Programme description
The Psychology programme is a 5-year long-cycle Master’s degree (uniform Master’s studies) intended for individuals interested in the human mind and behaviour. We offer an innovative approach to education focused on supporting human well-being in a dynamically changing world. Students of psychology acquire knowledge about the proper development and functioning of individuals, groups, and social institutions, as well as skills to diagnose factors that disrupt their functioning. Graduates of psychology at Faculty of Psychology and Cognitive Science are also prepared to design and undertake psychological interventions in various contexts: education, professional work, and diverse interpersonal relationships.
During their studies, students gain knowledge from various areas of psychology, including general psychology (cognitive psychology, psychology of emotion and motivation, personality psychology, individual differences, social psychology, and life-span psychology), as well as research methodology in psychology (including statistics) and psychometrics. They also learn about the biological bases of behaviour and psychopathology. The first stage of education focuses on the foundations of psychology and the development of key professional competences - the ability for self-reflection and social competences. Subsequently, students acquire knowledge and skills related to psychological diagnosis and the basics of psychological support. They then choose specialisations and tracks within applied psychology. This final stage depends on individual choices, allowing students to shape their own professional profile.
The competences acquired during the studies provide broad opportunities to work as a psychologist with children, adolescents, and adults in the fields of education, prevention, and psychological support, as well as in various institutions related to professional activity.
Requirements under the Act on the Protection of Minors
Some practical classes are carried out outside Adam Mickiewicz University - in clinical facilities, educational institutions, and organisations related to management and employee support. Participation in these classes requires meeting formal requirements specified by a given institution. In the case of clinical facilities, this includes, among others, having a valid vaccination against hepatitis B; this requirement also applies to compulsory classes. Additionally, students choosing a study track that enables obtaining teaching qualifications, necessary for working in educational institutions, as well as in clinical facilities (particularly those operating paediatric wards), are required to comply with obligations arising from the Act of 13 May 2016 on counteracting threats of sexual crime and the protection of minors.
Specialties
- Educational psychology
- Clinical psychology
- Occupational psychology
Example of courses
- Research methodology in psychology and statistics
- Psychology of emotion and motivation
- Cognitive processes
- Psychology of individual differences
- Social psychology
- Psychopathology
- Psychological diagnosis
- Foundations of psychological support
Graduate competencies
The graduate possesses advanced theoretical and methodological knowledge, including the design and conduct of scientific research, as well as the analysis of its results. They have knowledge enabling the understanding of mental health and mental disorders, the structure of human personality, and human development across the lifespan. They are familiar with the applications of psychology in diagnostic and support activities, particularly in the fields of health psychology, clinical psychology, work and organisational psychology, social psychology, and education. In terms of skills, the graduate is able to integrate information derived from various psychological theories concerning both typical and atypical human functioning. They are capable of planning and conducting scientific research and interpreting its results. They are prepared to carry out diagnostic, preventive, and support activities for individuals from low- and high-risk groups of psychological problems and disorders. The graduate has social competences necessary to perform tasks in individual and group psychological support, acts in accordance with professional ethical standards, and is prepared for continuous professional and scientific development.
Career prospects
- Animator
- Career counsellor
- Crisis intervention specialist
- Mediator
- Researcher
- Diagnostic psychologist
- Clinical psychologist
- Psychologist - sexologist
- Penitentiary / forensic psychologist
- Transport psychologist
- Psychologist in the formal education system
- Psychotherapist
- HR specialist