Psychology streams
As of May 2015, the psychology curriculum is divided into four streams of courses. A stream is a specialization. Think about where you want to end up, and dive into the courses that will take you there.
DISCLAIMER: Although we try to keep all information on our Departmental website current, the official record of the Psychology Streams are always found within the Course Calendar. (/calendar/undergrad/index.php#/programs?searchTerm=Psychology)
Which stream should I take?
- In your final undergraduate year, would you like to get hands-on experience working with individuals challenged with physical, cognitive, and/or emotional problems? Dive into the mental health and wellbeing stream.
- If you aspire to study topics such psychology and law, self-regulation, and interpersonal relationships, pursue the social psychology stream.
- Want to take an advanced seminar exploring what psychological science knows about aging? Take the appropriate classes in the lifespan stream.
- Interested in a 400-level seminar on cognitive neuroscience? Wade into the 300-level courses in the mind and brain stream.
Start with a gateway course
Each stream starts with its own 200-level gateway course. These courses give every UVic psych major a solid foundation in four important areas of psychology. If you plan to major in psychology you’ll need to take all four gateway courses.
In each stream, the 200-level gateway course is a pre-requisite for several 300-level courses, which in turn are pre-requisites for several 400-level courses.
Seminar courses
Every psychology major has to pass at least one 400-level seminar-style course to complete their degree. (Honours students must pass three.)
Seminar courses won't qualify you as an expert, but they'll give you a better idea of whether you want to pursue qualification in that area. They might also provide an advantage when seeking post-baccalaureate training in that area.
Plan your program so you'll end up completing the 400-level course or courses that most interest you and fit with your longer-term goals.
Adjustments to degree requirements
There have been some adjustments to degree requirements for students with second—or later—year standing as of May 2015. To learn about the adjustments, contact