BSc in Psychotherapy* - Bachelor's Degree Program
In the Bachelor’s degree program in Psychotherapy at CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, you will explore psychological, psychotherapeutic, and psychosocial fundamentals and develop a scientifically grounded understanding of human experience, behavior, and social contexts.
The Path to Becoming a Psychotherapist
A bachelor’s degree alone does not qualify you as a psychotherapist. The Bachelor’s program in Psychotherapy constitutes the first of three training phases on the path to professional licensure as a psychotherapist in Austria. This is followed by the Master’s program in Psychotherapy as the second training phase and, subsequently, postgraduate specialized psychotherapy training with a professional psychotherapy association as the third training phase. After completing all three stages of training, you must pass the psychotherapy licensing exam. Only then, and upon fulfilling the additional legal requirements, can you practice as an independent psychotherapist.
* Subject to accreditation by AQ Austria.
Laying the Foundation for the Master's Degree
The bachelor's degree meets the academic requirements for the consecutive master's program in psychotherapy in accordance with the Psychotherapy Act of 2024.
Combining Science and Reflection
Learn to work scientifically, critically evaluate research, and develop a reflective, professional approach to psychosocial fields of work.
A Wide Range of Career Opportunities
This bachelor's degree opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities–from residential and day care facilities to prevention and education, and on to social and health projects.
Your Introduction to Psychotherapy
Develop a scientifically grounded understanding of mental health, gain the qualifications needed for careers in the psychosocial field, and lay the foundation for your future training in psychotherapy.
Special Features of the Program
The bachelor's degree program combines academic foundations with personal development, practical experience, and a strong focus on research. You will not only explore psychotherapeutic concepts, but also develop the ability to conduct academic research, reflect on your own actions, and address psychosocial issues professionally.
Science Meets Practice
The program combines academic foundations with a required psychosocial internship. This allows you to learn how to apply theoretical concepts to specific issues in the health and social services sectors and to gain your first practical experience in psychosocial fields of work.
Reflection as Part of the Academic Program
Professional psychotherapeutic practice begins with self-examination. That is why the program encourages a reflective approach from the very beginning. You will systematically examine your own experiences, values, and patterns of perception, and develop the ability to engage in professional self-reflection.
Research from the Very Beginning
You will focus on empirical social and health research, scientific methods, and evidence-based practice. In the process, you will learn to critically evaluate research findings, develop your own research questions, and apply scientific insights to real-world practice.
International Perspectives
International academic literature, English-language course components, and the opportunity to complete an internship or study abroad for a semester will open up new perspectives on psychotherapy and psychosocial care in various cultural contexts.
Details About the Program
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About the Bachelor’s Program in Psychotherapy (BSc)
Can I work as a psychotherapist right after earning my bachelor's degree?
No. The bachelor’s program teaches the scientific fundamentals and fulfills the prerequisites for the consecutive master’s program in psychotherapy in accordance with the Psychotherapy Act of 2024.
What career opportunities does this degree program offer?
This degree program prepares students for their first professional roles in the psychosocial field and, at the same time, provides the academic foundation for the subsequent master's program in psychotherapy.
What are the admission requirements for the program?
Admission is subject to the general requirements for a bachelor’s degree program. You can find detailed information on the admission requirements under “Psychotherapy Program Information.”
INFORMATION & APPLICATION
Virtual Campus Tour
Contact
Sonja Nagelschmied, B.A.
Program
Administration +43 5 90500 3301
admin_gs_klu(at)cuas.at
Tamara Stotter, B.A.
Program
Administration +43 5 90500 3501
admin_gs_klu(at)cuas.at
On Foot
From Klagenfurt Central Station, you can reach the campus “Klagenfurt Mitte” in about 25 minutes on foot (2.5 km). The route takes you across the station plaza toward the city center and then along St. Veiter Straße to the grounds of the Klagenfurt Regional Hospital.
From the Heiligengeistplatz bus station, you can reach the campus in about 15 minutes (1.2 km) on foot. The route takes you along Wiesbadener Straße toward Neuer Platz, then continues along Kramergasse, Alter Platz, and Wiener Gasse to Heuplatz. From there, continue along St. Veiter Straße. After about 600 m, you’ll find the entrance to the Klagenfurt State Hospital grounds on your left.
The university building is marked as Building No. 24 on the Klagenfurt State Hospital map.
By public transportation
From Klagenfurt Central Station, you can reach the campus by taking line A or 4 to the “Morogasse” stop. From the station building, turn left toward the bus station.
Lines A and 4 also take you to the campus from the Heiligengeistplatz bus station.
By car
Coming from Villach or Wolfsberg, take the A2 Südautobahn and the Klagenfurt Nord bypass to the Klagenfurt Nord/Feldkirchen exit. Then follow Feldkirchner Straße toward the city. At St. Veiter Ring, turn left, and then turn left again at the intersection with St. Veiter Straße. After about 600 m, you’ll see the entrance to the Klagenfurt State Hospital grounds on your left. The university building is on the left.
Coming from St. Veit, you can reach the campus via the S37 Klagenfurt Expressway, which leads directly onto St. Veiter Straße. Follow the road until you reach the entrance to the Klagenfurt State Hospital grounds. Our university building is on the left.
By Plane
There are several airports in the area to choose from:
- Klagenfurt: approx. 10-minute drive
- Ljubljana (Slovenia): approx. 1 hour 10 minutes by car
- Graz: approx. 1 hour 30 minutes by car
- Salzburg: approx. 2 hours 30 minutes by car
- Trieste and Venice (Italy): approx. 2 to 3 hours by car
- Vienna: approx. 3 hours 30 minutes by car
- Munich: approx. 4-hour drive
The rest of the journey to the “Klagenfurt Mitte” campus is then made by train, bus, taxi, or car.