Welcome to the Department of Psychology
The Department of Psychology offers an undergraduate program in scientific psychology that covers all core psychological subjects and the three main applied fields: clinical psychology and psychotherapy, industrial, organizational, and business psychology, and educational psychology.
We place particular emphasis on combining a strong focus on research with a strong focus on practical application—and not just in the master’s program.
In addition, the Department of Psychology meets the requirements for the quality seal for bachelor’s degree programs in psychology at German universities, which is awarded by the German Psychological Society (DGPS). Furthermore, the bachelor’s program is aligned with the guidelines of the new PsychThAppro and was accredited accordingly in 2020. The master’s program in psychology with a focus on clinical psychology and psychotherapy began in the 2023–24 winter semester.
The high quality of our degree programs is also confirmed by independent evaluations: In the current CHE ranking (2025), the Psychology program in Siegen ranks among the top performers in several key categories, including the overall study environment, support for first-year students, program organization, and graduation within a reasonable timeframe.
Why should you study psychology in Siegen?
Profile of the Degree Programs and the Department of Psychology
- Close integration of foundational and applied subjects
- A practical focus from the very beginning
- Integration into Current Research
- A wide variety of custom profile settings are possible
- Modern buildings and service facilities
Our practice-oriented and closely supervised degree programs have proven successful even when compared nationwide: In the applied psychotherapy exam (aoPP), our students’ failure rate in the fall of 2025 was 0%, well below the national average of just under 10% (see Institut für medizinische und pharmazeutische Prüfungsfragen).
Beyond exam results, the strengths of our educational programs are also reflected in key metrics: For example, our students complete their degrees within the standard period of study at an above-average rate. This underscores the personalized guidance, high quality of instruction, reliable academic organization, and tailored support provided throughout their studies.
For prospective students, this means: With us, you’ll benefit from clearly structured, practice-oriented degree programs, personalized support, and excellent success rates—the best conditions for a successful academic journey!
Teaching and Research Areas of the Department of Psychology
Links to the research groups and professorships
Other department members:
Professorships that have been discontinued:
Prof. Dr. Angela Schorr, Media Psychology and Educational Psychology.
Prof. Dr. Kurt Sokolowski, General and Differential Psychology.
Former department members:
Prof. Dr. Marie Hennecke, General and Educational Psychology.
Research-Oriented Teaching in Psychology
The professors at Siegen practice research-oriented university teaching, which means that key academic and professional skills are imparted by systematically training students in the scientific approach to subject-specific problems. This approach promotes the acquisition of key skills for academically guided (professional) practice.
Significant portions of the courses take place outside the seminar room or lecture hall, such as conducting teaching experiments, independently leading experiments, guided data collection and analysis, developing and preparing simulations, the topic-specific use of digital media, various formats for developing content in working groups (followed by a presentation to the entire class), the conduct of training sessions and self-awareness exercises, observation and interview internships, etc.
University teaching does not take place solely or primarily “in the classroom or seminar.” Subject-specific laboratory facilities and outpatient counseling centers complement the practical instruction.
Degree Programs
Bachelor's Degree Program in "Social Work"Bachelor's Degree Program in "Social Work"
Bachelor's Degree Program in "Education: Development and Inclusion"Bachelor's Degree Program in "Education: Development and Inclusion"
Master's Program in "Education and Social Work"
Educational Sciences (BA/MA)
The current course offerings are posted online via the UNISONO campus management system.
Contact
The department is represented by its spokesperson, Prof. Dr. Simon Forstmeier.
Mailing Address
Universität Siegen
Fakultät
II
Department Psychologie
Obergraben 23
57072 Siegen
Visitor Address
Villa Sauer
Universität Siegen
Obergraben 23
57072 Siegen
Contact Person
Please contact the department's administrative staff, Michaela Rügheimer.
