The variety of research fields, which range from recording the activity of nerve cells to studying the effects of psychotherapy, makes it difficult to provide a simple definition of psychology. Its definition has, in fact, evolved over time as it has progressed. It has shifted from the “science of the life of the mind” over a century ago, to the “science of observable behaviour” from the 1920s to the 1960s, to become the science of behaviour and mental processes, whether these are individual or social, taking various determinants (biological, contextual, social, cultural, etc.) into account.
Psychology is therefore both a scientific discipline and an area of practice. Its various branches include, among others, those taught at the University of Lausanne:
Psychology of the development of mental and behavioural processes from birth to death
General psychology, which examines the major cognitive functions: memory, reasoning, learning, emotion and action
Psychopathology and clinical psychology, which study mental disorders and their treatment
Psychology of health, which looks, for example, at the psychological consequences of somatic illnesses
Social psychology, which examines the interactions between individuals and institutions, and social representations
Psychology of counselling in university and careers guidance
Psychosocial gerontology, which studies the psychosocial processes associated with ageing
Behavioural neurosciences, which combines functional units from general with specific physiological (nervous and somatic) modules
Practising as a psychologist requires a comprehensive study of psychology through university Bachelor’s and Master’s courses. In addition, many areas of psychology, for example psychotherapy, require several years’ postgraduate training after a Master’s course.
Practising as a psychologist presupposes a comprehensive study of psychology through university Bachelor’s and Master’s courses, followed in the majority of cases by several years’ continuing and/or advanced training.
New law on psychology
A Swiss Federal Act on the Psychological Professions (LPsy) came into force in 2013. The Act sets out clear, harmonised framework conditions for the practice of the psychological professions throughout Switzerland. It guarantees protection of the title of psychologist, since only providers of psychological services who hold a recognised qualification from a university, i.e. a Master of Psychology, will have the right to use the title ‘psychologist’. More information on the website of the Fédération suisse des psychologues (Swiss Federation of Psychologists) or the Association vaudoise des psychologues (Vaud Psychologists’ Association).
Career prospects depend partly on the choice of Master’s course.
Areas of activity
Schools and public authorities, for example, schools and careers guidance and school psychology
Health services, medical or social care institutions and hospitals
Private practices: psychotherapy, psychological advice and support
Businesses: for example, workplace psychology, staff selection, adult training
Research
Prevention
Other: small community organisations, emergency services (for example, the police, fire brigade, health services, etc.), private service companies (for example, banks and consultancies) and higher secondary teaching
Psychology PhD student, Haute école de santé du canton de Vaud (Vaud Canton School of Health – HESAV) and Institut romand de santé au travail (Institute of Workplace Health for French-speaking Switzerland – IST)
Every two years, the Swiss Federal Statistical Office (OFS) conducts a survey on graduate employment, one year after students have completed their course. View the results for Psychology graduates online:
Results of the survey for UNIL graduates specifically
Manon Bourmaud
Graduate, Bachelor in Psychology
How did you choose your studies?
"It's a great experience to have so much independence and freedom at the same time. It's a great way to learn about life. You learn a lot, you grow, you meet wonderful people, all in an incredible setting."
Ever since I was a little girl, I've always wanted to become a psychologist. I think it's partly because I love human contact! At gymnasium, I chose the complementary psychology option. It helped a bit with some of the courses, but you go over so many basics in your Bachelor's at UNIL that you can do very well without ever having done psychology before. I'm thinking of continuing my training with a Masters in clinical psychology and postgraduate training in psychotherapy. My dream is one day to open a practice that combines body and mind, working with both traditional psychological approaches and physical practices such as ecstatic dance!
Personally, my transition from gymnasium to uni was exacerbated by the fact that I left my parents' house to take a flat here. It's been a very enriching learning experience. Life in a shared flat is really great! In the first year, there are usually a lot of students. I'd definitely recommend taking part in the rally that takes place in the first few weeks, because that's when a lot of friendships are made. Personally, I didn't dare do it because I didn't know anyone, and I regret it: whether you're on your own or not, go to the rally! Then I joined the AESSP, our student association, which has helped me a lot: not only to meet people, but also to understand how the faculty works, to find out about the events that are organised, and so on. However, I had to learn to say no to parties sometimes, which can be difficult at first, but you soon realise that there will be other opportunities to enjoy yourself and that you still have to work to succeed in your studies! What's more, I've met a lot of my friends at the library during revision periods, so those are also great moments of solidarity!
The Bachelor's degree is very general: we have courses in history, sociology, statistics, methodology and so on. In the second part of the Bachelor's, we also have practical work where we learn how to administer tests and interviews. It's not very clinically oriented yet, because you need a good grounding to get there, but that will come later! I wouldn't recommend coming here thinking that you're going to solve your own problems or those of your loved ones - that's not the aim or the content of the course. Psychology is a very broad field, and one that will probably continue to develop: it's not just clinical psychology, there's also sports psychology, work psychology, forensic psychology, counselling psychology, etc. There's something for everyone!
The main advice I'd give to future students is: make the most of it! It's a great experience to have so much independence and freedom at the same time. It's a great school for life. You learn a lot, you grow, you meet wonderful people, all in an incredible setting. For example, we're lucky enough to have a sports centre by the lake on the UNIL campus, which gives you the chance not only to discover lots of sports but also to meet people from other faculties! What's more, doing sport really helps to keep a balance alongside your studies.
Exchanges and mobility
Going on a university exchange is a unique and highly rewarding experience, provided you prepare well. The first thing to remember is that you need to start taking steps well in advance. For example, if you're planning to go away in your 3rd year of a bachelor's degree, you should start taking steps at the beginning of your 2nd year at the latest.
