BSc (Hons) Psychology

The BSc (Hons) Psychology programme at Heriot-Watt University is a four-year undergraduate degree that will equip you with a broad-based understanding of this dynamic field. The programme is structured to provide foundational knowledge in core areas of psychology, as well as opportunities to develop skills in research methods and analysis.

Key Information

• The programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), providing the necessary undergraduate training if you are considering becoming a professional psychologist.
• UCAS code: C800
• Level: Undergraduate
• Delivery type: Full Time
• Degree qualification: BSc (Hons)
• Mode of delivery: On-Campus
• Duration: 3-4 years
• Location: Edinburgh
• Start date: September

Course Content

The programme focuses on problems in the real world, considering how an understanding of people and their behaviours can help us to address them. As a career-focused university, our BSc in Psychology is designed to provide you with practical skills that you can apply in professional roles.

Year 1

• Introduction to Psychology 1 and 2: Introduces core concepts and theories of Psychology.
• Research methods and analysis 1 and 2: Introduces students to Psychology as a science, including statistical analyses.
• Academic skills for Psychology: Develops skills to maximise performance and knowledge-acquisition.

Mandatory Courses

• Introduction to Psychology 1
• Research Methods and Analysis 1
• Academic Skills in Psychology

Optional Courses

• The Economy
• Introductory Biology 1
• Management in a Global Context
• British Sign Language Beginners Elective 1
• French Post-Beginners Elective 1
• Spanish Beginners Elective 1

Year 2

• Cognitive Psychology: Explores individual and joint contribution of cognitive systems.
• Developmental Psychology: Focuses on formative years, from infancy through early childhood.
• Social Psychology: Discusses challenges in social interactions, including prejudiced beliefs and obedient conformity.
• Philosophy and History of Psychology: Covers the origins of psychology, its development as a science, and ethical issues.
• Research methods and analysis 3 and 4: Covers quantitative methods, planning, analysing, and communicating research.

Mandatory Courses

• Philosophy and History of Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Research Methods and Analysis 3

Optional Courses

• Fundamentals of Marketing
• Human Resource Management
• German Post-Beginners Elective 1
• Spanish Post-Beginners Elective 1

Year 3

• Cognition across the Lifespan: Explores changes across the early years, adolescence, and older age.
• Psychobiology: Explores the nervous system, relying on neuroscience techniques.
• Social Cognition and Personality: Provides a framework for the study of personality.
• Research methods and analyses 5 and 6: Introduces advanced statistical techniques and critical evaluation of research.

Mandatory Courses

• Cognition across the Lifespan
• Cross-Cultural Psychology
• Forensic Psychology
• Research Methods and Analysis 5

Mandatory Courses (January)

• Biological Psychology
• Health Psychology
• Research Methods and Analysis 6
• Personality and Individual Differences

Year 4

• Research Project: Students devise and conduct their research project in applied psychology.
• Psychology of Education: Applies psychological principles to educational contexts.
• Advanced Social Psychology: Examines behaviour in social interactions between individuals and groups.

Mandatory Courses

• Research Project 1

Optional Courses

• Neurodiversity
• Workplace Psychology
• Psychology of Education
• Neuropsychology

Fees and Funding

• Scotland: Paid by SAAS
• England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland: Ł9,790
• International: Ł21,192

Scholarships and Bursaries

• Heriot-Watt University Bursary (up to Ł3,100 per year) for students from England, Northern Ireland, or Wales.

Entry Requirements

• Standard Entry Requirements:
  • Highers: AABB (over two sittings)
  • A-Levels: BBC
  • International Baccalaureate: 29 points
  • BTEC: Extended Diploma DMM (Health and Social Sciences preferred)
• Minimum Entry Requirements:
  • Highers: BBBC (over two sittings)
  • A-Levels: BCC
  • International Baccalaureate: 29 points
  • BTEC: Extended Diploma MMM (Health and Social Sciences preferred)

Employability

• Average UK salary of students 15 months after graduating: Ł25,000
• Potential career paths:
  • Clinical psychology
  • Counselling
  • Educational psychology
  • Forensic psychology
  • Health and occupational psychologists
  • Business and public service associate professionals
  • Welfare and housing associate professionals

Why Heriot-Watt

Heriot-Watt University is the top university in Scotland for graduate outcomes and is rated number one in the UK for CEO or MD roles. The university has beautiful campuses globally, providing a truly international education, and is home to Oriam, Scotland's National Sports Performance Centre.

Heriot-Watt University

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Overview:

Heriot-Watt University is a research-focused institution with campuses in Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders, Orkney, Dubai, and Malaysia, as well as an online presence. It is known for its career-focused degrees and strong links with industry. Heriot-Watt is highly regarded for its research, with a significant portion ranked world-leading and internationally excellent.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Heriot-Watt offers a diverse and international student community, with one-third of its Edinburgh Campus students coming from outside the UK. The university provides a range of facilities across its campuses, including healthcare, libraries, food and drink, sports centers, and more. Students can participate in clubs and activities, and the university offers accommodation options near its campuses.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Career-focused degrees:

Heriot-Watt is ranked first in Scotland for graduate employability and its graduates are first in the UK for CEO or MD roles.

Global reach:

The university has campuses across the UK, Dubai, and Malaysia, providing students with a truly international experience.

Strong research:

Heriot-Watt is valued for its pioneering research, which is informed by the global needs of business and industry.

Diverse student community:

The university boasts a diverse international student community, fostering a multicultural learning environment.

Beautiful campuses:

Heriot-Watt's campuses are located in stunning settings, offering students a unique and inspiring learning environment.

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Academic Programs:

Heriot-Watt offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

• Engineering
• Life Sciences
• Mathematics
• Computer Sciences
• Physical Sciences
• Social Sciences and Business
• Art and Design
• Languages and Culture

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Other:

Heriot-Watt is committed to sustainability and is actively working towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The university also offers a personalized virtual experience through its online tour platform, allowing prospective students to explore its campuses virtually.