These and other free online psychology courses are available. Many courses can be completed at your own pace so that you can start learning right away.
Learn the science of psychology online with courses that cover everything, from the inner workings of the brain to the importance and value of cognition at work.
This series of courses will help you to specialize your skills. Get a seven-day free trial, then subscribe to continue learning at your own pace. You can cancel anytime you wish.
The fascinating and complex area of science that studies the human mind is the human brain, is one of the most interesting in all of scientific research. Psychology examines everything from the mind’s memory to how it changes to understand our mental wellbeing.
FutureLearn’s online psychology classes will help you explore the inner workings of your mind, learn the basics of academic psychology study, and see the effects of psychology at work.
These courses are for those who want to study psychology or simply wonder what makes us unique and why.
What’s psychology?
According to the American Psychological Association, psychology is “the study and application of mind and behavior.” This topic was considered by ancient Greek philosophers as well as the core of many major religions. The modern science of psychology is still relatively new. It dates back to the 19th-century work of pioneers such as William James, Wilhelm Wundt and Sigmund Freud.
Although some of the early theories, especially Freud’s influential paradigm of psychoanalysis are still valid, mainstream psychology is very different today than it was in its early days. Psychology has taken scientific approaches that are more like modern medicine than traditional philosophy since the second half of the 20th Century. Psychologists have made great strides in understanding emotions, social behavior, and the brain through laboratory experiments and data analysis.
However, not all psychologists work in the lab. This knowledge is used by practicing psychologists to help people deal with life challenges and mental health problems. Although psychology has made great strides in the last decade, it is still important for practitioners to be sensitive to each patient’s unique values and goals in order to provide the best treatment. The patient’s circumstances and the expertise of the psychologist will determine the approach that is best for them. Common treatments include talking therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and more modern approaches such as talk therapy. Psychologists might also recommend psychiatric medications such as anxiolytics or antidepressants, often in conjunction with other types of therapy.
No matter what job you are in, there are many opportunities in psychology to have a positive impact on the lives of their patients.