# International Psychoanalytic University Berlin

International Psychoanalytic University Berlin (IPU) is a private non-profit university in Berlin, Germany. It was founded in 2009 by the "Gesellschaft zur Förderung der universitären Psychoanalyse mbH" (Limited Liability Society to Promote University Psychoanalysis), initiated by Christa Rohde-Dachser and Jürgen Körner.
IPU Berlin has been state-recognized and was awarded its institutional accreditation by the German Council of Science and Humanities in November 2014.

## History

The International Psychoanalytic University (IPU) Berlin was founded in 2009 with the aim of restoring psychoanalysis as a central discipline within psychology and social sciences. Initiated by Christa Rohde-Dachser and Jürgen Körner, the university was established by the "Gesellschaft zur Förderung der universitären Psychoanalyse mbH" (Limited Liability Society to Promote University Psychoanalysis). Unlike many traditional psychology programs in Germany, which increasingly focused on empirical and cognitive-behavioral approaches, IPU sought to create an academic environment where psychoanalytic theory and practice could be rigorously studied, researched, and applied in contemporary psychological and social contexts.
The university officially began its teaching and research activities in the autumn of 2009, initially launching with a master's program in clinical psychology. Over the years, IPU Berlin has expanded its academic portfolio to include undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, emphasizing interdisciplinary connections between psychoanalysis, psychology, cultural studies, and the social sciences. The institution received state recognition and institutional accreditation from the German Council of Science and Humanities in 2014, cementing its place as a respected academic institution in Germany. Today, IPU Berlin continues to foster an international and research-oriented approach, attracting students and scholars from diverse backgrounds who share an interest in psychoanalytic thought and its applications in modern society.

## Mission

The International Psychoanalytic University (IPU) Berlin is dedicated to advancing psychoanalysis through education, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The university offers study programs that emphasize understanding individuals as biologically, socially, and culturally shaped beings, focusing on the influence of personal history and the unconscious. IPU fosters a transdisciplinary approach, integrating psychoanalysis with other scientific fields to enrich both theory and practice. The institution is committed to providing excellent learning and working conditions, promoting dialogue among disciplines, and building international networks to enhance its educational and research endeavors.

## Study Programs

The International Psychoanalytic University (IPU) Berlin offers a diverse array of study programs that integrate psychoanalytic principles with various disciplines. These programs are designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical application, catering to a wide range of academic and professional interests.
Bachelor's Program:
* BSc Psychology PLUS: This undergraduate program offers a comprehensive education in psychology, enriched with practice-related competencies. It provides students with a solid foundation in psychological theories and methodologies, preparing them for various professional fields or advanced studies.
Master's Programs:
* MA Psychology – Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy: Starting in the winter semester of 2021-2022, this program focuses on clinical psychology and psychotherapy, equipping students with the skills necessary for therapeutic practice and research.
* MA Psychology (English Track): This master's program, conducted entirely in English, emphasizes a clinical focus, making it accessible to international students and those seeking an English-language curriculum.
* MA Psychology Focusing on Organisation – Transformation Processes in Work, Society, and Environment: This multidisciplinary program explores organizational psychology, examining transformation processes within work, societal, and environmental contexts.
* MA Leadership and Consulting: Formerly known as Organizational Studies, this program delves into organizational development through a psychodynamic approach, preparing students for leadership and consultancy roles.
* MA Interdisciplinary Psychosis Therapy: Previously titled Integrated Care of Psychotically Ill Persons, this program emphasizes multiprofessional work for individuals with psychoses, promoting integrated therapeutic approaches.
* MA Cultural Studies: Designed as a part-time course parallel to full-time employment, this program offers an in-depth exploration of cultural studies from a psychoanalytic perspective.
Each of these programs is structured to foster independent, socially reflective, and solution-oriented professional abilities, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully in their chosen fields.

## Research

The International Psychoanalytic University (IPU) Berlin is deeply committed to advancing psychoanalytic research through a variety of dedicated centers and initiatives. A cornerstone of this commitment is the Erich Fromm Study Center, established in 2016, which focuses on promoting and developing Erich Fromm's socio-psychoanalytical and humanistic theories. The center integrates Fromm's perspectives into teaching, advanced education, and training, thereby enriching the academic environment with his humanistic view of human nature.
In addition to the Erich Fromm Study Center, IPU Berlin engages in various research projects that explore psychoanalysis as a social science, psychotherapeutic approach, and cultural theory. The university emphasizes interdisciplinarity, practical relevance, and internationalization in its research endeavors.
Through these centers and initiatives, IPU Berlin fosters a research environment that encourages interdisciplinary dialogue and practical application, contributing significantly to the advancement of psychoanalytic knowledge and its integration into various professional fields.

## International

The International Psychoanalytic University (IPU) Berlin is committed to fostering a global academic environment through extensive international collaborations and partnerships. The university has established cooperative agreements with numerous institutions worldwide, facilitating student and faculty exchanges, joint research projects, and cross-cultural academic initiatives. These partnerships span various countries, including Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic, France, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sudan, Sweden, and Turkey.
Through its International Office, IPU Berlin actively supports students seeking to study or intern abroad, providing guidance and resources to enhance their international experience. The university also welcomes international students, offering comprehensive support services to assist with their integration into the academic community. By promoting international mobility and cross-border academic cooperation, IPU Berlin enriches its educational offerings and contributes to the global advancement of psychoanalytic studies.

## Ranking

IPU Berlin's MA Psychology course was ranked first in the 2016 CHE University Ranking among Germany's psychology master programs.