Unlocking Psychological and Behavioural Sciences (PBS) at Cambridge: Interview Preparation, Personal Statement and Tips
Welcome, aspiring minds, to our blog designed exclusively for prospective students applying to study Psychological and Behavioural Sciences (PBS) at Cambridge! If you find yourself endlessly fascinated by the complexities of human behaviour and yearning to understand the intricacies of the human mind, then you are in the right place to start your academic journey. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the application process, providing invaluable insights, tips, and resources to help you secure a coveted spot on the PBS Tripos. Whether you're captivated by the realms of psychology, sociology, or anthropology, we are here to equip you with the knowledge and confidence needed to help you ace that application.
What is Psychological and Behavioural Sciences?
Psychological and Behavioural Sciences, commonly referred to as PBS, is a captivating field of study that delves into the intricacies of the human mind and behaviour. Rooted in empirical research and theoretical frameworks, this multidisciplinary discipline seeks to comprehend the complexities of cognition, emotions, social interactions, and mental processes that shape human actions. At Cambridge University, the Psychological and Behavioural Sciences programme offers a captivating exploration into various branches of psychology, equipping students with the knowledge and analytical skills to address real-world challenges. It is distinct from some of the other psychology degrees that can be compared on the UCAS Website.
As a blend of science and humanity, PBS fosters a profound understanding of individuals and societies, paving the way for meaningful contributions to the well-being and advancement of humanity. Throughout your journey in this course, you will delve into topics like cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, and neuroscience, among others. These areas of study will empower you to unravel the mysteries of the human psyche and gain insights into the complexities of human behaviour.
What Kind of Careers Can I Get With a PBS Degree?
A PBS degree leaves you with a several different career paths to explore upon graduating which is why is remains a popular and diverse option for students looking to span the bridge between the humanities and the sciences. You can compare stats from The Student Room in order to understand some of the routes available. In the realm of academia, a PBS degree can lead to research and teaching positions at universities, enabling individuals to contribute to the field and shape future generations' understanding of human psychology. Additionally, careers in clinical psychology, counselling, and therapy await those with a PBS background, as they can provide invaluable support and interventions for individuals facing mental health challenges. Moreover, PBS graduates find opportunities in human resources, marketing, and market research, utilising their insights into human behaviour to enhance organisational performance and consumer interactions. Non-profit organisations, social work, and public policy roles also value PBS graduates' expertise, as they can address societal issues and advocate for positive change. Ultimately, a PBS degree offers a wide range of rewarding career paths, allowing graduates to make a meaningful impact on individuals, communities, and society as a whole.
How to Write the Perfect PBS Personal Statement
Crafting a standout personal statement for your Psychological and Behavioural Sciences (PBS) application at prestigious universities like Cambridge is an essential step towards securing your place. Your personal statement provides a unique opportunity to showcase your passion for PBS, academic potential, and suitability for the course.
Begin by giving yourself ample time to brainstorm and plan your personal statement. Reflect on what drives your interest in PBS and the specific areas within the field that captivate your curiosity. Consider any relevant academic experiences, extracurricular activities, or personal encounters that have shaped your passion for understanding human behaviour, cognition, and emotions. Emphasise how your strong mathematical and scientific skills have perfectly complemented your fascination with empirically studying human behaviour. Share examples of research projects, experiments, or data analysis where you applied these abilities to gain valuable insights into psychological phenomena. This demonstrates your ability to approach psychological research with rigour and precision. As well as including statistics and data make sure you include your own critical thinking as this type of thinking is something your supervisors will be also looking for you to display later at interview.
It is important to illustrate your academic curiosity by discussing books, research papers, or documentaries that have enriched your understanding of PBS beyond the standard curriculum. Highlight any independent research projects you have undertaken and delve into the methodologies used, findings, and the impact of your research. This evidence of intellectual curiosity will impress the admissions tutors and illustrate your potential as a PBS student. Showcase your dedication to PBS by discussing additional literature, journals, or articles (Malcolm Gladwell’s Blink is a great place to start) you have explored outside of your academic requirements. Analyse the content and provide critical insights, demonstrating your ability to engage with complex ideas and theories.
We have an entire blog dedicated to writing a standout Psychology Personal Statement here.
Some Useful PBS Reading Suggestions
Plus recommendations from Christ’s and Kings.
Books:
"Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman - A renowned psychologist explores the two systems that drive the way we think, offering insights into human decision-making and behaviour.
"The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat" by Oliver Sacks - Oliver Sacks is one of the most famous neurologists of the last century, and he dedicated his life to study and explore the brain’s strangest pathways. In his most extraordinary book, he writes profound and breath-taking accounts of patients with bizarre neurological conditions, and how these relate to the neuroscience, psychology and philosophy. How does our brain tell what is real and what is not? What happens when someone forgets their last 20 years of life? What is the essence of consciousness?
We run a fantastic research project centred on Oliver Sacks’ seminal text via our co-curricular division, Minds Underground. We run one-to-one question-oriented sessions, to begin to answer some of these exciting questions. This project is ideal for a student between Year 10 - 13 interested in the fields of Neuroscience, Medicine, and/or Psychology, who is excited to explore these subjects from a unique perspective, mentored by a Cambridge graduate tutor who has a Masters in Cognitive Neuroscience and is currently undertaking a PhD in Psychiatry. By carrying out this in-depth reading project, the student not only learns new ideas in these fields but will also gain skills in critical analysis of scientific studies, communication skills as well as learn how to hold academic discussions which will be essential for any future Oxbridge PBS application. Enquire here for more details (N.B. This is a paid-for opportunity - tutorials are from £75/h, though you are able to split the cost with a classmate!)
"The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business" by Charles Duhigg - Duhigg investigates the science of habits and how they shape our behaviours and daily routines.
"The Social Animal: The Hidden Sources of Love, Character, and Achievement" by David Brooks - Brooks explores the complexities of human behaviour, love, and personal growth through a fictional story intertwined with scientific research.
Research Papers:
"The Stanford Prison Experiment" by Philip G. Zimbardo - A landmark study on the psychological effects of perceived power and authority, conducted in a simulated prison environment.
"The Nature of Prejudice" by Gordon W. Allport - A classic work on the origins and dynamics of prejudice, providing valuable insights into social psychology.
Documentaries/Films:
"Inside Out" (2015) - An animated film that creatively explores the emotional and cognitive development of a young girl through anthropomorphic emotions.
"The Brain with David Eagleman" (2015) - A documentary series hosted by neuroscientist David Eagleman, delving into the complexities of the human brain and behaviour.
"The Century of the Self" (2002) - A four-part BBC documentary series by Adam Curtis, examining the influence of psychoanalysis and psychological techniques on society and consumer culture.
When discussing these, try to avoid vague statements and generalities; instead, provide specific examples and concrete evidence to support your claims. Use real-life experiences to highlight your skills and achievements, painting a vivid picture of your capabilities. Take, for instance, "The Stanford Prison Experiment" - You could talk about how engaging with this landmark research not only illuminated your understanding of human behaviour under unique circumstances, but also honed your analytical skills in interpreting complex experimental methodologies. You could talk about the experiment's ethical implications and its broader societal significance, as well as how this enhanced your ability to critically assess and articulate intricate psychological concepts. This hands-on engagement with influential studies should demonstrate your capabilities and commitment to Psychological and Behavioural Studies to admissions tutors.
How to Ace the Cambridge Psychological Behavioural Sciences Interview
The PBS interview is an exciting opportunity to showcase your passion for the subject and demonstrate your academic potential. While the prospect of an interview might feel nerve-wracking, with the right preparation and mindset, you can excel and leave a lasting impression on the interviewers. It is important to note here that no specific subject prerequisites are required to pursue PBS. The goal of the interviewer is to discover your aptitude, enthusiasm, and critical thinking skills in Psychology, as the interview style may vary as well between colleges.
During the interview, your interviewers will aim to understand your genuine interest in the subject. They will ask questions that encourage you to demonstrate your insights and thoughtful reflections on Psychology. Prepare to discuss real-world applications of the subject and express your passion for the field. You will be asked a range of questions that covers content in your personal statement, critical thinking exercises, analysis of research methodologies, thoughts on some pre-reading, or statistical analysis.
The interviewers will likely refer to your personal statement during the interview, so be thoroughly familiar with its content. Be ready to elaborate on any points you mentioned and expand on your experiences, academic interests, and extra-curricular activities. Reflect on your motivations for choosing PBS and be prepared to discuss the specific areas that intrigue you within the field.
Think of the interview as an opportunity to display your aptitude and enthusiasm for studying Psychology. Interviewers may invite you to develop ideas from subjects you have previously studied, especially if you have expressed a particular interest. Additionally, they may present you with graphs or tables to comment on, offering a platform for further exploration rather than trick questions.
The interview process at Cambridge can resemble a 'supervision,' where you experience small-group or individual teaching. Your interviewer seeks to understand whether you are the kind of student they would love to teach. Demonstrating your flexibility in thinking, making good use of prompts, and engaging in dynamic discussions will leave a positive impression.
Interviewers prioritise your capacity to understand scientific concepts and your ability to develop and apply ideas. They are less concerned about what you already know and more interested in your potential to thrive in Psychological and Behavioural Sciences. Avoid rehearsed answers, as genuine and thoughtful responses are highly valued.
Be prepared for a two-part interview at most colleges. One interview may delve into scientific aspects, while the other could take a more general approach. Remember, Cambridge is not seeking students with all the answers; instead, they are searching for individuals who are keen to learn, can talk through their thought process and who exhibit the potential to flourish on the course.
PBS Sample Oxbridge Interview Questions
Plus some more questions here.
N.B. If some of these seem unfamiliar to you, don’t worry! In an Oxbridge interview, interviewers will very often provide clues or teach some relevant content to allow you to better understand the question at hand. They want to see how you cope with unfamiliar material - what would you be like to teach in a supervision setting? Don’t be afraid to ask questions or say, ‘It might be this…or this…’, showing your thought process so the interviewer can tell you if you are on the right track.
How do psychologists distinguish between "nature" and "nurture" when studying human behaviour, and what are the implications of this distinction for psychological research?
Discuss the concept of cognitive dissonance and its relevance in understanding human decision-making and behaviour.
Can you provide an example of a psychological study that utilised experimental design, and critically evaluate its strengths and limitations?
Describe the principles of classical conditioning and how they might apply in real-life scenarios, such as learning and addiction.
How do social psychologists explain the phenomenon of group conformity, and how might it impact individual behaviour and decision-making?
Discuss the concept of "working memory" and its significance in understanding cognitive processes and human learning.
How can evolutionary psychology shed light on human mating preferences and behaviours, and what are some potential criticisms of this approach?
Explain the "nature of mental representations" in cognitive psychology and its implications for memory, language, and problem-solving.
In the context of developmental psychology, describe the stages of Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development and provide an example of a child's behaviour at each stage.
Discuss the challenges of using self-report measures in psychological research and how researchers address issues of reliability and validity.
The journey of applying for a Psychological and Behavioural Sciences (PBS) degree is a rewarding and challenging experience. Through meticulous planning and expert guidance, aspiring students can position themselves for success in this exciting field of study. The blog has provided valuable insights into crafting a standout Cambridge PBS application, excelling in the interview, and crafting a compelling Psychological and Behavioural Sciences personal statement. Good luck with your application, and don’t forget to get in touch if you feel there is anything else that should be added to this blog!
Are You Looking For an Psychological and Behavioural Sciences Tutor?
At U2 Tuition, we have an exceptional team of Cambridge mentors specialising in Psychological and Behavioural Sciences (PBS). Our experienced PBS tutors work closely with each student, understanding their strengths and areas for improvement, and hosting personalised tutoring sessions tailored to their specific needs. From assisting with admissions test preparation (if applicable) to crafting compelling PBS personal statements and preparing for Psychological and Behavioural Sciences interviews, our comprehensive support equips students with the skills and knowledge for success.
The Process:
Experienced PBS Tutors: We pair PBS candidates with a tutor who has studied Psychological and Behavioural Sciences at Cambridge. Their deep familiarity with the admissions process allows them to guide you through personal statement curation, admissions test (if applicable) and interview preparation. Depending on qualifications and experience, we provide a range of application tutors for you to choose from.
Informal Diagnostic Session: We recommend beginning with a 1.5-hour informal diagnostic session to informally assess your current performance level for the application. Following this, we provide a detailed feedback report and structure a customised preparation plan.
Focused Tutorial Sessions: Our tutorial sessions primarily focus on material that can be discussed in your personal statement and during interviews. Tutors help you refine your interests within the PBS course, expose you to various approaches and new concepts, and guide you in your reading and subject exploration.
You can decide the frequency of sessions with your tutor. We offer both ad hoc sessions and structured full preparation programmes, including co-curricular opportunities such as research projects and Oxbridge mock interview days.
Our sessions are priced from £75/h + VAT.