Psychology

Magdalen has a strong tradition of teaching and research in Experimental Psychology. The teaching of Psychology in College is under the direction of the Tutorial Fellow in Psychology, Dr Jennifer Lau, who studies the genetics and neuroscience of emotion and emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression in children and adolescents. Other Fellows in Psychology include: Professor David Clark, who studies cognitive approaches to the understanding and treatment of anxiety disorders; Professor Robin Dunbar, who studies the evolution of sociality and the cognitive bases of social behaviour; and Professor Oliver Braddick, who studies the visual development of young children. Other Emeritus Fellows in Psychology include Professors Larry Weiskrantz and Susan Iversen.

As in other colleges, because of the broad subject matter of psychology, different aspects of the course are taught by various specialists. However, the particular course of study followed by undergraduates (including the choice of options they make) is closely supervised by the College tutor. In Biomedical Sciences and in the Joint Honour School of Psychology/Philosophy, there is also close collaboration with the tutors in those subjects (see entries under Philosophy and Biomedical Sciences). Up to four students are admitted each year to read Psychology (including joint schools).

Entry procedures

At Magdalen no stipulation is made as to subjects offered at A2 for entrance to read Psychology. We tend to favour applicants who are pursuing A2s in mathematics and/or science subjects; otherwise mathematics at AS level is recommended. However, no candidate will be excluded from consideration solely on the basis of his or her choice of subjects at A2.

Because of the relatively small intake of students each year and the difficulty this creates for forward planning, we do not consider applications for deferred entry.

Written work

You do not need to submit written work for this course.

Written tests

All candidates in Psychology (including the joint school) are required to take the Oxford Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA). This test will take place on 7 November 2012 in the candidate's own school/college or approved test centre. Further information, details on registering for this test, and a specimen paper can be found on the test website.

Potential candidates who wish to discuss reading Psychology at Magdalen are encouraged to do so over the annual Open Days, when a meeting with the Psychology tutors is automatically arranged. Attending a College Open Day also enables candidates to visit the Department of Experimental Psychology Open Day.

External Links