Psychology with Specialization in School Psychology for Teacher Certification at Vocational Schools (bachelor's supplementary degree program component)

The supplementary degree program component Psychology with Specialization in School Psychology provides the academic foundation for the occupation of school psychologist and qualifies graduates for their practical training (Referendariat) to become a certified teacher at a vocational school. A course of studies in Psychology will be completed that incorporates the full breadth of the discipline, as well as (sub)disciplinary and school-related internships.  Together with a vocational specialization as the first subject, the program is geared towards assuming a dual role as teacher and school psychologist.

For further information on the spheres of activity and tasks of school psychologists in Bavaria, see here.

Upon completion of the supplementary degree program component, graduates are able:

• to work in the fields of education and psychology as teachers and school psychologists to consistently meet the contending demands of both.
• to select (in accordance with their knowledge of theory) universal, indicated and selective prevention programs, as well as life management skills programs, and run these with pupils on a one-to-one basis or in groups.
• to apply diagnostic strategies, case-specific interventional measures and techniques for producing written statements in pedagogic and psychological contexts.
• to recognize warning signs and risk factors with regard to mental symptoms or disorders in pupils, teaching staff, etc., grasp these within an overall context and initiate the necessary steps.
• to respond appropriately to crisis situations, both with regard to individual crises (stabilization, dealing with suicidal tendencies, involvement of and referrals to appropriate institutions) and to institutional crises (leadership of the school's internal crisis intervention team, providing an interface for external care providers, etc.).
• to take a practice-based and action-oriented approach to teaching the central theories, concepts, models, etc. of psychology in associated disciplines and courses (e.g. “Pedagogy and Psychology” in technical colleges, higher vocational schools); structure arguments in the field of psychology with reference to scientific theories and empirical findings; reflect upon scientific content; and work in accordance with current scientific methods.

After the bachelor’s degree, these competencies pertain to the choice of subdiscipline within psychology; upon completion of all 140 credits, they pertain to all relevant fields in the discipline.

For information on the spheres of activity and the tasks of school psychologists in Bavaria, see here. School psychologists are in great demand in vocational schools.  There is an increasing need for counseling and requisite forms of support when it comes to behavioral disorders, as well as problems with learning and performance at school or in the workplace; but also with regard to decisions concerning their academic progress and education. Moreover, given the responsibility of vocational schools for the training of refugees and in the aftermath of such cases as the abuse of a pupil in Augsburg (2018), demand continues to increase.

Graduates’ competencies in vocational education and psychology make it feasible for them to enter alternative spheres of activity and, for example, to assume a psychology-related role in industry.

The supplementary degree program component can only be pursued in connection with a TUM bachelor’s and master’s “Vocational Training” program.  For the duration of the program, students are enrolled on both the relevant degree program in Vocational Education and the supplementary degree program component School Psychology.

The program in School Psychology encompasses up to 140 credits and incorporates three phases:

• 36 credits are earned in the bachelor’s phase (Degree: B.Ed. Vocational Education with Aspects of Psychology)
• 44 credits in the master's phase (Degree: M.Ed. Vocational Education with Further Aspects of Psychology)
• 60 credits in the supplementary qualification phase (Certification: Certificate of the study of Psychology with a specialization in school psychology; obtained in connection with a master's degree related to the teaching profession)

In principle, the modules can be completed in any order you choose and are not tied to a specific phase of study.  By grouping all modules into areas of concentration, you can undertake a focused study of one or several subject areas during the bachelor's phase.

Required language skills for admission:

You need sufficient German language skills if you wish to apply for this program. Evidence of your language proficiency has to be submitted before the end of the application deadline. Learn more about recognized certificates and other ways to prove your German language skills.

This evidence of your language proficiency confirms that you comply with the minimum language requirements for admission to the program. Depending on the program and your individual background, it may be necessary for you to keep working on your language skills during your studies. Be sure to take a look at the services of our Language Center. 

Language of instruction:

The language of instruction for this program is German.

• Information on exams
• Information on studying abroad
• Information on internships

Given that the program can only be completed in combination with a Bachelor’s degree program in Vocational Education, the application for the supplementary degree program component in School Psychology must be accompanied by an application for the Bachelor’s degree program in Vocational Education.

Prior to applying, the departmental student advisor at the Department of Educational Sciences must be consulted in person. Due to the complex program structure, this academic advising is mandatory. Written confirmation of advising must be submitted with the application documents. Please contact the Student Advisory Office of the Department of Educational Sciences to make an appointment in advance. (Contact: studienberatungspam prevention@edu.tum.de).

• Higher Education Entrance Qualification
• Verification of Attendance at the Mandatory Advising Session
• Complete and Current Résumé

• Application for Enrollment (signed)
• Higher Education Entrance Qualification (certified copy)
• Most Current Photo (as for ID)
• Digital notification of your health insurance status from a German public health insurance provider (requested by applicant)

Application period for the winter semester: 15.05. – 15.07.

Information about applying for a higher subject semester

During the application period, you must apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents. Please be aware that we can only process your application if you upload all required documents within the application period.

We will review your application as soon as it is complete. Please check your TUMonline account regularly, to see if we have any queries to your documents or if you have to amend one or more documents.

After receiving admission, you will see in TUMonline which documents you have to submit for enrollment, and in which form. Please note that you always have to send the signed application for enrollment and all notarizedhardcopies by post.

We recommend that you submit the documents for enrollment as soon as possible after receiving admission. If individual documents are not available by then, you can submit them up to 5 weeks after the start of the lecture period. You will, however, only be enrolled once we have received all documents.

You can check the status of your application at any time in your TUMonline account.

Admission to the supplementary degree program component School Psychology is restricted. Each year 10 places are available for first-year students. These are awarded in accordance with a numerus clausus procedure as defined by the university. 

• Restricted Admission (NC)