Psychology (BSc) or (BA)
When you study psychology at »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥, you’ll learn how the mind works and what drives human and animal behaviour.
Why choose this program?
Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour, thoughts, and emotions. It explores the mechanisms that underlie these processes, as well as how we learn, develop, interact, and adapt to the world around us. You'll build a strong foundation in research methods while learning how psychological science is used to improve people's lives.
Over the course of your degree, you'll learn to:
Think like a psychological scientist by interpreting research, assessing scientific claims, and making evidence-informed decisions.
Describe the major subdisciplines of psychology and how ideas in these fields have evolved over time.
Apply scientific theories to explain how we think, feel, and behave across diverse contexts.Ìý
Recognize the complex interplay of biological, cognitive, developmental, social, and cultural influences on our behaviour.Ìý
Conduct and evaluate research in psychology.
You’ll develop an understanding of human and animal behavior and development, and can explore topics like language, mental health, forensic psychology, cognitive psychology, personality, and more.
Careers
By studying psychology, you’ll develop transferable skills like scientific thinking, communication, and information management.Ìý
Many graduates use these skills to find rewarding careers in fields like community and social services, human resources, student services, and forensic services. Other careers require additional education. Some of these fields may require additional education beyond a bachelor’s degree. Psychology provides a foundation for graduate programs like speech-language pathology, social work, occupational therapy, law, education, and clinical psychology.
What you will learn
Your degree will introduce you to broad areas like research methods, developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, and more. In later years, you’ll study specialized topics in areas that interest you. This includes lab courses that give you experience with psychology research.
Sample courses
Introduction to Psychology and Neuroscience I: From Neuron to Person
Introduction to Psychology and Neuroscience II: From Social Interaction to Psychopathology
Writing for the Sciences
Introductory Statistics for Science and Health SciencesÌý
Methods in Experimental Psychology and Neuroscience
Developmental PsychologyÌý
Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
Forensic PsychologyÌý
Research Methods in Memory
Personality
Drugs & Behaviour
Development of Language and Literacy AbilitiesÌý
Contemporary Issues in Psychology
Social Determinants of Health and Child Development
Contemporary Issues in Human Sexuality
Topics in Clinical PsychologyÌý
Our program has a strong focus on teaching students to think like psychological scientists. All students take required courses in research methods, statistics, and systems neuroscience. This training introduces you to tools that psychologists use to make discoveries. It also prepares you for the upper years of your program, where courses involve interpreting, evaluating, and applying empirical research. You'll learn what we know about psychology, and crucially, how we know it.
Customize your degree
The following Psychology program options are offered by »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥â€™s Faculty of Science or Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Connect with an academic advisorÌýafter you start your studies to explore options such as:  :  Ìý
- Major in Psychology Ìý
- Double-Major in Psychology Ìý
- Concentrated Honours in PsychologyÌý
- Combined Honours in PsychologyÌý
- Minor in PsychologyÌý
Add a minor to your BSc or BA in Psychology to expand your skill set and perspective with a second discipline, allowing you to study everything you’re passionate about at Dal.
Note: Students majoring in Psychology can’t combine it with a minor or double-major in Neuroscience.Ìý
ÌýVisit the to browse the minors you can take with this degree.Ìý
Complete a certificate alongside your regular degree requirements and graduate with additional skills in specialized areas. Popular options include:
- Animal Behaviour
- Disability ManagementÌý
- Indigenous Studies
- Genetics
- Human PhysiologyÌý
- Medical Humanities
- Neurotechnology InnovationÌý
- Science Communication and Leadership
Can’t decide between a BA or BSc in Psychology? Good news: The Psychology program itself is the same either way.
The only difference is the general requirements for each type of degree. For example, the BSc requires math courses, whereas the BA requires language courses.
Keep in mind: this program is research-focused. All students take courses in statistics and research methods, plus other research-related classes.
The (DISP) is a unique, immersive first-year option for motivated students looking to complete their first year of a science degree. You’ll work effectively in teams, explore connections across scientific disciplines, and complete a hands-on research project while building critical skills in data analysis, tech, and scientific communication.
In our program, you’ll build lifelong skills that help you use psychological science to make informed decisions in your life and career.
Admission requirements
Minimum admission requirements
To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet minimum academic criteria:
- Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
- Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
- Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course).
Admission to many »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥ programs is competitive. This means that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Program-specific admission requirements
- Minimum overall average: 75%
- Academic English 12
- Pre-calculus Math 12 (If pursuing through a BSc)
- Three additional academic subjects (Four additional if pursuing through BA)
Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts students enter their programs as undeclared majors. This gives you the freedom to explore your scientific interests during your first year before officially declaring your major in Psychology at the end of Year 1.
