Psychology (Experimental)

Psychology has been defined as the science of mental life and its scope includes a wide variety of issues. It addresses such questions as: how do we perceive and understand the world around us? How do children acquire language? What predisposes two people to get on with each other? What causes schizophrenia?

Psychology at Oxford is a scientific discipline, involving the rigorous formulation and testing of ideas. It works through experiments and systematic observation rather than introspection.

A typical week

• Terms 1-3: about six lectures, two or three tutorials or one practical class.
• Terms 4-9: usually six lectures, one or two tutorials and one practical class. You will also undertake independent research and be given the opportunity to write a dissertation.
• Terms 10-12 (MSci): almost exclusive focus on an extended research or translational project with complementary advanced and critical skills training.

Tutorials usually involve two to four students and a tutor. Class sizes for laboratory classes may vary depending on the options you choose. Core lab classes which are attended by most students will usually be in groups of 35-40 students. Multiple demonstrators will usually attend to assist the staff who are leading these classes. There are usually no more than around 20 students for final-year specialist options.

Most tutorials, classes, and lectures are delivered by staff who are experts in the subject they tutor. The majority of staff are world-leading experts with years of experience in teaching and research. Some teaching may also be delivered by postgraduate students who are usually studying at doctoral level, and are specialists in those topics.

To find out more about how our teaching year is structured, visit our Academic Year page.

Courses

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Assessment

: Three introductory courses are taken out of:

• Psychology
• Philosophy
• Linguistics
• Neurophysiology
• Probability theory and statistics

First University examinations: papers in each of the three introductory courses taken, one of which is Probability theory and statistics

Experimental Psychology graduates enter a wide range of careers including: