Studies
Research
About RU
Duration
3 years
Credits
180 ECTS
Degree
BSc
Internship possible
Yes
Distance learning possible
No

Programme content

Please note that the BSc programme in Psychology is primarily taught in Icelandic, although selected courses are taught in English.

The programme provides students with a strong foundation across the key subfields of Psychology. It is particularly suited for individuals interested in understanding cognitive processes, behaviour, and emotions, exploring how individual and group behaviours can be influenced, and applying psychological knowledge to promote well-being and mental health.

The programme is designed in alignment with international academic standards and is tailored to meet the most rigorous global psychological education and training criteria. Upon completing the programme, graduates will thoroughly understand the theories, frameworks, and concepts within the principal subfields of Psychology. They will also have acquired knowledge of the physiological underpinnings of behaviour and psychological approaches to understanding and addressing emotional and behavioural challenges in individuals. In addition, students will gain proficiency in conducting experimental research, employing diverse research methodologies, presenting findings effectively, and producing high-quality academic writing.

Teaching methods

The programme includes lectures, project work, laboratory work, and field studies. There is a strong emphasis on professional teaching in small groups, with personalised guidance.

Do you have questions about the programme?

Sara Katrín Farmer
Programme Administrator
Rannveig S. Sigurvinsdóttir
Programme Director for the BSc Programme in Psychology

Career

A Bachelor of Science in Psychology is highly regarded across various sectors. For example, these fields include education, applied research, health promotion, prevention initiatives, journalism, marketing, industry, business, information technology, and roles within the public sector.

Skills and competencies of BSc Psychology graduates:  

  • Work independently and systematically, set goals, plan effectively, and find solutions to various challenges.
  • Apply critical thinking skills when evaluating information, claims, and behaviour.
  • Collaborate professionally with others, including professionals from different disciplines.
  • Use relevant tools, technology, software, psychological methods, and procedures to address new questions in the field.
  • Justify their conclusions with well-reasoned arguments, recognise when further knowledge is needed, and conduct independent research in various areas of Psychology.
  • Access and evaluate information reliably and critically.
  • Remain open to new ideas and innovations.
  • Demonstrate the necessary academic skills and knowledge to pursue postgraduate studies.

The BSc programme in Psychology does not grant the qualification to practice as a psychologist. To acquire the legally protected title of psychologist, students must complete an additional two-year master's degree (Master of Science in Clinical Psychology) following their Bachelor of Science in Psychology. This Master of Science in Clinical Psychology is offered at Reykjavík University.

Postgraduate studies

The Psychology programme at RU strongly emphasises research and science, as they are the foundation of improving people´s lives and our society.

Dr. Bryndís Björk Ásgeirsdóttir
Dean of the School of Social Sciences and former Department Chair of Psychology at RU

Structure

Programme structure

The BSc programme in Psychology consists of 180 ECTS, students are enrolled in 30 ECTS per semester:

  • Required courses 138 ECTS + BSc thesis 18 ECTS
  • Elective courses 24 ECTS
Courses

Each semester is divided into two periods. The first period is 12 weeks and students will enroll in four courses. Following final exams for the 12 week courses, a three week period begins, where students will be enrolled in one course. Students are not allowed to enroll in more than one course during the three week period. In the third year of the programme, students will work on their BSc thesis for 15 weeks and will therefore not take three week courses.

BSc thesis

The BSc thesis is 18 ECTS and is taken during the third year, 6 ECTS in the Fall and 12 ECTS in the Spring.

Fall
Biology and Behaviour
E-112-LIAT / 6 ECTS
Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology
E-114-RATO / 6 ECTS
Scientific Writing
E-115-VIHI / 6 ECTS
Social Psychology
E-216-FESA / 6 ECTS
The Psychology of Learning
E-113-NAMS / 6 ECTS
Spring
Perception and Cognition
E-215-HSKY / 6 ECTS
Personality and Individual Differences
E-116-SAEI / 6 ECTS
Developmental Psychology
E-214-DEPS / 6 ECTS
Research Methods in Psychology
E-315-RATO / 6 ECTS
Determinants of Development
E-412-CDYA / 6 ECTS

Three-week courses

Psychology of learning
Determinants of development
Positive psychology
Entrepreneurship and starting new ventures
Duration
3 years
Credits
180 ECTS
Degree
BSc
Internship possible
Yes
Distance learning possible
No

Mentes is the student association for BSc Psychology students. The student associations at Reykjavik University organize various events, such as annual celebrations, academic trips, and joint events with other student associations within the university.

Facilities

Everything in one place

At Reykjavik University, all teaching and operations take place under one roof. Emphasis is placed on ensuring that everyone has easy access to the services within the building.

Further information: Campus | Háskólinn í Reykjavík

Living in Iceland

Many things must be considered before arriving in Iceland and during the first few weeks of your stay. Find everything you need about living, studying, and thriving in Iceland here:

Why psychology in HR?

  • The programme is structured according to the British Psychological Society's BPS Accreditation Standards for Undergraduate Psychology at University Level
  • Small group teaching and individualised guidance
  • Strong links to industry and the community
  • Practical projects and fieldwork
  • Opportunities to participate in research

Viðbótarefni

Þekking

Lærdómsviðmið fyrir BSc í sálfræði tilgreina að handhafar prófgráðunnar skuli hafa þekkingu á:

  • kenningum, skilgreiningum og hugmyndum helstu undirgreina sálfræðinnar.
  • rannsóknargrundvelli sálfræðinnar.
  • lífeðlisfræðilegum grunni hegðunar.
  • þroska einstaklingsins á lífsleiðinni.
  • ferli náms í manneskjum og dýrum.
  • ferli skynjunar, upplifunar, minnis, hugsunar og tungumáls.
  • einstaklings-, samskipta- og hópferlum.
  • sálfræðilegri nálgun á tilfinninga- og hegðunarvandamál einstaklinga.
  • sögulegum atburðum, straumum og stefnum í sálfræði.
  • siðfræðilegum þáttum í vísindum og starfi sálfræðinga.
  • tilraunum og öðrum rannsóknaraðferðum í sálfræði.
  • framsetningu rannsóknarniðurstaðna og vísindalegum skrifum.
  • öðrum völdum undirgreinum sálfræðinnar og skyldum fræðigreinum.
Leikni

Lærdómsviðmið fyrir BSc í sálfræði tilgreina að handhafar prófgráðunnar geti beitt aðferðum og
verklagi sálfræðinnar eins og hér segir:

  • beita gagnrýnni hugsun við meðhöndlun upplýsinga, fullyrðinga og atburða er snerta öll svið hegðunar.
  • nota viðeigandi aðferðir og greiningu í tengslum við ýmiskonar nálgun sem beitt er til að svara mikilvægum spurningum í sálfræði.
  • nota viðeigandi tækja-, tækni- og hugbúnað.
  • rökstyðja vel niðurstöður og greina hvenær þ0rf er á frekari vitneskju.
  • framkvæma sjálfstæðar rannsóknir á hinum ýmsu sviðum sálfræðinnar.
  • nálgast upplýsingar með áreiðanlegum hætti.
  • vinna faglega í samstarfi við aðra á sama sem og öðrum fagssviðum.
  • vera opnir fyrir nýjum hugmyndum og nýsköpun.
  • beita viðeigandi siðareglum um vísindi og starf sálfræðinga.
Hæfni

Lærdómsviðmið fyrir BSc í sálfræði tilgreina að handhafar prófgráðunnar geti beitt þekkingu sinni
og leikni á hagnýtan hátt eins og hér segir:

  • vinna sjálfstætt og skipulega, setja sér markmið og skipuleggja og framkvæma lausnir við margvíslegum vandamálum.
  • nota aðferðir og verklag sálfræðinnar til að svara nýjum spurningum.
  • þekkja og ráða við siðfræðileg álitaefni um margvíslegar hliðar velferðar dýra og manna.
  • efla þekkingu gegnum frumkvöðlastarf og þekkingarsköpun.
  • hafa færni til að stunda framhaldsnám.
  • taka virkan þátt í hópverkefnum og takast á hendur leiðtogahlutverk.
  • hafa öðlast þekkingu og skilning á öllu því ferli er felst í því að vinna við rannsókn, frá hugmynd að rannsókn til skrifa á rannsóknarskýrslu.
  • túlka og kynna fræðileg atriði og rannsóknarniðurstöður.
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