Departmental Identity
The Department of Psychology, part of the School of Social Sciences at the University of Crete, was established in 1984 and welcomed its first students in the fall of 1987 in Rethymno. It is the first and oldest Department of Psychology in Greece. The late psychologist Maria Hourdaki, a native of Rethymno, played a pivotal role in its founding and served as the Department’s honorary president until her passing in 2010.
One of the Department’s primary objectives is to equip students with a solid foundation in psychological theory, research, and practical training. This comprehensive approach enables students to actively contribute to the advancement of psychological knowledge and acquire the essential skills needed for successful professional careers. To achieve this, the Department has developed a multi-level Undergraduate Program that spans a broad spectrum of core and advanced topics in psychology. The curriculum includes foundational and specialized courses, as well as seminars and laboratory classes, offering students the opportunity to explore the field in depth and cultivate critical thinking skills.
To support the integration of theory, research, and practice, the Department has established five specialized laboratories: the Experimental Psychology Laboratory, the Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, the Applied Psychology Laboratory, the Addiction Psychology Laboratory, and the Laboratory of Neuropsychology. These research facilities, combined with a diverse range of coursework and a 200-hour practicum, provide students with valuable hands-on experience and prepare them for graduate studies or a variety of career paths in psychology.
Vision
Our vision is to establish the Department of Psychology as a model of academic excellence. To ensure continuous improvement and the delivery of first-class educational services, we are committed to:
- Regularly updating our undergraduate and graduate programs to reflect the latest developments in psychological science.
- Enhancing our infrastructure and investing in the professional development of our academic and administrative staff.
Mission
Our mission is guided by the following core objectives:
- To provide students from diverse economic, social, and cultural backgrounds with the opportunity to pursue high-quality studies in psychology.
- To ensure that graduates possess a strong foundation in the theoretical principles of psychological science.
- To cultivate graduates who can apply their knowledge effectively in real-world contexts and interpersonal interactions.
- To develop students’ ability to critically evaluate theoretical perspectives using empirical evidence.
- To offer a supportive academic environment that fosters both intellectual and personal growth.
- To train students to confidently demonstrate their knowledge and competencies.
- To prepare future scientists with a comprehensive skill set across all domains of scientific psychology.
- To equip graduates for successful career paths and continued academic or professional advancement through postgraduate studies.
Career Opportunities
Upon graduation, students are awarded a general license to practice psychology, subject to the regulations set by national law. Graduates are also well-prepared to pursue advanced academic degrees at the Master’s or PhD level. Additionally, through our interdisciplinary curriculum, students are equipped to explore careers in related fields such as education, special education, human resources, and marketing—particularly following postgraduate specialization in those areas.
Postgraduate Programs
The Department offers its own Master’s Program in Clinical Intervention in Addictions, in collaboration with the Greece’s National Organization for Prevention and Treatment in Addictions (NOPTA). Furthermore, we actively participate in joint Master’s Programs with other academic departments across Greece, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and expanding opportunities for advanced study.
The Department of Psychology was established in 1984 and enrolled its first students in the fall of 1987. It is the first, and thus the oldest Department of Psychology in Greece. In the year 1991 the first class graduated with a BSc. in Psychology from the University of Crete. In 1998 the University moved to its new premises located at the Rethymno campus in Gallos. In June 2004, the Department became officially autonomous (with its own HoD) within the university system and currently has more than twenty faculty members. In 2004 two graduate (MSc) programs were established: in School and Health Psychology.
Since its establishment, more than 50 part-time teaching staff members have offered their services to the Department. Currently the department has approximately 1000 undergraduate students, 17 MSc. students, 19 Ph.D. candidates and is still growing.
Office: Α5.005, Ground floor, S.K.E.Building
Tel: 28310 – 77517
- Office: A1.007, Ground, building Α1
- 28310 – 77543