BSc in Integrated Social & Cognitive Psychology

Program Overview

The BSc in Integrated Social and Cognitive Psychology at Constructor University offers a comprehensive understanding of human behavior, exploring the interplay of biological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors. Through a multi-level perspective, students gain insights into how individuals, social groups, and cultures shape behavior. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and practical experience through internships or start-up options, preparing graduates for careers in fields requiring human interaction, presentation, and communication expertise.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The BSc in Integrated Social and Cognitive Psychology at Constructor University takes a comprehensive approach to understanding human behavior, acknowledging the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors. The program emphasizes equipping students with the tools to analyze, model, and ultimately impact these multi-level interactions. Exploring the connections between individuals, social groups, and cultures, students will grasp how different levels of influence mold human behavior. This multi-level perspective provides a unique and insightful approach to psychology, fostering a well-rounded comprehension of human behavior and its contributing factors. Graduates will possess the skills and knowledge necessary to make meaningful impacts in their chosen fields.

Outline:

Year 1

• CHOICE Modules: Essentials of Cognitive Psychology (7.5 CP), Essentials of Social Psychology (7.5 CP)
These introductory modules establish a comprehensive framework of human cognition, facilitating the analysis and prediction of thinking, interaction, and communication phenomena. The first semester delves into attention, perception, learning, and memory, while the second semester explores intelligence, language, emotion, motivation, and personality. Students will apply these conceptual and analytical tools to major fields of psychology in the second semester.

Year 2

• CORE Modules: Learning and Memory (5 CP), Social Psychology (5 CP), Organizational Psychology & Communication (5 CP), Neurobiology of Behavior (5 CP), Neuroscience Methods (5 CP), Attention, Sensation, and Perception (5 CP), Judgment & Decision Making (5 CP), Health Psychology (5 CP), Cultural Psychology (5 CP)
Expanding on the first year's foundation, students delve into in-depth, discipline-specific CORE modules. These modules aim to enhance students' critical understanding of key theories, principles, and methods in their major at the current state of knowledge and best practice.

Year 3

• Specialization Modules: Human Neuroscience Advanced Lab (Intersession) (2.5 CP), Pathophysiology and Psychotherapy of Depression (2.5 CP), Managing Demographic Change in Organisations (2.5 CP), Lifespan Behavioral Neuroscience (5 CP), Psychology of Food (2.5 CP), The Science of Happiness (2.5CP), Applying Social Science Research (5 CP), Organizational Behavior across Cultures (5 CP)
During their third year, students select and complete advanced specialization modules in their major or related fields to deepen their knowledge in their chosen field. These modules are designed to allow students to apply the general psychological concepts they learned during their first two years of study to specific research or professional practice areas. They also help students refine their skills and reflect on their career goals.

Internship / Start-up and career skills module

Constructor University mandates a two-month internship worth 15 credits, typically taking place between the second and third years of study. This opportunity grants students practical experience in a professional setting, allowing them to apply their knowledge, evaluate their major's significance in the employment sector and society, reflect on their role in employment and society, and make informed career decisions. Alternatively, students interested in starting their own businesses can opt for a start-up option, enabling them to concentrate on developing their business plan.

The CONSTRUCTOR Track

The CONSTRUCTOR Track runs parallel to the CHOICE, CORE, and CAREER modules throughout the program, providing an intellectual tool kit for lifelong learning and encouraging the use of diverse methodologies to approach cross-disciplinary problems. It comprises Methods, New Skills, and German Language and Humanities modules.

Methods

Methods and skills such as mathematics, statistics, programming, data handling, presentation skills, academic writing, and scientific and experimental skills are offered to all students as part of the Methods area in their curriculum.

New Skills Modules

This part of the curriculum cultivates intellectual and conceptual capacities, including curiosity, imagination, critical thought, and transferability. It nurtures a range of individual and societal capacities, such as self-reflection, argumentation, and communication. Finally, it introduces students to the normative aspects of inquiry and research, including the norms governing sourcing, sharing, and withholding materials and research results, as well as those governing the responsibilities of expertise and the professional point of view.

German Language and Humanities Modules

German language abilities foster students’ intercultural awareness and enhance their employability in their host country. They are also beneficial for securing mandatory internships (between the 2nd and 3rd year) in German companies and academic institutions.

Careers:

The B.Sc. in Integrated Social and Cognitive Psychology at Constructor University opens doors for professional careers and lays the groundwork for academic careers, especially in an international context. Graduates are strong candidates for junior positions in all jobs requiring analyzing, designing, or improving human interaction, presentation, and communication skills.