Psychology University of Aberdeen

Overview

At a Glance

As the study of mental processes and behaviour, Psychology is interested in what makes people tick, why they do the things they do and what happens when it goes wrong?

Psychology covers a wide range of theoretical and applied disciplines; in the Psychology programme of the University of Aberdeen you will study how we think, perceive, develop, and change. Importantly you will also learn how to “do” psychology and will receive rigorous training in the methods that are used to study human behaviour and the mind.

Our psychology department provides a supportive and stimulating environment for undergraduate students. All of our degrees are accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) guaranteeing an internationally recognised high standard of education.

Psychologists can work in clinical and organisational settings. You may support children and families, adults towards improved mental health, winning and endurance in sports, profiling, or counselling, HR, and behavioural roles. We are all intrigued by self-awareness, why we behave as we do.

The Different Degrees

Psychology at Aberdeen is offered as a BSc or a MA degree. The Psychology element of either programme is exactly the same and they are both equally valued as Psychology degrees. MA students have typically done arts and humanities subjects at school. In the first 2 years within the MA you will be able to take any arts course (e.g., sociology, philosophy, languages) and any science courses that you have the pre-requisites for (many of the science courses require you to have e.g., biology at higher/A-Level). BSc students typically have school qualifications in science subjects and do subjects like maths, biology and chemistry alongside psychology in the first 2 years.

Careers

The School of Psychology at Aberdeen has an employability programme that provides support throughout your degree and beyond, helping to ensure our graduates get those all-important jobs and post-graduate study opportunities. Perhaps the most important aspect of this is our internship programme:

Internships: A range of Psychology-specific internships are available to fourth year students, including placements with Forensic, Clinical and Educational Psychologists. These internships provide vital experience that will ensure you stand out to future employers.

Our employability programme also includes the following:

• Career talks: Find out more about the range of career options available and learn from the experience of past graduates and chartered Psychologists.

• Employability officer: A member of academic staff who can be contacted directly for career advice and help in locating and successfully applying for relevant work and volunteer experience.

• Networking event: Connect with more than 80 employers and chartered Psychologists at our annual networking event.

• Online materials: A dedicated range of materials including: career paths of former graduates, answers to frequently asked questions, links to relevant work and volunteering experience.

• Lectures from professional Psychologists: You will have the opportunity to attend lectures provided by a range of chartered Psychologists.