The main selling point of this degree is the level of versatility it provides. Students will have the option to take PBS-specific papers, as well as papers drawn from the Natural Sciences, Anthropology, Archaeology, Philosophy, and Sociology departments.
This course borders the line between the sciences and the humanities, allowing you to choose modules according to your subject interests and strengths. The lab and library resources here are excellent, and you will have the opportunity to complete your own psychological studies for dissertations and projects. You will also learn how to code and analyse data. You are able to modify the course according to your needs from the start.
In first year, you will have two mandatory papers – an introduction and a methods module. This is designed to bring everyone to the same level, regardless of whether you have studied Psychology before (you do not necessarily need to take Psychology A-Level, or equivalent, for this course, though some colleges may want you to have 1-2 STEM subjects). Your optional papers will be selected from a rotating list that usually features papers in anthropology, evolution, politics and philosophy.
This same format is repeated in second year – you must take papers in social, neuroscience and experimental aspects of psychology. These are designed to prepare you for your final-year research projects and teach you various methodologies through hands-on experience. Optional papers cover similar topics to those offered in the first year.
In your final year, you will complete your own research project, usually with a group of other students with similar interests. You will have the chance to carry out research in a lab with real participants and write up your findings in a dissertation. This is a particularly valuable experience if you are considering postgraduate study. You will also take three optional papers from a list featuring the subjects from second year, as well as new topics such as criminology.
PBS is a popular subject at Cambridge, with over 500 applicants per year. It is predominantly female, 25% of students are male. It is relatively competitive with an offer rate of around 12%. This course is BPS accredited. A large proportion of students continue to postgraduate study and may choose to apply to courses in specialized areas such as clinical, educational, forensic, or applied psychology. Alternatively, you may wish to enter alternative employment. You could find yourself in academia, community engagement, media, or finance.
