Psychology and Chinese Studies

This course combines the scientific study of how humans think and behave with a working knowledge of Chinese language and culture and a fantastic experience overseas, which will prepare you for a rewarding career in the UK and abroad.

Through this programme, you will develop a detailed understanding of psychology, while gaining the skills and knowledge to engage with the discipline in preparation for an International Placement Year overseas in a Chinese-speaking country. During four years, you will be able to draw on expertise from two specialist departments: Languages and Cultures and Psychology.

In your first year, you will gain an in-depth overview of the main study themes through our introductory modules and will explore the theories underpinning these areas, learn to evaluate scientific journals, and develop your ability to construct formal arguments. In addition, you will take either beginner or advanced Chinese language classes, and will explore the Chinese language in its cultural context.

During the second year of your degree, you will develop the key themes introduced in your first year. You will build a solid background knowledge in cognitive, social, and developmental psychology, deepening your understanding and testing your knowledge. You will also benefit from specialist Chinese modules, which will develop your foreign language oral and written communication skills further.

Spending your third year - the International Placement Year - abroad in a Chinese-speaking country makes a major contribution to your command of the language, while deepening your intercultural sensitivity. You can study at a partner institution and practice your language skills in a real-world context. Our staff will work with you to ensure that you are fully prepared before embarking on your placement in a Chinese-speaking country.

Returning to Lancaster for your fourth year, you will further develop your knowledge and understanding of the neural underpinnings of psychological processes. You will also carry out your own research project in psychology, under the supervision of an experienced researcher. The core language modules available this year will enable you to continue to develop your language skills and you can study specialist culture and comparative modules.

Beginners Languages Studying a language from beginners level is somewhat intense in nature so we only allow students to study one language from beginners level. Please bear this in mind when looking at our first year module options. If you apply to study a degree with a language from beginners level, your optional modules will only include higher level languages and modules in other subject areas.