Please be advised that the PBS course structure will be changing from the 2024-25 academic year onwards. The information below is split based the year students enter the course.
For students who matriculated prior to the 2024-25 academic year
PBS students take four papers in their first year. Two papers are compulsory: PBS 1: Introduction to Psychology and PBS 2: Psychological Enquiry and Methods. The other two papers can be chosen from a varied list of choices which normally includes papers on Archaeology, Biological Anthropology, Evolution and Behaviour, Mathematical Biology, Philosophy, Sociology and Politics.
Resources:
- Online timetable (published in late September)
- Papers: a list of papers available in Part IA for 2023-24.
For students admitted to the PBS course from the 2024-25 academic year onwards
In Part IA, you take a total of four papers, three of which are compulsory:
- Introduction to Experimental Psychology and Neuroscience
- Social Psychology, Applied Psychology and Individual Differences
- From Subjective Questions to Objective Science
The remaining paper is chosen from a selection of around nine options. The optional papers available each year may vary but subjects usually include:
- biological and social anthropology
- evolution and behaviour
- politics
- philosophy
- sociology
You will be assessed via a range of laboratory reports, and written exams.