Program Overview

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Psychology - BSc (Hons)

The BSc (Hons) Psychology degree at Queen Margaret University is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the subject.

Course Overview

• Duration: 4 years full-time
• Start Date: September 2027
• Location: On campus at QMU
• Study Abroad: Yes
• School: School of Arts, Social Sciences and Management
• Division: Psychology, Sociology and Education
• Subject Area: Psychology and Sociology
• Fees & Funding: 2027/28 Undergraduate fees
• UCAS Code: C800
• SCQF Level: 10

Course Description

This degree gives students the chance to explore the mysteries of the mind while building the skills to thrive in today's world. The course focuses on hands-on learning, cutting-edge insights into contemporary issues in psychology, embedded employability, and a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

What You Will Study

On this course, you will:

• Think like a scientist: build strong critical and analytical skills that help you question, explore, and understand human behavior
• Immerse yourself in research: take part in ongoing projects from day one, with opportunities to collaborate in staff-led research groups
• Explore psychology's core areas: delve into core areas of psychology, including cognitive, biological, developmental, social, individual differences, and historical aspects, to gain a well-rounded understanding of the field
• Master research methods: train in both qualitative and quantitative approaches throughout your degree, equipping you with practical, hands-on research expertise
• Apply evidence to real experiences: learn how to use scientific methods to make sense of psychological phenomena in the real world
• Develop professional skills: hone your writing, critical evaluation, and scientific thinking to prepare for advanced study and a successful career
• Shape your path: tailor your degree with your choice of dissertation topic and elective modules, including memory, peer relations, disability, evolutionary psychology, and sport & exercise psychology

Year One

You will study the following modules:

• Foundations of Psychology
• Humans in the World
• Developing your Academic Voice
• Being Human: A Multi-disciplinary Exploration
• Psychology in Practice
• Methods of Social Enquiry

Year Two

You will study the following modules:

• Exploring Research
• Responding to the World
• Professional Challenge
• Individual Differences, Well-Being, and Ethical Practice
• Developmental and Social Psychology
• Biological and Cognitive Psychology

Year Three

You will study the following modules:

• Social Psychology and Social Justice
• Psychobiology in Context
• Developmental Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Qualitative Research in Psychology
• Quantitative Research Methods

Year Four

You will study the following modules:

• Psychology for Contemporary Issues
• Conceptual and Historical Issues in Psychology
• Research Project
• Plus two modules from a range of options

Module Options

Our module options allow you to consider further engagement with sociology or education. Provisions vary on a year-by-year basis, but examples could include:

• Cognitive Science of Belief
• Critical Engagement with the History of Psychology
• Evolutionary Psychology in the Modern World
• Sport and Exercise Psychology
• Social Inclusion and Exclusion in Children's Peer Relationships
• Applied Reflective Professional Practice
• The Human Factor
• Psychology of Pain
• Environmental Psychology in the Anthropocene
• Disability in Society
• Queer Feminist Sociology in Action
• Social Policy in Comparative Perspective
• Sociology and Environmental Justice
• Sociology of Scotland
• Sociology Now

Careers

Psychologists explore how people think, feel, and behave — applying their expertise across many areas of life. Career paths for psychology graduates are diverse and rewarding, including:

• Clinical, counseling, or health psychologist
• Educational psychologist or teacher
• Forensic psychologist
• Occupational psychologist or HR specialist
• Researcher or academic
• Marketing, communications, or policy advisor

Professional Registration/Accreditation

The course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). Achieving a degree (with a 2:2 or above) confers Graduate Basis for Chartered Status (GBC), facilitating further training as a Chartered Psychologist.

Entry Requirements and How to Apply

• Scottish Higher: Standard - BBBCC, Minimum - BCCCC
• A Level: BBB
• Irish Leaving Certificate: H3 H3 H3 H3 H3
• International Baccalaureate: 30 points
• International: IELTS of 6.0 with no element lower than 5.5
• Required subjects: Maths and English at Nat 5/GCSE at grade C/4 or above
• We can also accept National 5 Application of Maths or Lifeskills at the same grade

Fees

Please follow the link in the 'Course Overview' box for information on fees for 2027 entry.

Other Costs

• The cost of the PVG check is your responsibility.

Disability/Health Conditions

If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or learning disability, it should not stand in the way of your studying at QMU. However, if you are not sure whether your disability might be a barrier in your studies or in relation to the professional standards, please contact the disability service who will be able to have a conversation with you about reasonable adjustments and supports available to you.

Application Information

Application for this course should be made through UCAS. More application information is available in the 'Start your Application' box at the top right of this page.

Associate Student Places

You can study this course as an associate student, completing the first year at Newbattle Abbey College.

Awarding Body

QMU

Terms and Conditions/Other Important Information

• The delivery of this course is subject to the terms and conditions set out in our 2027/28 Entry Terms and Conditions (Undergraduate).
• The course information on this page is correct at the time of posting (Feb 2026), but is subject to change. Please check back here for updates.