Psychological & Behavioural Sciences
Psychological and Behavioural Sciences (PBS) is an exciting course which allows you to build firm foundations in core areas of psychology, before specialising in the areas that interest you most. Cambridge has an impressive history of ground-breaking work in the study of the brain basis of behaviour. Today’s cutting-edge research is most often built on interdisciplinary interactions, for example involving close collaborations between neuroscientists and psychologists. The PBS course gives you a similar choice of how you want to study the brain and/or behaviour, and you have the freedom to follow your interests. More details about the course can be found on the .
PBS at Murray Edwards
Murray Edwards typically admits three PBS students per year, so you will be part of a cohort of around 10 PBS undergraduates in the College at any one time. There are excellent facilities for study, and the reading materials that support the course are available in the Rosemary Murray Library, which is open 24/7. Our network of former PBS students is steadily growing, and you will join a close and enthusiastic group of students, postgraduates, and Fellows who share your academic interests.
What the students say
Sophie Kleina
During my first week at Medwards, I was struck by how welcoming and comfortable it felt. It’s a college that balances calm and community so well- you can always find a quiet corner to focus, but just as easily bump into friends for a quick chat! I’ve found it to be an uplifting place to live and study, and that sense of ease makes such a difference when things get intense during term. The library is my favourite spot- not just because it’s beautiful, but because it makes studying feel more enjoyable!
One of the things I love most about PBS at Cambridge is how varied it is- exploring everything from neuroscience to coding in R. What really makes the course stand out is the chance to branch out into other disciplines too- this year, I’ve been able to study Social Anthropology, which has been an amazing opportunity to think about the world in a completely new way.
Outside of my studies, I’ve taken part in the Laidlaw Leadership Programme and the College’s Student Ambassador scheme- both have been amazing ways to grow new skills and share my experience. I also joined the Cambridge University Dance Society this year and performed in their annual show, which was a highlight of my first year!
Meet an alumna
Georgia Capewell
I loved the ability to choose subjects from different disciplines, allowing the degree to be tailored to my interests. Taking papers from Sociology and Social Anthropology were some of the most enriching moments of my experience. Working with Professor van der Linden, Dr. Rakoen Maertens and Dr. Jon Roozenbeek for my dissertation was also a highlight, being on the forefront of cutting-edge research into misinformation. I have always been a shy person - confidence is something I've had to learn, but Murray Edwards definitely helped me. I think the obnoxious brutalist dome which juts out of the trees represents what the college stands for - being bold and unapologetic in its carving out of space for women. The strong sense of community, including the proud queer and trans community of the college, made me feel welcomed, with the beautiful gardens and lovely gardeners creating a sense of one big, shared home. I now work as a Research Assistant at the University of York, involved in a cross-cultural project on social identity. I love the variety of work, designing a website one minute to helping set up a global study the next. I feel proud to be utilising my degree in a career I enjoy.
Meet our academics
Dr Susan Imrie
Head of Wellbeing
Dr Jo Lysons
Research Associate, Wellbeing
Dr Lucy MacGregor
Fellow in Psychological & Behavioural Sciences
