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Psychological and Behavioural Sciences (PBS)

PBS is a new course at Cambridge that focuses on the full range of topics in psychology. Psychology is a diverse discipline and this is reflected in the PBS course, which covers developmental, biological, cognitive, and social psychological approaches to topics such as psychopathology, language, perception, gender, family relationships, brain mechanisms, personality and group interactions, amongst other topics. There also is the opportunity to look at these topics from the perspective of other disciplines, notably anthropology, linguistics, philosophy and sociology.

Course structure

Details of the course are available from the University website.

Briefly, in the first year students take four papers, two of which (Introduction to Psychology and Psychological Inquiry and Methods) are compulsory. The remaining two papers are chosen from a diverse selection of options, such as Biological Anthropology, Sociology, Politics, Social Anthropology, Computer Science and Philosophy (refer to the University Prospectus for further details of optional papers). In the second year, students take four papers, two of which, Social Psychology and either Biology and Cognition or Experimental Psychology, are compulsory, with two additional papers again chosen from a wide range of options. Third year students undertake a research dissertation in addition to three optional papers.

PBS at Churchill

We anticipate admitting 2-3 PBS students each year. Churchill has a strong reputation for teaching in the sciences; PBS undergraduates at the College will also have the opportunity to interact with students from related disciplines in the arts, notably HSPS (Human, Social and Political Sciences), Linguistics and Philosophy. Churchill is fortunate to have Melissa Hines, Professor of Psychology and director of the University's Hormones and Behaviour Research Lab as our PBS Teaching Fellow. Melissa is one of the world's leading experts on human gender development, focusing particularly on the interaction between biological and social factors in shaping gender. For more information, see Melissa's profile on the SDP department website.

Admissions

We anticipate that many applicants will have studied psychology. However, a previous qualification in psychology is not essential for entry; indeed, there are no specific subjects that we require. We will consider applicants presenting qualifications in the humanities or sciences (or a combination of both). We are looking for candidates with an outstanding academic track record, excellent analytical skills and an intellectual engagement with the discipline. Details of typical offers are available from the Churchill Admissions webpage.

We ask applicants to submit two pieces of written work (usually essays of around 1500-2500 words) on a relevant subject as a part of their application. Details of written work requirements are circulated after initial applications are received. Generally, we prefer marked essays that have been written as a part of the candidate's normal studies.

We interview the majority of applicants. Typically, candidates have two interviews of 25-30 minutes each, one with a subject specialist and the other with a Fellow in a related discipline and/or an Admissions Tutor. Candidates invited for interview will be asked to sit a logical thinking test (an adaptation of the Thinking Skills Assessment test) on the same day as their interview. Candidates do not need to undertake any special preparation either for the interview or the test, though we do advise that all applicants should ensure that they are fully familiar with their Sixth Form (or equivalent) learning and any other material that has been provided as a part of the application process (e.g. their Personal Statement and submitted written work). In the interviews, candidates are likely to be asked some questions about their school or college work, their wider exploration of intellectual matters and their academic background and interests. More specific questions may also focus on the candidate's interest in, and awareness of, the discipline of psychology.

Further details on the admissions process are available from the Churchill College admissions site and the University's undergraduate Admissions Office.