Study Programme in Psychotherapy

Apply for the Study Programme in Psychotherapy Autumn 2026

Apply for the Study Programme in Psychotherapy Autumn 2026

Study Programme in Psychotherapy

Outcomes

Outcomes According to the Higher Education Act

Second-cycle courses and study programmes shall be based fundamentally on the knowledge acquired by students during first-cycle courses and study programmes, or its equivalent.

Second-cycle courses and study programmes shall involve the acquisition of specialist knowledge, competence and skills in relation to first-cycle courses and study programmes, and in addition to the requirements for first-cycle courses and study programmes shall:

• further develop the ability of students to integrate and make autonomous use of their knowledge
• develop the students' ability to deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations, and
• develop the students' potential for professional activities that demand considerable autonomy, or for research and development work.

Degree Outcomes According to the Higher Education Ordinance

For a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychotherapy the student shall demonstrate the knowledge and skills required for registration as a psychotherapist.

Knowledge and understanding
For a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychotherapy the student shall

• demonstrate knowledge of the disciplinary foundation of the field and insight into current research and development work as well as the links between research and proven experience and the significance of these links for professional practice,
• demonstrate specialised knowledge and understanding of various forms or psychotherapy, various forms of mental ill health as well as psychiatric diagnosis, and
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of relevant social and family circumstances that affect individuals and groups.

Competence and skills
For a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychotherapy the student shall

• demonstrate the ability to integrate theoretical knowledge and clinical practice at a specialised level
• demonstrate the specialised skills required to make diagnostic assessments autonomously and also to organise, undertake and critically evaluate psychotherapeutic treatment programmes in the field of individual, group or family therapy
• demonstrate the ability to review, assess and use relevant information critically and autonomously and also to discuss new data, phenomena and issues with different audiences and so contribute to the development of the profession and his or her professional practice, and
• demonstrate the ability to account in speech and writing for interventions and treatment outcomes with those concerned and to document them in accordance with the relevant statutory provisions.

Judgement and approach
For a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychotherapy the student shall

• demonstrate the capacity for continual development of self-awareness and the capacity for empathy
• demonstrate the ability to assess interventions using a holistic approach to individuals informed by the relevant disciplinary, social and ethical aspects and taking particular account of human rights
• demonstrate the ability to identify ethical aspects of his or her own research and development work
• demonstrate a specialised ability to adopt a professional approach to clients and those close to them
• demonstrate insight into the significance of teamwork and cooperation with other professional categories, and
• demonstrate the ability to identify the personal need for further knowledge and undertake ongoing development of his or her skills.