Psychology BSc (Hons)

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.<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>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. <br/><br/>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: <br/><br/>• Work, Society and Environment<br/><br/>• Lifespan Health and Wellbeing<br/><br/>• Cognition, Brain and Behaviour<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>**GO GLOBAL WITH PSYCHOLOGY AT HERIOT-WATT**<br/>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. <br/><br/>**THE PSYCHOLOGY SOCIETY**<br/>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.<br/><br/>**VOLUNTARY RESEARCH ASSISTANT PROJECT**** <br/>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. <br/><br/>**PSYCHOLOGY CAREER PROSPECTS** <br/>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. <br/><br/>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. <br/><br/>**ACCREDITATION** <br/>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).

Heriot-Watt are 2nd in the UK for undergraduate employability (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2024) and 25th in the UK overall (Complete University Guide, 2025). You’ll have lifelong access to their award-winning Careers Service and join the oldest alumni association in the UK with over 166,000 members in 190 countries – The Watt Club.<br/><br/>A vibrant nightlife, eclectic food scene and plenty of shops and green space – Edinburgh has it all. It’s a safe and friendly city and a great place to be a student. That’s why it’s ranked UK’s 2nd best student-friendly city (QS Best Student Cities, 2025). <br/><br/>Moving away from home is a big decision, which is why students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland are offered a £1,500 bursary. This no-strings-attached bursary means you can visit home anytime during your first year (or spend it on something else).<br/><br/>Register for your Heriot-Watt Priority Pass to make sure you are first in line when Clearing opens, or to chat with their friendly team.