BSc (Hons) Degree in Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of human and animal behavior. Psychologists study behavior in systems ranging from single cells to the individual person, from small groups to communities. Psychologists strive to describe behavior and to understand its underlying biological and social mechanisms. This enterprise, designed to better understand human behavior, accumulates knowledge that can help solve problems faced by individuals and by communities. This program in Psychology is sponsored by the Faculty of Law and Social Studies of the Philips College.

Aims

In particular, the program aims to provide a stimulating and challenging higher-level education in Psychology. The Psychology program has been designed to encompass the latest developments in the field. The program introduces students to a broad range of theoretical perspectives and psychological areas through the presence of core and elective subjects.

Throughout the first three years of the Honours Degree program, specific core and elective modules are taken to ensure that students are introduced to the general themes and perspectives that underline the various fields of psychology and are exposed to the major levels and forms of inquiry conducted by the different approaches to psychology. Furthermore, the provision of core courses drawn from a number of complementary domains allows the students of the second and third year to develop a broader and more balanced perspective.

Within the first year, elective subjects are taken in conjunction with the core subjects. This enables students to select from courses that both complement and supplement their understanding and application of psychology in particular and other areas of social studies in general.

In the second and third year of the program, in addition to specific core subjects students can take subjects selected from a wide range of electives that cover the diverse topic areas from within psychology. These electives allow students to enhance the foundations of knowledge established in the first year. Furthermore, the elective subjects provide an understanding of the applicability of psychology within the workplace and wider community.

Further to taking core and elective subjects, students in the fourth year of the Honours Degree program are encouraged to utilize the knowledge areas and practical skills gained by undertaking a supervised research project. The project, which is conducted over two semesters, is presented in written form and defended orally, and the mark obtained contributes to the level of award achieved.

Duration of Studies

The period of study for full-time students is four academic years (or eight semesters) covering both core and elective subjects.

Graduation Requirements

Students studying towards the BSc (Hons) Degree in Psychology are required to take a minimum of 252 ECTS. One hundred and eighty (180) ECTS must come from core subjects, forty-two (42) from specialization electives, and thirty (30) from general electives.

Honours Degree

At the time of graduation each candidate for an Honours Degree must have:

• completed successfully all the prescribed course work of the examination syllabus;
• achieved the required minimum number of credits of prescribed course work by completing successfully all core and elective subjects as required by the program of studies.

As a general rule, all students must have

• completed successfully a minimum of 252 ECTS; and
• secured a GPA* of at least 2.00 on courses taken successfully during semester 5-8.

A candidate who has fulfilled the requirements of the prescribed scheme of study and has satisfied the examiners shall be eligible for the conferment of a Bachelor Degree with Honours in one of the following classes on the basis of his Grade Point Average (GPA)

Candidates not deemed to have attained the standard required for earning an Honours Degree may be granted the Pass Degree.