Campus-Center Forum

I am nearing the completion of a Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience at Wesleyan University (USA). My ambition is to pursue the German clinical-psychotherapy licensure path, beginning with the UHH M.Sc. Psychology (Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy).

I understand that to access this Master’s program, one must hold a polyvalent B.Sc. in Psychology as defined by the PsychThG reform. I would like to inquire whether lateral entry into the UHH B.Sc. Psychologie is possible for students with a neuroscience degree, provided they cover core missing modules.

Please consider the following questions:

Which bachelor’s modules—specifically in clinical psychology, diagnostics, psychological assessment, counseling methods, testing theory, practical/internship hours, and thesis—are required for equivalence?

Could you evaluate my current coursework for potential credit transfer, and advise on how many semesters I am expected to complete?

If I enroll in additional psychology modules (online or at Wesleyan) this fall, would that help bridge gaps and enable lateral entry?

Dear bryangwolf,

1) "I would like to inquire whether lateral entry into the UHH B.Sc. Psychologie is possible for students with a neuroscience degree, provided they cover core missing modules."

a) No. It is not possible to apply for a higher subject semester (subject semester 2-5) of the "B.Sc. Psychologie" program (https://www.uni-hamburg.de/campuscenter ... 1175511431).

You can only apply for the first semester of this program, no matter what you have done before or how many credits you already have, because this is the only way to apply for this program, since no option for an application for a higher subject semester exists.

b) Please make sure that you have read and understood all relevant admission requirements, regulations and procedures for international applicants (i.e. applicants without a German university entrance qualification), including the recognition of foreign qualifications as university entrance qualifications and the required proof of German language skills: https://www.uni-hamburg.de/en/campuscen ... hluss.html.

c) The next opportunity to apply for the first semester of the "B.Sc. Psychologie" program is for the winter semester 2026/27 in the application period starting on June 1, 2026.

2) Credits from your previous degree program can be transferred to Universität Hamburg if they are equivalent to the credits required for your chosen degree program at Universität Hamburg. You can first assess for yourself whether this is the case by looking at the modules of the degree program: https://www.uni-hamburg.de/campuscenter ... gie-97.pdf.

Subsequent questions regarding the transferability of specific credits must be addressed directly to the departments offering the respective subjects, as credits are transferred by the departments themselves at Universität Hamburg: https://www.uni-hamburg.de/en/campuscen ... ueros.html.

Best wishes,
Thomas Walter