Key information
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.
- UCAS code
- C800
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Delivery type
- Full Time
- Degree qualification
- BSc (Hons)
- Mode of delivery
- On-Campus
- Duration
- 4 years
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Start date
- September
Our complex world needs professionals who can understand human development and experiences. Psychology uses scientific methods to gain insights into a person's motivations, perceptions, and behaviour. It can make a significant contribution to society across many different areas of life, from education and health to the economy and crime.
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.
Our Psychology degree 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. This programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), providing the necessary undergraduate training if you are considering becoming a professional psychologist.
Heriot-Watt is highly regarded for its psychology degrees, and you will be taught by a passionate community of research-active academics, gaining advanced skills in research, data gathering and analysis, problem-solving, teamwork and leadership.
You’ll benefit from the industry relevance of the programme, which will set you up for life after graduation. Upon completion, you’ll have the relevant knowledge and skills to apply to a range of careers, including those in the field of psychology.
Your student experience
Your learning will be informed by the expertise of our research-active academics whose work in the Centre for Applied Behavioural Sciences covers three key areas:
-
Cognition, brain, and behaviour
-
Lifespan health and wellbeing
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Work, society, and environment
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: Malaysia
Inter-Campus Transfer: Dubai
Course content
September intake - Edinburgh
Introduction to Psychology 1 and 2 will bring you to the frontline of the current knowledge on the human mind, by introducing to core concepts and theories of Psychology. Developed skills: scientific terminology, critical thinking for applied research.
Research methods and analysis 1 and 2 introduces students to Psychology as a science; why, and how, we use scientific methods including statistical analyses. Developed skills: transferable data processing, ethical and methodological approaches, descriptive statistics.
Academic skills for Psychology develops skills, which will help maximise your performance and knowledge-acquisition. Developed skills: general research and information searching, digesting and appraising written information, presenting and time-management.
Mandatory September
- Introduction to Psychology 1
- Research Methods and Analysis 1
- Academic Skills in Psychology
Optional September
- 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
Mandatory January
- Introduction to Psychology 2
- Research Methods and Analysis 2
- Becoming a Professional
Optional January
- Introductory Biology 2
- Sustainable Business
- Chemistry for the Life Sciences
- British Sign Language Beginners Elective 2
- French Post-Beginners Elective 2
- Spanish Beginners Elective 2
Disclaimer
The courses mentioned above may change between now and the time that you study. For more information, please view our Terms and Conditions.
Programme Video
The Heriot-Watt experience
Student testimonials
I loved the degree itself and the opportunities Heriot-Watt have for Psychology. I was drawn to specific courses within the degree as I really wanted to study Neuropsychology and Mental Health. I also fell in love with the campus. I loved how green and beautiful the grounds were. Now I am going to pursue a MSc in Clinical Health Psychology as my career aspiration is to be a Clinical Psychologist.
Fees and funding
| Status | Fee |
|---|---|
| Scotland | Paid by SAAS |
| England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland | £9,790 |
| International | £21,192 |
- 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).
Scholarships and bursaries
Bursaries for students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales
In addition to government loans and grants towards the costs of fees and living costs, we are offering generous financial support to attract and support eligible undergraduate students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales:
- Heriot-Watt University Bursary (up to £3,100 per year)
Entry requirements
We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.
Standard entry requirements
- Highers AABB (over two sittings)
- A-Levels BBC
- International Baccalaureate 29 points
- BTEC Extended Diploma DMM (Health and Social Sciences preferred)
- HNC B in graded unit (Social Sciences is preferred)
- HND BB (BBB where HND includes 3 graded units) (Social Sciences is preferred)
Please check that you meet our University-wide National 5/GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths requirements.
Minimum entry requirements *
- Highers BBBC (over two sittings)
- A-Levels BCC
- International Baccalaureate 29 points
- BTEC Extended Diploma MMM (Health and Social Sciences preferred)
- HNC B in graded unit (Social Sciences preferred)
- HND BC (C) / CB (B) (where HND includes 3 graded units)
* Minimum: under our Fair Access Policy, we will relax our standard entry requirements for some Scottish and Rest of UK status students depending on their circumstances. Our minimum requirements will apply if you:
- live in an area within the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation lowest 20% (SIMD20) or POLAR4 Quintile 1 regions (RUK)
- or are care experienced.
We can also make exceptions for some Scottish students with grades above minimum but below standard. Read more about our Minimum and standard entry requirements.
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).
Employability
Salary
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
- And more
Student life
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