The first Psychological Laboratory at a university level in Finland was founded at the Finnish University of Turku already in 1922. The Laboratory was part of the Discipline of Philosophy. The Psychology Department as such was not founded until 1955. Today there are five other departments of Psychology at the Universities in Finland. The Department of Psychology at the University of Turku belongs to the Faculty of Social Sciences.

The Department has a long tradition of research in learning and cognitive processes that have recently been supplemented by neuroscientific research. Researchers in these fields as well as the special fields of health and clinical psychology work closely with the Faculty of Education, of Medicine and the different clinics of the University Hospital of Turku. The Department has also been known for research in the areas of Developmental, Industrial and Social Psychology. Behavior in Traffic and Aggression are among the topics that have received special attention. The number of staff is aroud 60 and about 220 students are majoring in psychology.

The Center for Learning Research was formed as a result of cooperation between the Psychology and Education Department in 1986. The Psychology Department also has an important role in the Research Center of Cognitive Neuroscience (CCN)which encompasses many scientific field. The Department coordinates the national Network University of Psychology (Psykonet) which is formed by the psychology departments of all the universities in Finland.

The Department grants the following degrees in psychology: Bachelor of Psychology, Master of Psychology, a Licentiate degree as well as a degree of Doctor of Psychology or Philosphy. The Licentiate Examination gives a specialist Degree in psychology.

Further information on studies in the University of Turku is available through our International Office.