The Bachelor's Degree as the Foundation for a Career in Psychotherapy

The bachelor’s program teaches the scientific foundations of psychotherapy and integrates content from psychology, psychotherapy, medicine, social sciences, and health sciences. You will explore human experience, behavior, and mental illnesses and develop a solid understanding of psychosocial relationships. The program is complemented by academic research, research methods, self-awareness exercises, and practical training components that prepare you step by step for advanced studies and careers in the psychosocial field.

In addition to the subject-specific content, you will learn to critically evaluate scientific findings, communicate professionally, and examine psychotherapeutic issues from various perspectives. A reflective approach and the integration of theory and practice are central to this program.

Admission Requirements & Application Process

To be admitted to a bachelor’s degree program, you must have a general university entrance qualification, such as a Matura, a vocational matriculation exam, or a college entrance exam. An equivalent foreign qualification or the completion of at least three years of postsecondary study also meets the admission requirements. Under certain conditions, admission is also possible based on a relevant professional qualification, provided you pass the corresponding supplementary exams.

In addition, you must demonstrate sufficient German and English language proficiency at the B2 level, unless this is already evidenced by your prior education. The program director determines the equivalence of prior education and language proficiency.

Admission to the program is determined through a two-stage admissions process. In the first stage, all eligible applicants take a standardized ranking test, which serves as an objective and transparent preliminary selection process. In the second stage, a competency-based admission interview takes place. Among other factors, this interview assesses the applicant’s motivation to study, communication and self-reflection skills, as well as their interest in psychosocial health and scholarly work.

What should you bring to the program?

This program is designed for people who are interested in mental health and the human experience. A passion for scientific work, openness to different perspectives, and a willingness to critically reflect on one’s own thoughts and actions are essential prerequisites. Empathy, strong communication skills, and an interest in social and psychosocial issues are also valuable assets.

If you enjoy working with people, want to understand different perspectives, and wish to grow both professionally and personally, this program offers you a solid foundation for your future educational and professional path.

Here's what you'll learn during your studies

During the program, you will gain in-depth knowledge of psychotherapy, psychology, and related fields, and learn to analyze psychological and psychosocial issues from a scientific perspective. You’ll explore research methods, evidence-based practice, and scientific work, and develop the ability to critically evaluate research findings and apply them to practice.

In addition, you’ll strengthen your communication skills, engage with ethical issues, and develop a professional, reflective approach to work in the health and social services sectors. Practical training components and self-awareness exercises complement the program and help you apply the knowledge you’ve acquired in various psychosocial contexts.

What's next after earning a bachelor's degree?

The bachelor's program also constitutes the first academic level of the new psychotherapy training track.

Those who wish to become psychotherapists continue their training with the Master’s program in Psychotherapy and the subsequent training steps required by law.

The bachelor’s degree thus provides, on the one hand, a solid academic foundation for careers in various psychosocial and health-related fields and, on the other hand, the foundation for further training in psychotherapy.

General Information About the Program

For more information on admission requirements, the training contract, nostrification and recognition, the admissions process, examination regulations and grading, ECTS credits, and the academic calendar, please refer to the General Study Information.