Psychology

Abstract

In the master programme in Psychology you will learn the principle scientific concepts and methodologies from several domains in Psychology, deepen your understanding of the application of these concepts and methods in diverse settings (e.g. hospitals, organisations, schools, and research) and gain practical expertise. With this knowledge, you will be prepared to enter various fields in Psychology: Clinical, Health, Organisational, Educational, Neuropsychology and Human Factors and Ergonomics. The master programme also provides a sound base for beginning a PhD in Psychology, or collaborating in research projects. The teaching provision in the master programme is characterised by the individual nature of the supervision provided for students. Classes size remains rather small, while the seat number is not restricted for the vast majority of the classes. The wide range of external, often international, contributors from research and applied domains also enriches the teaching and learning experience.

  • Show the study programme profile

    Profile of the study programme

    In addition to a common basis, the teaching provision comprises seven different options. The choice of the option defines the field of the empirical master thesis and the internship (in research or in an institution).

    1. The Clinical Psychology and Health Psychology option addresses the main factors in psychological health and their physiological basis. You will further your knowledge in key aspects of health, and the relationship between psychological and physical health. The programme covers health at all ages in the lifespan and focuses on the role of the family and interpersonal relationships in particular. This programme gives you the opportunity to gain theoretical and practical knowledge which will prepare you for future practice in a hospital, clinic, counselling centre, institution for prevention and public health, or for academic research.
    2. The Cognitive Neuroscience option provides an understanding of the neurocognitive mechanisms that subtend human behaviour. You will further your knowledge of recent research and acquire a high level of methodological competences allowing you to conduct quality research in cognitive neuroscience. On completing the programme, you will be prepared for a number of professional career options, including academic research, health organisations, neuropsychology, neuromarketing and neurodevelopment.
    3. The Developmental and School Psychology option addresses changes and different stages of development experienced throughout the lifespan. You will deepen your knowledge of recent theories and research about development and learning in typical and atypical child groups. On completing the programme, you will be prepared for a professional career in a number of different environments, such as an institute for children and adolescents, a school psychological service, an institute for public health, or for academic or applied research.
    4. The Work and Organisational Psychology option covers the central themes of Work and Organisational Psychology, focussing on ergonomics and occupational health. You will further your theoretical and methodological knowledge regarding diagnostics and intervention at the workplace. On completing the programme, you will be able to choose a professional career in a variety of domains, such as personnel development, product development, consultancy, or health promotion.
    5. The Clinical Child Psychology option focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders with an emphasis on child development. This programme allows you to deepen your knowledge of psychopathology, intervention and diagnostic methods, as well as typical and atypical child development. For your master thesis, you are involved in a current research project. You also have the opportunity to do a clinical internship with children or a research internship related to psychology. This training will allow them to acquire theoretical and practical knowledge that will prepare them for a future activity as a practitioner in a hospital, office, counselling centre or institution for prevention and public health or as a researcher in the academic world.
    6. The Clinical Neuroscience option focuses on brain mechanisms underlying human behaviour, psychological health, and psychiatric illnesses. This option is characterised by its very attractive combination of theoretical training in the field of neuroscience and practical applications in clinical psychology settings. With this programme, you acquire knowledge about the functioning of the human brain, sleep, memory, perception, and develop advanced experimental and methodological skills to conduct high quality research in the field of clinical neuroscience. This programme also allows students to develop practical skills in clinical intervention and diagnosis, which prepares them for a career in clinical practice or for postgraduate training in psychotherapy. You will be able to pursue a career in academia with, for example, a PhD, or consider a career in a clinical setting, in an institution, or in a psychotherapy practice.
    7. The Work and Health option covers themes of both «clinical & health psychology» and «work & organisational psychology». You will further your knowledge about the interplay between working conditions and individuals' health and well-being. Completing the programme will prepare you for a professional career in different fields, including psychotherapy, health promotion, human resources, and academic research.

Studies organisation

Structure of studies

90 ECTS credits + 30 ECTS credits in a specialisation programme, 4 semesters

Curriculum

Admission

Master's degree programmes are built on the knowledge and abilities that were acquired when obtaining a bachelor's degree.

Holders of a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (baccalauréat ès science en psychologie/Bachelor of Science in Psychology) or of another degree with «Psychology» as major branch of studies awarded by a Swiss university are admitted to the master programme in psychology without any preconditions. This diploma must certify that the holder has validated a minimum of 120 ECTS credits in psychology.

For holders of a bachelor's degree in psychology awarded by a foreign university recognised by the University of Fribourg, minimum requirements concerning study plans, course content and the minimum grade of the bachelor's degree (2/3 of the grade scale of the issuing country) are requested to guarantee equivalence with the corresponding Swiss degree.

For all degrees, additional study achievements may be required either (1) as a prerequisite before starting the master's degree programme (up to 60 ECTS credits, prerequisite programme) or (2) as a supplement to be completed during the master's degree programme (up to 30 ECTS credits, complementary programme).

Alternatives

Also offered as a minor study programme and as a specialisation programme (30 ECTS credits).

Minor study programmes to be chosen

Key points

Degree conferred

Master of Science in Psychology

Languages of study

Possibility to study in French, in German or in French and German. Some courses are offered in English.

Options

For information on the optional award of the distinction «Bilingual curriculum, French/German», please contact the relevant Department (see Contact).
Various options available:

  • Clinical Psychology and Health Psychology (French/German)
  • Cognitive Neuroscience (English)
  • Developmental and School Psychology (French)
  • Work and Organisational Psychology (German)
  • Child Clinical Psychology (French)
  • Clinical Neuroscience (French/German/English)
  • Work and Health Psychology (German)

Commencement of studies

Commencement of studies in the Autumn Semester (September) or in the Spring Semester (February).

You are recommended to commence your studies in the autumn semester.

Access to further studies

This master programme qualifies students also for the doctoral programme Medical Sciences

Contact

Faculty of Humanities
Department of Psychology
psy-master-counseling@unifr.ch
http://studies.unifr.ch/go/en-psychology