Master of Science (MSc) in Psychology

The Master of Science in Psychology is designed as a cycle of specialisation providing access to the profession of psychologist. On completion of the Master’s degree the student will be able to:

• explain, evaluate, compare and discuss specific aspects of knowledge in psychology, in the orientation chosen for the Master’s degree, and put them into perspective in relation to their epistemological status ;
• implement, acting independently, a scientific research process ;
• master the use of intervention tools related to the application scope of the chosen orientation in psychology ;
• present, in a structured and reasoned manner, an in-depth reflection, in both written and oral form ;
• use the relevant knowledge, analytic skills and intervention tools in different contexts, showing respect and consideration for diversity ;
• develop ethical and socially responsible positions in the practice of psychology.

The main specialisation is to be chosen from among the following 5 fields:

• Clinical Psychology;
• Health Psychology;
• Child and Adolescent Psychology*;
• Counselling and Vocational Psychology*;
• Social and Intercultural Psychology

* These two specialisations allow access to consultations under supervision (provided that your application is accepted); see Admission requirements.

On completion of the Master’s degree students will be able to:

• explain, evaluate, compare and discuss specific aspects of knowledge in psychology, in the orientation chosen for the Master’s degree, and put them into perspective in relation to their epistemological status;
• implement, acting independently, a scientific research process;
• master the use of intervention tools related to the application scope of the chosen orientation in psychology;
• present, in a structured and reasoned manner, an in-depth reflection, in both written and oral form;
• use the relevant knowledge, analytic skills and intervention tools in different contexts, showing respect and consideration for diversity;
• develop ethical and socially responsible positions in the practice of psychology.

This range of skills prepares students for professional posts in a wide variety of sectors:

• Medico-psychological consultation services
• Psychogeriatrics and geriatrics
• Counselling and vocational psychology
• Psychology, psychomotor therapy and speech therapy in the educational field
• Parapublic institutions (e.g. care homes for the elderly, adolescent homes)
• Prevention and public health (e.g. industrial health and safety)
• Research and teaching (e.g. UNIL, CHUV – Psychiatry)
• Private Practice (Consultation)
• Other : associative structures, intervention services (e.g. police), private service companies or consultancies in the organisation of firms, public administration, etc.
• Private practice (consultation, check-up, psychological evaluation, etc.)

In several fields, particularly those where a federal specialisation degree exists (e.g. psychotherapy), postgraduate training is necessary after completing the Master’s degree.

You have the possibility of following part of your studies in a partner institution recognised by UNIL. If the mobility study programme is approved by the Faculty’s Mobility Commission and is validated by a pass in the examina- tions, the credits obtained in mobility will be recognised and validated as part of your degree course.