The Department of Psychology at the University of Prince Edward Island has openings for sessional instructors during the forthcoming Winter 2026 semester.
 

These positions are subject to final budgetary approval.

PSY-2630 Psychology of Music
The course introduces fundamental and exciting developments in the growing field of the psychology of music. Taking a cognitive psychological approach, topics in the course include memory for popular music, the distinctive sounds of musical instruments, music and the brain, rhythmic behaviour in humans and animals, absolute pitch, music and expectancy, the unheard melodies of film music, music and emotion, musical performance, musical creativity, musical intelligence, musical development, cross-cultural perspectives and world music, music appreciation and personality, music and well-being, and the historical context. Students will explore complexities underlying research findings and will aim to relate this understanding to music in their lives as well as to other areas in psychology.

PSY-2730 Qualitative Methods & Analysis 
This course introduces qualitative research methods and analysis in psychology, with a consideration of ontology, epistemology, and methodology. Qualitative methods emphasize how psychological concepts have various meanings across culture and time and include observations and interviews as well as analytical techniques to create meaning from the research. Key concepts include interviews, focus groups, naturalistic observation, grounded theory, and phenomenology. The course includes communication of research findings using APA format and consideration of research ethics in qualitative research.

PSY-3030 Psychology of Aging
This course is designed to examine the psychology of aging from a variety of perspectives, theories, and research themes applicable to the later part of adulthood. Situating the psychology of aging within the broader discipline of gerontological studies, this course examines historical and current conceptions of aging along with contemporary research topics ranging across the physical to the psycho-social domains of aging. Lectures, in-class assignments, and research projects are designed to engage students in a critical analysis of gerontological concepts, research directions, and practices.

PSY-3090 Adult Development
The purpose of this course is to better understand adult development by focusing on themes of change and stability from young adulthood through to older adulthood. Students use analytical and descriptive theories of adult development to explore how adults negotiate physical, cognitive, social, and emotional aspects of development. Lectures, in-class assignments, and research projects are designed to encourage students to evaluate critically the contemporary research in adult development and to apply their understanding of adult development to a wide array of contexts and policy environments.

PSY-3510 Theories of Personality
The purpose of the course is to survey, compare and evaluate different approaches to the study of personality. Relevant personality theory and research will be reviewed within a broad framework including the perspectives of the psychodynamic, behaviour theory, cognitive, and humanistic approaches. The processes of personality organization and disorganization will be examined from different theoretical perspectives. The emphasis will be placed on current personality theory and its relevance to the student as a person as well as its relevance to other psychological theories.

PSY-3910 Psychology of Women
This course will focus on women's development throughout the life span. Topics will include: views of the nature of women, biological influences, the socialization process and its consequences at the individual, interpersonal relationship, and societal levels, as well as recent alternative views of the psychology of women.

PSY-7802 Clinical Dissertation II 
This course is the second in a sequence of four courses leading to the completion of the Clinical Dissertation. Preparations for data gathering are made as required with community partners or other sources of participants. Students who are collecting data will develop a full submission to the Research Ethics Board and revise as required. After receiving REB approval students move into the data gathering phase of their research project. Qualitative and/or quantitative data analysis is carried out using accepted approaches. Students address any gaps in their competencies for completion of the data analysis procedures identified in their research plan. Students completing non-empirical research projects begin work on the novel synthesis of the scholarly material. Students address any gaps in their competencies for knowledge synthesis projects.

Qualifications:
Successful applicants should hold a Graduate degree or a Doctoral degree in Psychology. 
Please note that applicants on the UPEI Sessional Roster for Psychology will be considered first.

Application Instructions:

Applicants should submit a letter of application, an updated C.V., and the names of three referees to: 

Dr. Annabel Cohen, Professor and Chair
Department of Psychology
University of Prince Edward Island
Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3
psychadmin@upei.ca

In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. UPEI is committed to the principle of equity in employment.
 

UPEI is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation and believes in providing a positive learning and working environment where every person feels empowered to contribute. 
 

UPEI is committed to the principle of equity in employment and encourages applications from underrepresented groups including women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.

Closing date for applications is April 23, 2025.