PhD programs in Europe versus the US

[beardedfellow]

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Hello all,

I recently graduated with my Bachelors in Psychology and I find myself with more questions then answers. I have been looking into graduate schools abroad in Germany, in particular the Berlin School of Mind and Brain, and have found several areas of their research to be interesting. I have a strong interest in neuro-psychopathology and mental disorders and would ultimately like to work in this field professionally. This school in particular is only a 3 year doctoral program and simply requires a Masters to be completed or in progress upon admission.

So, my question for you guys is: Are graduate schools in Europe considered to be of the same caliber as here in the United States? I am assuming they are but I just want to hear a variety of opinions based on experience. Also, I am having a hard time figuring out what kind of Masters programs I could obtain in the neuro-field that would help me gain admission to this type of school. Obviously I cannot simply get a Masters in Neruopsychology (at least not from what I have seen) and I am wondering if anyone else has any advice on which kind of Master Programs I should be looking for. Thanks in advance for all your help!

 

[Ollie123]

Many are excellent. However, the system is very very different at many of them so that is something to be aware of going in...doctorates may not involve any actual classes, which is why they generally want you to have a master's. I'm far from the best person to ask but I imagine a master's from another European school might actually be the best optiob.

Another consideration is that, depending on your goal, realize its unlikely you would be able to practice clinically with such a degree if you ever decided to return to the US. Not sure if that matters to you or not, but we've had folks come by before who seemed surprised by that so it seems worth mentioning.