Psychology - Bachelor's Programme

Psychology is a broad field of study. It includes how we perceive, process and store information, how we interact with – and influence – each other, and how our personality develops.Psychology is also about how our body reacts to stress and how we can understand, prevent and treat mental disorders.

The bachelor programme in psychology will make you familiar with the main areas of psychology, such as social psychology, personality psychology, cognitive psychology and biological psychology.

The psychology programme has a broad scope. The study has an applied profile and provides specialization in the areas of work and organizational psychology, educational psychology and health psychology. These are skills which are in demand, among other institutions, in personnel departments, corporate services, employment and social services.

The bachelor's degree in psychology provides evidence-based competence. You will become familiar with recent research in the field, and you will have the opportunity to carry out your own small research projects.

Qualitative and quantitative methods, knowledge development, research design, legislation and ethics make up the study's toolbox. The course gives you a holistic understanding of psychology and a good starting point for any specialization at master's level.

The study provides exchange opportunities to exciting universities in the other Nordic countries, Europe, the USA and Australia. An attractive feature of the bachelor degree is the possibility to tailor the exchange semester to topics in psychology that are of particular interest to the student.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge

On successful completion of the programme, students will

• have knowledge of the basic disciplines within psychology, including an understanding of the main concepts, theories and methods within developmental, cognitive, biological, social and personality psychology, and their areas of application
• have knowledge of research methods and academic dissemination within psychology
• have knowledge of the history of psychology and its modern areas of application
• have knowledge of applied psychology, including health/clinical psychology, work and organizational psychology and educational psychology
• be able to update their knowledge within the subject area

Skills

On successful completion of the programme, students will

• be able to apply the main scientific methods and tools within psychology
• be able to evaluate theoretical and practical issues within the various branches of psychology
• be able to choose relevant analysis and solution models in relation to psychological topics and tasks, and explain the reasoning behind the choice
• be able to cast light on general human conditions , and to propose assessments and interventions which are sensitive to both cultural issues and ethnicity
• be able to explain how general psychological issues can be resolved using applied theories and methods from various basic disciplines within psychology
• be able to reflect on their own academic practice and adjust this under supervision

General competencies

On successful completion of the programme, students will

• be able to explain, analyse, assess and advise on matters concerning individuals, groups and organisations
• be able to participate in development projects in areas such as prevention, rehabilitation and unemployment
• be able to assist in the planning, execution, reporting and evaluation of psychological development and research projects
• be able to handle situations by analysing, structuring and setting goals within a practical or theoretical area, and thus plan, implement and evaluate courses of action
• be able to identify their own learning needs and structure and facilitate their own and others’ learning processes
• be familiar with new ideas and innovation processes within psychology

Career prospects

A bachelor’s degree in psychology gives you the skills to investigate, describe, understand and develop people, groups and organisations. The degree will facilitate you as a future leader, employee or adviser. This includes being able to understand and prevent conflicts and to manage interpersonal relationships.

After completing your studies, you will have broad knowledge and competence in both the basic disciplines of psychology and applied subject areas such as health promotion, organizational work and pedagogy. You will also have the skills to explore relevant issues systematically and scientifically, and communicate your findings. The education qualifies for work within health and welfare services, and at various organizational levels within both public and private business. In addition, the education qualifies for further research and development work; management, HR and organisations; HSE; education and upbringing; guidance and counseling; service development and innovation; communication and dissemination.

The bachelor's degree in psychology also qualifies for further studies at master's degree level. The degree does not provide a basis for practicing as a psychologist in Norway according to current legislation. It can nevertheless provide useful skills if you want to work in mental health.

The bachelor's degree in psychology qualifies for further studies at master's degree level.

Course assessment

To ensure the quality of the programme of study and a good learning environment for students and teachers, the students are asked to provide feedback on the individual course relatively early in the semester, in addition to the standardised evaluation of courses that takes place at least every three years. The evaluation of the programme of study and the courses is laid down in the University’s quality assurance system.