Psychology at Bangor

Psychology helps us to understand the complexities of the human mind and behaviour. It allows us to gain insight into why people do the things they do, and how our thoughts and feelings can affect our behaviour.

At Bangor, we are interested in understanding the psychology of the brain and mind through the lifespan. We are interested in:

• development
• pre-disposition to mental disorders
• cognitive processes
• linguistic comprehension
• healthy ageing
• artificial intelligence
• behaviour change.

To answer some of those big questions, we first need to understand HOW the brain works - the physiology of the mind and ways we can support and promote mental well-being. At Bangor, our labs and teaching facilities have state-of-the-art technologies. You will gain experience in our research labs, as both a participant and a researcher, using technologies such as Event-Related Potential (ERPs), eye tracking software, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We are also one of the only UK psychology departments to have our own MRI scanner for research into brain function and physiology. We also lead the field in research and training in therapeutic techniques such as mindfulness, cognitive behavioural therapy, and dialectical behaviour therapy.

By studying Psychology at Bangor, you will:

• learn about human behaviour and mental processes
• discover how the mind and body interact to influence behaviour
• explore the latest developments in psychology
• use state-of-the-art facilities and laboratories

As a psychology department, we pride ourselves on delivering internationally excellent research as well as providing a research-led exceptional student experience.

As an undergraduate research participant at Bangor, you will have opportunities to experience these facilities and laboratories from Year 1, and in Year 3 you will become a ‘researcher’ and collect your own data for your dissertation in our state-of-the-art facilities. Additionally, our Year 1 ‘Brain and Mind’ module provides a unique opportunity to hold a human brain.

Pursuing a Psychology degree allows you to learn how to analyse scientific data and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Bangor University is one of the top universities for Psychology in the UK, with a long-established track record for excellence in teaching and research. Our research (86% rated as world-leading or internationally excellent - REF 2021) feeds directly into our teaching. You will have a vibrant learning experience with world-class academics.

With small class sizes in practical sessions and regular drop-ins for statistics and skills, you will benefit from close contact with academic staff who are experts in their field of research.

Our unique and sector-leading Psychology Oral Presentation Practice Sessions will help you develop your communication skills. Gain the confidence to tell the world about the research you generate!

A better understanding of psychology can be beneficial in a variety of different career paths, such as social work, healthcare, and teaching. As a psychology student at Bangor University, you will have the opportunity to take part in research projects, enabling you to expand your soft skills while you study. 85% of our students go on to work or study within 15 months of the course (Discover Uni).

Bangor University offers a wide range of psychology courses, from BSc and MSc to PhD, allowing you to tailor your degree to your interests and career aspirations. Many of our degrees are pathways to further study, such as our MSc in Counselling, postgraduate courses in Mindfulness, Dialectic Behaviour Therapy, or a doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Did you know that the Doctoral training programme in Bangor was the first of its kind in the UK?

We also offer excellent career support, giving students access to networking opportunities and one-to-one advice.

By studying Psychology, you'll gain an understanding of the diverse ways in which people think, feel, and behave, and how these differences can impact our lives.

Learn to respect and empathize with people who have different beliefs, values, and backgrounds, and appreciate the unique perspectives they bring. This knowledge can help us to appreciate and understand our own identity, as well as the identities of others. It will also give you a greater appreciation for diversity.

Bangor University is committed to promoting inclusivity and diversity in all aspects of university life. We are dedicated to promoting respect for everyone regardless of their:

• gender
• sexuality
• race
• ethnicity
• disability
• age
• religion
• status

Psychology holds an Athena Swan Bronze award and, through the appointment of student representatives, we incorporate our students’ opinions in the development and support of our courses.

Psychology is not afraid to tackle the big issues facing humankind in the 21st Century. If this interests you, a Psychology degree at Bangor University could be what you are looking for!

Accreditation by the BPS ensures a high standard of teaching delivery. It ensures that our assessment practices are fair and transparent and that we have strategies in place for inclusive assessment. Furthermore, accreditation places limits on the staff to student ratio ensuring that you have access to high-quality, research-led, lecturing staff. BPS accredited degree must include all core areas of psychology and must prepare graduates with subject-specific skills. This is achieved through the core and optional modules available on Bangor’s Psychology degrees. All students undertaking a BPS accredited degree must carry out empirical studies collecting and evaluating their own data, in line with active research in the School.

Each of the following are covered by our curricula to ensure graduate basis for chartered membership:

• Biological Psychology – the neuropsychological and biological basis of brain function and behaviour.
• Cognitive Psychology – the study of how we think, learn, communicate with one another and so on.
• Developmental Psychology – typical and atypical development across the lifespan from infancy to old age.
• Individual differences – a broad topic covering how and why we differ from one another in terms of intelligence, personality, emotion and mental health.
• Social Psychology – all aspects of human interaction from group dynamics to leadership styles and how and why humans might conform to authority.
• Conceptual and Historical issues in Psychology – the study of psychology as a science, including historical paradigms and methodologies and a discussion of the political and ethical issues within psychology.
• Research methods – skills in data collection and analysis allowing application of multiple perspectives to questions within psychology
• Empirical project – a substantial piece of research involving the collection and analysis of original data.