Psychology (Applied) BSc

  • UCAS Code C810
  • Duration Up to 4 years
  • Delivery type Full Time
  • Study location
  • Edinburgh
  • Number of places
  • 50

Overview

The Course

The programme covers the main areas of social psychology, developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, biological psychology, individual differences, and research methods. Teaching is mainly via lectures, but large numbers of tutorials mean that staff and students know one another well. Assessment features a mixture of coursework and examination.

The programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society.

Career Prospects

Given their training in applying their degree to employment, graduates have a strong record of employment in diverse careers, including business, teaching, counselling, nursing, social work, probation work and market research. Psychology graduates may also progress in the profession by training as clinical, educational, forensic, health or sports psychologists.

Overview

The Course

The programme covers the main areas of social psychology, developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, biological psychology, individual differences, and research methods. Teaching is mainly via lectures, but large numbers of tutorials mean that staff and students know one another well. Assessment features a mixture of coursework and examination.

The programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society.

Career Prospects

Given their training in applying their degree to employment, graduates have a strong record of employment in diverse careers, including business, teaching, counselling, nursing, social work, probation work and market research. Psychology graduates may also progress in the profession by training as clinical, educational, forensic, health or sports psychologists.

Programme content

Level 1

Courses introduce the various approaches that are taken to psychology, psychological disorders, and how to carry out psychological research. Additional courses develop computing and study skills. Three optional courses are taken, concerning biological sciences, management, or languages.

Level 2

Courses cover social psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, intelligence, and research methods. Coursework and lab work apply these to employment-related settings and ‘real world’ problems. Students also select two courses, concerning biological sciences, management, or languages.

Level 3

Courses cover social psychology, developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, biological psychology, individual differences, and research methods. Coursework and lab work apply these to employment-related settings and ‘real world’ problems. Two other courses address applied psychology and related careers. One optional course is taken, concerning biological sciences or management.

Level 4

Students work closely with a staff member in devising and conducting a research project of their choice in applied psychology. They also select six other psychology courses from several, employment-related alternatives. Coursework applies the information from these to employment-related settings and ‘real world’ problems.

Ruth Anderson

School Westhill Academy, Aberdeenshire
Degree BSc (Hons) Applied Psychology
Ruth Anderson


"I decided to do Psychology even before leaving school as I did voluntary work with children with learning difficulties and found I was very interested in how these difficulties were diagnosed and the different teaching strategies such children require. Understanding how and why Psychology can be applied in instances like this was the main attraction of studying at Heriot-Watt where the programme material always encourages application of theory.



"The Psychology department is small compared to other universities I considered, which is another big attraction. Being a small department, there is a really friendly atmosphere and it is easy to approach anyone with any queries and interests. I also like the campus at Riccarton which has a really good atmosphere for new students and is great for getting to know people.



"I feel I have picked up good critical analysis skills from evaluating Psychological theories and concepts, as well as improving my learning techniques, especially how to communicate and motivate others more efficiently. These seem really important abilities to develop and those with a Psychology degree stand a good chance of having most of the core skills that employers are looking for.



"I hope my degree will take me onto further education in Psychology, either an MSc in Clinical Psychology or an Assistant Clinical Psychologist post. Both are quite competitive but I am keen to carry on with a Psychology based career".

Entry requirements

The University offers as its normal entry routes:

  • entry at Level 1, mainly for students with Scottish Highers (or similar)
  • entry at Level 2, mainly for students with A-levels (or similar).

There is nevertheless considerable flexibility, depending on the level of qualifications, for entrants with A-levels to opt to enter at Level 1 and for Scottish students to enter at Level 2. Direct entry into Level 3 is also possible for students who already have certain HE qualifications.

Level 1 entry

  • Scottish Highers BBBBC
  • GCE A Level BBB
  • SQA Higher National Cert A in a relevant HNC. Please contact the Admissions Administrator to discuss further.
  • Int. Baccalaureate 27 points
  • Scottish Baccalaureate Pass
  • Additional information Mathematics is required at least at GCSE grade C/Standard Grade 3 or equivalent.

Level 2 entry

  • GCE A Level ABB
  • SQA Advanced Highers BB plus BBBBC at Higher
  • SQA Higher National Dip BBB in a relevant HND. Please contact the Admissions Administrator to discuss further.
  • Int. Baccalaureate 32 points
  • Scottish Baccalaureate Distinction
  • Additional information Mathematics is required at least at GCSE grade B/Standard Grade 2 or equivalent.

Tuition fees

Status* Scotland / EU** England / Northern Ireland / Wales International
Fee Paid by SAAS £9,000 £11,370

* Your residency 'status' is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the 3 years before the start of your programme. Find out more about tuition fees.

** European Union countries, not including England, Northern Ireland or Wales.

Scholarships & bursaries