Clinical Psychology and Public Mental Health
at SFU Campuses in Berlin, Vienna
In the midst of intensifying ecological crises, social and political conflict, and accelerating technological developments, rising rates of mental distress must be addressed with contextually-attuned interventions that link the social with the psychological. In practice, policy, and research settings alike, there is an urgent need for graduates who do not simply deploy psychological tools and techniques, but who are equipped to think and act in context to transform conditions of injustice and inequality. In this programme you will learn to think critically about concepts of health and well-being, to sensitively contextualize approaches, to strengthen local practices and community resources, and to develop responsive and responsible lines of research. The programme offers a historically and culturally situated, psychosocial foundation to clinical and health psychologies and will enable you to meaningfully link theory, research, practice, and policy in your future career.
Programme Highlights
Throughout the four-semester programme, our team of dedicated researchers, educators, and community practitioners offers ongoing support to 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 and historical knowledge, international clinical practice expertise, and innovative research methods. Faculty members are actively involved in research across a broad range of topics, ensuring that students are engaged with state of the art developments and debates not only in psychology, but also across the fields of public health, sociology, anthropology, and peace and conflict studies.
- 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 and their professional field.
- 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 1st 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.
Instruction in English
The language of instruction for all courses in Clinical Psychology and Public Mental Health is English. The programme is designed to engage a diverse and international student body and teaching team.
Programme Structure
The Master’s programme consists of eight compulsory modules, the duration of study is four semesters in full-time study. In the first year of study, the theoretical foundations and specialised in-depth knowledge are taught in lectures, seminars, and practical exercises.
In the second year of study, internships under the guidance of psychologists and an independent research project are carried out within the scope of a Master’s thesis.
The programme concludes with a Master’s examination. Graduates will receive the academic degree “Master of Science, MSc.” (120 ECTS credits).
Career Paths
This Master’s programme is aimed at graduates of the Bachelor’s programme in Psychology with an international orientation. The skills gained optimally prepare students for work as psychologists in clinical settings and in the psychosocial field. As experts in global mental health, graduates take on significant roles as decision-makers in politics and the private sector.
Career paths include:
- Clinical psychologist (please check the legal requirements to get licensed and work as a clinical psychologist; in Austria an additional postgraduate training is required)
- Health psychologist (please check the legal requirements to get licensed and work as a health psychologist; in Austria an additional postgraduate training is required)
- School psychologist
- Mental Health Officer (i.e.; setting up and developing mental health programmes in national and international institutions and places of work)
- Programme officer in international organisations such as UN, WHO, EU, etc.
- Mental health activist
- Researcher in the fields of epidemiology and mental health
- Organisational consultant
Teaching language: English
Studying in Berlin
Berlin is an international, multicultural city known for its rich and complex history, dynamic contemporary arts and culture, and innovative public and green spaces. As a global city, Berlin is home to a vast network of institutions focused on public mental health including clinics, research institutes, and NGOs. Students in Berlin have unique opportunities to engage with cutting edge interdisciplinary research and practice through internships, volunteering, networking events, and public talks and exhibitions. We invite you to explore this vibrant city of ideas and practice and take an active role in its exciting developments.
Contact
Head of the Masters in Clinical Psychology and Public Mental Health
SFU Berlin
Dr. Kate Sheese
kate.sheese@sfu-berlin.de
Ass.-Prof. Thomas Ditye, MRes PhD
Head of the International Psychology Programmes
SFU Vienna
thomas.ditye@sfu.ac.at
Department Psychology
Sigmund Freud Private University Berlin
Campus Tempelhof
Columbiadamm 10, Tower 9
12101 Berlin – Tempelhof
Tel.: +49(0)30 695 797 28-0
E-Mail: psychologie@sfu-berlin.de