What is special about this course?

Are you fascinated by the science of the human mind? Do you wonder what leads us to behave in certain ways? If so, then our BSc (Hons) Psychology degree could be the path for you.

Choosing a psychology degree opens the door to a diverse range of topics, all of which are concerned with understanding behaviour and exploring the mind. You will explore such questions as: how do children think?; what leads us to take risks?; why does that aeroplane look very small?; why are we attracted to some people and repelled by others?; how can psychology help us to understand political and social issues?

You will not only learn how to ask research questions but importantly, you will develop the skills and understanding to know how to find the answers to these questions. You will complete a piece of independent but supported research, as your final year dissertation.

You will graduate with a rounded understanding of the key domains in psychology and with specific knowledge of specialist areas.  You will also have developed critical skills of analysis and evaluation, and be able to communicate effectively and solve problems efficiently.  All of these skills are in demand by employers across employment sectors.

The degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). Graduates who complete with at least second class honours will achieve the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). This is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist.

Special features

• The course offers you a wide range of modules, enabling you to tailor your study as your interests develop
• One-week residentials provide opportunities to engage in fascinating exploration of topic areas with fellow students and staff as well as attend seminars delivered by research and applied psychologists
• You can study online, full time or part time, to suit your personal circumstances
• You can study individual modules for personal or professional development (CPD)

Entry requirements

• 3 Scottish Highers at grade BBC or above, including a pass in National 5 Maths or equivalent (National 5 Applications of Mathematics (formerly Life Skills Maths) is not accepted for entry) OR
• 2 A levels at grade BC or above, including a pass in GCSE Maths
• Both of the above must also include English or any literate subject 
• Applicants without traditional entry qualifications but with appropriate experience may be considered for the course on an individual basis
• You will be required to attend an interview at your enrolling college
• Non-UK qualifications will be considered.  Please fill in the relevant application form (depending on whether you are an EEA or international applicant), providing the details of your qualifications.  Please enclose/attach a copy of relevant certificates and evidence of your English language skills. This will enable us to assess your eligibility for the course to which you are applying

Please note:

• You must be resident in Scotland during term-time
• This course is not open to international students who require a Tier 4 visa to study in Scotland.

Access routes

Students eligible to undertake Scottish Wider Access Programmes (SWAP) will be able to apply for entry to BSc (Hons) Psychology with a grade profile of BBC in one of the below courses, 8 units passed at SCQF level 6 and Maths/Numeracy at SCQF level 5:

• Access to: Arts and Humanities (Newbattle Abbey College)
• Access to: Arts, Social Sciences and Primary Teaching (Edinburgh College)
• Access to: Arts, Social Sciences and Primary Teaching (North East Scotland College)
• Access to: Celtic Studies incorporating Primary Education with Gaelic (Newbattle Abbey College)
• Access to: Community, Education and Humanities (Dundee & Angus College)
• Access to: Degree Studies (Forth Valley College)
• Access to: Humanities (Arts, Social Sciences and Primary Education) (Fife College)
• Access to: Humanities (Fife College)
• Access to: Humanities (Perth College UHI)
• Access to: Languages with Business (Edinburgh College)
• Access to: Languages, Arts and Social Sciences (Edinburgh College)
• Access to: University Study (Dundee & Angus College)
• NQ Access to: Social Sciences (West Lothian College)
• NQ Access to: Teaching (West Lothian College)

Year 1 - CertHE

View our interactive introduction to the course

Subjects include:

• Introduction to psychology
• Psychology of Individual differences and development
• Evidence based psychology
• Practicals in psychology 1
• Questions i psychology
• One option module

Year 2 - DipHE

Subjects include:

• Practicals in psychology 2
• Health psychology
• Adolescence
• Personality
• Research and analysis methods
• One option module

Year 3 - BSc

Subjects include:

• Biological psychology
• Cognitive psychology and intelligence
• Social and evolutionary psychology
• Advanced research and analysis
• Developmental psychology
• One option module

Year 4 - BSc (Hons)

Core subjects are:

• Dissertation
• Conceptual and historical issues in psychology

You must also choose three option modules which may include: 

• Developmental disorders
• Abnormal psychology
• Animal behaviour
• Sport and exercise psychology
• Middle and later adulthood
• Managing health
• Human cognition and computers
• Food and behaviour

Fees

For students normally domiciled in Scotland or the European Union/EEA (outside of the UK) and with a term time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

The Scottish/EU fee rate is set by the Scottish Government and will be confirmed by March 2020

Rest of UK students

For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man)) and with a term-time address in Scotland studying this course full-time, the following fees apply:

4th year free only for students studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

Part-time (per 20 credit module) - £1,500

Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.

There are a number of funding options available to UK and EU students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying.

This course is not available to students domiciled outside of the UK or for international students requiring a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK. For students living in the UK and assessed as international fee status, the following fees will apply:

Funding

External scholarships and financial support may be available. Contact your enrolling college for more information.

Additional Costs

• You must attend a one or two-day induction in years 1 and 3, at your campus, plus a one-week residential held in Inverness each year. This is compulsory for eligibility for BPS registration on graduation