Master of Science (MSc) in Psychology

Organiser
Faculty of Social and Political Sciences

Degree awarded
Master of Science (MSc) in Psychology

ECTS credits
120

Duration
4 semesters

Teaching language
French. Recommended level : C1.

Admission requirements
Candidates must hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree awarded by a Swiss university.
The holders of Bachelor of Science in Psychology degrees awarded by other universities may be admitted on the basis of their personal case file, subject to the candidate’s formal admissibility to the master’s degree course.

Admission to orientations involving consultation
The number of places available in the two orientations involving consultation (i.e., the orientations «Child and Adolescent Psychology (with consultation)» and «Counselling and Vocational Psychology») is limited. For admission to these orientations it is therefore necessary to submit an application to the ad hoc committees at the Institute of Psychology, in addition to the usual application for admission to the Master’s degree course (which must be sent instead to the Admissions Service).
More information on deadlines for sending the application, its contents or the selection criteria

Final enrolment dates
Autumn semester : 30 April. Spring semester : 30 November. It is possible for students to begin the degree course in either the autumn or the spring semester except for the Child and Adolescent Consultation orientation (please contact the study advisor for more information concerning this course). Autumn semester : 30 April. Spring semester : 30 November.

Candidates needing a visa to study in Switzerland must apply for enrolment at least two months prior to the deadlines indicated above.

More information
Timetables and course descriptions

On completion of the Master’s degree students will be able to:

• explain, evaluate, compare and discuss specific aspects of knowledge in psychology, in the orientation chosen for the Master’s degree, and put them into perspective in relation to their epistemological status;
• implement, acting independently, a scientific research process;
• master the use of intervention tools related to the application scope of the chosen orientation in psychology;
• present, in a structured and reasoned manner, an in-depth reflection, in both written and oral form;
• use the relevant knowledge, analytic skills and intervention tools in different contexts, showing respect and consideration for diversity;
• develop ethical and socially responsible positions in the practice of psychology.

This range of skills prepares students for professional posts in a wide variety of sectors:

• Medico-psychological consultation services
• Psychogeriatrics and geriatrics
• Counselling and vocational psychology
• Psychology, psychomotor therapy and speech therapy in the educational field
• Parapublic institutions (e.g. care homes for the elderly, adolescent homes)
• Prevention and public health (e.g. industrial health and safety)
• Research and teaching (e.g. UNIL, CHUV – Psychiatry)
• Private Practice (Consultation)
• Other : associative structures, intervention services (e.g. police), private service companies or consultancies in the organisation of firms, public administration, etc.
• Private practice (consultation, check-up, psychological evaluation, etc.)

In several fields, particularly those where a federal specialisation degree exists (e.g. psychotherapy), postgraduate training is necessary after completing the Master’s degree.