Universities Offering Parapsychology Education
Universities Offering Parapsychology Education
Universities that offer parapsychology education and their locations. In which countries is parapsychology taught?
Human curiosity toward the unknown has existed throughout every period of history. We have always tried to understand the reasons behind phenomena that do not conform to normal life standards. Events that are difficult to explain, abilities with unknown causes, and unanswered questions have turned some individuals into mysterious travelers behind the unknown.
Before the concept of parapsychology education emerged, questions seeking answers were addressed on an individual basis. Concepts such as shamans, mediums, sorcerers, and spirit practitioners appeared as reflections of this process.
Some individuals claimed to possess direct influence, while others limited themselves to interpretation. However, until the scientific nature of parapsychology began to be debated, all explanations remained within the boundaries of cultural and religious teachings. By referring to cultural and religious teachings, we do not imply that they are incorrect; rather, we use this expression because a scientific explanation is universally applicable across all religions and cultures.
A scientific approach, being based on experimentation and observation, seeks answers through reason. One of the reasons parapsychology has still not been fully accepted as a scientific discipline lies precisely here. Since modern science leaves reason isolated and accepts no reality beyond sensory perception, parapsychology has not been acknowledged as a true science.
The Academic Consideration of Parapsychology
In the current global system, the Western world—having undergone the Renaissance, Reformation, Enlightenment, and Industrial Revolution—has turned entirely toward materialism and sought to explain all unknown and curious phenomena through reason alone. Before this transformation, explanations for many events were found within cultural traditions and sacred texts. Once humans were left alone with reason, they began to struggle with explaining extrasensory phenomena.
Scientists interested in extrasensory events attempted to explain phenomena that were difficult to interpret scientifically. As the results proved highly intriguing, governments also began to take an interest. Particularly during the Cold War era between the 1950s and 1970s, the desire to uncover unknown phenomena and use the results in international rivalry ushered in the golden age of parapsychology. While Western scientific methods progressed slowly, Eastern bloc countries achieved significant advances through experimental studies.
The Emergence of Institutions Offering Parapsychology Education
The rivalry between states during the Cold War led to academic-level parapsychology research supported by governments, resulting in the establishment of institutions offering parapsychology education. Although state support diminished with the end of bipolar global competition, schools and institutions providing parapsychology education have continued to exist through both public and private initiatives. Unfortunately, neither during nor after this period was an institution offering parapsychology education established in Turkey.
The main reason for this is that many phenomena are still addressed through cultural and religious teachings with practical solutions. While the Western world abandoned these two sources and felt compelled to turn toward scientific methods, such a necessity did not arise in Turkey. Nevertheless, as in many parts of the world, numerous private courses and programs offering certification under different titles have emerged for those interested in this field.
Although there is no academic institution in Turkey providing parapsychology education, there are parapsychologists. All parapsychologists in Turkey have obtained their titles from institutions abroad that offer parapsychology education. To reiterate for those who remain curious: there is currently no official institution in Turkey offering education in parapsychology or its subfields. To obtain a recognized title in this area, one must study abroad.
Below is a list of major institutions active in this field. If you are aware of other countries or institutions not listed here, you may add them. Some countries are not included due to the inability to identify specific school names.
Institutions Offering Parapsychology Education Worldwide
Russia
- Moscow University
United States
- University of Virginia, Department of Psychiatric Medicine, Division of Perceptual Studies
Conducts research on the possibility of conscious life after bodily death. - University of Arizona, Veritas Laboratory
Studies mediums under laboratory conditions.
United Kingdom
- University of Northampton, Department of Parapsychology
- University of Hertfordshire, Department of Psychology, Perrott-Warrick Unit
- University of London, Goldsmiths, Anomalous Psychology Research Unit
- Liverpool Hope University, Parapsychology Research Group
- Liverpool John Moores University, Consciousness and Transpersonal Psychology Research Unit
There are 13 universities in the UK engaged in parapsychology-related activities. Some conduct research in connection with psychology departments.
Institutions in Other Countries
Netherlands
- Utrecht University, Chair of Parapsychology
Addendum – January 6, 2017:
In response to an email inquiry, Utrecht University stated that it no longer provides parapsychology education. The department may have been closed.
- University of Amsterdam, Anomalous Cognition Section
Germany
- Freiburg University
Mailing address:
Institut für Grenzgebiete der Psychologie und Psychohygiene e.V.
Wilhelmstraße 3a
79098 Freiburg i.Br.
Tel: +49-(0)761-207-21-0
E-mail: [email protected]
Fax: +49-(0)761-207-21-91
Sweden
- Lund University, Department of Parapsychology
Addendum – January 5, 2017:
Link provided by Lund University regarding its Parapsychology Department.
Scotland
- University of Edinburgh, Koestler Parapsychology Unit (KPU)
Australia
- University of Adelaide, Anomalistic Psychology Research Unit
In addition to these institutions, many countries—especially the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia—host colleges and private institutions under titles such as Medium Schools and Spiritual Schools.
Turkey
Unfortunately, parapsychology education is not yet available in Turkey.
Sources
Some sections of this article benefited from Wikipedia. Information about certain institutions was obtained through direct communication.
Related Topics: Education Category
www.parapsikoloji.net – December 25, 2016
Additional Updated Information on Parapsychology Education
〉 In parallel with developments in communication technologies, parapsychology education has begun to be offered through online systems. Unfortunately, there is currently no institution in Turkey capable of providing sufficiently advanced and original education in this field. However, many institutions in Europe and the United States—particularly Lund and Edinburgh Universities—offer online education. Those seeking long-term parapsychology education will not encounter difficulties as long as they possess adequate English proficiency.
〉 Individuals studying psychology will encounter many phenomena in their professional lives that cannot be explained solely by their academic training. In areas where existing psychological terminology is insufficient, education in parapsychology becomes highly valuable. Since parapsychology is not currently defined as a scientific discipline, finding employment or pursuing it as a profession is quite difficult. Nevertheless, parapsychology education significantly enhances professional competence and opportunities. Certificates and documents obtained in this field—especially for those with English proficiency—can provide considerable advantages across various domains.
〉 On January 5, 2017, emails were sent to the universities listed above to request detailed information. Responses have been received from some institutions. Due to the Christmas holiday, replies may take longer. Once all responses are received, they will be published in detail.
Finally, sincere thanks are extended to Ms. Isabelle from Lund University for her prompt response and guidance, and to Professor Caroline Watt, President of Koestler Parapsychology, for her sincere and comprehensive replies. The correspondence with Professor Caroline Watt can be accessed via the link Information About Education at the University of Edinburgh.