Psychology and Anthropology

Durham University

Explore humanity from both psychological and anthropological perspectives to understand our species at an individual and social level. 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 subjects. In Psychology, you will study cognitive, biological, social and developmental perspectives. In Anthropology, you will use primarily evolutionary and biological perspectives to 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, plus 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.In the first year, the core modules will give you a broad introduction to key methods, knowledge and theories in Anthropology and Psychology. The second year continues to build on project design and research skills, broadens theory and topical knowledge (ensuring British Psychological Society accreditation), and explores the interface between Psychology and Anthropology. The third year includes a dissertation that allows a deep exploration of a specific interdisciplinary research area, and the final Psychology module required for BPS accreditation.Course structureYear 1 modulesCore modules:Doing Anthropological Research provides a grounding in research methods used in both biological and sociocultural anthropology. This will prepare you for further research, both quantitative and qualitative, and ensure you develop academic and transferable skills for your degree and beyond.Human Evolution and Diversity introduces the biological basis of human diversity and the evolutionary history of our species. The module provides key concepts in evolutionary theory, human diversity, palaeoanthropology and primatology which are essential for an evolutionary and biologically-informed understanding of modern human psychology and behaviour.Introduction to Psychological Research provides an introduction to key research methods and statistical techniques used in psychology.Optional modules:In recent years, optional modules have included: Being Human: An Introduction to the History and Practice of AnthropologyPeople and CulturesHealth, Illness and SocietyIntroduction to Psychology.Year 2 modulesCore modules:Conceptual Issues in Psychology and Anthropology provides an advanced understanding of the relationship between psychological and anthropological approaches. This module will develop your skills in researching and communicating a range of contemporary and conceptual issues, and prepare you for the integrated psychology and anthropology dissertation.Research Project Design builds upon previous methods training by providing the skills necessary to develop independent research projects.Primate Societies allows you to develop your understanding of the evolution of primate social life, helping you understand human behaviour in a wider biological context.Mind and Culture covers the evolution of human cognition and culture in comparative perspective, extending your understanding of humans as primates.Advanced Psychological Research will develop your experimental design and statistics knowledge to fulfil the requirements for a British Psychological Society recognised degree in Psychology. You will also discuss psychological research in a tutorial context and develop skills in studying classic papers in psychology.