Overview Study Programmes

The degree programme in Psychotherapy Science at Sigmund Freud Private University Vienna (SFU) offers an academic education that integrates research and teaching and conveys both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The following degree programmes are offered in English at SFU Vienna:

Bachelor Programme in Psychotherapy Science

The Bachelor Programme is a foundation course, i.e. it teaches the basics of psychotherapy science. The course duration is six semesters. Upon successful completion, students earn the academic degree Bakkalaurea / Bakkalaureus der Psychotherapiewissenschaft (BA.pth.).

The programme includes the Psychotherapeutic Propaedeutic Course and the first part of the Psychotherapeutic Specialisation. Following the introduction of the new Austrian Psychotherapy Act, this programme is being phased out. It is still possible to begin the degree until the winter semester 2027/28.

Master Programme in Psychotherapy Science

The Master Programme in Psychotherapy Science builds on the Bachelor’s degree and can be started up to and including the winter semester 2030/31. It is designed to deepen students’ understanding of theory, methodology, research methods, and clinical practice, and includes the second part of the Psychotherapeutic Specialisation. The programme lasts four semesters and leads to the academic degree Magister der Psychotherapiewissenschaft (Mag. pth.).

On completion of the Master’s degree, students also finish their specialised professional training. This qualifies them for independent practice as psychotherapists in Austria and for entry onto the Austrian Ministry of Health’s official register of psychotherapists.

Doctoral Programme in Psychotherapy Science

The Doctoral Programme in Psychotherapy Science is committed to methodological and research pluralism. Students may undertake empirical and hermeneutic work – either separately or in combination – as well as theoretical and historical research, including critical engagement with existing research traditions or schools of thought. The programme has a duration of six semesters and leads to the academic degree Doktor der Psychotherapiewissenschaft (Dr. scient. pth.).

Study programmes in Psychotherapy Science in German

At SFU Vienna, the Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral programmes in Psychotherapy Science are also offered in German.

Double Degree Programme

Further information about the double degree in psychology and psychotherapy science can be found here.