BSc Psychology and Anthropology (CL86)

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 Psychology and Anthropology.

In Psychology, you will study cognitive, biological, social and developmental perspectives. In Anthropology, you will 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, and receive training in 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.

Course Structure

The following information provides a list of core and optional modules for each year of study and is indicative of the range of subjects covered by the course. Further detail can be found on the Apply for BSc Psychology and Anthropology page:

Year One

• Doing Anthropological Research
• Human Evolution and Diversity
• Introduction to Psychological Research
• Optional modules:
  • Being Human: An Introduction to the History and Practice of Anthropology
  • People and Cultures
  • Health, Illness and Society
  • Introduction to Psychology 1
  • Introduction to Psychology 2
  • A module offered by the University's Centre for Foreign Language Study

Year Two

• Conceptual Issues in Psychology and Anthropology
• Research Project Design
• Social and Developmental Psychology
• Mind and Culture
• Palaeoanthropology: The Story of Human Evolution
• Advanced Psychological Research for Non-Single Hons
• Cognitive and Biological Psychology
• Optional modules:
  • Primate Societies
  • Reading the Skeleton
  • Anthropological Research Methods in Action
  • Critical Global Health
  • Sex, Reproduction and Health
  • Health and Inequality
  • Anthropology of the Body

Year Three

• Dissertation
• Differential and Clinical Psychology
• Optional modules:
  • Physical Activity for Health
  • Human Reproductive Ecology
  • Social Anthropology of Hormones
  • Forensic Anthropology
  • Clinical Neuropsychology
  • Psychology of Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity
  • Psychology of Sex and Gender
  • Current Issues in Mental Health
  • Sensory and Social Processing in Autism

Additional pathways include the possibility to complete a year abroad or a placement during year two and extending your studies to a fourth year.

Be social. Be informed. Be a part of Durham Anthropology.