COURSE CURRICULUM

The BSc Psychology and Philosophy at the University of Reading combines the scientific study of human behaviour with philosophical analysis of reasoning, mind, and knowledge. In psychology, students build a strong foundation through core modules such as Debates in Mental Health, Introduction to Psychological Research, Learning about Learning, and The Person and the Brain, which introduce psychological disorders, research methods, cognitive processes, and the biological basis of behaviour. As the degree progresses, students deepen their understanding through modules in Cognitive and Biological Psychology, Development across the Lifespan, Research Methods in Psychology, and Social Psychology and Individual Differences, which cover neuroscience, human development, social behaviour, and advanced analytical techniques. Alongside psychology, students study philosophy through Reason and Argument, which develops critical thinking and logical analysis skills by examining arguments in everyday and academic contexts. The programme integrates both disciplines to encourage a deeper understanding of human thought, decision-making, and behaviour from both scientific and conceptual perspectives. In the final stage, students complete an independent research project that involves designing and conducting original research, including literature review, data collection, analysis, and reporting. This dissertation allows students to apply both psychological methods and philosophical reasoning skills, strengthening their ability to evaluate evidence, construct arguments, and engage with complex questions about the mind and human experience.