Psychology and Anthropology BSc (Hons)

Durham University

Course details

This British Psychological Society accredited degree explores what it means to be human, including our relationship to other species. You will be taught by staff who are leading researchers in their fields, including those with expertise in both subjects.

In psychology, you will study cognitive, biological, social and developmental perspectives. In anthropology, you will use primarily evolutionary and biological perspectives to inquire into the mind and behaviour of past and present human and primate populations. You will learn how anthropology and psychology provide both complementary and contrasting perspectives, plus the various quantitative and qualitative research methods used in both disciplines.

The interface of anthropology and psychology explicitly integrates intercultural, international and global issues. For example, both subjects address issues of cross-cultural diversity and representation in research.

In the first year, the core modules will give you a broad introduction to key methods, knowledge and theories in anthropology and psychology.

The second year continues to build on project design and research skills, broadens theory and topical knowledge (ensuring British Psychological Society accreditation), and explores the interface between psychology and anthropology.

The third year includes a dissertation that allows a deep exploration of a specific interdisciplinary research area, and the final psychology module required for BPS accreditation.

Course Structure

Year 1

Core modules:

Doing Anthropological Research

Human Evolution and Diversity

Introduction to Psychological Research

Examples of optional modules:

Being Human: An Introduction to the History and Practice of Anthropology

Peoples and Cultures

Health, Illness and Society

Introduction to Psychology

Year 2

Core modules:

Conceptual Issues in Psychology and Anthropology

Research Project Design

Our Place in Nature

Advanced Psychological Research

Cognitive and Biological Psychology

Social and Developmental Psychology

Examples of optional modules:

Evolution, Variation and Adaptation

Sex, Reproduction and Love

Global Health and Disease

Anthropological Research Methods in Action

Environment, Climate and the Anthropocene

Year 3

Core modules:

The Dissertation, a substantial research project in an interdisciplinary psychology and anthropology topic of your choice, allows a deep, independently driven exploration of a specific research area. Differential and Clinical Psychology is the final module required for British Psychological Society accreditation. The module develops knowledge and understanding of theory and research in differential psychology, the study of psychological differences and similarities between people and understanding of theory and research in atypical and clinical psychology.

Examples of optional modules:

Anthropology of Physical Activity for Health Evolutionary Medicine: Maternal and Infant Health

Evolution of Cooperation

Cultural Evolution of Music

Primates in Peril

Forensic Anthropology

Palaeoanthropology and Palaeoecology

Clinical Neuropsychology

Psychology in the Workplace

The Visual Brain

Criminological Psychology

Reward and Addiction