What will I learn in the Master’s Programme in Psychotherapy?
The Master’s Programme in Psychotherapy constitutes, in accordance with the Psychotherapy Act 2024 (PThG 2024), the second phase of the new academic psychotherapy training pathway and builds directly upon the first training phase pursuant to §10(2) or §11 incl. Annex PThG 2024. Within the Master’s programme, students acquire—among other competencies—professional and methodological knowledge and skills, professional-ethical and legal competencies, scientific competencies, social-communicative and self-reflective competencies, as well as psychotherapeutic competencies. These are provided in line with the requirements of the Psychotherapy Act 2024 through theoretical training, practical training under guidance and supervision, psychotherapeutic supervision, as well as individual and group self-experience. Together, these components support professional self-reflection, the development of methodological competence, and the cultivation of a responsible therapeutic stance.

What professional pathways does this open?
Successful completion of the Master’s Programme in Psychotherapy is the legally required prerequisite for entering the third postgraduate training phase pursuant to PThG 2024. This final phase consists of a fee-based, method-specific specialised training provided by a recognised psychotherapeutic professional association and concludes with the state psychotherapeutic licensing examination (Approbationsprüfung). Upon successful completion of the licensing examination, graduates may apply for entry into the Austrian List of Psychotherapists, which grants the right to independently practice the profession. Please note that completion of the Master’s Programme in Psychotherapy alone does not entitle graduates to practice as psychotherapists. Independent professional practice additionally requires the third postgraduate training phase, successful completion of the licensing examination, and registration in the Austrian List of Psychotherapists. In Austria, qualified psychotherapists may work in settings including, but not limited to, hospitals and clinics, outpatient psychosocial services, counselling centres, child and youth welfare services, rehabilitation centres, social-psychiatric services, and—provided legal requirements are met—in private practice. Preventive and counselling activities as well as the promotion of personal and social competencies are also considered part of the professional scope.

Why study in Salzburg?
Salzburg is among the designated locations where publicly funded study places for the new Master’s Programme in Psychotherapy will be available from the winter semester 2026/27 onwards. The University of Salzburg offers a research-driven, high-quality training environment with established structures in psychotherapy education and psychotherapy research, a university outpatient clinic for psychotherapy, and strong collaborations with hospitals and psychosocial institutions. This ensures a close integration of theory, practice, and scientific inquiry. Additionally, Salzburg provides an attractive and well-connected study environment with excellent conditions for a demanding, practice-oriented programme.