The aim of the Psychology MA program is to train psychologist who are prepared to work in several fields of psychology. The program provides a wide range of knowledge that can be used in several areas of psychology – including research and applied fields as well. After earning master’s degree, students can commit themselves for several different carrier pathways. In most countries, further studies are expected to start an independent carrier, but under the supervision of a specialized psychologist, professionals possessing a degree in Psychology MA can start to work. The program contains individual research and can be completed with writing a thesis.
The program provides adequate training to acquire further, legally stipulated, specialized qualifications in the various fields of psychology. Students will be prepared to continue their studies at the doctoral level.
The program consists of a common part and a part for specialization. Currently the following specializations are available (applicants have to decide for one of the specializations):
Specialization in Counselling and School Psychology:
The aim of the specialization is to train professionals, who will be qualified in more branches of psychology and gain special knowledge in the field of counselling and school Psychology. They will study the methodologies and instruments used in psychology, and will be able to use these with individuals, groups or organizations especially schools for their understanding and development.
The main areas where this degree is applicable: clinical psychology and healthcare services, hospitals, ambulances; individual and group counselling; school psychology; pedagogical centres; coaching; organization development; sport psychology.
Continuous practicum:
During their studies the students having continuous practicum in a school for 4 semesters and they will join a counselling psychologist and work with him/her through two semesters. This type of practicum provides the students the opportunity to directly apply the knowledge gained during the courses. They will have immediate feedback of their performance and can easily develop their methods to reach a high level of understanding and routine in their work.
Applicability of the degree:
The knowledge and competencies gained from this specialization can be applied in various areas, including clinical psychology and healthcare services, hospitals, ambulances; individual and group counselling; school psychology; pedagogical centres; coaching; organization development.
Specialization in Cognitive Psychology:
The Specialization in Cognitive Psychology aims to train professionals with a strong foundation in psychology and specialized knowledge in cognitive psychology. The curriculum aligns with international trends and emphasizes cognitive and neuropsychological research as well as their applied fields. Students will enhance their understanding of cognitive processes, cognitive ability assessment, and rehabilitation, as well as contemporary methods of psychological research. This specialization provides a solid empirical and methodological foundation for further specialization and doctoral studies.
Continuous Practicum:
The continuous practicum is organized into two complementary pathways. One pathway focuses on talent management and skill development, emphasizing cognitive ability assessment and talent growth. The other pathway addresses neurological disorders, highlighting neuropsychological assessment and rehabilitation. Practical training is closely integrated with the theoretical components of the specialization, allowing students to apply the knowledge and methodologies acquired during their studies in real-world settings. Through supervised practice, students develop their assessment, problem-solving, and professional reasoning skills, gaining experience in the practical application of psychological knowledge.
Applicability of the Degree:
The knowledge and competencies gained from this specialization can be applied in various areas, including psychological research, cognitive and psychological assessment, educational and pedagogical services, talent development, neuropsychological and healthcare settings, rehabilitation, and other applied fields in psychology. The specialization also offers a pathway to international doctoral studies, supporting students’ academic development.
Specialization in Social and Organizational Psychology:
The Specialization in Social and Organisational Psychology aims to train psychologists who understand human behaviour not only at the individual level, but also at the level of groups, organisations, communities and wider social contexts. The specialization provides students with advanced theoretical, methodological and practical knowledge to understand and address psychological challenges facing contemporary societies and workplaces. Students learn how identities, relationships, group dynamics, culture, power and social representations shape individual and collective behaviour, while also developing knowledge and skills relevant to organisations, including recruitment, leadership, workplace mental health, talent development, organisational culture, consulting, coaching and organisational development.
Description of the specialization:
The specialization pays particular attention to the complex challenges characterising contemporary societies. Courses address topics such as polycrisis and ecological crisis, intergroup relations, peace and conflict, culture and minorities, collective memory and trauma, community processes, identity and social positioning, alongside the changing world of work and organisations. Students are encouraged to understand psychological phenomena within their social, cultural and institutional contexts and to work with individuals and groups in ways that support participation, cooperation and sustainable social and organisational change.
The specialization combines theoretical knowledge with applied learning. Through seminars, practice-oriented courses and supervised professional experience, students develop competencies in psychological assessment, analysis, intervention, consultation and the facilitation of group, community and organisational processes.
Professional practice
Students complete two 60-hour professional practice modules, amounting to 120 hours of professional practice in total, accompanied by dedicated supervision courses. Professional practice enables students to apply their academic knowledge in real organisational, community or social settings. Under professional supervision, they can gain experience in analysing psychological and organisational processes, working with groups and communities, supporting organisational development, and developing interventions appropriate to specific institutional and social contexts. The accompanying supervision provides a structured setting in which students can reflect on their professional experiences, connect practice with psychological theory and methodology, and develop their professional identity and competencies.
Applicability of the degree
Graduates acquire a broad set of competencies applicable to both organisational and societal fields of psychology. Their knowledge can be used in organisations, businesses, public institutions, NGOs, educational and community settings, as well as in research and policy-related environments. Possible areas of professional activity include human resources and recruitment, organisational development, organisational consulting, coaching, leadership and talent development, workplace mental health and well-being, group and team development, community specialization, conflict and intergroup interventions, diversity and inclusion, and social or community-based projects. The specialization also provides a strong foundation for students who wish to continue their studies at the doctoral level or pursue further specialised professional qualifications in psychology.
For a successful application please follow the steps below:
Applicants are required to select one of the following specializations: Counselling and School Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, or Social and Organizational Psychology. The chosen specialization will define the primary focus area of study within the program.
MS Teams interview for applicants:
The interview/entrance exam will take approximately 10-20 minutes.
Our entrance exam is designed to assess applicants’ suitability for Master’s-level studies in Psychology by evaluating their motivation, communication skills, and professional thinking.
The exam consists of two parts:
- in Part 1, applicants introduce themselves, discuss their motivation, and present a previously submitted research proposal.
- in Part 2, applicants analyze a practical case situation of their choice and explain their understanding and proposed solutions. Applicants may prepare for this part in advance using the provided case scenarios.
Details about the entrance exam are available here: https://btk.pte.hu/en/institute-of-psychology/entrance-exam-ma
General Entry Requirements
For the general entry requirements, please visit this page.
The applicant has to submit the following documents by uploading them to the online application portal of the University of Pécs:
*Please note: tests have to be taken within a year!
Applicants who are still conducting their studies at the time of application must submit an official letter from their institution indicating the date of graduation. Students cannot enroll at the Program until they have successfully completed their studies at the Bachelors's level.
Program-related questions:
Mr. András LÁNG PhD
Program Manager
Phone: +36305805540
Email: lang.andras@pte.hu
Admission-related questions:
Ms. Vanda BŐCZIN-SIRKECI
international coordinator
Phone: + 36 72 501 600/64127; +36 30 186 1686
E-mail: foreign.humanities@pte.hu
English website of the Faculty
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