graduate?

The Master's degree in "Applied Psychology and Consulting" qualifies you for responsible tasks in healthcare and social services, in organizations, companies, or in a consulting environment.

Possible fields of activity:

  • Business psychology: Counselling and support of employees, support in change processes, team and conflict management, burnout prevention
  • Counselling and coaching: Support in psychological issues in the workplace, crisis intervention, counselling in crisis situations
  • Reintegration management: Support for employees after illness or disability, process coordination
  • Team leadership, e.g. in healthcare: Organization and motivation of teams, development of health solutions
  • Internal & external corporate consulting in psychological issues

Perspectives: The degree offers you attractive opportunities in companies, counselling centres, public institutions, clinics, or in the private coaching sector.

Costs, fees and financing options

The costs for the Applied Psychology and Consulting distance learning programme (120 ECTS) vary depending on the chosen time model:

  • Full-time (24 months): 499 € per month – total costs approx. 12.775 €
  • Part-time I (36 months): 379 € per month – total costs approx. 14.443 €
  • Part-time II (48 months): 299 € per month – total costs approx. 15.151 €

Regular discount promotions offer savings on tuition fees. The tuition includes all services such as digital learning materials, access to the online library, personal career coaching and optional live lectures. A non-binding trial month allows you to test the programme for free at the start.

  • Financing options: Education funds, private student loans, tax deduction as income-related expenses and various regional funding programmes. IU also accepts individual recognition of prior learning (e.g. from previous studies or further training), which can further reduce costs.

Thanks to the digital learning concept, there are no expenses for textbooks or on-site travel. Semester breaks and extensions (up to 12 months) are available free of charge if you need more time.

Advisory Service

Have questions about Academic Programs Applied Psychology and Consulting? Ask your question here, even anonymously. An employee of the institution IU International University or the editorial team will answer you.

Experiences & Reviews