Psychology BSc (Hons) Level: Undergraduate Subject: Psychology Year of entry: 2026 Key facts UCAS Code C802 Award BSc (Hons) Duration of study 4 years Delivery Full-time Study location Central Area Start date September 2026 School School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences College College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Study abroad Available Accreditation Available Placement No Open days and events Overview About the degree programme Psychology is the scientific study of the mind, brain, and behaviour. It focuses on building and testing theories to explain how people interact with each other and the world around them.Psychologists study:how we perceive, think and learn about the world around usthe way biological and social factors influence how we behavehow interests and abilities differ from person to personhow we communicate verbally and non-verballyhow and why our mental abilities change across our livesPsychology is an experimental and observational science. It uses evidence from research studies to develop and evaluate theories.Find out more about what we study in Psychology in this video: How long it takes to complete this degree programme This programme is studied over 4 years.A key benefit to studying a 4-year degree programme is that you have the flexibility to study a range of subjects, outside your chosen degree programme, in Year 1 and Year 2.This allows you the opportunity to study other courses that interest you or enhance your degree. By the end of Year 2, you can decide which of these subject areas you want to focus on in the honours years of your programme.How long it takes to complete our degree programmes Programme rankings In the world's top 30 universities for psychology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025). Programme benefits Our single honours Psychology degree and most of our joint degrees at Edinburgh are accredited by the British Psychological Society, allowing you to go on to further professional training.You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including laboratories for:cognitive neuroscience and developmental sciencehuman movementindividual differencesgeneral experimental psychologyOur programme focuses on developing skills in research methods and statistical analysis, including programming in R, to support our research-led teaching. I chose to study Psychology not only because of the large variation of areas it covers but also because of the opportunities it offers post-degree. Psychology of Edinburgh complimented this choice. Not only that, but the data-analysis course provides a valuable opportunity to learn basic-level coding and transferrable skills. India Sachdev MA Philosophy and Psychology, graduated 2025. Entry requirements Find your entry requirementsUse the dropdowns to find out your entry requirements.Select the country or region where you are studying or where you studied your qualification.Select the qualification you are studying or studied. 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Accommodation and living costs You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.We estimate that a single student can potentially spend £1,023 to £2,043 on living costs each month, depending on your accommodation.This estimate covers the costs of:accommodationfoodutility billstravel within Edinburghhealth and wellbeing costsSee a breakdown of living costs Scholarships and funding Funding information You can find detailed information on financial support available, based on where you are living, in our funding section. Funding Programme details What you will study Year 1 We focus on research methods and statistical analysis in this programme. You will:be trained in basic concepts in research methods and statisticslearn how to programme in the R languagehave a practical introduction to laboratory-based psychology researchThrough lectures and tutorials, you will complete a general introduction to psychology, covering:cognitive psychologydevelopmental psychologybiological psychologydifferential psychologysocial psychology Find courses The courses you can study will vary from year to year and may be different for your year of entry. You can get an idea of what you might study by viewing the latest course information for this programme. Find Year 1 courses (2025-2026 academic year) Year 2 To prepare you for Year 3, you will complete a year-long, intensive grounding in:research methodsstatisticsR programmingYou will continue to study core areas of psychology, developing an understanding of topics such as:cognitive psychologydevelopmental psychologydifferential psychologybiological psychologysocial psychologyYou will practise and develop your professional and study skills, such as:reviewing scientific literaturereport writingethical awareness Find courses The courses you can study will vary from year to year and may be different for your year of entry. You can get an idea of what you might study by viewing the latest course information for this programme. Find Year 2 courses (2025-2026 academic year) Year 3 To support your research work, you will use R in courses on research methods.Option coursesYou will also choose from a range of advanced option courses in psychology.These courses combine the core areas needed for British Psychological Society accreditation. You will also complete group work in small groups. Advanced option courses can include topics such as: human personalitycognitive development in childrenpsychology of languagebiological psychologythinking and reasoningscience of close relationshipscolour perception Find courses The courses you can study will vary from year to year and may be different for your year of entry. You can get an idea of what you might study by viewing the latest course information for this programme. Find Year 3 courses (2025-2026 academic year) Year 4 Option coursesYou will continue to choose advanced option courses in psychology based on your interests. These courses are research-led. They will teach you about cutting-edge topics from psychology sub-disciplines.DissertationYou will carry out a research project in psychology and submit it as a dissertation. Find courses The courses you can study will vary from year to year and may be different for your year of entry. You can get an idea of what you might study by viewing the latest course information for this programme. Find Year 4 courses (2025-2026 academic year) Study abroad You will have the opportunity to study abroad in Year 3 of this degree at one of our partner universities.If international travel restrictions allow, you may be able to choose where you study from our selection of international partners.A study abroad experience will allow you to immerse yourself in a different culture, enrich your learning and enhance your future job opportunities.Your study abroad options Teaching and assessment Teaching Courses are taught through a combination of:• lectures• tutorials• practical classes• project work• peer-supported group work• computer-based exercises Assessment You will be assessed through coursework and exams.In Year 3, you will complete a group research project.In Year 4, you will complete an independent research project in the form of a dissertation. Support for your studies You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.Support for your studies Where you will study Study location Teaching will take place at the Psychology building at George Square, and at other locations in the University's Central Area. Academic facilities You will have access to:specialised laboratoriesthe School's own dedicated librarythe University's Main Library and computer facilitiesYou will also have access to laboratories for:cognitive neuroscience and developmental sciencehuman movementindividual differencesgeneral experimental psychology Virtual tour You can take a closer look at the Psychology building and explore our facilities and campus on the University's Virtual Visit site.Take a virtual tour of the Psychology building Career paths and further study Accreditation It may be possible to obtain accreditation by the British Psychological Society (BPS). This programme is accredited when you:cover the core BPS areas:Cognitive PsychologyBiological PsychologySocial PsychologyDevelopmental PsychologyDifferential Psychologycomplete a dissertation in Year 4achieve a 2.2 or above in your overall degree classificationMost students graduate with BPS accreditation. However, if you fail to meet the accreditation criteria, you can still graduate with an alternative degree in Psychology. Career paths You will develop skills in:researchstatisticsinformation technologyreport-writingThese skills are valued by employers in various sectors. Many psychology graduates have gone on to work in:healthcare and social servicescharitable organisationshuman resourcesmanagementbusiness and financeconsultingmedia and advertisingSome students continue their studies to enter a research or teaching career. Others go on to train as a professional psychologist in a field such as:clinical psychologyeducational psychologyforensic psychologyhealth psychologyorganisational psychology Careers Service Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals.The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies.With the Careers Service, you can:access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengthstry different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you developget help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobsattend careers events and practice interviewsget information and advice to help you make informed decisionsVisit the Careers Service website Further study After you complete your programme, you may want to go onto further study at Edinburgh or a different university. You could progress to:a masters degreea postgraduate diploma or certificatea PhDa second undergraduate degreeFind out about options for further study Applying How to apply You must submit a full application through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) before the relevant deadline.Guidance on applying through UCAS What you need to apply As part of your application, you will need:your academic qualificationsa personal statementevidence of your English language skills (with relevant qualifications)a reference How we select If you have met, or are predicted to meet, all our entry requirements by the relevant deadline, then your application will go into our selection process.As part of this selection process, we will review all the information you submit in your UCAS application when we decide who to select for this degree programme.How we select applicants When to apply 2026 entry UCAS deadline: 14 January 2026 (6:00pm GMT)This is the deadline for all UK, EU and international applicants to non-medicine and veterinary medicine programmes.To find out if any degree programmes have spaces after 14 January 2026, search the University of Edinburgh on the UCAS website.Search degrees that are open on the UCAS websiteKey application dates and deadlines After you apply After you have applied for your degree programme, we suggest you have a look at the following information to help you prepare for university:How to submit your qualificationsAttend an offer holder eventReceiving our decisionAccepting your offerAfter you’ve accepted your offerIf you have a disability and need more support at university Applying as an international student As an international student, you apply for this degree programme through UCAS. Find out more about applying through UCAS Visas and immigration If you do not have the right to live in the UK, you will need to apply for and secure a Student visa before the start date of your degree programme. Our Student Immigration Service can help you with the Student visa application process. Applying for a visa Agents An education agent is someone who can help you with the application process as an international student. We work with education agents around the world and have a list of local offices you can contact. Find contact details for an education agent Life at Edinburgh Accommodation We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single undergraduate students from outside Edinburgh. To be eligible, you need to meet all criteria and apply for accommodation by 16 August in the year of your entry to the University.University accommodation websiteAccommodation guarantee criteriaIf you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place Societies and clubs Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.SocietiesSports clubs The city of Edinburgh Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life.Find out more about living in Edinburgh Exercise, leisure and support facilities Outside of your studies, we offer a range of facilities to daily life, including: sport and exercise facilitiesUniversity cafes and cateringEdinburgh University Students' Association venues and shopsa multi-faith chaplaincy for all faiths and nonea University nursery (based at King’s Buildings campus) Health and wellbeing support You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.The support services we offer include:a student counselling servicea health centre (doctor's surgery)support if you're living in University accommodationdedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustmentHealth and wellbeing support services Contact and events
