Key information
Gain foundational knowledge in psychology and get prepared for degree level studies. This is an alternative route where you after your first year you will progress onto second-year study of an undergraduate degree.
- UCAS code
- GC36
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Delivery type
- Full Time
- Degree qualification
- BSc (Hons)
- Mode of delivery
- On-Campus
- Duration
- 4 years
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Start date
- September, January
The BSc (Hons) Psychology with Foundation introduces students to the scientific study of the human mind and behaviour. Students explore key psychological concepts and theories, while also beginning to understand how psychological research is designed, carried out and interpreted.
The programme helps students develop knowledge of research methods, ethics, sampling, reliability and validity, as well as early skills in qualitative research and thematic analysis. This gives students a strong foundation for progressing into psychology-related degree routes.
Towards the end of your first year, you will have the opportunity to work closely with your academics to identify which undergraduate degree programme you will progress onto in second year. It can be overwhelming choosing a degree before starting university, so this approach means that you can make your decision based on your learning.
Successful completion of this programme offers a direct pathway to a wide range of professionally relevant degrees:
Your student experience
BSc (Hons) Psychology with Foundation is delivered by academic staff with expertise in psychology, research methods, academic development and student support. The learning experience introduces students to psychology as a scientific discipline and helps them begin to understand how psychologists study human behaviour.
Students are supported to connect psychological theories with research evidence and to develop early research skills, including designing a short interview, coding qualitative data, identifying themes and presenting findings.
Go Global
Go Global is our student mobility programme, allowing you to seamlessly transfer your studies to one of our global campuses, or to a partner university. Live and learn in a new country, experience different cultures and build a global perspective, while continuing your degree without interruption.
Inter-Campus Transfer: Dubai
Inter-Campus Transfer: Malaysia
Course content
September Intake - Edinburgh
On successful completion of year one, you will progress to year two on one of the following programmes:
Mandatory September
- Academic Skills Project A
- Psychology A
Optional September
- Business Management A
- Accounting A
- Economics A
- Maths A
Mandatory January
- Academic Skills Project B
- Psychology B
Optional January
- Business Management B
- Accounting B
- Economics B
- Maths B
January Intake - Edinburgh
On successful completion of year one, you will progress to year two on one of the following programmes:
Mandatory January
- Academic Skills Project A
- Psychology A
Optional January
- Economics A
- Business Management A
- Accounting A
- Maths A
Mandatory May
- Academic Skills Project B
- Psychology B
Optional May
- Business Management B
- Accounting B
- Economics B
- Maths B
Disclaimer
The courses mentioned above may change between now and the time that you study. For more information, please view our Terms and Conditions.
Fees and funding
| Status | Full Time |
|---|---|
| England / Wales / N Ireland | £9,790 |
| International | £20,080 |
- Status: Your residency status is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course.
- International: 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above).
Entry requirements
If joining us in September 2027, please see the entry requirements below. Heriot-Watt offers different entry requirements, depending on your background.
Academic entry requirements
- Highers CCD + National 5 Maths and English at Grade C
- A-Levels DEE/CD + GCSE English and Maths at C/4 is required
- International Baccalaureate 25 points including H5 + H4 OR H4+H4+H3. S4 Maths and English
- BTEC Extended Diploma MMP + GCSE English and Maths at C/4
International academic entry requirements
- China - Senior High 2 - average grade of 70% or Senior High 3 at an average of 65%
- England, Wales, Northern Ireland - A Levels - DEE/CD including a science or maths. GCSE English and Maths at C/4 (for Pathways in: Built Environment, Engineering and Science, Mathematical and Computer Science), or A Levels DEE/CD + GCSE English and Maths at C/4 (for Pathways in: Accounting, Economics and Business Management, and Psychology).
- Ghana - West African School Certificate (WAEC) - or Senior School Certificate in four subjects with grades 1-6 (A-C)
- Hong Kong - Form 5 in four academic subjects (grades will be assessed on a case by case basis) or HKDSE with grades 223 in relevant subjects
- India - Standard 10 + 1 - 70% or Standard 10 + 2 at 55%
- Indonesia - SMU 2 - Grade 7.0 or SMU 3 Grade 6.5 (five relevant subjects required)
- Iran - High School Diploma (3 years) - average grade of at least 14 (in relevant subjects)
- Jordan - Tawjihi - 80% in 4 relevant subjects
- Kazakhstan - ATTESTAT/Certificate of Secondary Education - grade average of 4
- Kuwait - Shahadat-al-thanawia-al-a'ama - passmark of 80% in relevant subjects
- Libya - Secondary Education Certificate - average of 80%
- Malaysia - Form 5. Ter, 2 or Mid-Year Transcript - A-C in five relevant subjects
- Nigeria - WAEC or SSC - grades 1-6 in four relevant subjects.
- Qatar - Thanawaya Aam Qatari - average grade 80% in relevant subjects
- Saudi Arabia - Tawjihi - average of 80% in relevant subjects
- Thailand - MAW5 - GPA of 2.5 or of MAW 6 with a GPA of 2.0 in six relevant subjects
- United Arab Emirates - Tawjihi - 80% or above in relevant subjects
- Ukraine - ATTESTAT/11th Grade Certificate of Secondary Education - grade average of 7.0
- Vietnam - Completion of Year 12 at Secondary School with average grade of 7.0
Why Heriot-Watt
We have been producing career-ready graduates since 1821. With our roots as the world’s first Mechanics Institute, Heriot-Watt is a pioneering university with a global reach.
At Heriot-Watt, learning goes beyond the lecture theatre. We tackle real world challenges through extraordinary research – from climate change to protecting our oceans, to advancing life-saving medical breakthroughs and shaping the next generation of AI. We are also committed to developing forward-thinking design and sustainable business practices that impact industries worldwide. On our campuses you’ll find some of the world’s most advanced facilities, while our strong industry links set you up for career success. This is why almost 90% of our graduates are in employment or further education (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).
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