Become a psychotherapist - new as a study programme!
From the winter semester 2026/27, psychotherapy will be available to study for the first time: the University of Graz and the Medical University of Graz will jointly offer the inter-university Master's degree programme.
It is a practice-oriented and comprehensive programme that prepares students for independent, scientifically sound and competent psychotherapeutic work. Four psychotherapy science specialisations or clusters cover a broad spectrum of methods and perspectives:
- Humanistic therapy
- Psychoanalytical-psychodynamic therapy
- Systemic therapy
- Behavioural therapy
Postgraduate psychotherapeutic specialist training (third phase of training) follows the degree - in one of the recognised specialist associations. This will ultimately authorise you to work as a psychotherapist.
140 study places
Graz offers the most study places in Austria: Every year, 140 students start in the winter semester - after successfully passing the entrance examination.
Practical training
Combination of theoretical knowledge, practical training, psychotherapeutic supervision and personal therapy
Future orientated
Preparation for the third stage of training and for the various fields of psychotherapy
Modules of the study programme
Module A: Disorder and procedural theory
Module B: Psychotherapeutic and psychotherapy-relevant diagnostics
Module C: Psychotherapy research
Module D: Framework conditions
Module E: Exercises and methodology of psychotherapeutic treatment practice
Module F: Psychotherapeutic practical parts
Module G: Individual specialisation
Module H: Supervision of the Master's thesis
Free electives
Master's thesis and Master's examination
Insights into the practice:
Two internships must be completed during the degree programme. Students gain insights into psychotherapeutic activities in health and social care facilities in inpatient, day-care and outpatient settings. The internships include
- active observation
- Supervision of mental health professionals (psychotherapists, clinical psychologists, doctors, specialists in psychiatry and psychotherapeutic medicine) and
- Supporting mental health professionals in their work with patients
An internship reflection (written report plus peer group reflection together with other students in small groups) is also important.
Internship I and II are held in blocks in consecutive semesters. They are organised by the Medical University of Graz and comprise 12 ECTS.
In-depth reflection on the internships and the degree programme takes place in group supervision sessions (max. 10 people). The content of the programme is discussed together under the guidance of psychotherapists.
Group supervision is offered for all clusters.
With the help of self-experience, students promote their personal development and the ability to self-reflect. They learn about psychotherapeutic procedures from the patient's perspective. Two formats of self-awareness are part of the programme:
Group self-experience I and II
- max. 10 persons
- Group self-awareness sessions from all clusters are offered.
Personal therapy
- Personal therapy takes place with a contracted psychotherapist (in cooperation with the University of Graz or the Medical University of Graz). A list of contract psychotherapists follows.
- Contractual therapists can be selected from all four clusters.
- Personal therapy is to be organised by the students themselves.
- It comprises 25 work units (= 15 work units of direct personal therapy of 45 minutes each + 10 work units for keeping a learning diary as an accompanying process reflection).
- A maximum of 15 direct work units are paid for by the university. Any additional work units must be paid for by the students themselves.
Students must participate in various psychotherapeutic studies and experiments for 25 real hours (1 ECTS credit). This gives them contact with different methods of psychotherapy - and the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the perspective of participants in the studies.
The examination certificates can be obtained from studies and experiments at the University of Graz and/or MedUni Graz.
Questions about studying here?
4students is happy to help!
-
Mo - Fr: 9 am - 12 noon
Tue & Thu: 1 pm - 3 pm - 4students(at)uni-graz.at
- studium.uni-graz.at
-
Universitätsplatz 3a/II
8010 Graz
- +43 316 380 - 1066
- 4students-Studien-Info-Service
Send us a message!
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please try again later.