Psychology Schools and Programs in France

Psychology Studies in France

Are you a psychology student who has always dreamed about visiting the beautiful and culturally-rich country of France?  Have you considered enlisting in a study abroad program or student exchange—a program that allows students to study and live in a foreign country for a time while earning credits towards their undergraduate or graduate degree?  There are currently many study abroad opportunities for those who wish to explore the fascinating country of France, the most oft-visited country in the world each year by tourists.
 
France, officially the French Republic, is a sovereign country located in Western Europe and one of the most important countries in the world from a cultural, political and economic standpoint.  France is the largest country by area both in the European Union and the Western European region and the third largest country in Europe as a whole, after Russia and Turkey.  Its population of nearly 67 million also ranks third in Europe (after Russia and Germany) and 19^th overall in the world.  France extends from the Mediterranean Sea to the English Channel and the North Sea; and from the Rhine River to the Atlantic Ocean.  It is one of only three countries to have both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines, the others being Spain and the North African country of Morocco.
 
France is a highly-developed country with one of the world’s largest economic outputs, ranking fifth in the world in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and seventh by purchasing power parity.  Citizens of France enjoy an extremely high standard of living and the country as a whole ranks near the top of the Economic Freedom Index.
 
France, and particularly its capital and largest city, Paris, is seen as one of the world’s most influential cultural centers, and its education system, including its system of higher education, consistently scores near the top of the world rankings, boasting some of the finest universities on the planet.
 
Psychology Education in France
 
Psychology, the study of the mind and human behavior, is a fascinating discipline, encompassing many different aspects and schools of thought.  As a degree program, Psychology is offered by the majority of France’s major universities at the undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate levels.
 
Recently, the French higher education system adopted the provisions set forth by the Bologna Process, an educational reform measure aimed at homogenizing the credit and degree structure at universities throughout the European Union, with the goal of facilitating student transfers between said universities.  Under the new system, each academic year of full-time study is now equivalent to 60 credits.  Academic undergraduate or bachelor degrees in France now span three years (180 credits), and while no official degree is conferred at the conclusion of this cycle, those who complete it are eligible to pursue a graduate or Master’s Degree, which normally takes two additional years (120 credits) to complete (those who wish to practice Psychology in a clinical setting must have at least a Master’s degree to their credit).  Exceptional students who wish to continue their education after earning a Master’s degree are free to apply to one of the doctoral or PhD programs available in the country, with admission requirements determined by each individual institution.
 
The coursework leading to a Bachelor/Master degree in Psychology may vary slightly from one university to the next, but generally students will encounter courses such as Introduction to Psychology; Psychopharmacology; Abnormal Psychology; Clinical Psychology; Social Problems; Marriage and Family Counseling; Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy; Group Psychology; Medical Terminology; and more.  Master degree candidates are also required to complete a capstone project or Master’s thesis and defend that thesis in front of a panel of faculty.
 
Why Study Abroad in France
 
The opportunity to study in France is one that should not be passed up.  Not only does the country boast some of the finest educational institutions in the world, it is also a place of great culture, friendly people and delicious cuisine.  Students who elect to study in France will enjoy a top-notch academic experience, but perhaps even more appealing is the adventure they’ll be treated to outside of the classroom as they explore the hundreds of sites and attractions the country has to offer, including:
 
The Eiffel Tower
 
The Eiffel Tower, designed by Gustave Eiffel, was built in 1889 for the Universal Exhibition to celebrate the centennial of the French Revolution. This iconic structure has become the symbol of Paris and is one of the top tourist destinations in France.  The tower can be seen from most vantage points in the city, but arguably the most spectacular view is from the Trocadéro in the 16^th arrondissement.  In the summer months, when tourism is at its peak, the lines for the elevator can be very long, but one can easily walk to the first level, (360 steps) or second level (700 steps) for a better view.
 
Pont du Gard
 
A masterpiece of Roman architecture, the Pont du Gard, was constructed around 19 BC as part of a Roman aqueduct system that transported spring water from the nearby city of Uzès to Nimes. Constructed without mortar, this bridge carried 4.4 million gallons of water per day on its top level. The lower levels once served as bridge over the Gard River some 158 feet below, but after not being used for more than 1700 years, the bridge finally had to be restored in the 19th century. Now, visitors can drive across the lower tier and walk across the two upper tiers to explore all of the wonderful ancient detail.
 
Chateau de Chenonceau
 
The stunning Chateau de Chenonceau, which sets atop the River Cher, is often referred to as Château des Dames, or “Chateau of the Ladies,” because it owes a large part of its history and charm to women.  Built in 1513 by Katherine Briçonnet (wife of Charles VIII of France), it was made more attractive by Diane de Poitiers (mistress of King Henry II) and Catherine de Médicis (wife of King Henry II), and saved from destruction during the French Revolution by Madame Louise Dupin (wife of a wealthy Frenchman, Claude Dupin).