Master's Programme in Psychology

Presentation

Objectives and content

This programme of study provides graduates with expert knowledge and relevant skills in the field of psychology, specialising in either "social and cognitive psychology" or "behaviour and neuroscience". Students will learn about relevant academic perspectives and challenges in psychological research, gain in-depth knowledge of scientific theory and research methods, and take various specialisation courses on modern research that are relevant for the two programme options. In the final year of the programme, students write a master's thesis within their specialisation that makes an independent contribution to the research literature.

Social and cognitive psychology:

This programme option provides you with in-depth competence in the processes and mechanisms that determine the behaviour of individuals and groups. You will gain expert knowledge of human experience and thought processes, cooperation and interaction, and influence from groups and culture. This kind of knowledge can be used to tackle some of the key challenges in society today. The topics covered include diversity in society and working life, integration and conflict, security, risk assessments, health and safety planning and emergency preparedness in work and leisure activities, errors and reliability, tourist experiences, climate change and sustainability, conscious and subconscious processes, how language and culture affect cognition, and the possibility for topics within neuroscience. Throughout the entire programme, you will be included in work in the research environment at the Faculty, and you will write a master¿s thesis where you will plan and conduct data collection. The programme includes the opportunity to go on an international exchange in the third semester. The programme enables you to understand social and cognitive phenomena, mechanisms and processes, to critically assess and contribute to research, and to apply knowledge from research in different areas of society.

Behaviour and neuroscience:

This programme option focuses on the relationship between the brain, behaviour and cognition. This specialisation focuses on the theoretical basis for basic research on the human brain and research related to psychiatric, neurological and other clinical conditions. Laboratory exercises and practical demonstrations provide expertise in research methods in neuroscience, including electrophysiology and brain imaging methods. Topics covered include: neurobiological, neuropsychological and theoretical approaches to emotion; different forms of cognition (such as memory and attention) and psychopathology; research methodologies and ethical issues in psychophysiology; and neuroscience for research on humans and animals. The programme option enables students to analyse behaviour and cognitive and emotional processes in a neuroscience perspective, to understand and use research methods within cognitive neuroscience, and to critically assess research.

Semester

Autumn

What you Learn

Required Learning Outcomes

Knowledge:

On completion of the degree, graduates will:

• have in-depth knowledge of the topics, theory and perspectives in the field of psychology
• have in-depth knowledge of the methods in the field of psychology
• have in-depth knowledge of central topics, theories, methods and areas of work relevant to one of the two programme options "social and cognitive psychology" or "behaviour and neuroscience"

Skills:

On completion of the degree, graduates will be able to:

• perform work assignments that require familiarity with complex subjects and solve problems related to human phenomena and interaction
• use their knowledge and abilities to carry out and lead major projects
• critically assess assertions and research related to psychological phenomena, mechanisms and processes
• analyse academic issues and research questions based on the field of psychology, professional traditions, the inherent nature of the discipline and its place in society
• work independently with theoretical, analytical and practical problem solving, based on existing theories, methodologies and interpretations within psychology
• critically analyse different sources of information and use them in academic reasoning
• undertake an independent research or development project under academic supervision and in line with current research ethical norms and rules

General competence:

On completion of the degree, graduates will be able to:

• analyse academic, professional and research-ethical issues within psychology
• apply qualitative and quantitative approaches to research
• process large digital datasets
• disseminate complex academic subjects in writing and orally
• communicate academic issues, analyses and conclusions relating to the subject of psychology, both to other specialists and to the general public
• contribute to new ideas and innovation processes in psychology

Study Period Abroad

Study period abroad

It is possible and recommended to go on an international exchange and take part of your education in a different country. Students on the ¿social and cognitive psychology¿ programme option can choose to write a 30-credit master¿s thesis and take 30 elective credits abroad. In some cases, exchanges can also be arranged for students who write a 60-credit master¿s thesis, for example in the form of an exchange to collect data in the third semester.