Master Programme Psychology | Emphasis: International Business & Economic Psychology

 Throughout the four-semester programme, our team of dedicated researchers and industry professionals provides ongoing support and promote the professional development of each student through:

• Dedicated Teaching and Research: Our faculty has a strong commitment to both teaching and research, creating an enriching academic environment that combines rigorous theoretical knowledge with the latest research findings. Faculty members are actively involved in research across a range of areas within psychology, ensuring that students are exposed to cutting-edge developments.
• Individual Support and Mentoring: Each student benefits from personalized guidance and mentoring throughout the programme. Faculty members provide tailored academic and professional advice, helping students to identify and pursue their individual career paths and research interests.
• Learning in Small Groups: Classes are intentionally kept small to foster a supportive learning atmosphere where each student can fully engage, share ideas, and receive focused feedback from faculty. This small-group approach encourages collaborative learning and stronger interpersonal relationships.
• Direct Access to Faculty: Students develop meaningful, personal relationships with their professors, creating a strong support network and fostering open communication. This close interaction with faculty members provides valuable insights and helps students deepen their understanding of course content.
• Involvement in Research Projects: From the outset, students are invited to actively participate in ongoing research projects, gaining hands-on experience and a practical understanding of research methodology. This early involvement in research enables students to apply theoretical concepts in real-world settings.
• Practical Orientation from the 1^st Semester: The programme is designed to integrate theory and practice from day one. Courses incorporate practical elements and case studies to ensure that students develop skills they can apply immediately, whether in internships, research projects, or their future careers.

The academic focus in International Business and Economic Psychology is currently offered at the Berlin, Ljubljana, and Vienna campuses, with enrollment at the primary location of choice (Berlin, Ljubljana, Vienna). The core modules (Research Methods and Evaluation as well as Legal Frameworks) are taught during the semester (regular semester times, with possible weekly sessions) – in Berlin and Vienna, these modules are offered in English. In Vienna, specialized subjects are taught in English to students from all campuses, providing an essential experience in active international curriculum collaboration with students from different nations. The teaching team is equally international, so students must have sufficient English proficiency.

1st Semester | 23 ECTS

• Research Paradigms in Economic Psychology (SE: 3 ECTS)
• Work Psychology (IC: 3 ECTS)
• Organizational Psychology (IC: 3 ECTS)
• Consumer Psychology (IC: 3 ECTS)
• Personnel Psychology (IC: 4 ECTS)
• Market Research (UE: 3 ECTS)
• Elective Courses (to select at home site)

2nd Semester | 23 ECTS

• Psychology of the Experience Economy (IC: 4 ECTS)
• Basics in Business Administration (IC: 3 ECTS)
• Personnel Selection (UE: 3 ECTS)
• Behavioral Economics (UE: 3 ECTS)
• Competences in Work Psychology (UE: 3 ECTS)
• Competences in Organizational Psychology (UE: 3 ECTS)
• Elective Courses (to select at home site)

Internship and Master’s Thesis (3rd/4th Semester)

The internship can be done at the main campuses or abroad. The SFU Career Center will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable placement. Supervision during the internship is provided through the main campus. The same applies to the Master’s thesis, which can be written in German or English if you are enrolled in Berlin; or in English if you are enrolled in Vienna or Ljubljana.

For years, Berlin has consistently ranked among the top 3 startup hubs in Europe. As a dynamic center of innovation, the German capital is a key destination for professionals and students alike, particularly in fields such as artificial intelligence, fintech and beyond. Berlin offers a unique blend of business opportunities, cutting-edge research, and a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. The city’s international flair, diverse talent pool, and forward-thinking approach make it an ideal environment for those seeking practical insights into global markets and human behavior in business contexts. We invite you to explore this vibrant city of ideas and take an active role in its exciting developments.

At SFU Berlin, you will have the unique opportunity to deepen your expertise in career counseling and human resource development by observing or actively participating in counselling sessions at our partner institute, Key2Talent. For further more information please visit: https://key2talent.de

Ljubljana, Slovenia’s charming capital, is renowned for its innovative spirit, sustainability, and quality of life, making it an inspiring place to study and grow. Located at the crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe, Ljubljana offers easy access to a diverse range of cultural and economic networks, ideal for students in International Business and Economic Psychology.

SFU Ljubljana maintains close partnerships with local businesses, start-ups, and international research institutions, providing our students with hands-on learning experiences and unique perspectives on business psychology in emerging markets.

For decades, Vienna has consistently topped global rankings of cities with the highest quality of life. Its well-developed public infrastructure and strategic geographic location in the heart of Europe make the Austrian capital a sought-after destination for international companies and organizations, offering particularly promising career opportunities for SFU-IMBEP graduates.

Since its launch at SFU’s main campus in 2010, our International Business and Economic Psychology programme has fostered dynamic research collaborations with international companies and universities, providing students with invaluable, real-world insights.

Research at our department is dedicated to a better understanding of the psychological dimension in economic activities – with the explicit aim of strengthening the voices of all the stakeholders involved. Psychological research gives voice to people who would otherwise not be heard nor understood. Theory development plays a crucial role for this purpose and is an integral part of our approach. Empirically, we favor mix of methods in our research whenever possible, rather than singular methods.

Students at our department are encouraged to develop their research questions for their Master`s thesis from an early stage. We do not delegate ready-made research packages to our students because we believe that research mastery must be motivated from within: the questions that are most important to the students and their mission.

Research Projects (Selection)

Family purpose in the 21st century: Understanding and fostering family purpose for families with extraordinary responsibilities

• Approach: Qualitative In-depth Interviews with 2-3 family members of business families
• Research Team: Kendall Cotton Bronk (P.I., Claremont Graduate College), Tarek el Sehity (Co-P.I., SFU), Anne Colby (Advisor, Stanford University), Bill Damon (Scientific Advisor, Stanford University), Heinrich Liechtenstein (General Advisor, IESE Business School, Barcelona)

The Limbus of the Third Family Business Generation from a Family Psychology Perspective: A Qualitative Approach to Analyze Differences and Similarities in Intergenerational Family Functioning in Business and Non-Business Families

• Approach: Qualitative In-depth Interviews with family members
• Research Team: Lola Koller (Co-P.I., SFU), Tarek el Sehity (P.I., SFU)

H2O – Home to Office in time of pandemics: Understanding boundary management strategies of tele-commuters

• Approach: Mixed Methods
• Research Team: Martina Hartner (P.I. TU), Tarek el Sehity (SFU)

Ultra High Networt Individuals (UHWNI) -Mobility in the 21st century: A psychological investigation

• Approach: Qualitative In-depth Interviews with UHNWIs
• Research Team: Tarek el Sehity (P.I., SFU), Felicitas Auersperg (SFU), Martin Einhorn (Porsche, A.G.)

UHNWI-Collectionism: A psychological investigation into the meaning of UHNWI-collectionism

• Approach: Qualitative In-depth Interviews with UHNWIs
• Research Team: Tarek el Sehity (P.I., SFU), Heinrich Liechtenstein (Advisor, IESE Business School, Barcelona)

Organizational aspects of No-restraint Mental Health Care Services

• Approach: Quantitative Survey.
• Research Team: Raffaella Pocobello (P.I., ISTC-CNR), Tarek el Sehity (Co-P.I., SFU), Oliver Wegenberger (R.A., SFU).

Open Dialogue Services around the World: A scoping survey exploring organizational characteristics in the implementation of the open dialogue approach in mental health services

• Approach: Quantitative Survey.
• Research Team: Raffaella Pocobello (P.I., ISTC-CNR), Tarek el Sehity (Co-P.I., SFU).

Co-Production of mental health services

• Approach: Mixed Methods
• Research Team: Raffaella Pocobello (ISTC, P.I.), Tarek el Sehity (SFU)

Graduates of the International Business and Economic Psychology programme are well prepared for diverse and dynamic career paths in industries where psychological insight and data-driven decision making play a crucial role. Key career prospects for graduates include:

• Human Resources and Talent Management: Graduates often move into HR roles, such as talent acquisition, learning & development, or organizational development. They apply psychological principles to improve recruitment, employee engagement, performance management, and organizational culture.
• Market and Consumer Research: With a strong foundation in consumer psychology and market research, graduates are qualified to work in roles such as market analyst, consumer insights specialist or brand strategist. These positions involve analyzing consumer behavior, understanding market trends, and developing strategies to meet customer needs.
• Consulting and Advisory Services: Graduates in International Business and Economic Psychology are well equipped for consulting roles in management consulting firms, specializing in organizational behavior, change management, or employee wellbeing. Their expertise in behavior and decision-making enables them to provide valuable insights for organizational transformation.
• Corporate Communications and Marketing: Graduates may pursue careers in marketing, corporate communications or public relations, where psychological insights are critical to crafting persuasive messages, managing brand perceptions, and influencing consumer behavior.
• Training, Coaching and Development: The focus on coaching psychology and human capabilities enables graduates to work in training, executive coaching, and personal development, helping individuals and teams within organizations to reach their full potential.
• Research and Academia: Some graduates may continue in academic or research roles, either studying for a Ph.D. or joining research institutions, focusing on areas such as behavioral economics, consumer psychology, or organizational behavior.
• Public Policy and the Non-Profit Sector: Graduates may also find opportunities in government or non-profit organizations, contributing to social impact projects and policy development where understanding human behavior is key, such as workforce development, financial literacy, and mental health initiatives.

Ass. Prof. Mag. Dr. Tarek el Sehity
Scientific Coordinator of the Business and Economic Psychology Unit
Tarek.el-Sehity@sfu.ac.at

International Study Service Center
psychology@sfu.ac.at

Sigmund Freud Private University
Faculty of Psychology
Freudplatz 1
A-1020 Vienna, Austria

SFU Berlin
Dipl.-Psych. Anika Melzer
Study Coordination: Master International Business and Economic Psychology at SFU Berlin
Anika.Melzer@sfu-berlin.de

SFU Ljubljana
Dr. Andreja Poljanec
Study Coordination: Master International Business and Economic Psychology at SFU Ljubljana
Andreja.Poljanec@sfu-ljubljana.si

SFU Vienna
Oliver Wegenberger, MSc.
Study Coordination: Master International Business and Economic Psychology at SFU Vienna
Oliver.Wegenberger@sfu.ac.at