BA and MSci in Psychology - University of Oxford

Psychology has been defined as the science of mental life and its scope includes a wide variety of issues. It addresses such questions as: how do we perceive colors? How do children acquire language? What predisposes two people to get on with each other? What causes schizophrenia?

Psychology at Oxford is a scientific discipline, involving the rigorous formulation and testing of ideas. It works through experiments and systematic observation rather than introspection.

The Oxford Experimental Psychology Department is widely regarded as one of the leading psychology departments in the UK. The department’s size and its commitment to excellence in teaching and research mean there are typically four or five research seminars each week, in addition to undergraduate lectures and classes. At present, there are particularly strong research groups in the fields of human cognitive processes, neuroscience, language, developmental psychology, social psychology, and psychological disorders.

Students can elect to graduate after three years with a BA degree. Alternatively, they can decide to remain for an optional fourth year composed of a research-intensive, clinically-focused, or translation-focused extended project. Students who complete the fourth year will graduate with a Master’s degree in Experimental Psychology. 

Admission Requirements

• It is highly recommended for candidates to have studied one or more science subjects (which can include Psychology) or Mathematics to A-level, Advanced Higher, Higher Level in the IB, or another equivalent.
• GCSEs: Candidates are recommended to have an A/7 or above in GCSE Mathematics (where GCSEs are taken).
• If English is not the first language of the applicant, he should meet the English language requirements, for more information about the required scores visit the English Language Requirements page on Oxford University’s website.
• In addition to a very good academic record, tutors are keen to see whether you appreciate the scope of scientific psychology. They will also want to check whether you can evaluate evidence, are able to consider issues from different perspectives, have a capacity for logical and creative thinking, appreciate the importance of empirical evidence in supporting arguments, and could cope with the quantitative demands of the course. 

Course Structure

• Terms 1-3: about six lectures, two or three tutorials, or one practical class.
• Terms 4-9: usually six lectures, one-two tutorials, and one practical class. You will also undertake independent research and be given the opportunity to write a dissertation.
• Term 9: typically two revision lectures or tutorials and final examinations.
• Terms 10-12 (MSci): an almost exclusive focus on extended research or translational project with complementary advanced and critical skills training.

Tutorials usually involve two to four students and a tutor. Class sizes for laboratory classes may vary depending on the options you choose. Core lab classes that are attended by most students will usually be in groups of 35-40 students. Multiple demonstrators will usually attend to assist the staff who are leading these classes. There are usually no more than around 20 students for final-year specialist options.

Most tutorials, classes, and lectures are delivered by staff who are experts in the subject they tutor. The majority of staff are world-leading experts with years of experience in teaching and research. Some teaching may also be delivered by postgraduate students who are usually studying at the doctorate level and are specialists in those topics.

Tuition Fees

The annual tuition fees for international students registered at the BA and MSci in Psychology at the University of Oxford are around $42,465.

Living Costs:

Living costs for the academic year are estimated to be between $1,663 and $2,402 for each month you are in Oxford.

Scholarships:

Simon and June Li Undergraduate Scholarship

Eligibility:

Applicants must be ordinarily resident in one of the following countries:

Bahrain; Iraq; Jordan; Kuwait; Lebanon; Oman; Qatar; Saudi Arabia; Palestine; Syria; United Arab Emirates; Yemen. 

Scholarship's Amount:

Course fees and a grant towards living costs. 

Scholarship Application Deadline:

12 noon (UK time) on 9 February.