Dr. Susan Birch

Associate Professor

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Biography

Susan Birch is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia. She received her PhD from Yale University in 2004. Dr. Birch leads the Early Development Research Group, a consortium of six research centers focused on the development of language, learning, and social understanding in infants and children. Her overarching research goal is to understand the development of social perspective-taking and 'theory of mind' across the lifespan. Dr. Birch’s research explores the limitations of perspective-taking and the cognitive biases that influence this ability, as well as the relationships between social perspective-taking and social-emotional health. In addition to her work on social understanding, she also researches health-related topics, particularly how perspective-taking can influence learning and the inferences made from different sources of information.

Research Interests

Developmental Psychology Social Perspective Taking Language Development Cognitive Development Health Psychology

Experience

Associate Professor

2010-01-01 — Present

University of British Columbia • Vancouver, BC

Teaching and conducting research in developmental psychology and social perspective-taking.

Awards

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Robert E. Knox Master Teaching Award

2008-01-01
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Peter Wall Institute Advanced Studies – Early Career Scholar

2005-01-01

Requirements for University of British Columbia

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:21
Total
Required:100
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Philosophy or related field 3 credits in formal logic 6 credits at the upper level in history of philosophy 3 credits at the upper level in ethics or value theory 6 credits at the upper level in metaphysics, epistemology, or philosophy of science
Application Checklist
  • Online application form
  • Application fee
  • Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Writing sample (15-20 pages)
  • Statement of intent
  • Evidence of English language proficiency
Specialization Notes

Offers course-only and thesis routes. Focus areas include philosophy of science, mind, ethics, and Asian philosophy.