Institute profile
Researchers at the Institute of Psychology at TU Dortmund University address a wide range of topics, primarily in the fields of educational research, child development, mental disorders and symptoms, human action control, and human experience and behavior in various work contexts. Many research projects are externally funded (e.g., by the DFG or the BMBF), and the results are published in international peer-reviewed journals.
In teaching, the institute offers courses in the four areas of Developmental Psychology; Clinical and Biological Psychology; Educational and Differential Psychology; and Social, Work, and Organizational Psychology. These courses cover the fundamental disciplines of scientific Psychology. At the Institute of Psychology, future psychologists and future teachers of psychology are educated in separate degree programs.
Beginning in the winter semester 2025/2026, students can enroll in a Master's program in Psychology. This general psychology Master's program offers a broad range of specialization options and a strong focus on research. In parallel, students can enroll in consecutive Bachelor's and Master's programs of Education in Psychology, that qualify them to teach Psychology at grammar schools (Gymnasien), comprehensive schools (Gesamtschulen), or vocational colleges (Berufskollegs). These programs cover key psychological content for teaching Psychology in schools, with a strong emphasis on theoretical, empirical, and didactic foundations.
Finally, selected courses at the Institute of Psychology are also open as elective or minor components for students from other degree programs at TU Dortmund University.
The two study tracks —the Master's program in Psychology and the Bachelor's and Master's programs of Education in Psychology— are offered independently of each other. Admission to the Master's program in Psychology does not include or imply admission to the Bachelor's or Master's programs of Education in Psychology.
Likewise, admission to the Bachelor's and Master's programs of Education in Psychology at TU Dortmund University does not grant access to or credit for undergraduate studies in Psychology (including the Master's program in Psychology at TU Dortmund University), or for psychotherapeutic training.
