Why you should study psychology at the university

The whole world has gone psycho. We need psychologists, we need you! If you’re doubting whether to study Psychology or not, I hope this post will convince you.

Psychology is the study of humans – you know, what they do, think, perceive and feel. It addresses topics such as learning, memory, group behaviour and disability. By applying scientific principles to human behaviour, it helps us to answer many important questions about society.

PSYCHOLOGY is the scientific study of the brain, behaviour, and cognitive processes. Psychology is concerned with understanding human personality, behaviour, emotion, underlying mental processes and the factors that lead people to differ in the way they think and behave

Psychology can help us understand why there is a prevailing upsurge in drugs among the youth

Psychology is an interdisciplinary subject that draws on both the sciences and the humanities: in order to understand psychology, you will study some aspects of biology, computing and philosophy. These elements combine to make psychology a fascinating and important course to study and you will definitely develop a wide range of skills.

Psychology is deep and you will be introduced to the major areas of contemporary psychology: clinical science, human cognition and cognitive neuroscience, developmental psychology, neuroscience, and social psychology.

• Clinical science studies human personality, emotion, abnormal behaviour, and therapeutic treatments.
• Human cognition and cognitive neuroscience include the study of processes such as learning, remembering, perceiving environmental objects and events, and neural mechanisms underlying these processes.
• Developmental psychology examines human development from conception through adulthood, including cognitive, emotional, physical, and social aspects.
• Neuroscience studies the structure and function of the brain and how nerve cells process sensory information about the environment, mediate decisions and control motor actions.
• Social psychology examines interpersonal and intergroup relations and the influence of social conditions on cognitive, emotional, and behavioural processes.

Psychology, in summary, is the study of the mind. It is most commonly the study of discipline, an applied science that seeks to understand individuals and groups through general principles, and applying case studies to diagnose issues. A professional practitioner of psychology is called a psychologist. Psychologists attempt to understand the role of a person’s mental functions in their individual behaviour and how they behave in a social environment.

The benefits of studying Psychology 

Within the School of Psychology, you have the opportunity to gain valuable work experience during industrial placement and graduates do well in a wide range of careers. Some have gone on to qualify as clinical, forensic or occupational psychologists. Others have found careers in related subjects such as therapy, teaching and social work, or have gone into professions where communication skills are important, such as public relations, marketing, publishing or media work.

During your studies, you develop valuable transferable skills that employers look for. Gain transferable skills studying for a degree is not just about mastering your subject area. Employers are also looking for a range of key skills, and I encourage you to develop these within your degree programme. Psychology equips you with general critical, analytical and problem-solving skills, which you can apply in a wide range of different settings; this puts you in a strong position when looking for employment.

Academic staff within the psychology department are active in research and their passion for their subject will inspire you. They challenge you to develop your own opinions and ideas, encouraging you to become an independent thinker. The department usually offers a wide variety of opportunities for undergraduates to gain research experience through active participation in faculty research projects. Such research experience is considered a fundamental aspect of education in experimental psychology

Some courses within Psychology

• Social and Developmental Psychology
• Psychology Statistics and Practical
• Business Psychology
• Introduction to Forensic Psychology
• Child Development
• Cognitive Psychology
• Personality

Where can I work as a Psychologist?

Qualified psychologists can work in a variety of settings, including clinical, forensic, organisational, educational, health and many other specialist areas. The contexts in which you can work are just as varied, including private practice, hospitals, commercial organisations, schools, universities, government agencies and various research groups.

You don’t have to acquire a PhD in psychology. Your understanding of human behaviour and the skills that you develop throughout your course will open up opportunities in industries – such as community services, counselling, education and health services

Are you convinced?