International two-year master’s program in psychology
The International master´s program in psychology is a theoretical and research-oriented two-year program. It is a diverse program which offers you the opportunity to select courses that suits your interests not only in psychology but also in other areas.
The program’s overall objective is to provide a broad and in-depth knowledge base within the field of psychology. Courses are offered, for example, in social psychology, evolutionary psychology, cognition, biological psychology, stress and sleep, developmental psychology and work and organizational psychology.
You can study all the courses at the Department of Psychology, but you can also take some courses at other departments at Stockholm University, or even at other universities – in Sweden or abroad, as part of an exchange program.
The program includes research methodology, which may be of use in the labour market in general, but also as a preparation for further studies at the doctoral level in psychology.
The program leads to a Master of Science (120 ECTS credits) in the main field of study of psychology.
Not a practical program
Please note that this is an entirely theoretical and research-oriented program, and not a practical psychologist program. We offer no masters in clinical psychology or any alternative routes to this. The only way to study to become a licensed clinical psychologist in Sweden is through the full Psychologists program (300 credits, equivalent to 5 years of study).
Important information for students continuing on the program spring 2025
Please register on the web between 10 December 2024 and 13 January 2025 for all the courses you will be taking this spring.
You register on the web by using Ladok for students, see links below. Log in with your University account.
Shortly after having registered you will gain access to the course sites in Athena, the learning platform.
If you need advice about what courses to take, contact our study councellor, study-master@psychology.su.se
More information will be sent to all students by e-mail before the holidays. Contact the student office if you don't receive it.
Sone useful links
Activate your University account (if you have not done it already)
Get started with the e-meeting service Zoom
Schedules (search with your course code or log in with your University accoount to see all your schedules in one go. Especially useful if you have not gained access to your new Athena sites yet.)
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Programme overview
The program is a coherent degree program that comprises 120 ECTS credits, meaning four semesters of full-time studies. The program consists of four main blocks:
Block A: 30 credits of compulsory courses
Block B: 30 credits of elective courses in psychology (on advanced level at the Department of psychology)
Block C: 30 credits of entirely elective courses (at least 15 ECTS needs to be on advanced level)
Block D: Master’s thesis (30 credits)Year 1
As a registered student on these courses you will find specific course information and communication within our learning platform called Athena. Please log in with your University account.
The elective courses given by the Department of psychology may vary from year to year.
First semester
Psychology: History and theory of science, 7,5 credits (code PSMT50, compulsory)
Applied social psychology, 7,5 credits (PSMT57, elective)
Research methods 1, 7,5 credits (PSMT58, compulsory)
Statistics 1, 7,5 credits (PSMT59, compulsory)
Second semester
Trends in cognition, 7,5 credits (PSMT61, elective)
Human development – Positive psychological functioning and adaptation in youth, 7,5 credits (PSMT60, elective)
Psychological Aspects on Employee Selection and Recruitment (PSMTA1, elective but only available to a limited number of students)
Qualitative interviewing – Data collection and analysis, 7,5 credits (PSMT62, compulsory*)
Human development – Attachment and relational contexts of lifespan development, 7,5 credits (PSMT63, on hold spring 2025)
The psychology of leadership, 7,5 credits (PSMT46, elective but only available to a limited number of students)
* You can choose to study Qualitative interviewing, 7,5 credits, OR Applied questionnaire methods, 7,5 credits, see third semester.
Year 2
As a registered student on these courses you will find specific course information and communication within our learning platform called Athena. Please log in with your University account.
Third semester
Applied questionnaire methods, 7,5 credits (PSMT49, compulsory*)
Psychophysiology: Relationships between psychological and physiological processes, 7,5 credits (PSMT54, elective)
Psychological and organizational perspectives on work, stress and health, 7,5 credits (PSMT52, elective but only available to a limited number of students)
Higher cognitive functions, 7,5 credits (PSMT55, elective)
Stress and sleep: from bench to bedside, 7,5 credits (PSMTA2, elective)
Emotion psychology and affective neuroscience, 7,5 credits (PSMT56, elective)
Social behavior: Insights from evolutionary psychology, 7,5 credits (PSMT53, on hold autumn 2024)
* You can choose to study Applied Questionnaire Methods, 7,5 credits, OR Qualitative interviewing, 7,5 credits, see second semester.
Fourth semester
Degree project in psychology for Master's Degree, 30 credits (PSMT42, compulsory)
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How to apply
The program starts every autumn semester.
The 2025 application period is only open during the international admissions round. The admissions round is open from 15 October 2024 to 15 January 2025 at www.universityadmissions.se.
Degree requirements
Bachelor's degree of at least 180 ECTS credits with at least 90 ECTS credits in psychology, or an equivalent foreign degree.
Language requirements
In addition to a relevant degree, applicants need to fulfil the requirements for English B/6. Please visit Universityadmissions for details on how to fulfil the English language requirements.
We give no notices or assessments on eligibility in advance
All applicants must go through the accurate application process on Universityadmissions. Please note the entry requirements and selection criteria so that you can send the appropriate documents to support your application. For the selection, there are no specific documents such as CVs or letters of motivation that need to be attached.
After the application period has ended, we evaluate the merits of the eligible applicants. In particular, we look at grades and completed courses in methods and statistics and whether the applicant has written an essay/thesis of at least 7.5 ECTS. Based on this merit assessment, we admit students to the program.
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More information
Stockholm University arranges online meetings, webinars, for prospective as well as admitted students.
Webinar 25 November 2024
Are you interested in the International two-year master’s program in psychology? Please join our webinar where we will talk about the program, the Department of Psychology and career prospects! You will also have the opportunity to ask questions regarding the program.
Webinar PowerPoint 2024-11-25 (3822 Kb)
Register here to receive the Zoom link to the webinar
Broschure
Please download our updated broschure!
International Two-year Master's Program in Psychology (957 Kb)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here you will find the answer to some frequently asked questions about the International two-year master program in psychology.
I want to apply to the International two-year master program. Am I eligible?
You can see the requirements for the program elsewhere on this page. Please note that we give no notices on eligibility in advance and all applicants must go through the proper application process through www.universityadmissions.se, where you will also find information on how and when to apply.
Does the International two-year master program allow me to become a licensed psychologist? Is it a clinical program?
No, we do not offer a masters, or any freestanding courses/modules, in clinical psychology. The only way to study to become a licensed clinical psychologist here in Sweden is through the full psychologists program.
The psychologists program is a five-year long full time program (300 credits). After that you are granted a psychologists diploma which is a requirement for gaining a license through the National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen).
All admissions to the program are based solely on upper secondary school grades and results on the Swedish Scholastic Aptitude Test. You can not be admitted based on academic studies.
Please note that the psychologist training program is offered exclusively in Swedish.Language requirements for studying in Swedish at universities in Sweden
I am a Swedish speaker. Can I study the International two-year master program in Swedish?
No. The International two-year master program is taught fully in English, which includes course literature, examinations and seminars, etc. Everyone is expected to conduct their studies fully in English, including Swedish speaking students.
I am conditionally admitted to the International two-year master program. What do I need to do now?
If you are conditionally admitted, you have to prove that you have the necessary prerequisites for the program before we can register you (you will not be able to register online). You must do this before August 14th, 2024. Send an email to studieadmin@psychology.su.se containing verification that you fulfill the requirements (for example, a copy of your final transcript and degree certificate).
Please note that it is not enough that you have the equivalent of 180 ECTS credits. You must have a degree certificate or a certificate stating that you have applied for the degree certificate in order to register for the program.
I want to know more about the assessment for the program
At the Department of Psychology we only assess the specific entry requirements. University admissions assesses the general entry requirements.
We only assess whether the applicant has 90 ECTS credits in psychology (specific entry requirement) nothing else.
Essay is not a requirement but can give points in the basis of assessment.
The degree requirement is not limited to psychology, the student can therefore become qualified if you have a degree for example in theater and 90 credits in psychology on the side.
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Meet us
Don't miss to read about two of our alumni from this program here below.
Meet our alumni
Jón Ingi, now a PhD student at the Department of Psychology.Jón Ingi, from Iceland, graduated in 2023 from the International two-year master’s program in psychology. Read more about his experiences in this interview.
Meet Jón Ingi – alumnus from our International two-year master’s program in psychology
Psychology was the obvious choice for Hanna. Photo: PrivateHanna has studied for both a bachelor's and a master's degree in psychology at Stockholm University. She now works as a copywriter and content strategist at a digital marketing agency where she benefits greatly from her education in psychology.
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Contact
Registered students should primarily use Athena for teacher communication.
To contact the Student office or a Student Councellor, see below.
Student office - Master's levelMadeleine ArnwaldStudy Councellor and Student Administrator
Study councellor - Master's level
