Master’s Programme in Psychotherapy
The Master’s programme in Psychotherapy provides a scientifically grounded, practice-oriented, and profession-focused qualification in the field of psychotherapy.
It serves to acquire advanced theoretical knowledge from all four scientifically recognized psychotherapeutic clusters (behavioral therapy, systemic therapy, psychoanalytic–psychodynamic therapy, and humanistic therapy), as well as to develop essential practical competencies that form the basis for subsequent postgraduate training stages in accordance with the Psychotherapy Act 2024.
Master of Science
Duration / ECTS Credits
4 semesters / 120 ECTS credits
Type of Study
Full-time
Language of Instruction
German
Admission Requirements
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification and proof of language proficiency
Qualification Level
Master’s level (Second cycle)
ISCED-11: Level 7
EQF/NQF: Level 7
Programme Code
UC 560
Admission Dates and Deadlines
Master’s Programme in Psychotherapy
FAQs
What is the joint Master’s programme in Psychotherapy?
The Master’s programme in Psychotherapy is a joint degree programme offered in cooperation between the Medical University of Innsbruck (MUI) and the University of Innsbruck (UIBK). It combines scientific foundations, clinical training, and practice-oriented content to comprehensively prepare students for professional work as psychotherapists.
What roles do the two universities have in the programme?
The University of Innsbruck (UIBK) is responsible for admissions and administrative organization, including the application procedure and formal admission. The Medical University of Innsbruck (MUI) plays a key role in the academic design and implementation of the programme, particularly in clinical and medical training components.
Who is responsible for admission and what requirements must be fulfilled?
The University of Innsbruck (UIBK) is the sole contact point for all questions concerning admission, application procedures, and admission requirements. Specific admission requirements are defined on the UIBK website. Generally, a relevant prior academic degree is required. Individual eligibility is assessed by UIBK.
Can I apply with professional experience?
Whether and to what extent professional experience is considered is assessed individually by the University of Innsbruck.
Do I need to complete supplementary examinations?
Whether additional examinations or modules are required depends on your previous education and is determined during the admission assessment by UIBK.
How is the programme structured?
The aim of the programme is to teach, deepen, and enable practical application of psychotherapy-relevant competencies within the four scientifically recognized psychotherapeutic clusters:
- Behavioral Therapy
- Systemic Therapy
- Psychoanalytic–Psychodynamic Therapy
- Humanistic Therapy
In addition to clinical, psychiatric, and psychotherapeutic practice, the programme focuses on psychotherapeutic interventions, ethical and legal frameworks, and integrative approaches across therapeutic methods.
Another major component is individual and group self-experience training designed to strengthen self-reflective competencies.
Why study psychotherapy?
Graduates acquire advanced theoretical and practical knowledge concerning mental disorders, diagnostics, methodological principles, and intervention techniques within bio-psycho-social explanatory models.
The programme also emphasizes considerations of society, culture, gender, and diversity, as well as providing a solid medical-psychiatric foundation relevant for interdisciplinary collaboration.
Where do courses take place?
Courses are held at both universities (MUI and UIBK). Detailed information on locations is provided in the curriculum and timetable.
Why am I redirected for certain questions?
Since this is a cooperative degree programme, responsibilities are clearly divided between institutions. To receive binding information, it is important to contact the respective responsible institution.
Study Information
The curriculum forms the foundation of the programme and provides a detailed overview of structure, content, examination regulations, and qualification profile. The curriculum answers important questions before starting the programme, such as admission requirements, programme duration, and required modules.
The currently valid curriculum for the Master’s programme in Psychotherapy is Curriculum 2026W. (German Version)
Information on Curriculum (2026W)
The complete curriculum version reflects the currently valid programme but is legally non-binding and intended for informational purposes only. The legally binding version, including any amendments, is published in the official university bulletins.
Admission takes place at the University of Innsbruck based on the admission procedure defined by the regulations of both the University of Innsbruck and the Medical University of Innsbruck. According to §54e para. 4 of the Austrian Universities Act, students admitted to the programme also become members of the Medical University of Innsbruck.
Admission requires completion of:
- a relevant Bachelor’s programme,
- a relevant Bachelor’s programme at a University of Applied Sciences, or
- another equivalent programme at a recognized domestic or international post-secondary institution that does not substantially differ from the required academic background.
Programmes or training recognized as equivalent to the first training stage under the Psychotherapy Act 2024 (PThG 2024) are listed in §10 para. 2 PThG 2024.
The following degrees are explicitly considered relevant:
- Bachelor’s programme in Psychology at the University of Innsbruck
- Diploma programme in Human Medicine at the Medical University of Innsbruck
The Rectorate decides on the recognition of other relevant degrees pursuant to §64 para. 3 of the Austrian Universities Act.
To compensate for substantial academic differences, supplementary examinations of up to 30 ECTS credits may be required. These must be completed by the end of the second semester of the Master’s programme.
Empfohlener Studienverlauf
Recommended Study Plan
The example study plan below serves as a recommendation for full-time students beginning in the winter semester. It illustrates a possible study sequence and is not mandatory.
Possible examination retakes and resulting delays are not considered. The standard duration is 4 semesters (120 ECTS credits). According to Austrian university law, one academic year corresponds to a workload of 1,500 actual hours, equivalent to 60 ECTS credits (1 ECTS credit equals approximately 25 hours of student workload).
Studium
CONTACT INFORMATION
psychotherapie@i-med.ac.at
Tel.: +43 512 9003-70030
Abteilung Lehr- und Studienorganisation
Fritz-Pregl-Str. 3/4.
Last updated: April 29, 2026