Course summary
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).
How to apply
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
Standard Qualification Requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - BBC - ABB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM
Scottish Higher - AABB
Scottish Advanced Higher - BB
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 29 points
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Scottish HNC - Pass
Scottish HND - Pass
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6) - Pass
T Level
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 Undergraduate Admissions Office for further information on the entry requirements for these.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - BCC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMM
Scottish Higher - BBBC
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Scottish HNC - Pass
Scottish HND - Pass
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6) - Pass
T Level
The University guarantees to make a minimum entry offer to anyone who would be considered a Home or Rest of UK (RUK) applicant and who has achieved, or can achieve, the required grades from the following categories: Priority postcode areas – Home Scottish applicants from SIMD20 postcodes or RUK applicants from POLAR 4 quintile 1 areas – identified through Scottish and UK government targets. Care experience – Home Scottish or RUK applicants who have had experience of care, including adoption, kinship care, foster care and home supervision orders.
English language requirements
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.
HWU English Language Requirements
https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/entry/english-language-requirements.htm
Student Outcomes
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Scotland | £1820 | Year 1 |
England | £9250 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
EU | £18704* | Year 1 |
International | £18704* | Year 1 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
Heriot-Watt University
Riccarton
Edinburgh
EH14 4AS