Psychology BSc (Hons)

What is special about this course?

On this BSc (Hons) Psychology, accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), you will learn the skills and analytical abilities that employers in a range of careers are looking for.

Choosing a psychology degree opens the door to a diverse range of topics, all of which are concerned with understanding behaviour and exploring the mind. Psychology is not just about the study of mental health and you will not be able to read minds by the end of the degree.  It does, however, deal with the understanding and explanation of human behaviour and how this changes and develops throughout our lives.

Psychology is a science which allows us to understand the mind and behaviour through experimentation and observation.  You will not only learn how to ask research questions but, importantly, you will develop the skills and understanding to know how to find the answers to these questions.

You will graduate with a rounded understanding of the key domains in psychology and with specific knowledge of specialist areas.  You will also have developed critical skills of analysis and evaluation; you will be able to communicate effectively and solve problems efficiently. 

The degree is fully accredited by the British Psychological Society, allowing graduates who complete with at least second-class honours to achieve Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). This is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist.

Special features

• Ranked 4th in the UK for student satisfaction out of 114 universities (The Complete University Guide, 2023)
• Experience a wide range of modules, enabling you to tailor your study as your interests develop
• Engage in fascinating exploration of topic areas with fellow students and staff, plus seminars delivered by research and applied psychologists, via week long residentials
• Study this fully online course, with timetabled supported group sessions, full-time or part-time to suit your circumstances
• Choose to study individual modules for personal or professional development (CPD)

Entry requirements

• 3 Scottish Highers at grade BBC or above, including a pass in National 5 Maths or equivalent (National 5 Applications of Mathematics (formerly Life Skills Maths) is not accepted for entry) OR
• 2 A levels at grade BC or above, including a pass in GCSE Maths
• Both of the above must also include English or any literate subject, for example: History; Geography; Modern studies; Politics; Sociology; Psychology; Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies; or Modern Languages 
• Applicants without standard entry qualifications, but with appropriate experience, may be considered for the course on an individual basis following an information session or interview
• Non-UK qualifications will be considered. Please fill in the relevant application form (depending on whether you are an EEA or international applicant), providing the details of your qualifications.  Please enclose/attach a copy of relevant certificates and evidence of your English language skills. This will enable us to assess your eligibility for the course to which you are applying

Advanced entry

Direct entry to year two may be available if you have completed a 15 credit HNC in Social Sciences which includes either: 

• Psychology A (FK8D 34), Psychology B (J030 34), PLUS Social Science Research and Methodology (J037 34) OR
• NextGen equivalent of Psychology A (J6ET 47) PLUS Psychology B (J6EV 47)

Access routes

SWAP Access courses
If you are eligible to undertake Scottish Wider Access Programmes (SWAP), please visit our SWAP access list for further information on grade profiles and available subjects.

Year 1 - CertHE

View our interactive introduction to the course

Subjects include:
Semester 1

• Introduction to psychology
• Evidence based psychology
• Questions in psychology 

Semester 2

• Psychology of individual differences and development
• Practicals in psychology 1
• One option module

Year 2 - DipHE

Subjects include:
Semester 1

• Practicals in psychology 2
• Adolescence 
• Research, analysis and methods

Semester 2

• Personality project
• Cognition
• Health

Year 3 - BSc

Subjects include:
Semester 1

• Social and evolutionary psychology
• Advanced research, analysis and methods
• Developmental psychology: birth to death

Semester 2

• Behavioural neuroscience
• Intelligence and cognition
• Conceptual and historical issues in psychology

Year 4 - BSc (Hons)

Core subjects are:

• Dissertation

You must also choose two additional modules in both semesters 1 and 2, which may include:

Semester 1

• Neurodiversity: dyslexia, ASD and ADHD
• Food and behaviour
• Sport and exercise psychology
• Psychological literacies: applying theory to the real world

Semester 2

• Psychopathology: mental health and wellbeing
• Psychology of middle adulthood and later life
• Managing health
• Communication, learning and technology

Fees

For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

This includes

• EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
• EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
• EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.

Rest of UK students

For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man)) and with a term-time address in Scotland studying this course full-time, the following fees apply:

4th year free only for students studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

Part-time (per 20 credit module) - £1,542

Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.

There are a number of funding options available to UK students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying.

This course is not available to students domiciled outside of the UK or for international students (including EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled status in the UK) requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study here.. For students living in the UK and assessed as international for fee status, the following fees will apply:

This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.

Funding

UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.

Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.

Additional costs

You must attend a one- or two-day induction in year 1 at the Inverness campus, plus a one-week residential held in Inverness each year. This is compulsory for eligibility for BPS registration on graduation. You will be responsible for any travel and accommodation costs.