Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and associated biological, cognitive, and social processes in humans and other animals. It is a rapidly developing field touching on all aspects of human life. Advances in neuro-imaging and molecular biology are rapidly enhancing our understanding of how the brain works, while increasingly complex theories are being developed to understand both normal and abnormal development and the behaviour of individuals and groups. Major advances are being made in understanding and treating psycho-pathologies such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and addictions.
Psychology students are trained to:
- think independently and critically about psychological issues
- become knowledgeable about the key methods, important findings, and major theories of psychology
- learn how to distinguish genuine findings from implausible and suspect claims
- understand modern scientific research in psychology.
Courses
UC offers a major and a minor in Psychology within the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science, and a major in the Bachelor of Health Sciences.
You can also study this subject as a minor within the Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Sport Coaching, and Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership.
Psychology major
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science
To complete a major in Psychology within the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science, you will need to take the following courses throughout the degree:
100-level
- PSYC 105 Introductory Psychology – Brain, Behaviour and Cognition
- PSYC 106 Introductory Psychology – Social, Personality and Developmental
200-level
300-level
- 75 points of 300-level PSYC courses
Bachelor of Health Sciences
To complete a major in Psychology within the Bachelor of Health Sciences, you will need to take the following courses throughout the degree:
100-level
- PSYC 105 Introductory Psychology – Brain, Behaviour and Cognition
- PSYC 106 Introductory Psychology – Social, Personality and Developmental
200-level
300-level
- PSYC 339 Health Psychology and Behaviour Change
- PSYC 344 Research Methods
- 15 points of 300-level PSYC courses
Preparation for postgraduate Psychology studies
To be eligible to enter postgraduate programmes in Psychology, students must have passed certain 300-level courses:
- PSYC 344 is required for postgraduate study in Psychology or Applied Psychology
- PSYC 336 is required for the Master of Science in Applied Psychology
- PSYC 335 is required for the Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology
Psychology minor
For the Psychology minor in the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Sport Coaching, or Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership, you will need to take these courses throughout your chosen degree:
- 75 points in 100 to 300-level PSYC courses, with at least 45 points at 200-level or above
Contact us
Te Kura Mahi ā-Hirikapo | School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing
Phone +64 3 369 4333
Email [email protected]
Location
See the School’s website for up-to-date location details.
Postal address
College of Science | Te Rāngai Pūtaiao
University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand