Who is the Master's Programme in Counselling Psychology and Psychological Therapy Approaches Suitable For?
The part-time Master's programme is aimed at professionals with an educational, social pedagogical or social science background who seek a scientifically based qualification in the field of psychological counselling or therapy approaches. It is particularly suitable if you are already working in social, educational or counselling professions, or planning such an activity, and wish to expand your counselling skills. If you have completed a non-specialist Bachelor's degree and are active in counselling, you can receive individual advice on your admission options.
What are the formal admission requirements?
For the 120 ECTS variant, you need:
- Completed, subject-relevant first degree (Bachelor, Diploma or equivalent) – especially in degree programmes such as Social Work, Social Pedagogy, Childhood Pedagogy, Educational Science, Special Education or related disciplines.
- Work experience – in a relevant field of activity, usually at least 1 year, ideally in the educational, social or counselling sector.
- English skills – usually at level B2 (proof by certificate or school education may be required).
- No Numerus Clausus (NC), entry is possible at any time.
If you have a non-relevant Bachelor's degree, the university will assess your individual suitability, especially if counselling activity can be demonstrated.
For the sprint variant with 60 ECTS, you need a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology (at least 180 ECTS), as this variant assumes fundamental psychological basics.
Personally, you should bring strong communication skills, empathy, interest in counselling work as well as a willingness for self-reflection. Experience with self-directed learning supports your study success in distance learning. You should be able to plan about 21 hours of weekly study alongside your job.
What content is taught in the Master’s in Counselling Psychology and Psychological Therapy Approaches?
In the Master’s programme Counselling Psychology and Psychological Therapy Approaches at Euro-FH, you acquire comprehensive basic psychological competencies, including core topics from General Psychology, Personality Psychology and Social Psychology. A focus is placed on Clinical Psychology including psychological diagnostics as well as the practical deepening of important psychotherapeutic and counselling psychology approaches. This covers methods from various psychotherapeutic schools, complemented by , self-awareness and relaxation methods.
The curriculum emphasises communication and conversational skills, intercultural communication, supervision and intervision as well as knowledge of research methods. Legal, ethical and quality-related aspects of counselling work are also included, along with the development of a reflective personal counselling identity. The content is supplemented by practical exercises – such as role plays in virtual meetings, video analyses and online counselling. You regularly receive qualified feedback from experienced tutors.
- Psychological basics: General, Personality and Social Psychology
- Clinical Psychology and psychological diagnostics
- Approaches of counselling psychology and therapy forms
- Art-, body-, self-awareness and relaxation techniques
- Communication, conversational skills and intercultural aspects
- Research methods and scientific work
- Legal, ethical and quality-related issues
- Supervision, intervision and self-reflection
In the practice-oriented part, you go through an integrated practical phase consisting of seminars and internships; the main focus is the gradual development of your own counselling competence and identity.
What is the structure and process of the distance learning programme?
The Master’s programme with 120 ECTS credits can be completed optionally within 24 or 32 months – a free extension of up to 12 or 16 months respectively is possible. The start of studies is possible at any time; you decide your own learning pace. The learning materials consist of a combination of study booklets, digital units, videos and webinars. The entire course can be completed fully part-time and independently of location.
Compact seminars are integrated into the study programme, most of which take place online or as optional attendance events. The practical phase is divided into an introductory seminar (a protected space with practical exercises) and a professional internship (real practical experience). The final reflection and presentation is carried out within the scope of another seminar. Exams can be taken monthly either online or at one of the nationwide examination centres.
- Studies via a digital learning platform with multimedia content
- Individual support through study advisors and specialist tutors
- Practice-oriented tasks, role plays and online counselling with qualified feedback
- Integrated practical phase and compact seminars to apply theory
- Flexible examination options: online or at examination centres
- 4-week free trial available
Which career paths are open to you after graduation?
After completing your Master’s, you are qualified for a wide range of psychological counselling activities in various fields of practice. Typical areas of work include:
- Marriage and family counselling
- Educational and support counselling
- Career, transition and outplacement counselling
- Health counselling
- Crisis and addiction counselling
- Life counselling, conflict counselling and organisational counselling
You can work in social, educational and therapeutic institutions, counselling centres, companies or as a self-employed counsellor. You are particularly in demand wherever psychologically founded counselling competence and methodological knowledge are required. You will earn the degree Master of Arts (M.A.) as well as the professional title Psychological Counsellor. Please note that this course does not entitle you to use the titles “Psychologist” or “Psychological Psychotherapist”.
What costs and financing options should you expect?
The tuition fees for the distance learning programme Counselling Psychology and Psychological Therapy Approaches (120 ECTS, standard period of study 4 semesters) amount to a total of €13,024 (corresponding to €407 monthly). Free extensions are possible. There are regularly discount promotions, for example with price reductions in the four-figure range.
- Payment in monthly instalments
- Flexible payment models starting from €209 monthly possible (depending on offer and duration)
- Participation in discount promotions (e.g. savings of up to €1,444)
- Individual funding and financing options (e.g. BAföG, education loans, scholarships, employer support)
- Tax deductibility as work-related expenses is given
- Recognition and crediting of prior achievements possible, which can save costs and time
A 4-week free trial period allows you a risk-free start to your studies.
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