Psychology (Research) University of Hamburg

Most courses are held in English, but some are also held in German. Participants can choose to write their Master's theses in either language.

Within the programme, you have to choose one of two specialist areas:

Cognitive Neuroscience: How does the brain work? How do we use information and experience to make decisions? What is neuroplasticity? How does stress affect the brain? Selected topics from cognitive neuroscience are taught as part of the basic module in cognitive neuroscience using English-language publications. The focus of all topics is on teaching current neuroscientific paradigms and methods (e.g. imaging techniques and mathematical modelling) that can be used to investigate specific questions.

Social and emotional processes: How do other people influence our thoughts, feelings and behaviour? How do family, school and work environments shape individual characteristics and experiences? And how do these traits, experiences and social dynamics develop over the course of a lifetime? Selected topics in social and emotional processes are taught in the core module Origins of and Differences in Human Cognition and Personality and in the two applied elective modules, Social Dynamics of Organisational Behaviour and Socio-Emotional Development and Learning. All topics are considered from an integrative perspective of developmental, social, cognitive, and personality psychology research. In-depth and comprehensive methodological and statistical skills are taught in all modules. This includes methods of experimental data collection in the laboratory, such as neurophysiological measures (e.g. fMRI, EEG), behavioural measures (e.g. reaction times, eye tracking) and videotaped interactions, as well as methods of data collection in the field (e.g. apps, reports, scan sampling). All modules provide in-depth knowledge of data processing and analysis, including the management and analysis of large repeated measures datasets, the handling of missing data, and the application of various experimental, latent, and cognitive data modelling approaches.

In addition to the research focus and the two complementary subject-specific study areas, the MSc Psychology (Research) includes two other important components: Firstly, we offer our students a systemic coaching training (in accordance with DBVC and ICF standards) that combines theory, empirical research, and practice closely, along with inter- and supervision accompanied by scientific support. Secondly, an internship is planned for the third semester of the programme, which can also be combined with a semester abroad. Overall, the teaching formats of the programme include various formats such as lectures, seminars, and intensive project seminars.

15 June

The programme consists of a total of eight modules, which can be divided into three areas. The first area includes two compulsory modules on Advanced Research Methods and Statistics and Psychological Diagnostics. In the second strand, students can choose from two subject areas: (1) cognitive neuroscience and (2) social and emotional processes. The third area includes project-based courses, various elective subjects, and provides all students with the opportunity to undergo a certified coaching training programme.

An internship is planned for the third semester of the programme, which can also be combined with a semester abroad. Another option is to study abroad for a semester, for example, through the Erasmus exchange programme.

No tuition fees

There is a semester fee of approx. 340 EUR per semester. This fee includes a semester ticket covering public transport in the Hamburg metropolitan area.

Without additional costs for further insurances, private vehicles, etc., you ought to expect the following expenses:

• housing: approx. 400 to 700 EUR per month
• living expenses: approx. 500 to 700 EUR per month

Bachelor's Degree in Psychology: Qualified Bachelor’s degree programme in psychology at a university including knowledge, skills, and abilities acquired within the framework of a university with teaching embedded in ongoing research (Research Methods, Psychological Diagnostics and Statistics, General Psychology I and II, Biological Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Differential Psychology, Social Psychology, Educational Psychology, Industrial and Organisational Psychology, Clinical Psychology). If the degree differs, an equivalence check will be conducted during the application procedure. The criteria of the German Psychological Society (DGPs) are used as a basis for comparability.

• Proficiency in English: All applicants require a level of B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages – proven by a university entrance qualification, a degree from a general education or vocational school (at least five years of school instruction in English) or an international language test (e.g. Cambridge First Certificate of English-grade A or B2; IELTS-5.5 or higher; TOEFL paper-based-at least 550 points, Internet-based-at least 70 points; UNIcert II). Applicants who cannot provide proof of English language skills at the time of enrolment will be admitted on condition that they provide one of the aforementioned required certificates by the end of the first semester at the latest.

• Proficiency in German: All applicants who have not acquired their higher education entrance eligibility at a German-language institution must prove sufficient knowledge of the German language before they can study at Universität Hamburg. It is therefore necessary to submit proof of sufficient German language skills with the application for enrolment within the enrolment deadline. Further information on German language proficiency: Campus Center 

15 June

You can find more information about funding opportunities here.

Are you looking for a part-time job? Stellenwerk, Hamburg's cross-university job platform posts attractive job and internship advertisements every day.

Part-time work, an internship, or self-employment—the Counselling Centre for Social & International Affairs (BeSI) advises you on all aspects of social security.

Students from countries outside the EU, the EEA, and Switzerland are subject to special regulations for part-time work when studying. Contact the Counselling Centre for Social & International Affairs for more information.

There are several job opportunities in diverse areas of Universität Hamburg. Many of these jobs are offered exclusively to students enrolled at the university. For job ads of this kind, check out departmental bulletin boards, departmental websites, www.stellenwerk.de (wanted ads for Hamburg’s universities), or ask directly in your department.

• tutors
• student assistants (in the academic area) and student employees (in the administrative area)
• library assistants
• test subjects for studies conducted in the fields of psychology or in the social sciences

Are you searching for an apartment or a room? Although affordable housing in Hamburg is rare, please do not despair. Patience and luck will help you find suitable accommodation.

Start looking for accommodation as soon as you can. For more information on how to find accommodation, please visit: Finding accommodation in Hamburg.

For more information on how to find accommodation and how to plan your first steps in Hamburg, please see: https://www.uni-hamburg.de/piasta/beratung/doc/willkommen.pdf.

The Career & Qualification Center supports students and graduates of Universität Hamburg in planning their career path and acquiring interdisciplinary professional skills. It offers consultation on career goals, assistance with job searches, continuing education opportunities and networking to facilitate the transition from university to the working world.