Experimental Psychology

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 colours? How do children acquire language? What predisposes two people to get on with each other? What causes schizophrenia?

Psychology at Oxford is essentially 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 research, as well as to excellence in teaching, means 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 and social psychology.

Experimental Psychology students go on to follow careers in fields such as professional psychology, teaching and research, as well as finance and industry. Some careers will require additional study and/or training. This degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership.

Since graduating in 1993, Adrian has worked as a market researcher in areas such as banking, Government, whisky, and now as Market Research Manager for the Association of Train Operating Companies.  He says: ‘The statistical training from a psychology degree is invaluable, as is the curiosity about why people do and think the things they do. Psychologists and researchers share the drive and discipline to approach those questions in an organised manner that leads to robust conclusions.’

Charlotte, who graduated in 2003, now works for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices as a Family Support Practitioner. She continues to use skills of assessment and analysis, developed during her undergraduate degree, to gain a full understanding of the presenting needs of the families she supports. She also uses her research skills to ensure families are offered the most effective evidence-based techniques to help them cope with their loss and grief.

Students interested in this course might also like to consider Human Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, or Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics.