Psychological and Behavioural Sciences

The Psychological and Behavioural Sciences programme at the University of Cambridge offers a comprehensive and rigorous education in the study of human behavior, mental processes, and the biological, psychological, and social factors that influence individual and collective actions. Designed for students who are curious about the scientific underpinnings of behavior and motivated to understand the complexities of the human mind, this interdisciplinary course provides a solid foundation in psychology, neuroscience, and related fields. Students will engage with cutting-edge research and theoretical models through lectures, tutorials, laboratory work, and independent projects, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills essential for understanding psychological phenomena.

Throughout the programme, students explore key topics such as cognitive processes, perception, learning, development, social influences, emotional regulation, mental health, and neurobiology. The curriculum emphasizes empirical research methods, encouraging students to develop skills in designing experiments, analyzing data, and interpreting findings within the scientific framework. Additionally, the programme offers opportunities for practical application through laboratory classes and research projects, preparing graduates for careers in research, clinical practice, or further study in psychology or behavioral sciences.

The programme culture promotes an inquiry-based approach and emphasizes ethical considerations in research involving human subjects. With access to world-class facilities and a vibrant academic community, students benefit from a collaborative learning environment that nurtures curiosity and innovation. Graduates of the course leave with a thorough understanding of the core principles of psychology and behavioral sciences, equipped with the knowledge and skills to pursue careers in healthcare, education, research, or policy making. With an emphasis on scientific rigor and real-world relevance, the Psychological and Behavioural Sciences programme at Cambridge is ideal for students committed to exploring and contributing to the understanding of human behavior at its most fundamental levels.

Teaching is provided through lectures, classes or seminars, and supervisions. Some papers include a practical element, which takes place in laboratories.

You can typically expect two lectures a week for each paper. You also have one or two supervisions a week to discuss your work and develop your reasoning and ideas.

Year 1 (Part IA)

In Part IA, you take a total of four papers, two of which are compulsory:

• Introduction to Psychology
• Psychological Enquiry and Methods (this includes practical demonstrations and exercises)

The remaining two papers are chosen from a selection of up to nine options. The optional papers available each year may vary but subjects usually include:

• biological and social anthropology
• education
• evolution and behaviour
• politics
• philosophy
• computer science
• sociology

At the end of the year, you sit a three-hour written examination in each paper.

Year 2 (Part IB)

Part IB provides a foundation for the research-led teaching of the final year while also allowing you to begin to specialise in those areas that most interest you.

You take four papers in total. All students take:

• the Social and Developmental Psychology paper
• the Cognitive Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology paper, which teaches research methods and includes laboratory work
• two optional papers

The optional papers are selected from a range of around 19 available. The subjects may change from year to year but typically include papers in:

• biological and social anthropology
• history and philosophy of science
• education
• neurobiology
• philosophy

You sit a written exam in each paper at the end of the year.

Year 3 (Part II)

In your final year, you undertake a research dissertation of 7,000 words on a psychology topic of your choice. You also choose a further three papers from a selection available, each of which is assessed by a written examination.

The subject of these papers may change from year to year but typically include the following topics:

• social and developmental psychology
• cognitive and experimental psychology
• behavioural and cognitive neuroscience
• legal psychology
• criminology
• linguistics
• selected subjects from those offered at Part IB

• All applicants to the University of Cambridge must submit an application to UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) by the relevant deadline.
• The Attestat o (polnom) Srednem Obshchem Obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education) is not considered to be suitable preparation for a competitive application to the University of Cambridge. We strongly recommend that you undertake further study if you wish to apply for an undergraduate degree. Examples of the qualifications that would be considered suitable for admission to Cambridge are A Levels, the International Baccalaureate (IB), five or more Advanced Placement (AP) courses, or possibly the first year of an undergraduate degree at a university outside the UK. We recommend that you contact the College that you wish to apply to directly for further advice and guidance.
• IELTS – normally a minimum overall grade of 7.5, usually with 7.0 or above in each element.
• Cambridge English: Advanced – grade A or B.
• Cambridge English: Proficiency – grade A, B or C.

Admission assessment

All applicants are required to take the pre-interview written assessment for PBS at an authorised centre local to them (for a lot of applicants, this will be their school/college).

Assessment format

• Section 1: Thinking Skills Assessment (CT/PS). Plus either Part B Mathematics and Biology or Part C Reading Comprehension (80 minutes)
• Section 2: Essay/text response (40 minutes)

You must be registered in advance (separately to your UCAS application) to take the assessment – the registration deadline is Sunday 15 October 2017. 

The Financing of the Psychological and Behavioural Sciences program at the University of Cambridge is primarily supported through a combination of government funding, student contributions, grants, and scholarships. Undergraduate students enrolled in the program are eligible to apply for various financial aid options to help cover Tuition Fees, accommodation, and living expenses. These include the UK Government's Student Loan Scheme, which offers loans to UK residents, and the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funding opportunities for eligible students pursuing postgraduate studies.

International students are encouraged to explore external funding opportunities, such as scholarships from governmental agencies, charitable organizations, and the University itself. Cambridge offers a range of scholarships specifically for overseas students, which are highly competitive and awarded based on academic excellence and financial need. Additionally, the university's access and outreach programmes aim to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds, providing bursaries and financial assistance to help mitigate the costs associated with pursuing a degree in Psychological and Behavioural Sciences.

Funding also extends to research grants and project-specific funding for postgraduate research students, which are provided through various research councils and university-endowed funds. These grants support research activities, conferences, and publication costs, enriching the educational experience. Furthermore, the university offers part-time work opportunities, internships, and teaching assistantships, enabling students to earn supplementary income while gaining valuable experience relevant to their academic interests.

Students are advised to consult the University of Cambridge's official financial aid and funding pages for the most current information regarding application procedures, deadlines, and specific eligibility criteria related to the Psychological and Behavioural Sciences program. The university maintains a comprehensive support system aimed at making higher education accessible and affordable for all qualified applicants, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder academic pursuits in this dynamic and interdisciplinary field.

Your living expenses may be higher than for a Home student (eg if you stay in Cambridge/the UK during vacations). The minimum resources needed in Cambridge for the year (excluding tuition and College fees) are estimated to be approximately £10,080 in 2017-18 and £10,310 in 2018-19, depending on lifestyle (you should allow for increases in future years).