Master of Science in Psychology, University of Fribourg, Page 1 MASTER of Science in Psychology (120 ECTS) The Master of Science in Psychology is aimed at acquiring specialized and profound knowledge in psychology and applying this knowledge to various domains of the human mind and human behaviour. The Master is affiliated to the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. The Master program is based on the regulations of the 11 th of Mai 2006 for obtaining a Master of Science at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities of the University of Fribourg (Switzerland). Successful completion of the program qualifies for the legally-protected title «psychologist». The Master of Science in Psychology at the University of Freiburg is composed of 120 ECTS. Students of the Master of Science in Psychology have to choose one of four available master options, which are Option 1- Clinical Psychology & Health Psychology (F/D/Bi) Option 2- Cognitive Neuroscience (E) Option 3- Development & School Psychology (F) Option 4- Work & Organisational Psychology (D) F : French ; D = German ; E = English ; Bi = Bilingual Students can start the Master either in autumn or in spring. We recommend starting in autumn. General Structure of the Master of Science in Psychology Each Master Option consists of two modules of 15 ECTS, which are specific for the Option, a Master Thesis including a Master colloquium (30 ECTS), and a practical experience (15 ECTS). In addition, all students of all Master Options have to complete the basic module «Foundations in Psychology» (15 ECTS). Students in the Master Options Clinical & Health Psychology and Work & Organisational Psychology have to complete an Option Module III within their Master Option, and choose one additional specialisation module offered by any of the three other Master Options. Students of the Option Cognitive Neuroscience can choose an Option Module III and one additional specialisation module, or two specialisation modules offered by any of the three other Master Options. Students of the Option Developmental & School Psychology have to choose two Specialisation Modules offered by any of the three Master Options. The two Specialisation Modules can belong to different Master Options. The general structure of the Master of Science in Psychology is as follows: Modules ECTS Foundations in Psychology (E) 15 Option Module I 15 Option Module II 15 Practical Experience 15 Master Project and Thesis, incl. Colloquium 30 Option Module III a or Specialisation Module A/B 15 Specialisation Module A/B b 15 a : Option Module III is obligatory for students of the Master Options Clinical & Health Psychology and Work & Organisation Psychology. Option Module III is optional for students of the Master Option Cognitive Neuroscience. b : Specialisation Modules A and B can belong either to the same or to different Master Options. They are taken outside of the main Master Option of each student. Detailed descriptions of the four Master Options and their modules are listed below. All possible Specialisation Modules of each Master Option are listed afterwards. Evaluation Each student will receive one grade for each module according to Art. 15 of the master s regulations of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at the University Fribourg. To successfully complete a module, each learning unit must be passed with a sufficiently high grade. The grade in each module is calculated as the unweighted mean of all single grades. All courses will be evaluated with respect to active contribution, oral presentations and an exam or written essay. The person responsible for each learning unit will specify the exact teaching, studying and evaluation modalities.
Master of Science in Psychology, University of Fribourg, Page 2 Detailed descriptions of general modules of the Master of Science in Psychology Foundations in Psychology (15 ECTS) This module includes state of the art lectures on important basic areas of psychological science. Lectures are mostly held by local faculty and involve topics that either represent basic psychological functions, influences, and processes, or general areas of psychological applications and related disciplines. The goal of this module is to provide students with a basic and current knowledge and understanding of core areas of psychology and of the focal themes of departmental units. All courses are taught in English, and a total of 15 ETCS must be validated. Master thesis (30 ECTS) The Master thesis encompasses a research project that is conducted by students and related to their chosen option. Though guided by expert supervisors during the whole process, students are responsible for the preparation of the project, recruitment of human participants, conducting studies, preparing and analysing statistical data. Students have to actively attend a master colloquium. Finally, students produce a written thesis, normally in the form of an extended research paper. This thesis can be written in English, German or French. Practical experience (15 ECTS) The practical experience is equivalent to 8 weeks of 100% working full time in a psychology-related clinical, industrial or research environment. The practical experience can also be completed part-time. Alternatively, the practical experience can be attained by a lab rotation. The goal of the practical experience is to refine the basic competences of students, to deepen their specialized knowledge, and to broaden their professional networks. The practical experience must be attained under the supervision of a psychologist. The activities and learning experiences during the practical experience or lab rotation must be described in a written report and will be evaluated.
Master of Science in Psychology, University of Fribourg, Page 3 Detailed descriptions of the four Options of the Master of Science in Psychology Option 1: Clinical Psychology & Health Psychology (F/D/Bi) Option 2: Cognitive Neuroscience (E) Option 3: Development & School Psychology (F) Option 4: Work & Organisational Psychology (D) F : French ; D = German ; E = English ; Bi = Bilingual
Master of Science in Psychology, University of Fribourg, Page 4 Option 1: Clinical Psychology & Health Psychology (F/D/Bi) Overview Based on the current scientific state of knowledge in Clinical Psychology and Health Psychology, the program offers a profound theoretical introduction and first practical experience with psychological disorders and other forms of psychological dysfunctions, including their etiology, diagnostics, classification, and treatment. The study program excels by covering the whole lifespan, from childhood to youth and adulthood, and by elaborating on basic knowledge and principles from the field of clinical family psychology. Further key topics are the bases of mental health as well as the association and interplay between psychological and physiological functioning, illness, or disease. During the entire master course, students are involved in a research project in one of the current research topics in our labs. They thus obtain the opportunity to have direct experience in the full research process on a high level of sophistication, and receive thorough and personal supervision and mentoring in their master project. The aim of the master option is to provide the students not only with a broad and profound knowledge, but also with the ability for the critical assessment and processing of the study topics. The acquisition of the basic skills and competencies with respect to diagnostics and intervention, but also in the area of research methods, will prepare the students for professional careers both in a clinical setting or in a research-oriented context, and particularly regarding further education to obtain the federal title in the areas of psychotherapy, clinical psychology, and health psychology. Module I: Methods and interventions in Clinical Psychology and Health Psychology The classes of this module focus on research methods of Clinical Psychology and Health Psychology as well as on the training of basic knowledge and psychological interventions skills. Students attend classes equivalent to 15 ECTS, whereof 3 ECTS have to be validated in research methods. The courses include different intervention techniques (e.g., cognitive behavioral interventions, person-centered approaches) and address psychological topics in different groups such as children, adults, and families. The module aims at delivering solid basic knowledge in research and intervention methods, in order to prepare the students for an evidence-based contribution in research and practice. Module II: Psychopathology The module consists of classes covering the phenomenology, epidemiology, and classification of mental disorders. Further classes offer a critical discussion of evidence-based etiological models. Additionally, psychophysiological correlates of psychological problems and mental disorders, their trajectory from childhood to adulthood and their phenomenology in the elderly are presented. Students attend classes equivalent to 15 ECTS. The module aims at delivering both comprehensive and disorder-specific knowledge preparing the students for a scientific discourse about the phenomenology and treatment of mental disorders. At the same time the module fosters continued acquisition of intervention-based knowledge aimed at facilitating implementation in clinical practice. Module III: Diagnostic competence and selected themes in Clinical Psychology and Health Psychology This third module is mandatory for the students of the option in Clinical Psychology and Health Psychology. This module encompasses, on the one hand, courses that deepen the diagnostic knowledge and give the students practical skills in diagnostic methods in children and adults (e.g., how to conduct structured clinical interviews). On the other hand, this module includes in-depth lectures on selected topics of Clinical Psychology and Health Psychology (e.g., psychopharmacology, psychosomatics, childhood, family and culture). In addition, forums will be offered, in which an exchange with experts coming from the practical field is proposed. Students attend classes equivalent to 15 ECTS, whereof 3 ECTS have to be validated in the field of diagnostic. The aim of this module is to give the students an indepth insight into clinical diagnostic methods as well as an introduction to the practice of these methods. A further aim is to allow students to deepen their knowledge on specific topics of Health Psychology and Clinical Psychology.
Master of Science in Psychology, University of Fribourg, Page 5 Option 2: Cognitive Neuroscience (E) Overview The program of the Option Cognitive Neuroscience focuses on the mechanisms and functions of the human brain underlying human behaviour. We offer in-depth exploration into current state of the art knowledge in the field of cognitive neuroscience, including social and affective aspects as well as changes of human brain functions across the lifespan. Importantly, students acquire the experimental and methodological skills needed to conduct high-quality research projects in this exciting area. Students actively participate in research projects and acquire several transferable skills, such as project management, logical and critical thinking, independent learning, oral presentation, and written communication. Finally, students acquire a broad knowledge base in major aspects of psychology. Evaluation of the students is done through writing exams, essays and/or hands-on exercises, depending on the course. Module I: Current Topics in Cognitive Neuroscience (15 ECTS) The module Current Topics in Cognitive Neuroscience encompasses specialized lectures and research seminars on current topics in the area of human cognitive neuroscience. The goal of this module is to acquire deeper knowledge on the current directions and theoretical background of cognitive Neuroscience. Almost all lectures and seminars are held in English. Module II: Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience (15 ECTS) In this module, students acquire all necessary skills to successfully and independently conduct experimental research in the area of human cognitive processes and their neural mechanisms. Courses in this module cover a wide range of experimental research methods, including behavioural methods as well as neuroimaging and brain stimulation techniques. The goal of this module is that students acquire the underlying theoretical bases of different research methods and learn to adequately and efficiently construct experiments. As such, students have the opportunity to actively try various techniques in different hands-on procedures. Of course, students also learn to master cutting-edge analytical skills to analyse behavioural as well as neuroimaging data. At the University of Fribourg, we also want students to get acquainted with different programming languages and software packages to enhance their possibilities of designing creative experiments. All courses will be held in English. Module III: SCAN (15 ECTS) The module Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience includes lectures and special research seminars with a strong focus on topics and methods in social, cognitive and affective neuroscience. These specialized research seminars will allow students to train scientific argumentation and discussion as well as to hone their oral presentation and writing skills. Up to 12 ECTS related to Cognitive Neuroscience can be acquired from another department / faculty of the University of Fribourg or Swiss university after agreement. The goal of this module is to acquire more profound knowledge in specialized areas related to Cognitive Neuroscience. Courses are in English, German, or French. However, most lectures are held in English. This Module III can be replaced by a specialisation module from all the other master options in the Department of Psychology.
Master of Science in Psychology, University of Fribourg, Page 6 Option 3: Developmental & School Psychology (F) Overview Developmental psychology is the scientific study of the changes occurring in human beings throughout their lifespan. Initially mostly interested in infants and children, this domain has expanded to include adolescence, adult development, and aging. Therefore, it examines changes over the entire life in a wide range of areas. Studying developmental psychology can lead to a career as a psychologist for children and adolescents or school psychologist. However, it also allows for acquiring fundamental knowledge for anyone wishing to work in connection with children. Module I: DEV (15 ECTS) The module DEV focuses on developmental psychology and, more specifically, on the theories and models in typical and atypical development, such as blind or physically disabled children. Although most courses are in French, some may be offered in English. Module II: SCOL (15 ECTS) The module SCOL focuses on school psychology. It shows how learning takes place during life, especially in the socalled fundamental skills (reading, writing, number) during childhood. It also introduces how different deficiencies could affect learning. These courses are complemented by practical exercises and by the presentation of the psychometric tests mostly used by school psychologists. Although most courses are in French, some may be offered in English.
Master of Science in Psychology, University of Fribourg, Page 7 Option 4: Work and Organisational Psychology (D) Overview By choosing this Master Option, students can deepen their knowledge in the area of Work & Organisational Psychology. In addition to a broad education in general research areas and applied topics (e.g., human resources and development, work analysis, stress at work, etc.), the Master Option offers the possibility to focus on specific topics in the areas of Occupational Healthy Psychology and Human Factors. Students following this program will acquire all necessary competences and qualifications required for successful job applications in companies and governing authorities (e.g., work security etc.). While most lectures and seminars are in German, some are offered in English. Evaluation of course work is typically based on contribution of the student in class, oral presentations, practical exercise, written exam and /or written essay (seminar), written and/or oral exam (lectures) and oral contributions and project presentation (research colloquium). The person teaching on the course will announce the mode of course work evaluation at the beginning of the course. Module I: Work and Organisation Psychology (15 ECTS): The module focuses on central topics in Work and Organisational Psychology. Topics include for example personnel selection and personnel development. Students will acquire theoretical knowledge as well as practical experience, for example with respect to analyses of organisations. Module II: Occupational Health Psychology (15 ECTS): The module focuses on central and current topics of Occupational Health Psychology. It includes courses in the following topics: Health implications of different performance management strategies, workplace health promotion, work & family, and organisational justice. Students will acquire theoretical knowledge as well as practical experience, for example with respect to occupational health and safety programs. Module III: Human Factors (15 ECTS): The module focuses on selected topics in the areas of human factors. The module includes courses in the following areas: work schedules, automation, human-machine interaction, and usability testing. Students will acquire theoretical knowledge as well as practical experience, for example with respect to analyses of work procedures and application of usability tests.
Master of Science in Psychology, University of Fribourg, Page 8 Detailed description of specialisation modules of the Master of Science in Psychology Each of the four Master Options offers specialisation modules. Students can only select specialisation modules offered by those Master Options other than the one they are enrolled in.. For example, a student who chose the Option Clinical & Health Psychology should choose a specialisation module from one of the three other Master Options (i.e., Cognitive Neuroscience, Developmental & School Psychology, or Work and Organisational Psychology). 1.) Specialisation modules of the option Clinical Psychology and Health Psychology (F/D/BI) Specialisation module A (15 ECTS): Methods and Applications in Clinical Psychology and Clinical Family Psychology This specialization module includes courses on methodology in Clinical Psychology as well as on selected themes and applications of Clinical Psychology and Clinical Relationship and Family Psychology. The module allows acquiring a profound understanding of the processes that lead to psychological individual or interpersonal problems and psychopathology. Specialisation module B (15 ECTS): Methods and Applications in Clinical and Health Psychology This specialization module includes courses on methodology in Clinical Psychology as well as on selected themes and applications of Clinical Psychology and Health Psychology. The module allows acquiring a profound knowledge on the psychological processes that influence and co-determine illness, psychological and physiological health. 2.) Specialisation modules of the option Cognitive Neuroscience (E) Specialisation module A (15 ECTS): CogNeuro Topics The specialisation module CogNeuro Topics gives an emphasis to lectures and research seminars on current topics in the area of human cognitive neuroscience. The goal of this module is to acquire deeper knowledge about the current directions and theoretical background of Cognitive Neuroscience. A few courses can also have a focus on research methods. Most lectures and seminars are held in English. Specialisation module l B (15 ECTS): CogNeuro Methods The specialisation module CogNeuro Methods gives an emphasis to research seminars and hands-on experience in research methods in the area of human cognitive neuroscience. The goal of this module is to acquire deeper knowledge of the research methods in Cognitive Neuroscience. A few courses can also have a focus on current topics in the are of cognitive neuroscience. Most lectures and seminars are held in English. 3.) Specialisation modules of the option Development & School Psychology (F/E) Specialisation module A (15 ECTS): DEV I The specialization module DEV I allows students, whose Master option is not Developmental & School Psychology, to acquire basic knowledge about typical and atypical child development. Current theories of general development as well as of specific learning and their mechanisms are addressed throughout the various courses included in this module. Although most courses are in French, some may be offered be in English. 4.) Specialisation modules of the option Work & Organisational Psychology (D) Specialisation module A (15 ECTS): Work and Organisational Psychology The module focuses on central topics of Work & Organisational Psychology. Course topics include e.g. personnel selection, personnel development, or stress at work. Students will acquire theoretical knowledge as well as practical experience, for example with respect to application of diagnostic tools used in organisations. Specialisation module B (15 ECTS): Occupational Health Psychology and Human Factors : The module focuses on two research and applied topics in Work & Organisation Psychology: Occupational Health Psychology and Human Factors. Course topics include e.g. workplace health promotion, work and family, humanmachine interaction, and user-centred product design. Students will acquire theoretical knowledge as well as practical experience, for example with respect to occupational health and safety programs and application of usability tests.