Psychology

There is much debate about whether psychology should be included in the physical or the social sciences category. ‘Psychology’ literally means ‘study of the soul’.

 

Today there are many sub-categories of psychology which tread the line between physical ‘hard’ science and social ‘soft’ science. These sub-categories include the following as listed by the British Psychological Society:

Psychologists the world over still seek to understand the mental functions of individual and social behaviour, although their focus and their methodology may differ.

 

For example, a Master of Clinical Psychology involves mastering the science and art of clinical diagnosis and treatment through rigorous research and practice. Applicants must have graduated with a bachelor degree in Psychology, with at least second lower honours, or a GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale). This course takes two years full-time.

 

On the other hand, an MSc (Management Psychology) would explain how psychology as a science can be used to solve business problems and make organisations more effective through better management of human resources. You need to have a good first degree (2.1 minimum) but the specific discipline is less important than a demonstrable interest in improving individual and organisational effectiveness. This course may take one to three years.

 

A simple MHSc (Psychology) allows you to combine both of the disciplines above, plus a few more besides. This two year programme incorporates clinical and counselling psychology, and industrial and organisational psychology. Core courses include test construction and adaptation, and advanced statistics and research methods, while electives include:

A Master’s or a PhD course allows you to pursue in-depth research in a specific area of psychology. This is only possible at the postgraduate level. To be a qualified or chartered psychologist, postgraduate degrees are necessary.  In certain countries, and for certain branches of psychology, the qualifying process can be very long.