Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Clinical Psychology)
The discipline of psychology studies the causes and effects of human behaviour and applies this knowledge in a context of psychological services and counselling vis-à-vis clients in a variety of situations (family, school, work...).
What
The Greek word ‘psyche’ signifies ‘mind’ or ‘soul’. Psych-ology, in other words, literally means the study of the human mind. Throughout the years, the discipline of psychology has increasingly become a strictly scientific field of study with its own methodology.
Nowadays, the discipline of psychology is identified as the study of the causes and effects of human behaviour and how this knowledge can be applied in a context of psychological services and counselling vis-à-vis clients in a variety of situations (family, school, work...).
Psychology not only studies directly observable behaviour (e.g. the ways in which children ask for attention) but also indirectly observable behaviour like thoughts, feelings, and personal nature. The concept of ‘behaviour’ should be considered in its broadest possible sense, including the underlying physical and neuropsychological processes. It should always be considered together with the situation, the entire personality and the reaction of others to a particular behaviour.
For whom
Admission into the Psychology programme requires no specific prior knowledge. It does require an outspoken interest in people and a keen interest in others.
A psychologist studies humankind in a most fundamental manner in order to become a good judge of character. In so doing, objective observation takes centre stage, enabling you to overcome your own subjective impressions. You learn to adopt a critical attitude vis-à-vis the research methodologies we use, and vis-à-vis yourself.
Psychology students must at all times be open to personal growth in these matters. “Psychologist, analyse thyself”, however, can never be the reason for taking on these studies. Instead, you are looking to hone a variety of skills like conversation techniques, presentation skills, relationship skills, co-operation and group dynamics. And you learn to empathise with patients in problematic situations while at the same time keeping your distance.
The academic research process is strong throughout the entire curriculum. Psychologists-to-be must be able to interpret and analyse various data correctly. This is why our curriculum is heavily invested with statistics. You will work with data and maths frequently and actively. With your prior knowledge of maths from secondary school you should be able to take this on.
Structure
- Bachelor
In the Bachelor's programme you acquire a broad overview of the different disciplines of psychology, and you learn to apply these insights to research and practice. The curriculum contains a solid scientific-academic basis, an introduction to the major fields of practice in clinical psychology, industrial psychology and personnel management, and education. It offers a coherent whole of skills classes on research methods, processing and interpretation of research data, and psychodiagnostics.
- Master
Labour Market
Depending on your main subject, you may end up in a variety of sectors.
Clinical Psychology graduates primarily end up in the health care sector. Psychiatric hospitals are an obvious employer, but so are general hospitals, with psychologists catering to a variety of wards. In the mental health care sector outside of the hospital, too, psychologists are contacted for all sorts of personal issues. Psychologists also find employment in primary health care and the social welfare sector, in the forensic sector, disability care, special youth care, rehabilitation centres and medical-pedagogical institutes... . Last but not least, psychologists also become self-employed, either full-time or part-time, and often in a group practice with other medical experts.
Industrial psychologists are either in the service of a company, or are employed at a selection office or consultancy firm. They are usually in charge of recruitment, selection, HR policy, organisational development, training sessions, ... . In addition, they are usually called upon for change management. Although private companies have a long-standing tradition of employing industrial psychologists, more and more public services, hospitals and other organisations have shown increasing interest in how to run their day-to-day business efficiently.
Theoretical and experimental psychologists primarily end up in Research & Development (R&D), either at universities or private research centres, e.g. pharmaceutical labs (research into the effect of drugs on animal behaviour), consumer organisations’ research centres, or in the traffic psychology sector. Some end up in sports psychology, and others conduct research for computer manufacturers.
Education
Students opting for the Education main subject, possibly choose the Master of Science in Teaching. (120 ECTS credits). This Master’s programme prepares you for a teaching position in secondary education, higher education or adult education. But there are many other options beyond education, too.
Take a look at our faculty website for career testimonials by our graduates (in Dutch).
Quality Assurance
At Ghent University, we strive to educate people who dare to think about the challenges of tomorrow. For that purpose, we provide education that is embedded in six strategic objectives: Think Broadly, Keep Researching, Cultivate Talent, Contribute, Extend Horizons, Opt for Quality.
Ghent University continuously focuses on quality assurance and quality culture. The Ghent University's quality assurance system offers information on each study programme’s unique selling points, and on its strengths and weaknesses with regard to quality assurance.
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