Psychology

The Licence in Psychology at Université Lumière Lyon 2 is a comprehensive, academically rigorous undergraduate program aligned with the national curriculum framework in France. Spanning over three years (Licence 1 to Licence 3), it is designed to equip students with a solid foundation of theoretical and methodological knowledge across the various subfields of psychology. The program balances insights from human and social sciences with a strong introduction to life sciences, positioning psychology as both an empirical and interpretative discipline.

At its core, the curriculum provides a progressive learning pathway through the major domains of psychology: cognitive, developmental, social, clinical, and differential psychology. Students are also introduced to psychobiology and neuroscience, enabling them to understand the biological underpinnings of behavior and mental processes. These courses are supplemented by quantitative and qualitative research methods, including statistics and experimental design, which are essential for scientific inquiry and critical analysis in the field.

The degree also offers modules on psychological theories, history of psychology, and epistemological frameworks, helping students critically evaluate concepts and practices in both academic and applied settings. While the program exposes students to the roles and responsibilities of professional psychologists, it remains firmly academic in nature. Students gain a first exposure to research, sometimes through supervised projects, but the training does not authorize independent clinical or therapeutic practice.

A key feature of the program is its emphasis on methodological competence and interdisciplinary understanding, preparing students for further study rather than immediate entry into the profession. In this sense, the Licence serves as the essential first step toward a specialized Master’s degree in Psychology, which is required in France to legally practice as a psychologist and to obtain the professional title.

The program also allows students to explore related disciplines—such as philosophy, linguistics, education, or sociology—through optional modules and elective courses. Additionally, students may benefit from introductory training in academic writing, communication, and digital tools, preparing them for the demands of graduate-level education.

By the end of the three years, students will have:

• Developed a comprehensive understanding of psychological theories and processes
• Acquired basic competencies in research and scientific analysis
• Learned to critically evaluate literature and data within psychological contexts
• Built a foundation for specialization in Master’s programs, whether in clinical psychology, health psychology, educational psychology, or research

It is important to emphasize that the Licence in Psychology alone does not confer the right to use the title "psychologist" in France. Only upon successful completion of an accredited Master's program with supervised professional training can one obtain this title and practice psychology professionally.

This program is hosted at the Campus Porte des Alpes and provides access to a wide range of academic resources, research seminars, and optional international study opportunities for those who wish to broaden their academic horizons.