Launch of Psychology Studies

In 1990, the Division of Psychology was transformed into the Department of Psychology. Important events in the development of the Department were: the hiring of dr hab. Henryk Gasiul (worked from 1991 to 1999) and obtaining an academic degree of doctor habilitatus in psychology by dr Barbara Kaja (1992) and dr Janusz Trempała (1993). The scientific advancement of our academic staff was a breakthrough in the aspirations for the training of psychologists at the Higher Pedagogical School (WSP) in Bydgoszcz.

Since 1993, the Department of Psychology has been discussing the possibility to establish a degree course in psychology. Disputes included the following:

• Is it possible to establish a degree course in psychology at the non-university higher education institution?
• What should be the profile of the studies – research, teaching, applications?
• What are the resources and staff shortages, and what strategy should be adopted to enable the establishment of the studies and ensure their development, especially in terms of research, good quality teaching and unique specialization?

As a result of the discussion, the following assumptions were made for further work on launching the course of studies.

The name of the higher education institution cannot be the basis for self-limiting. The primary issue is the reality of science and teaching and valuable research and teaching staff.

A distinguishing feature of psychology studies in Bydgoszcz should be a rehabilitation profile due to existing here treatment and rehabilitation facilities and personnel resources.

It is necessary to further strengthen the academic staff by attracting independent researchers.

The intention to establish a degree course in psychology studies in Bydgoszcz was approved by the then authorities of the Higher Pedagogical School (WSP). Rector Andrzej Tchorzewski entrusted the task of organizing the new field of study to dr hab. Roman Ossowski.

In 1994, a team of four distinct departments emerged from the Department of Psychology, coordinated by dr hab. R. Ossowski: Department of General and Clinical Psychology (dr hab. R. Ossowski), Department of Psychology of Human Development (dr hab. J. Trempała), Department of Personality Pathology and Development (dr hab. H. Gasiul, worked from 1991 to 1999) and Department of Educational Psychology (dr hab. B. Kaja, worked until her retirement in 2013).

A year later, dr hab. Edward Ćwiok (worked from 1995 to 2001) joined the team of psychology departments at regular job, as well as dr Bassam Aouil, who as a foreigner with a doctorate obtained abroad, was hired as an associate professor. The lecturer staff was also replenished.

The Ministry of Education, in a letter dated December 29, 1995, approved the Senate's resolution to launch a 5-year master's degree course in psychology. The first recruitment of 45 students in the full-time system took place in the academic year of 1996/1997.

Students were offered a curriculum of 3,000 hours with a choice of three professional specialities: rehabilitation psychology, educational psychology, and mental health.

In order to better coordinate research, teaching and management, on June 1, 1996 the Institute of Psychology with 6 divisions was established:

• Division of Clinical Psychology and Rehabilitation
  dr hab. Roman Ossowski, prof. nadzw. WSP
• Division of Psychology of Human Development
  dr hab. Janusz Trempała, prof. nadzw. WSP
• Division of Educational Psychology
  dr hab. Barbara Kaja, prof. nadzw. WSP
• Division of Human Development and Pathology
  dr hab. Henryk Gasiul, prof. nadzw. WSP
• Division of Psychology of Individual Differences
  dr hab. Edward Ćwiok, prof. nadzw. WSP
• Division of Psychology of Speech Disorders and Interpersonal Communication
  prof. dr hab. Bożydar Kaczmarek (worked at a second job from 1996 to 1999).

The management of the Institute of Psychology was entrusted to Roman Ossowski (he headed the Institute from 1996 to 2009), and Janusz Trempała was appointed the Deputy Director of the Institute (he held his position from 1996 to 2003). The current Director of the Institute is prof. dr hab. Janusz Trempała.

We encourage you to read the publication:
20 Years of Psychologists’ Education in Bydgoszcz (download 4195 KB)