Remember that date March 15 1994? That day marks the unanimous approval by the Central Board of Directors of the University of the Republic for the creation of the Facultad de Psicología. This Facultad de Psicología stands as a testament to the evolution and importance of psychological studies in Uruguay.
The Facultad de Psicología wasn’t always here. Its story began humbly. Initially it shared space with the Licenciatura en Ciencias de la Comunicación at José Leguizamón 3666 in the Buceo neighborhood.
Let’s rewind further. The roots of psychology as a discipline in Uruguay trace back to 1948. The course of child psychology began at the Escuela de Tecnología Médica within the Facultad de Medicina of the Universidad de la República. Dr. Julio Marcos founded it in 1947. By 1950 courses in applied child psychology aimed to tackle psychosomatic issues in children. These courses gained traction and evolved alongside organizational changes. They remained under the Facultad de Medicina. They operated first as part of the Auxiliares del Médico section. Then from 1965 as the Escuela de Colaboradores del Médico. Finally in 1978 as the ETM.
Simultaneously in 1951 the Instituto de Psicología started at the Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias. It was located in the Hotel Nacional building. Its curriculum spanned three cycles. A basic cycle lasted four years. Specialization followed in educational social clinical and psychophysiological psychology. A doctoral cycle completed the program.
However, the tumultuous events of 1973 following the coup d’état and during the Uruguayan civic-military dictatorship brought upheaval. The university faced intervention. The psychology program closed. Many teachers were dismissed. Students faced persecution under the dictatorial regime.
During the dictatorship years from 1973 to 1984 the university experienced several phases. In 1975 the Ministerio de Educación y Cultura formed the Escuela Universitaria de Psicología EUP. Implementation began in 1978. Admission to the EUP required passing an exam. The EUP curriculum proposed six thematic areas. They included General Psychology Psychometrics Psychophysiology Anthropological Psychology Applied Psychology and Biology. The program lasted four years.
In 1984 the Escuela Universitaria de Psicología transitioned towards forming the IPUR. Efforts began to unify psychology training spaces within UdelaR. The goal was to strengthen the discipline academically. They wanted to improve training standards. This led to a proposal for a “Unique Center for Training in Psychology”. Finally in 1996 the plan and structure for transforming the IPUR into the current Facultad de Psicología were implemented. Also during this period Law 17.514 regulated the profession.
Today the Facultad de Psicología continues to evolve. As of 2012 it had 7091 students. It offers various undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. These include a Licenciado in Psychology and specializations. They are in Psychological Assessment Social and Educational Inclusion and Sports and Physical Activity Psychology.
The Facultad de Psicología also provides specializations in Health Services Psychology. There are diplomas in Psychogerontology. Master’s degrees are offered in Clinical Psychology Social Psychology and Psychology and Education. Also available are Master’s degrees in Cognitive Sciences and Children’s Rights and Public Policy. A Doctorate in Psychology is also an option. The Facultad boasts a diverse array of ongoing training and postgraduate courses.
The Facultad’s academic structure includes five institutes. These are the Institute of Psychology Education and Human Development. The Institute of Foundations and Methods in Psychology. The Institute of Health Psychology. The Institute of Clinical Psychology. And the Institute of Social Psychology.
The Facultad addresses evolving social needs. It provides a flexible research offering that supports emerging and interdisciplinary groups. It houses three research centers. The Centro de Investigación en Psicología Clínica CIC-P. The Centro de Investigación Básica en Psicología CIBPsi. And the Centro de Experimentación e Innovación Social CEIS formerly CIPSOICO.
The Facultad de Psicología stands as a beacon of learning and research. Its history is rich with change. Its future is bright with possibilities. It shapes minds. It serves society.