BSc Psychology at Heriot-Watt University is accredited by the British Psychological Society – an accreditation required for anyone who wishes to pursue a career as a professional psychologist.
Psychology uses scientific methods to examine key themes in the relationship between mind and behaviour. Through psychological study, we can explore the influence biology has on behaviour; the way humans develop from early infancy to adulthood; and the way people perceive the world, think, solve problems and make decisions.
At Heriot-Watt, we begin with a problem and consider how psychology can help us address it with practical solutions for the real world. We have four specialist research labs which facilitate the work of academics and students alike.
Heriot-Watt’s BSc Psychology degree is informed by the work and knowledge of research-active academics whose expertise in psychology covers three key areas:
• Work, Society and Environment
• Lifespan Health and Wellbeing
• Cognition, Brain and Behaviour
During this degree you will study Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Individual Differences, Psychobiology, and Social Psychology. You will develop advanced skills in research, data gathering, data analysis, and report writing. You will also build your creativity, leadership, teamwork, communication, presentation, and problem-solving abilities. In Year 4 you will undertake your own research project.
**GO GLOBAL WITH PSYCHOLOGY AT HERIOT-WATT**
BSc Psychology is taught across Heriot-Watt University’s three main global campuses in Edinburgh, Dubai, and Malaysia. This means our students can easily transfer for one semester or more across our campuses and continue to study the same content whilst enjoying extremely beneficial life experiences.
**THE PSYCHOLOGY SOCIETY**
The Psychology Society is a student-run group for everyone interested in psychology. It holds regular social events like laser tag, wellbeing walks, and pub quizzes. It also teams up with the academic department to run informal psychology discussion nights in the student union. Our staff regularly bring their research to members of the public with performances at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival where they present their research in unique and engaging ways.
**VOLUNTARY RESEARCH ASSISTANT PROJECT****
At Heriot-Watt University, undergraduate psychology students have the chance to get involved in research being conducted by academic staff and PhD students through our Voluntary Research Assistant project.
**PSYCHOLOGY CAREER PROSPECTS**
Psychology degrees develop a unique combination of interpersonal and transferable skills that are very attractive to employers. Our graduates have an excellent track record in gaining employment across business, teaching, counselling, nursing, marketing, and social work. Many of our students go on to work in clinical psychology, counselling, educational psychology, forensic psychology, and as health and occupational psychologists.
The BSc Psychology degree has been restructured in recent years to give students the chance to focus their studies on the areas of psychology that interest them most. For example, you can make choices from a range of optional courses to follow specialist pathways for Health, Education, Social Work or Business.
**ACCREDITATION**
BSc Psychology at Heriot-Watt University is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and qualifies Honours students for graduate registration with the Society. This is required for those wishing to take professional courses and qualify as professional psychologists (e.g. clinical, forensic, occupational or educational psychologists).
Course Details - Modules
Modules are not listed for this Course.
Course Details – Assessment Method
Assessment Methods are not listed for this Course.
Course Details – Professional Bodies
Professional Bodies are not listed for this Course.
How to Apply
26 January This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application Codes
Course code:
C800
Institution code:
H24
Campus Name:
Edinburgh Campus
Campus code:
Points of Entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Year 1
Year 2
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.
International applicants
Standard Qualification Requirements
For entry to Year 2: ABB including Psychology.
HNC (Social Sciences) with B in graded unit (Psychology, Research Methods/Statistics required modules) for entry to Year 1.
For entry to Year 2: HNC (Social Sciences) with A in graded unit (Psychology, Research Methods/Statistics required modules).
For entry to Year 2: HND (Social Sciences) with AB in graded units (Psychology, Research Methods/Statistics required modules).
plus AABB at Higher including Higher Psychology for entry to Year 2.
For entry to Year 2: 34 points.
in relevant subject (Health and Social Sciences preferred) for entry to Year 1. For entry to Year 2: DDM in relevant subject (Health and Social Sciences preferred).
We operate contextual admissions defined by our Fair Access Policy which may mean entry requirements are flexible.
We accept a wide range of other qualifications from the UK, Europe and International countries. Please contact the Admissions Officer for the programme for further information on the entry requirements for these.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
Minimum Qualification Requirements
with B in the graded unit and passes in all 15 units for entry to Year 2 (where there is a recognised route from a relevant HNC qualification).
with BB in the graded units and passes in all 30 units for entry into Year 3 (where
there is a recognised route from a relevant HND qualification).
in relevant subject.
As part of the Fair Access Process, the minimum entry requirements enable students who are within one or more of the categories below to be guaranteed an offer:
Living in an area within the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation lowest 20% (SIMD20)
Care Experienced, as identified on the UCAS Application form by ticking the relevant box.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
English language requirements
Test
Grade
AdditionalDetails
Applicants whose native language is not English and who have not been educated previously in the English language must provide evidence of their English language ability to ensure they can cope with the demands of a Heriot-Watt programme taught and assessed in English. Further information about the English Language tests that we currently accept as proof of English Language ability including our own English Language programmes, can be viewed on our website.
