Programme requirements:
– to master knowledge and understanding of historic formation of the science of psychology, key sub-branches, theories, modern development trends and connections with other sciences;
– to acquire skills of applying theoretical knowledge and various methods of social psychology research;
– to develop skills of self-analysis and the ability to analyse problem situations;
– to acquire skills and abilities of psychological research and psychological consulting;
– to study basic principles and methodology of research work, to develop and defend the Bachelor’ thesis for the total amount of 10 credit points.  

The programme is aimed at offering students an opportunity for acquisition of basic academic knowledge of psychology, providing opportunities for acquisition of theoretical knowledge and research skills, mastering of analytical and critical thinking skills and the skills required for solving problems and making decisions independently.

Successful completion of the programme opens opportunities for further studies in psychology in Latvia or abroad.
The following tasks have been set to attain the above stated aims:
– to provide courses of basic theoretical knowledge in psychology;
– to improve students’ understanding of psychology as a science and to develop skills of comparison and evaluation of various theories in psychology;
– to promote successful use of the acquired theoretical knowledge in scientific research and to improve the skills required for preparation of a psychology research study which is correct and complies with the fundamental principles of research;
– to promote understanding of professional ethics and use of these principles in conducting scientific research;
– to promote teaching methods which develop analytical thinking skills, the ability to resolve problems and to form decisions independently;
– to promote personal growth of psychology students and to create motivation for further and life-long education;
– to provide opportunity for developing student individual needs and democratic involvement in the organization and evaluation of the study programme;
– to promote cooperation with other institutions of higher education in Latvia and abroad.

Upon completion of the PBSP, students have the following knowledge, skills and competences:
Knowledge and understanding:
– graduates are able to demonstrate fundamental knowledge in psychology, understanding of psychology as a science, and the ability to critically evaluate, analyse, and compare various theories of psychology;
– are able to demonstrate understanding of the most essential concepts and principles of the science of psychology.

Skills:
– graduates are able to use the acquired knowledge in their scientific research work;
– are able to independently and correctly prepare research projects in psychology which comply with the fundamental principles of psychological research and the principles of ethics in psychology;
– are able to use analytical and critical thinking skills and to apply the scientific approach in problem-solving, to use efficient problem-solving strategies;
– are able to communicate efficiently, to formulate and analyse information related to the science of psychology, to analyse problems related to the science of psychology and to develop solutions to such problems, to explain, present, and discuss them efficiently with specialists or non-specialists;
– are able to independently structure and advance their current and further learning and professional development, to assume responsibility and take initiative when working individually or in a team, to help guide the work of others, to carry out decisions and to find creative solutions in variable or uncertain conditions.

Competence:
– are able to independently acquire, select, and analyse information from traditional and modern technology sources, to carry out decisions, and to solve problems;
– are able to understand and apply principles of ethics in psychological research;
– are able to evaluate the effects of their own professional activities on the environment and society, and to take part in the further development of psychology in Latvia.