Study Programme in Psychology, 300 credits

First-cycle courses and study programmes shall be based fundamentally on the knowledge acquired by pupils in national study programmes in the upper-secondary schools or its equivalent. The Government may, however, permit exceptions for courses and study programmes in the fine, applied or performing arts.

First-cycle courses and study programmes shall develop:

• the ability of students to make independent and critical assessments
• the ability of students to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously, and
• the preparedness of students to deal with changes in working life.

In addition to knowledge and skills in their field of study, students shall develop the ability to:

• gather and interpret information at a scholarly level
• stay abreast of the development of knowledge, and
• communicate their knowledge to others, including those who lack specialist knowledge in the field.

Second-cycle courses and study programmes shall be based fundamentally on the knowledge acquired by students during first-cycle courses and study programmes, or its equivalent.
 
Second-cycle courses and study programmes shall involve the acquisition of specialist knowledge, competence and skills in relation to first-cycle courses and study programmes, and in addition to the requirements for first-cycle courses and study programmes shall: 

• further develop the ability of students to integrate and make autonomous use of their knowledge,
• developthe students' ability to deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations, and
• develop the students' potential for professional activities that demand considerable autonomy, or for research and development work.

Outcomes of the Degree of Master of Science in Psychology according to the Higher Education Ordinance
For a Degree of Master of Science in Psychology the student shall demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to work autonomously as a psychologist and to complete the mandatory placement (PTP) required for registration as a psychologist.

Knowledge and understanding
For a Degree of Master of Science in Psychology the student shall

• demonstrate knowledge of the disciplinary foundation of the field and insight into current research and development work as well as the links between research and proven experience and the significance of theselinks for professional practice
• demonstrate specialised knowledge of psychological investigation methods and interventions for both individuals, groups and organisations
• demonstrate specialised knowledge and understanding of social and family circumstances that affect different groups and individuals, including children as well as women and men, and
• demonstrate knowledge of the relevant statutory provisions.

Competence and skills
For a Degree of Master of Science in Psychology the student shall

• demonstrate specialised skills in undertaking psychological treatment
• demonstrate the ability to undertake supervised psychotherapy
• demonstrate specialised skills in planning, managing and undertaking preventive measures autonomously as well as measures for development and change that focus on individuals, groups, organisations and environments
• demonstrate specialised skills based on a disciplinary foundation in critically evaluating and developing treatment measures and intervention plans in the field of professional practice
• demonstrate the capacity for teamwork and cooperation with other professional categories
• demonstrate the ability to account in speech and writing for investigations, interventions and outcomes with those concerned and to document them in accordance with the relevant statutory provisions, and
• demonstrate the ability to review, assess and use relevant information critically and autonomously and also to discuss new data, phenomena and issues with different audiences and so contribute to the development of the profession and professional practice.

Judgement and approach
For a Degree of Master of Science in Psychology the student shall

• demonstrate the capacity for continual development of self-awareness and the capacity for empathy
• demonstrate specialised skills in appraising interventions using a holistic approach to individuals informed by the relevant disciplinary, social and ethical aspects and taking particular account of human rights
• demonstrate the ability to identify ethical aspects of his or her own research and development work
• demonstrate the ability to adopt a professional approach to clients and those close to them, and
• demonstrate the ability to identify the personal need for further knowledge and undertake ongoing development of his or her skills.

Outcomes of the Degree of Bachelor according to the Higher Education Ordinance
Knowledge and understanding
For a Degree of Bachelor of Science student shall

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the main field of study, including knowledge of the disciplinary foundation of the field, understanding of applicable methodologies in the field, specialised study in some aspect of the field as well as awareness of current research issues.

Competence and skills
For a Degree of Bachelor of Science student shall

• demonstrate the ability to search for, gather, evaluate and critically interpret the relevant information for a formulated problem and also discuss phenomena, issues and situations critically
• demonstrate the ability to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously and to complete tasks within predetermined time frames
• demonstrate the ability to present and discuss information, problems and solutions in speech and writing and in dialogue with different audiences, and
• demonstrate the skills required to work autonomously in the main field of study.

Judgment and approach
For a Degree of Bachelor of Science student shall

• demonstrate the ability to make assessments in the main field of study informed by relevant disciplinary, social and ethical issues
• demonstrate insight into the role of knowledge in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used, and
• demonstrate the ability to identify the need for further knowledge and ongoing learning.

Through education, research and information Karolinska Institutet shall contribute to the improvement of public health. The goal of the psychology programme at Karolinska Institutet is to educate psychologists with a broad expertise in the field of professional psychology and a particular preparedness to collaborate in and contribute to the development of health and medical care work in society.

Knowledge and understanding
The student shall

• demonstrate knowledge about the connection between behaviour, cognition, emotion and health

Competence and skills
The student shall

• demonstrate an ability to conduct psychological investigation and treatment work within the framework of health and medical care,
• demonstrate an ability to develop and apply development and change workin the field of health and medical care,
• demonstrate an ability to develop and evaluate psychological investigation and treatment work with a departure point evidence-based knowledge and
• demonstrate an ability to communicate and collaborate with other professions in health and medical care-related work.

Judgement and approach
The student shall

• demonstrate an ability to identify his or her need for additional knowledge regarding evidence-based health care interventions in line with Karolinska Institutet's overarching goals.

Main content and structure
The Psychology Programme earns a total of 300 credits (five years), primarily in the main field of study, Psychology. Other subject areas which are generally integrated into the courses in Psychology are: Statistics, Education, Sociology and various areas of Biomedicine. Equality and diversity issues are addressed continually wherever they are relevant on the programme.

Years 1 to 3 are aimed at providing basic knowledge in some of psychology's central subject areas that are relevant to the profession, and knowledge of statistics and scientific methods. The teaching is gradually broadened to take in the social and developmental aspects of psychology. Term 4 introduces the subjects of Health Psychology and Clinical Psychology, and term 5 begins with an integration and recap of all previous courses.

In the third year, preparation is given for psychology work among children and adolescents and the theoretical and practical basics in planning, leading, executing and evaluating development and change work that apply to groups, organisations and environments in work life and organisation. The year rounds off with optional courses totalling 22.5 credits. During this period there is the possibility of completing a degree project of 15 credits. Students who have completed this degree project have the right to apply for a Degree of Bachelor of Medical Science. The students who have made this choice can also apply for a Degree of Master of Medical Science after completing their psychology studies. Alternatively, the student can choose optional courses to profile his or her education towards a professional practice as psychologist or researcher in the future.

In years 4 to 5 the programme focuses on the clinical applications of psychology and related subjects. The practical psychology is conducted mainly at centres within the Stockholm County Council in cooperation with other programmes at Karolinska Institutet that specialise in health care, but can also take place at other psychology workplaces.

Year 5 is devoted partly to psychotherapy and partly to the degree project, both of which are conducted in tandem during the two terms.

The programme shall include components of statistics and methodology that are put in context during the terms. There are also two statistics and methodology courses (terms 5 and 8 respectively). Throughout the whole programme there are also the following components: interview methods, testing methods and the practice of psychology.

Teaching and working methods
The student is expected to take personal responsibility for his or her studies for the duration of the programme. From the beginning of the programme, great importance is attached to the student taking an active part in laboratory work and demonstrations that are reported orally or in writing in the form of scientific reports for the purpose of training autonomous analysis and critical thinking abilities.
This requires the students to be introduced to psycho­logical research methods and ethical research problems at an early stage. Other teaching forms include lectures, seminars, group exercises and case methods. Both the teaching and examination forms shall be characterised by variation and flexibility to best meet the goals of each individual course.

The education forms will also make the most of the possibilities offered by new techno­logies. This can include simplifying the communication between students and teachers or between students with the help of discussion forum via online platforms (course and programme sites; Pingpong), or the provision of teaching material through films, slideshow presentations, lecture notes or documents.

An obligatory introduction to literature searching and information science is given at Karolinska Institutet's library (KIB) at the beginning of the programme.

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The grades used are Fail, Pass or Pass with distinction. Alternative grading scales may apply to elective courses, cross-programme courses or some other courses within the programme. The grading scale is detailed in the course syllabus.

The course language is Swedish but courses may be held in English. The programme's focus on the research connection and current knowledge means that the majority of the course literature is in English.

There are specific eligibility requirements for the courses within the programme. The eligibility requirements can be found in the syllabi. In cases where the requirements are connected to the admission to a later term, they are described on the programme website. There may also be specific eligibility requirements within a specific term if a course requires certain prior knowledge.

A student's clinical education (VFU) can be immediately suspended if the student demonstrates such serious shortcomings, in terms of knowledge, skills or approach, as to jeopardise the safety of the patients, or their trust in their medical care. The administration of such matters must be outlined in the course syllabus.

If the education is suspended in this manner, an individual action plan shall be drawn up stating the activities and testing that will be required for a student to be given the opportunity to recommence the education.

For a bachelor's degree, all courses up to term 6, including Degree Project in Psychology, 15 credits (G2), are required.

For a master's degree, all courses from  term 7 up to term 10, are required.