The Faculty of Social Sciences offers a three year programme for studies leading to the B.A. degree in psychology.
Psychology is a diverse discipline which emphasizes the understanding of human behavior, thinking and emotions. The study of psychology at the University of Akureyri is a diversified study that provides basic knowledge of psychology as a discipline. The study emphasizes the providing of general knowledge of various fields within the framework of the discipline. Substantial emphasis is placed on doctrines and research methods applied in psychology. The B.A. degree in psychology does not grant specialization in a specific area within psychology but instead students get a good opportunity to study the sundry areas of psychology. It makes it easier to select an area of interest that they can then pursue further in advanced studies.
Study Structure
Studies in psychology are structured in such a manner that during the first year students go through the general basic courses in the social sciences, in addition to introductory courses in psychology. The first year of study thus gives a sound foundation in academic work procedures in the social sciences. In the second and third year emphasis is transferred to the special field of psychology. Among the courses there is clinical psychology, physiological psychology, developmental psychology, instruments and appraisal methods, social psychology and psychology of the mind and perception, to name but a few. Students have the opportunity to participate in designing and implementing various kinds of research and they are encouraged to publish their research results in academic journals.
The study evaluation is based on continuous appraisal which makes it possible for students to keep track of their own progress.
On Completion of Studies
B.A. degree studies in psychology at the University of Akureyri are beneficial to those who are interested in pursuing advanced studies in the different branches of psychology, apart from the fact that it provides a good preparation for advanced studies in related fields of scholarship. Studies for the B.A. degree in psychology are a good basis for a variety of jobs in industry, such as jobs associated with teaching, consulting and various types of research.
See Curriculum and Course Catalog.
