Social Developmental Psychology

Most contemporary Psychology Departments incorporate courses in Social and Developmental Psychology, because they comprise two of the four basic Psychology fields. Social and Developmental Psychology can make significant contributions in countries where socio-cultural needs and problems require social sciences for their resolution. A typical, and close to the Cypriot reality, example, is the significant growth of Social and Developmental Psychology in Northern Ireland and Israel during the past decades, countries which have divided communities with past and present national conflicts, and therefore face issues such as that of stereotyping, prejudice, heated discussions about national identity and approaches to interculturalism and managing diversity. Thus, the need for local research on social developmental psychology in Cyprus is immediate, especially concerning intergroup relationships and examination of the socio-psychological parameters of inter-community relationships through a developmental perspective.

Moreover, the recent economic growth and the emphasis on Knowledge based society create organizational and educational needs where applied Social and Developmental Psychology may contribute significantly. Lastly, the application of Social and Developmental Psychology in education is very important, since it focuses on the study of psychological changes which take place throughout the lifespan, including infancy and aging, in relation to cognitive, emotional and social domains. By observing the developing individual, psychologists who focus their research on this area, acquire knowledge that allows them to describe changes in human thought and intelligence, personality, the emotional world as well as many other parts of human's inner world which are shaped through the educational system.
Social and Developmental Psychology are currently considered "bridges" to other areas of psychology. Other main areas (i.e. Cognitive & Clinical) derive significant theoretical and methodological examples from Social and Developmental Psychology via the understanding of dynamic processes of shaping human development and social interaction.

PROGRAMME WITH A DISSERATION Required courses (75 ECTS in total): * PSY 604 MULTIVARIATE STATISTICS FOR THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES
* PSY 630 CONTEMPORARY THEORIES OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

* PSY 637 SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN SOCIAL CONTEXT
* PSY 640 SOCIAL INFLUENCE AND SOCIAL REPRESENTATIONS

Master Thesis (45 ECTS in total)

Elective courses (6 courses, 45 ECTS in total):

* PSY 602 GRADUTE SEMINAR: ADVANCED ISSUES IN PSYCHOLOGY
* PSY 610 PSYCHOLOGY OF EDUCATION
* PSY 619 INTELLIGENCE: DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION
* PSY 627 GRADUATE RESEARCH STUDY VI
* PSY 642 CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOPATHOLOGY (7.5 ECTS)
* PSY 632 ADOLESCENCE
* PSY 677 HUMAN AGGRESSION AND ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOR
* PSY 689 INDEPENDENT STUDY
* PSY 702 DISCOURSE, COMMUNICATION AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
* PSY 707 FAMILY AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
* PSY 715 LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT AND LANGUAGE DISORDERS
* PSY 722 CROSS-CULTURAL PSYCHOLOGY
* PSY 731 COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE: UNDERSTANDING THE BIOLOGY OF THE MIND
* PSY 741 INTERGROUP RELATIONS IN DIVIDED SOCIETIES
* PSY 746 SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY OF EDUCATION
* PSY 749 QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY
* PSY 788 ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS

Candidates must hold a degree in a subject related to their proposed field of study, such as a BA in Linguistics or a foreign language degree, and be competent in English. Competency in English can be demonstrated through a certificate from a recognized examining board. Candidates with a degree in English are exempt from this requirement. Candidates with no certificate from an established examining institution can take the Department's English Language Proficiency Exam.The list of items accompanying applications includes: * a filled-out formal application sheet (application sheets can be obtained from the Department), * a certified copy of the BA Degree (or an official document certifying that the student will have graduated before the start of the Programme), plus a certified copy of the BA Degree script, * a full CV in English, * the student's initial statement of purpose (1-2 pages), * writing samples in English, and * min. 2 letters of recommendationThe candidates may also be required to participate in an interview in order to assess their suitability for the programme.

Scholarships addressed to Cypriot Expatriates and to citizens of non EU countries:

The University of Cyprus is granting scholarships for postgraduate Master's degrees and PhD degrees. The scholarships cover all the fields of study and are addressed to Cypriots expatriates and to foreign nationals (from non EU countries). The aim of the scholarships is to develop and strengthen the relations and cooperation of the University of Cyprus with the Cypriots expatriates and to attract a large number of foreign students.

Accreditation

University of Cyprus aims to establish itself as a Pioneer Research Institution achieving International Scientific Recognition in European Higher Education, offering Competitive Programmes and to become a Centre of Excellence in the wider Euro - Mediterranean Region.

The main objectives of the University are twofold: the promotion of scholarship and education through teaching and research, and the enhancement of the cultural, social and economic development of Cyprus. In this context, the University believes that education must provide more than simply accumulation of knowledge. It must also encourage students' active participation in the process of learning and acquisition of those values necessary for responsible involvement in the community. The University sets high standards for all branches of scholarship. Research is promoted and funded in all departments for its contribution to scholarship in general and for its local and international applications.