Psychology – (B.Sc.)

Contents

The first year of the Bachelor´s programme introduces the entire field, with particular emphasis on the history of psychology and applications to the real world. Much of the curriculum specifically fosters independent thinking and clear communication, a mastery of information search skills, and an understanding of the types of data psychologists use.

The statistical techniques by which psychologists evaluate data are introduced; courses in social and cross-cultural psychology, developmental psychology, and personality and individual differences put the individual into a social and cultural context; a course in biopsychology explores the underlying role of biological processes in thought and behaviour; and a practicum provides a first chance to develop intervention and dialogue skills.

The second year builds upon the first, with many topics being revisited in detail. There are courses on organisational, clinical, cognitive, and social psychology, with an emphasis on applications of these disciplines in such spheres as the workplace, health settings, rehabilitation, and consumer behaviour.

There are two more statistics courses, and test theory is introduced and applied in diagnostic skills and research practica. A course on the theory of science paints the big picture, and the year ends with a course on career paths and the
competencies they call for.

As part of this latter course the student develops a portfolio showcasing the skills acquired in the first two years and, with guidance, an individualized plan for the final year of the programme.

The third year is designed to both broaden and deepen the students´ knowledge and understanding. The broadening is by way of a 30 ECTS minor undertaken in the first semester. It may be taken within the Psychology Department of the University of Groningen, from another of its departments, or from another university altogether.

The deepening is by way of specialisation in the second semester. The students take four courses of their own choosing and also write a Bachelor´s thesis. The thesis is based on original research, and it attests to the acquisition of the skills that entitle the student to receive the internationally recognized designation of Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

Field of research

A 10 ECTS bachelor´s thesis is written based on research in one of the following areas: Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Social Psychology, Cognitive Psychology and Cognitive Neuropsychology, or Clinical and Developmental Psychology.