Department -of Psychology
The Department
The Department of Psychology at RU focuses on scientific methodology, international research, extensive fieldwork, and collaboration with societal partners.
Undergraduate degree
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology is a diverse and challenging three-year programme. It provides students with a strong foundation in psychological knowledge and incorporates exciting interdisciplinary electives.
Most courses in the undergraduate programme within the Department of Psychology are conducted only in Icelandic. However, specific courses are offered in English each semester, specifically for our visiting exchange students. For more details on courses available in English, please refer to the course catalogue.
Diverse topics
Psychology is a broad scientific field concerned with understanding how people think, behave and feel. Students can choose from a variety of topics that are relevant to their interests. Graduates of our programme work in diverse fields, as psychological expertise is in growing demand across many areas, such as software development and design industries.
Research
Main Research Areas:
- Behaviour Analysis
- Health Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Behaviour and Well-being of Youth
- Forensic Psychology
- Neuropsychology
- Developmental Psychology
Researchers at the Department of Psychology are internationally renowned experts who publish their work in prestigious scientific publications. Their studies provide vital insights that can be used to improve the overall well-being of individuals and societies on a national and global scale.
Research Centres and Research Projects
Collaboration
Institutions and businesses in Iceland
The Department of Psychology collaborates with several institutions and businesses to provide students with practical opportunities, such as internships and field studies. Some examples are Landspítali University Hospital, Reykjalundur rehabilitation, Health care centres of the Reykjavík capital area, the Counseling and Diagnostic Centre, and local schools and private psychological clinics.
Master's students receive hands-on training and engage in meaningful projects in various contexts, including health, education, welfare systems, and private practices. Undergraduate students can perform field studies in diverse settings, including hospitals and treatment centres, consulting firms, advertising agencies, research firms, primary schools, and kindergartens.
International Universities
The Department of Psychology collaborates with other universities at the forefront of psychological research and education, such as Columbia University in New York, Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, and King's College in London.
The demand for psychology-educated people has never been greater. There is a growing demand for people who understand what affects our behaviour and thinking, as well as how we can improve people's quality of life and general health.
Dr Kamilla Run Johannsdottir, CHAIR OF DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY
Department Employees
Part-time Teachers
Department Office
Did you know that:
- BSc programme: The application deadline is from 5 February to 5 June each year.
- MSc programme: The application deadline is from 5 February to 15 April each year.
Department Chair
Dr. Kamilla Rún Jóhannsdóttir
Societal contribution
Research at the Department of Psychology aims to increase well-being and improve society. We, therefore, place great emphasis on the practical application of our findings and how we can disseminate information to those who will most benefit from it.
One of our major goals is to collaborate closely with individuals, groups, and institutions to maximise the spread of psychological professional knowledge and practices for the benefit of society.
Information for students
Organisation
The Department Chair
The Chair is responsible for the academic and financial performance of the Department. In addition to being responsible for strategy formulation and implementation and other matters detailed in the RU Charter, the Chair is responsible for quality assurance and internal and external reviews. The Chair has the final decision-making power regarding students' rights and responsibilities. The President of Reykjavik University appoints the Department chair of the Department of Psychology following the recommendations of a selection committee.
Boards and Councils
Provides a general forum for information dissemination and discussion concerning all areas of departmental activity, including teaching arrangements and management, study options, and curricula; developments in research; decisions and policy emanating from the diverse committees and councils of the Department, School, and University; academic and support positions, appointments, and promotions; and ongoing review of department goals and functions.
Department Council consists of the Chair, chairs of research and Programme Councils, Programme Directors and other relevant members appointed by the Dean. The Department Council shall discuss all major matters concerning administration, teaching, and research and approve all amendments to rules and regulations within the Department and proposals for new programmes or major programme revisions.
The Department Committee consists of:
- Kamilla Rún Jóhannsdóttir, Department chair
- Rannveig S. Sigurvinsdóttir, Director of the BSc programme in Psychology
- Berglind Sveinbjörnsdóttir, Director of the MSc programme in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Birna Valborgar Baldursdóttir, Director of the PhD programme in Psychology
- Linda Bára Lýðsdóttir, Director of the MSc programme in Clinical Psychology
Rannveig S. Sigurvinsdóttir is the Programme Director for the BSc Programme in Psychology. She operates on behalf of the Department Chair and is responsible for the study program. The Programme Director leads meetings for the BSc Program's Assessment Committee and Quality Council.
Assessment Committee
The Assessment Committee comprises the Programme Director, a permanent faculty member, and a Project Manager. The committee is responsible for the following:
- Processing student exemption requests related to academic progress.
- Evaluating studies/courses from other institutions.
- Overseeing the review of student applications.
Members of the Committee:
- Rannveig S. Sigurvinsdóttir, Programme Director for the BSc Programme in Psychology
- Heiðdís B. Valdimarsdóttir, Professor
- Sara Katrín Farmer, Programme Administrator for the BSc Programme in Psychology