Course content

The bachelor’s thesis consists of an empirical or theoretical scientific study based on a topic from the field of psychology. The students shall explore a current theme and prepare a research question that allows them to carry out research in line with methods used within the social sciences. The chosen topic and the project’s research question must be approved by the department. The project for the bachelor’s thesis comprises of a scholarly assignment that must set out the research question, discuss theory, methodology, the results, and include a concluding discussion, in accordance with the APA.

The dissertation should consist of a total of 22-38 pages, font size 12, with double spacing. (c. 5,600-9,300 words) Students must choose one of the projects that the department offers

Learning outcome

After having completed their bachelor’s thesis in Psychology, the student will have acquired the following knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student has acquired a knowledge of

• how to perform a limited, scientific study within the field of psychology.
• current theories and research methods from the field of psychology.
• how to write a scholarly thesis within the field of psychology.

Skills

The student can:

• source and critically evaluate existing research within the field of psychology.
• design and answer a research question for research within the field of psychology.
• apply research methods used within the social sciences while under supervision.
• give an academic presentation about the research they have conducted.

General competence

The student can:

• plan and carry out long-term projects under supervision, both individually and as part of a group, in accordance with ethical requirements and guidelines.
• communicate about research-based theoretical and empirical data, both orally and in writing.

Learning methods and activities

The learning methods will vary depending on the nature of the project. The taught components may be delivered through lectures, seminars, and workshops, including both group and individual supervision. The students will have the option to analyse either secondary data or primary data, the latter of which they can collect through interviews, experiments, questionnaires and/or an extended literature search. The students are encouraged to work together, but each student shall write their own individual bachelor’s thesis. Workshops on writing are offered in the second half of the semester.

Obligatory assignment:

Presentation of the background for the research topic and the thesis´ research question, with current results.

Compulsory assignments

• After having completed their bachelor’s thesis in Psychology, the student will have acquired the fol

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

PSY2117, PSY2118 and PSY2122

Required previous knowledge

The following courses needs to be passed before writing the bachelor thesis:

PSY1120, PSY1122, PSY1123, PSY1124, PSY1125 and PSY1126

PSY1010, PSY1011, PSY1012, PSY1013, PSY1014, PSY1015 and PSY1016 or equivalent.

PSY1110, PSY1111, PSY1122, PSY1123, PSY1125, PSY1127, PSY1128 or equivalent.

Credit reductions