Psychology is the scientific study of the mind, brain, and behaviour in humans and animals. It focuses on building theoretical models of thinking and behaviour, and understanding these in terms of underlying brain function, to help to explain how people interact with each other and the world around them.
Psychologists are interested in the way biological and social factors influence how we behave and how interests and abilities differ from person to person. They also study how we perceive, think and learn about the world around us. They examine how we communicate verbally and non-verbally, and how and why our mental abilities change across our lives. Psychology is an experimental and observational science, in which evidence from research studies is used to develop and evaluate theories. Our programme has a strong emphasis on developing skills in research methods and statistical analysis, to support our research-led teaching. |
These courses are intended as guidelines. Speak to your guidance counsellor to see what courses are offered at your school.
The typical offer is likely to be:
• SQA Highers: AAAB.
• A Levels: AAB.
• IB: 38 points (666 at HL).
Minimum entry requirements
• SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S5 or ABBBB/AABB from S4-S6. One Higher from Mathematics, Psychology or an approved science required. National 5: English at Grade C and Mathematics at Grade A or Mathematics and Physics both at Grade B or Higher Mathematics at Grade C.
• A Levels: ABB including one of Mathematics, Psychology or an approved science. GCSEs: English at Grade C and Mathematics at Grade A or Mathematics and Physics both at Grade B or Mathematics at Grade B and Science double award at Grade BB.
• IB: Award of Diploma with 34 points overall and grades 655 in HL subjects, including one of Mathematics, Psychology or an approved science. SL: English at 4 and Mathematics at 6 or Maths Studies at 7 (if not at Higher Level).
If you are an international student and your school qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to the University you may be eligible for admission to this degree programme through our International Foundation Programme. |
| Application Notes : | The MA Psychology (C801) and the BSc Psychology (C800) programmes only differ in the pre-honours courses taken alongside Psychology in years one and two. The Psychology content of the two programmes is identical.
In Scotland, MA and BSc both specify a four-year programme. On the Psychology BSc programme, students are required to take some biological sciences pre-honours courses with a strong chemistry content and their access to such courses is guaranteed.
On the Psychology MA, students may choose from the whole range of pre-honours courses, but with no guaranteed access to particular courses.
Applicants to the Psychology BSc who do not have a strong Chemistry background may be asked to transfer their application to the Psychology MA. |
| Additional Admission Requirements: | You must provide evidence that your written and spoken English is at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.
If English is not your first language, you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your spoken and written English:
• IELTS Academic module overall 6.5 with 5.5 in each component
• TOEFL-iBT 92 or above with 20 in each section
• Cambridge English: Advanced & Proficiency overall 176 with 162 in each component
• Pearson Test of English (Academic): Total 61 with at least 51 in each "Communicative Skills" section *Trinity ISE: ISE II with a distinction in all four components
SQA and GCSE
For SQA and GCSE students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher:
• SQA National 5 Grade C
• SQA Standard Grade 3
• SQA Intermediate 1 Grade A
• SQA Intermediate 2 Grade C
• GCSE Grade C
• IB Standard Level Grade 4 |
* We make every attempt to provide accurate information on prerequisites, programs, and tuition. However, this information is subject to change without notice and we highly recommend that you contact the school to confirm important information before applying.
