What is Psychology?

Have you ever been curious about why people think, feel, and act the way they do? Or maybe you’re fascinated by the workings of the mind and want to understand how mental health, learning, and human behaviour all fit together. If so, psychology courses could be the perfect field for you to explore.

Psychology examines the behavioural, perceptual, mental and emotional processes taking place in our brains. Psychologists also address applied topics as diverse as transport safety, eye-witness testimony, industrial relations, intellectual disabilities, hyperactivity in children, and other clinical issues.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what psychology is, some of its key concepts, and the different career paths it can open up. If you choose to study psychology, you’ll also learn how to develop essential skills like critical thinking, communication, and empathy - skills that are valuable in almost any field.

Whether you’re a student ready to dive into psychology or a parent looking for summer programmes that nurture curiosity, this guide will show you why psychology is such an exciting subject to study.

By the end, you’ll discover how psychology summer schools, like those offered by Oxford Summer Courses, provide an inspiring and engaging introduction to this fascinating discipline, helping you take your first steps toward a future in psychology.

What is Psychology?

A lot of people think psychology is just about studying the mind - and while that's part of it, there’s so much more to it. Psychology looks into how people think, feel, and act. Wouldn’t you love to know why we behave the way we do, how our brains work, and how our experiences shape who we are?

When you study psychology, you start to see how these things all connect. You’ll learn about everything from how we make decisions to how our memory works, and even how our surroundings affect our behaviour. Psychology courses give you a deeper understanding of why people do what they do.

Here’s a closer look at some of the areas you’ll explore:

Cognitive Psychology

Cognitive psychology looks at how we take in, store, and use information every day. Think of it as figuring out how our brains help us remember things, solve problems, and understand language.

Clinical Psychology

Clinical psychology focuses on mental health. It helps diagnose and treat mental health conditions, like anxiety and depression. This is the field where psychologists work one-on-one with people to help them feel better and improve their mental well-being.

Developmental Psychology

In this area, you’ll study how people change and grow over time, from childhood to old age. Developmental psychology looks at how our environment, family, and experiences shape who we become as we grow up.

Social Psychology

Social psychology is about how other people influence us. It looks at things like group behaviour, how we form relationships, and how society shapes our actions. It’s all about understanding how we’re impacted by the people around us.

Behavioural Psychology

This field is focused on learning through experience. Behavioural psychology looks at how we learn behaviours based on rewards, punishments, and past experiences. It's super useful for improving education, parenting, and even work environments.

By diving into these areas, you’ll start to understand more about how people work and why they do the things they do. Psychology is a fascinating field, offering insights that can help in everyday life and in all kinds of careers.

Why Study Psychology?

Studying psychology gives you a deeper understanding of human behaviour and how the mind works. It equips you with practical skills that can be applied in many different careers.

If you’re curious about what drives people’s actions, want to help others improve their mental health, or are interested in exploring how we think, learn, and grow, psychology is a great way to explore those interests.

Here are five key reasons why you should study psychology:

1. Gain Insight into Human Behavior

Psychology helps you understand why people behave the way they do. You’ll learn how emotions, thoughts, and social factors influence our actions. For example, through case studies, you might analyse how different factors impact a person’s mental health or how social influences affect decision-making. These insights will help you make sense of everyday interactions and human behaviour on a deeper level.

2. Develop Transferable Skills

Psychology teaches you skills that are useful in almost any career. You’ll learn how to think critically, analyse data, communicate effectively, and solve problems.

For instance, you might work on a project where you investigate how people respond to stress, which will help you understand different coping mechanisms and develop problem-solving strategies. These skills are valuable in fields like education, healthcare, business, and more.

3. Explore Various Career Paths

The skills and knowledge gained from studying psychology are applicable in many professions, from mental health care to marketing. For example, if you study cognitive psychology, you’ll learn how people process information, which is useful in designing educational programmes or improving workplace efficiency. Potential career paths include:

• Clinical psychology
• Educational psychology
• Human resources
• Marketing and consumer behaviour
• Mental health counselling

4. Make a Difference

You can make a real impact on people’s lives by studying psychology. You could be helping individuals manage mental health challenges or working on research that improves learning methods, the work you do in psychology can have meaningful, lasting effects. For example, as a counsellor, you might help someone navigate difficult life situations, improving their mental well-being and quality of life.

5. Understand Everyday Applications

Psychology isn’t just for professionals - it applies to everyday life, too. From improving communication with friends and family to better understanding how people think and feel, psychology offers practical tools you can use to navigate relationships, handle stress, and make informed decisions. For instance, learning about behavioural psychology can help you understand why people develop habits and how to change them, which is useful in personal development and health.

At Oxford Summer Courses, our psychology summer school programmes bring these concepts to life with hands-on experiences, interactive lessons, and case studies that show you how psychology is used in the real world. You’ll gain practical knowledge and skills that go beyond the classroom, setting you up for success in whatever path you choose.

Key Skills You’ll Learn in Psychology

Psychology goes beyond theories and textbooks -it equips you with valuable skills that can help you understand people and tackle everyday challenges.

Mental health studies offer a fresh perspective on how the human mind works, teaching you tools that are useful not only in your career but also in your personal life.

Here are some key skills you’ll gain:

Understanding Human Behavior and Emotions

One of the core focuses of psychology is figuring out why people behave the way they do. You’ll learn how emotions influence our actions and how experiences shape the way we think and feel. This insight will help you better understand and respond to others in various situations, from friendships to workplace dynamics.

Cognitive Skills and Problem-Solving

Psychology helps you dive into how we process information, solve problems, and make decisions. You'll explore how memory works, how people reason through problems, and how the brain responds to challenges. These cognitive skills are incredibly useful in both professional settings and everyday decision-making.

Research Methods and Critical Thinking

Research is at the heart of psychology. You’ll learn how to design experiments, collect and interpret data, and use that information to form sound conclusions. By developing strong critical thinking skills, you’ll be able to evaluate information, think independently, and apply research findings to real-world problems.

Clear and Effective Communication

Psychology teaches you how to communicate complex ideas in a way that’s easy to understand. Whether you’re explaining research or discussing human behaviour, you’ll sharpen your ability to convey thoughts clearly and concisely.

Empathy and Emotional Intelligence

One of the most important skills you’ll gain is empathy - the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Psychology helps you develop emotional intelligence, allowing you to connect with people on a deeper level, recognise their needs, and respond thoughtfully. These skills are essential in careers like counselling, education, and human resources.

At Oxford Summer Courses, you'll apply these skills through hands-on projects, discussions, and case studies, gaining practical experience that prepares you for any career path you choose.

By the end of the course, you'll have a solid foundation in psychology and a better understanding of the people and world around you.

Famous Psychology Experts and Their Work

When studying psychology, it’s fascinating to learn about the influential figures who have shaped the field. Many of the concepts and theories you’ll explore in psychology courses come from these groundbreaking thinkers whose work changed how we understand human behaviour and the mind.

Let’s take a look at some of the most important psychology experts and the impact of their work:

Sigmund Freud (Psychoanalysis)

Sigmund Freud is one of the most famous names in psychology. Most known for psychoanalysis, Freud introduced concepts like the unconscious mind, defence mechanisms, and the importance of early childhood experiences in shaping behaviour.

His work laid the foundation for psychotherapy and remains a significant influence in the study of personality and mental health. Freud's theories, while controversial, opened up discussions on how our unconscious thoughts and past experiences affect our emotions and behaviour today.

B.F. Skinner (Behaviorism)

B.F. Skinner was a pioneer in the field of behaviourism, a branch of psychology that focuses on how we learn through rewards and punishments.

Skinner’s experiments, like his famous "Skinner Box," demonstrated how behaviour could be shaped by reinforcement, and his work contributed to the development of educational practices, parenting techniques, and even workplace management strategies. Skinner’s research is crucial in understanding how behaviour can be modified and how we learn from our environment.

Jean Piaget (Cognitive Development)

Jean Piaget was a Swiss psychologist known for his work on child development. He developed a theory of cognitive development that explains how children progress through stages of learning, from understanding basic concepts to developing more complex thinking abilities.

Piaget’s work had a huge impact on education, as it highlighted the importance of tailoring teaching methods to match children’s cognitive stages. His theories remain key in developmental psychology and continue to shape how we understand learning and development in children.

Carl Rogers (Humanistic Psychology)

Carl Rogers was one of the founding figures of humanistic psychology, which focuses on individual potential and personal growth. His approach to therapy, known as client-centred therapy, emphasised empathy, active listening, and unconditional positive regard.

Rogers believed that people have the ability to change and grow, given the right environment. His work reshaped therapeutic practices and highlighted the importance of empathy in understanding and helping others.

These psychologists helped lay the foundation for many of the theories and practices we use today in psychology. Their experiments and ideas transformed how we think about human behaviour, mental health, and development, demonstrating that psychology is a powerful tool for understanding ourselves and improving the world around us.

Future Careers in Business

If you decide to study psychology, it gives you the chance to explore different careers where you can really make a difference.

Here are just a few paths you could take with a background in psychology:

Clinical Psychology and Counselling

If you’re passionate about helping others navigate their mental health challenges, clinical psychology or counselling might be your calling.

You’ll work directly with people to diagnose and treat mental health conditions, helping them improve their well-being. This path allows you to make a profound impact on individual lives, offering support and guidance to those in need.

Research

Psychology research opens doors to discovering new insights into human behaviour and cognition. As a researcher, you could work on groundbreaking studies that help us understand everything from memory and learning to mental health and social behaviour. This career is ideal if you love asking big questions and exploring answers through scientific investigation.

Human Resources

Psychology plays a crucial role in understanding how people work together in professional environments. With a background in psychology, you could enter the field of human resources, helping companies manage their workforce, improve employee satisfaction, and resolve conflicts. It’s a great path if you’re interested in understanding workplace dynamics and improving organisational culture.

Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychologists work at the intersection of psychology and the law. If you’re intrigued by criminal behaviour and want to understand what drives individuals to commit crimes, this might be the path for you. Forensic psychologists work with law enforcement, the courts, and correctional facilities to assess offenders, provide expert testimony, and help in criminal investigations.

Educational Psychology

Educational psychologists focus on how people learn and develop throughout their lives. If you want to make an impact in schools, this path lets you work with students, teachers, and families to improve learning outcomes. You’ll help design educational programmes, support students with learning difficulties, and create environments where everyone can thrive.

Industrial-Organisational Psychology

Industrial-organisational psychology is all about understanding how people function in the workplace. You’ll apply psychological principles to help companies improve productivity, enhance employee satisfaction, and create better working conditions. This career is a perfect fit if you’re interested in both business and psychology, offering the chance to improve how organisations operate.

At Oxford Summer Courses, our psychology courses provide students with hands-on learning experiences and real-world applications that prepare you for future career opportunities. You’ll gain the knowledge and skills to pursue any of these rewarding career paths, and we can help guide you every step of the way.

Why Choose Oxford Summer Courses?

One of the things that makes Oxford Summer Courses unique is the flexibility of our curriculum. Unlike traditional programmes, our tutors aren’t tied to a set curriculum. This means they can adapt the course content to suit the preferences and interests of the students attending.

Students will have the opportunity to discuss their learning goals with admissions, and we’ll do our best to tailor the course accordingly to ensure a personalised experience.

For younger students (ages 13-15), our teaching methodologies focus on seminars and small group learning. In Oxford and Cambridge, students participate in interactive seminars and small group sessions that challenge them intellectually and help them refine critical thinking, research, and presentation skills. Through expert guidance and collaborative learning, students gain the support they need to excel.

For students aged 16-24, our courses follow a tutorial-style teaching model. This method encourages independent thought, academic exploration, and lively debates in small group seminars. Tutorials provide personalised feedback, helping students develop their ideas and arguments, and preparing them for success in higher education and beyond.

​​Conclusion

At Oxford Summer Courses, our psychology courses offer a rich and engaging experience for students who are curious about the human mind and behaviour. Our psychology summer school is designed to challenge your thinking and encourage exploration through a mix of interactive lessons, real-world case studies, and hands-on projects that connect theory to everyday life.

You’ll build essential skills like critical thinking, communication, and research while gaining a deeper understanding of psychology's key concepts. You’ll also have the chance to enjoy a vibrant social atmosphere, connect with new friends, and experience the historic culture of places like Oxford and Cambridge. With a supportive community and experienced tutors by your side, you’ll have everything you need to feel at home while expanding your horizons.

For more information on how to apply, deadlines, and pricing, visit our application page. If you have any questions, our FAQs and friendly team are always here to help. Your adventure at Oxford or Cambridge awaits - let’s get started!

Apply to Study Psychology

We offer psychology courses for ages 13-24 in Oxford and for ages 13-17 in Cambridge. We highly recommend applying early. Each of our courses has a limited number of places available, and they tend to sell out quickly. Once they are full, no further places will be available. Submit your application as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss the opportunity to study psychology with an award-winning summer school. Apply now.

FAQs About Psychology

1. What does psychology study? Psychology is the study of the mind and behaviour. It explores how people think, feel, and act in different situations. Psychology looks at a wide range of topics, from how we process information and make decisions to how emotions, experiences, and social factors shape who we are.
2. How can a psychology summer course help in my career? A psychology summer course can give you a head start by teaching you important skills like critical thinking, research methods, and communication. These skills are valuable in many careers, including counselling, education, human resources, and even marketing. The course also provides hands-on experience, helping you decide if psychology is the right path for your future.
3. What are the key skills needed for psychology? Key skills in psychology include critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and empathy. You’ll also need strong research abilities to collect and analyse data, and emotional intelligence to understand how others think and feel. These skills help you work with people and understand human behaviour more deeply.
4. Can I explore specific branches of psychology in this course? Yes! A psychology summer course allows you to explore various branches, such as cognitive psychology, clinical psychology, and social psychology. You’ll get to dive into the areas that interest you most and learn how each field applies to different aspects of life and work.
5. How does psychology relate to mental health and well-being? Psychology plays a crucial role in understanding and improving mental health. It helps us identify, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and stress. By studying psychology, you’ll gain insights into how to support mental well-being, both for yourself and others.