Coaching
Human-Centered Tech
Wellbeing

Curriculum – Impact Master of Arts in Applied Psychology

Ranked #1 in Germany for innovation in leadership education and 3rd in Europe by the World University Rankings for Innovation.
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Anne Fischer talks about learning at ToU.

How It Works

1. Choose Between Two Variants
Stop guessing which courses pay off and wasting time on topics you’ll never use. Instead select from our targeted nine week modules designed to close your specific skill gaps, build in demand expertise, and deliver tangible career results.
120 ECTS
90 ECTS
120 ECTS – 24 Months (Standard)
Includes 3 Impact Certificates (45 ECTS)
  • Previous Undergraduate University Degree is required
  • ECTS required: 180 ECTS minimum
  • A complete study experience designed for learners starting fresh, covering the full curriculum over two years
90 ECTS – 18 Months
Includes 1 Impact Certificate (15 ECTS)
  • Previous Undergraduate University Degree is required
  • Prior ECTS required: 210 ECTS minimum
  • For those with prior academic or professional experience, a shorter path to graduation in just 1.5 years
2. The Four Phases of the Program
35 ECTS

1. Orientation

Discover your mission and purpose with ToU’s mindset. Set your initial direction, but keep the freedom to adapt your path as you grow.
Explore Orientation Phase
15-45 ECTS

2. Calibration

Shape your studies by choosing flexible impact certificates. Select electives that match your mission, and adjust them anytime along the way.
Explore Calibration Phase
20 ECTS

3. Elevation

Apply your knowledge in a real-world research project, tackling challenges with hands-on impact.
Explore Elevation Phase
20 ECTS

4. Activation

Bring your vision to life with a final thesis project, created together with industry experts.
Explore Activation Phase
Mission
Growth
Project
Thesis

Explore Your Learning-Journey

Move beyond theory with a curriculum structured to help you learn, apply, and lead with confidence.

Orientation Phase

Clarify your mission and map your success
When choices crowd your mind and direction feels uncertain, you need a clear anchor. In this phase you’ll hone in on what truly energizes you and let that clarity guide every decision. By defining your mission and tackling your first group challenge, you’ll emerge from Orientation confident in your purpose and ready to tailor each module to your unique path.
35 Credits
8 Modules | 3 Weeks Each
6 Months in Total
Your Starting Point
You’re full of ambition but need clarity on which direction will deliver the biggest impact for you and your career.
Our Guiding Framework
Through live workshops and group mission sprints, we help you discover your core purpose, define success on your terms, and gain the certainty to own the rest of your journey.

Orientation Modules

Mission
Build Your Dream Team
Introduction to Applied Psychology & Research Methods
Manage Your Inner Team: Self-Management and Intrapersonal Awareness
Managing Emotions in Times of Uncertainty and Stress
Mission Identification
Non-Judgemental Thinking
Orientation Group Challenge
The ToU Way of Learning

Calibration Phase

Build Your Perfect Skill Set
In this phase, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills you need to advance your career – taught by industry leaders and supported by hands-on challenges. Choose your learning path by selecting modules (Impact Certificates) that match your goals.
15-45 Credits
Choose 1-3 Modules
9 Weeks / Module
Zero In On What Matters
You’re juggling career ambitions, personal commitments, and limited time, so generic courses feel like a gamble on your ROI.
Tailored Learning, Maximum Impact
With nine-week modules, professor insights, and live sessions with industry leaders, you hand-pick the exact skills you need for real career growth.

Impact Certificates

Ideation
Growth
AI for Everyone
Behavioural Change
Human Centered Tech-Design
Human Resources, Business Coaching, Career Development
Inner Development Goals
Leading the Change
Organizational Culture & Change Management
Positive Psychology
Regenerative Health for Longevity and a Sustainable Future
Sustainable Innovation Management
Think and Act Like a Leader
Understanding the Mind

Elevation Phase

Prove Your Expertise with Real-World Challenges
In this phase, you’ll transform theory into practice. Through live briefs designed with industry partners, you’ll tackle the exact challenges you’ll face in the real world. Choose from a range of modules to build the portfolio that proves your impact and job readiness.
20 Credits
Choose 1 Module
6 Weeks
Bridge Theory and Practice
You know the concepts but worry you’ll struggle to apply them in real jobs.
Hands-On Industry Experience
Through live briefs co-designed with industry partners, you tackle the exact challenges you’ll face on the job so you build a portfolio that proves you’re career ready.

Real-World Challenges

Real-World Project
Example 1: Designing Sustainable Performance in High-Pressure Roles
Example 2: Building a Coaching-Led People Development Culture
Example 3: Re-Designing Work for Psychological Safety and Effectiveness
Example 4: Designing Human-Centered AI Experiences
Example 5: Designing Psychological Leverage Points for Systemic Change

Activation Phase

Turn Your Learning into Action
In the Activation Phase, you’ll bring everything you’ve learned to life. Whether you choose to become a coach, or conduct a research thesis, this final phase challenges you to apply your skills in a real life project. You’ll work alongside mentors and industry partners to create a tangible final thesis project that shows your impact, expertise, and readiness to lead with purpose.
20 Credits
Final Thesis
12-20 Weeks
Graduate with a Real-World Portfolio
You choose your finale whether an entrepreneurial venture, a deep dive research study, or an industry brief so you graduate with a capstone that reflects your mission, demonstrates real world applicability, and proves you are ready to step confidently into your next role.

Thesis Project

Graduation day should not leave you wondering how to prove your value to employers. Without a substantial thesis, getting hired can feel like a gamble. In Activation you bring your expertise to life by developing a rigorous research thesis that tackles a real-world challenge in your field. You’ll work closely with faculty mentors and a global network of senior professionals who challenge your thinking and refine your analysis, ensuring you graduate not only with a respected MA but also a definitive case study that proves your skills, purpose, and readiness to lead from day one.
Thesis
Activation: Coaching Lab
Activation: Transformation Lab

Combine Industry Expertise with Academic Knowledge

Noor van Boven

Investor & Ex-Chief People Officer N26

Industry Expertise

Noor van Boven is a seasoned HR and organizational leader known for her strategic roles as Chief People Officer at N26 and VP People at SoundCloud, where she has helped scale teams and strengthen organizational culture in fast‑growing tech companies. She is also a co‑founder of Invested, an advisory and angel investment initiative focused on the future of work and tech innovation.

Academic Expertise

Our dedicated professors are appointed in compliance with the Hessian Higher Education Act, adhering to the strict requirements set for all state universities in Germany.

Prof. Dr. Sinem Solak

Program Director BSc AI & Sustainable Technologies, Professor of AI & Technology

Prof. Dr. Nellie Marangou

VP of Academic Affairs

Prof. Dr. Jonathan Costa

VP of Research, Program Director MSc Sustainability, Innovation & Technology, Professor of Data Science & AI

Prof. Dr. Sami Asad

Program Director MSc Sustainability, Entrepreneurship & Technology, Professor of Sustainability & Innovation

Prof. Dr. Maren Ingrid Kropfeld

Program Director MBA, Professor of Sustainability & Entrepreneurship

Prof. Dr. Maximilian Lude

Program Director BA Responsible Entrepreneurship & Management, Professor of Innovation & Strategy

Prof. Dr. Daniela Peukert

Professor of Design for Sustainability Transformation
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Have Questions? Let's Talk!

We know that choosing the right program is a big step. Whether you want to explore your options, clarify your next move, or simply chat about how our studies can work for you, our team is here to help. Book a free, no-obligation call with one of our program advisors today.