Scope

Psychology in Austria encompasses both research and application. Research and application cover all major sub-disciplines of psychology. Research is mainly conducted in the departments of psychology at six Austrian universities.

Education

Training in Psychology as a major is available at five Austrian universities (Graz, Innsbruck, Klagenfurt, Salzburg, Vienna) and at the private Sigmund Freud-Universität (Vienna). At present, study programs are being changed to the new Bologna system. The program for the first grade (B.Sc.) will take three years, the subsequent master program (M.Sc.) will take two years. Bachelor programs are already implemented at the University of Salzburg and the Sigmund Freud-University. All other Austrian universities will probably follow in the next 2-3 years.

Until now, a five-year program of study and graduate training has been obligatory. After completion of the program and a diploma thesis, students got a diploma degree "Mag. rer. nat." or "Mag.phil.". A doctoral degree ("rer. nat." or "Dr. phil.") can be obtained after an additional post-graduate training of three years at minimum and the completion of a doctoral dissertation at one of the university departments of psychology. Admission to the doctoral program presupposes a diploma or master grade.

Regulation

 The profession of psychologists (and the use of the title psychologist) has been regulated in a special professional law since 1990. Certain professional disciplines such as clinical and health psychology require a special post-graduate training which is regulated in the law of psychologists. This training is offered at some of the university departments and by the Berufsverband Österreichischer Psychologinnen und Psychologen. The Berufsverband additionally runs an academy for continuation training that offers advanced training in various fields.

Ethics

The Austrian Law of Psychologists includes a code of ethics.