Aberdeen holds the distinction of being the first university in the UK to establish a lectureship in Psychology, a subject that has been taught here for over a century.
The origins of Psychology at the University of Aberdeen trace back to 1896 with the founding of the Anderson Lectureship in Comparative Psychology. This pivotal moment was made possible by a bequest from Reverend William Anderson, whose will funded the position. A distinguished scholar was to be appointed to teach a course on relations between thought and language. The inaugural Anderson Lectureship was held by George Frederick Stout, followed by James Lewis McIntyre. It was under McIntyre's tenure that the Psychology Department was officially established.
The Anderson Lectureship was elevated to the prestigious Anderson Chair in Psychology in 1946, a position that has been held by an illustrious line of highly distinguished professors. Today, this esteemed role is occupied by Professor Neil Macrae, continuing a legacy of excellence in psychological research and education at Aberdeen.
If you are interested in finding out more, the history of the School of Psychology at the University of Aberdeen is covered in more depth in the book “Psychology: The Aberdeen Connection”, D.G Boyle (1994). You can find a copy in the Sir Duncan Rice Library.