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🧠 Overview of the Impact MA in Applied Psychology

Empowering professionals to lead human-centered transformation by applying psychological science to leadership, organizations, technology, and systemic change.

1. Overview

The Impact Master of Arts in Applied Psychology is a practice‑oriented, research‑informed graduate programme designed to equip professionals with the psychological expertise required to lead people, organisations, and systems in an age of rapid technological change.

As artificial intelligence scales quickly, the ability to understand human behaviour, motivation, decision‑making, and wellbeing has become a critical differentiator. Technical progress alone is no longer sufficient. Sustainable impact increasingly depends on self‑leadership, empathy, collaboration, ethical judgement, and psychologically informed decision‑making. This programme responds directly to that shift.

The Impact MA integrates core psychological science with real‑world application. Learners study how people think, feel, develop, and behave across individual, organisational, and societal levels, and apply this knowledge to challenges in leadership, work, technology, health, and systemic transformation. Rather than treating psychology as a purely academic discipline, the programme emphasises applied use: evidence‑based interventions, behavioural insights, and psychologically grounded strategies that can be implemented immediately in professional contexts.

The programme is structured around challenge‑based learning. Students do not only learn theory; they work on concrete, real‑world challenges where psychological insight matters most, often at the intersection of people, technology, and change. The learning journey progresses from foundational self‑understanding to applied work in teams, organisations, and broader systems.

Building on a shared Applied Psychology core, the Impact MA is offered through five specialised programmes, each focusing on a distinct layer of human development: from the individual, to teams and organisations, to human‑centred technology and large‑scale transformation.

2. Key Information

  • Degree awarded: Master of Arts (M.A.) in Applied Psychology
  • Study format: 100% online, flexible, designed to be compatible with full‑time work
  • Credits: 90 ECTS or 120 ECTS (depending on entry qualification)
  • Study duration:
    • 90 ECTS: 18 months (full‑time) or 24 months (part‑time)
    • 120 ECTS: 24 months (full‑time) or 30 months (part‑time)
  • Language of instruction: English or German
  • Start date: March 2026
  • Tuition: From €833 per month (final tuition depends on track and financing options)
  • Learning model: Challenge‑based learning, applied projects, real‑world cases
  • Delivery: Fully online, no on‑campus requirement

3. Overview of the 5 Specialized Programs

All five programmes share a common Applied Psychology foundation and lead to the an accredited Master of Arts in Applied Psychology with a corresponding specialization (e.g., Master of Arts in Applied Psychology with specialization in Organizational Psychology & New Work). They differ in thematic focus, applied challenges, and career orientation.

Impact M.A. in Self Leadership & Longevity

Focus: The individual

This programme focuses on self‑leadership, resilience, motivation, and sustainable mental and physical wellbeing. Learners develop deep self‑awareness and evidence‑based strategies to manage energy, stress, habits, and purpose in demanding, fast‑changing environments.

It is particularly suited for leaders, professionals, coaches, and wellbeing‑focused roles seeking to build sustainable performance and inner leadership.

More details: https://www.tomorrow.university/impact-master-of-arts-in-psychology/self-leadership-and-longevity

Impact M.A. in People Development & Coaching

Focus: Human growth through learning and guidance

This programme centres on coaching, talent development, leadership development, and applied positive psychology. Learners acquire the skills to support individual and team development through evidence‑based coaching methods, feedback, learning design, and people development strategies.

It is designed for HR professionals, L&D specialists, coaches, mentors, and people‑centric leaders.

More details: https://www.tomorrow.university/impact-master-of-arts-in-psychology/people-development-and-coaching

Impact M.A. in Organizational Psychology & New Work

Focus: Teams, culture, and organisations

This programme applies organisational psychology to modern, digital, and hybrid workplaces. Learners explore psychological safety, culture design, leadership, collaboration, and change management in technology‑driven organisations.

It is suited for organisational development professionals, transformation managers, employee experience designers, and culture leaders.

More details: https://www.tomorrow.university/impact-master-of-arts-in-psychology/organizational-psychology-and-new-work

Impact M.A. in Human‑Centered AI & Tech

Focus: Human–technology interaction

This programme examines how humans interact with AI and digital systems. Learners apply psychological insights to design ethical, inclusive, and human‑centred technologies, and to evaluate the cognitive, emotional, and societal impact of intelligent systems.

It is designed for product leaders, UX/UI designers, tech professionals, innovation leaders, and those working at the intersection of psychology and technology.

More details: https://www.tomorrow.university/impact-master-of-arts-in-psychology/human-centered-ai-and-tech

Impact M.A. in Systemic Transformation & Change

Focus: Organisations and society‑level transformation

This programme applies psychology to large‑scale change, combining behavioural science, decision‑making, storytelling, and systems thinking. Learners develop the capability to design and lead transformation across organisations, policy contexts, and complex socio‑technical systems.

It is suited for transformation leaders, behavioural consultants, policy and impact professionals, and change strategists.

More details: https://www.tomorrow.university/impact-master-of-arts-in-psychology/systemic-transformation-and-change

4. Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the Impact M.A. in Applied Psychology, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Academic background:
    • A recognised Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in psychology, business, social sciences, education, health, technology, or a related field. Applicants from other academic backgrounds may also be considered if their prior studies and professional experience demonstrate relevance to applied psychology.
  • ECTS requirements:
    • For the 120 ECTS track: undergraduate degree with at least 180 ECTS.
    • For the 90 ECTS track: undergraduate degree with at least 210 ECTS.
  • Professional experience:
    • Minimum 1 year of relevant professional experience.
  • Language proficiency:
    • English proficiency at CEFR level B2 or higher (or equivalent).
  • Admissions process:
    • Successful completion of an application review and a mandatory admission interview.
  • Additional notes:
    • Admission without a prior university degree is not possible for this programme.

5. FAQs

What is the difference between the 90 ECTS and 120 ECTS versions?

Both versions lead to the same accredited Master of Arts degree. The difference lies in scope and depth.

  • The 120 ECTS programme is designed for applicants with at least 180 ECTS from previous studies and includes a broader calibration phase with three Impact Certificates, followed by Grand Challenges and a Master’s thesis.
  • The 90 ECTS programme is designed for applicants with at least 210 ECTS from previous studies and follows a shorter pathway with one Impact Certificate, while still covering the full Applied Psychology core.

Both tracks are aligned with German higher education requirements and lead to a total of 300 ECTS when combined with prior studies.

Do all five specialisations lead to the same degree?

Yes. All five programmes lead to a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Applied Psychology.

The specialisation is formally recognised: your degree certificate and diploma supplement will state that you completed an M.A. in Applied Psychology with a specialisation in the respective focus area (e.g. Self Leadership & Longevity, Human‑Centered AI & Tech).

Is the programme fully online?

Yes. The programme is delivered 100% online. There are no mandatory on‑campus sessions, and you can study from anywhere in the world.

Because the programme is fully online, no German student visa is required.

Can I study while working full‑time?

Yes. The programme is explicitly designed for working professionals. Learning is flexible and asynchronous, allowing you to integrate your studies with professional and personal responsibilities. Many learners apply insights from the programme directly to their current roles.

In which language can I study?

The programme is offered in English and German. You choose your study language during the application process.

Is the degree accredited?

Yes. The Impact M.A. in Applied Psychology is state‑accredited within the German higher education system and accredited through ACQUIN (Accreditation, Certification and Quality Assurance Institute), a recognised German accreditation agency, and is recognised as a full Master’s degree.

What kind of roles does the programme prepare me for?

Graduates move into roles where understanding human behaviour is a strategic advantage, including leadership and executive coaching, people development and HR leadership, organisational development, behavioural consulting, transformation management, human‑centred technology and product roles, and system‑level change and impact roles.

Career paths vary by specialisation, but all focus on applying psychological science to real‑world challenges.

Do I need a background in psychology?

A prior degree in psychology is not strictly required, but applicants are expected to have an academic background that is clearly related to psychology or human behaviour.

This typically includes degrees in psychology, social sciences, business, education, health, or closely related fields. Applicants from other backgrounds (e.g. technology or engineering) are considered only where their prior studies and professional experience demonstrate strong relevance to applied psychology.

In all cases, applicants must show professional relevance, motivation, and readiness to engage with applied psychological science at Master’s level.

How practical is the programme?

The programme follows a challenge‑based learning model. Learners work on real‑world challenges, applied projects, and case studies throughout the programme, translating theory directly into practice across individual, organisational, and societal contexts.

Are there scholarships or financial support options?

Yes. Tomorrow University offers scholarships of up to €1,500 as well as regional price grants of up to €8,000, depending on location and individual circumstances.

When do applications open?

Applications are currently open for the March 2026 intake.