Psychology BSc/MA/MA(SocSci)
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour. It is about understanding how people think, act, react and interact; and how this understanding can help us, as psychologists, help people on an individual basis but also help address wider societal issues through academic endeavours and professional practice.
The possible pathways a degree in psychology can take you on are endless, such is the value of the graduate and psychological literacy and analytical skills you acquire during the degree.
Our school brings together world-leading expertise in experimental psychology, cognitive science and cognitive neuroscience in order to advance the understanding of human and animal behaviour.
- September start
- Session dates
- Psychology BSc (Hons): C800 4 year degree
- Psychology MA (Hons): C801 4 year degree
- Psychology MA(SocSci) (Hons): C802 4 year degree
- Glasgow: Gilmorehill campus
- Joint degree options
- Professionally accredited
- Study abroad available
Why study Psychology?
- This degree programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), and graduates who complete with at least a second class Honours in the Psychology component would achieve the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). This is a first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist
- Students studying in the School of Psychology & Neuroscience enjoy an active social life, much of which revolves around the Psychology Society. Away days, evening events, and team building exercises are held at various times throughout the year, at different levels
Psychology at Glasgow
Our school brings together world-leading expertise in experimental psychology, cognitive science and cognitive neuroscience in order to advance the understanding of human and animal behaviour.
Competitive degrees
Entry to the course is limited to a class size of 600, with priority given to students who use the Psychology code on their UCAS form in their application to the University of Glasgow.
In order to be guaranteed progress to year 2 and on to Honours you must meet college requirements and the grade set by the school (or schools if it is a joint degree).
Supportive learning, stimulating environment
Our supportive learning environment enables you to develop an in-depth knowledge of Psychology, while gaining a range of transferable skills to support the next step in your chosen career.
Through a combination of lectures, coursework and practical lab classes, we’ll introduce the key theories, literature and experiments in the field: designed to develop your independent research skills, communication and critical thinking.
Programme structure
Years 1 and 2
In the first two years this programme provides a comprehensive introduction to the core areas of psychology including cognitive, social, development and physiological psychology, individual differences and research methods.
We take an open science approach to developing your critical evaluation skills and your understanding of the importance of research and to supporting you in developing essential graduate skills in data handling using programming software for statistical analysis. Lectures, interactive group discussions and practical lab sessions will inspire your passion for the subject and facilitate the development of the fundamental skills and knowledge required for being a psychologist of the future.
You will also study other subjects in years 1 and 2: see Flexible degrees.
Years 3 and 4
If you progress to Honours (years 3 and 4) you will build on the core foundational skills and knowledge embedded in years 1 and 2 and progress your understanding of statistical models, cognitive neuroscience and clinical approaches.
Single Honours students choose from a large selection of options, including our two new specialised pathways in Neuroscience and Clinical Health. The option courses range from courses in fMRI to Psychology of Climate Change. The options span a diverse range of qualitative and quantitative methodologies and applications from theory to practice.
You will undertake a major piece of research in your final year which can involve lab-based projects (eg using eyetrackers or brain imaging data) or applied settings such as a school or community partner.
Course details
Year 1
Core courses:
- PSYCHOLOGY 1A: BIOLOGICAL AND COGNITIVE
- PSYCHOLOGY 1B: SOCIAL, DEVELOPMENTAL AND MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Year 2
In the first two years this programme provides a comprehensive introduction to the core areas of psychology including cognitive, social, development and physiological psychology, individual differences and research methods.
We take an open science approach to developing your critical evaluation skills and your understanding of the importance of research and to supporting you in developing essential graduate skills in data handling using programming software for statistical analysis. Lectures, interactive group discussions and practical lab sessions will inspire your passion for the subject and facilitate the development of the fundamental skills and knowledge required for being a psychologist of the future.
You will also study other non-Psychology subjects in years 1 and 2: see Flexible degrees.
Years 3 and 4
If you progress to Honours (years 3 and 4) you will build on the core foundational skills and knowledge embedded in years 1 and 2 and progress your understanding of statistical models, cognitive neuroscience and clinical approaches.
Single Honours students choose from a large selection of options, including our two new specialised pathways in Neuroscience and Clinical Health. The option courses range from courses in fMRI to those on Autism. The options span a diverse range of qualitative and quantitative methodologies and applications from theory to practice.
You will undertake a major piece of research in your final year which can involve lab-based projects (eg using eyetrackers or brain imaging data) or applied settings such as a school or community partner.
Year 3
Core courses:
- COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 3H
- HUMAN DEVELOPMENT 3H
- INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 3H
- PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY 3H
- PROFESSIONAL SKILLS 3H/4H
- SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 3H
- STATISTICAL AND SCIENTIFIC MODELS 3H
- PERCEPTION AND VISUAL COGNITION 3H/4H
- PSYCHOMETRICS 3H/4H
- QUALITATIVE PROJECT 3H
- QUANTITATIVE PROJECT 3H
Year 4
Core courses:
Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional
circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information,
please see: Student contract.
Our international links
You will have the opportunity to apply to study abroad at one of our partner universities as part of your degree. This won’t add any extra time to your studies. Honours students can also apply for course-related summer work placements in Europe. See Study abroad.
Entry requirements
for entry in 2025
You should refer to the entry requirements for both subjects and the degree award when applying for a joint honours degree programme. The higher entry requirement (where applicable) and additional requirements must be met for both subjects.
Summary of entry requirements for Psychology
SQA Higher entry requirements
- AAABB is the minimum requirement from S5 to be reviewed for an S6 offer
- Offers are not guaranteed to applicants who meet the minimum from S5
- Typically offers will be made at AAAAAA by end of S6. B at Advanced Higher is equivalent to A at Higher
- Additional requirements: National 5 Maths at grade B
- Applicants to Psychology (BSc): Two Higher Science subjects at AA
Applicants to Psychology (MA): Higher English and a Higher Humanities subject at AA
Applicants to Psychology (MA SocSci): Higher English and a Higher Humanities subject. At AA. Higher Mathematics recommended.
SQA Higher adjusted entry requirements* (by end of S5 or S6)
- MD20: ABBBB (also other target groups*)
- MD40: AAABB (ABB S5 minimum for consideration)*
- Additional requirements: National 5 Maths at grade B.
Applicants to Psychology (BSc): Two Higher Science subjects.
Applicants to Psychology (MA): Higher English and a Higher Humanities subject.
Applicants to Psychology (MA SocSci): Higher English and a Higher Humanities subject. Successful completion of Top-Up or one of our Summer Schools.
* See Access Glasgow for eligibility.
A-level standard entry requirements
- AAA – ABB
- Additional requirements: GCSE Mathematics at grade B (or grade 5–6).
Applicants to Psychology (BSc): Two A-level Science subjects.
Applicants to Psychology (MA/MA SocSci): A-level English or A-Level Humanities subject.
IB standard entry requirements
- 36 (6,6,5)
- Additional requirements: SL4 Mathematics.
Applicants to Psychology (BSc): Two HL Science subjects.
Applicants to Psychology (MA/MA (SocSci): English HL6 or Humanities HL6 with English SL6.
Admissions guidance
English language
For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
English language requirements
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)
- 6.5 with no sub-test under 6.0.
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Common equivalent English language qualifications
All stated English tests are acceptable for admission to this programme:
TOEFL (ib, my best or athome)
- 90 with minimum R 20, L 19, S 19, W 23.
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Combined scores from two tests taken within 6 months of each other can be considered.
PTE (Academic)
- 60 with minimum 59 in all sub-tests.
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Combined scores from two tests taken within 6 months of each other can be considered.
Glasgow International College English Language (and other foundation providers)
- 65%.
- Tests are accepted for academic year following sitting.
University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses
- Tests are accepted for academic year following sitting.
Cambridge English Qualifications
- Cambridge Advanced English (CAE): 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
- Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE): 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
School Qualifications
- iGCSE English or ESOL 0522/0500, grade C
- International Baccalaureate English A SL5 or HL5
- International Baccalaureate English B SL6 or HL5
- SQA National 5 English or ESOL, grade B
- SQA Higher English or ESOL, grade C
- Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, English Language grade 4
- West African Examination Council, Senior Secondary School Certificate, English grade C6
Alternatives to English Language qualification
- Undergraduate degree from English speaking country (including Canada if taught in English)
- Undergraduate 2+2 degree from English speaking country
- Undergraduate 2+2 TNE degree taught in English in non-English speaking country
- Masters degree from English speaking country
- Masters degree (equivalent on NARIC to UK masters degree) taught in English in non-English speaking country.
For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept an IELTS test (Academic module) from any of the 1000 IELTS test centres from around the world and we do not require a specific UKVI IELTS test for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.
Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:
- School of Modern Languages & Cultures: English for Academic Study
- BALEAP guide to accredited courses
FAQs
What do I do if...
my language qualifications are below the requirements?
The University's School of Modern Languages and Cultures offers a range of Pre-sessional courses to bring you up to entry level. The course is accredited by BALEAP, the UK professional association for academic English teaching.
my language qualifications are not listed here?
Please contact External Relations
If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:
- UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
- UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]
Visa requirements and proof of English language level
It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.
Further information about English language: School of Modern Languages & Cultures: English for Academic Study
Career prospects
Psychologists are probably best known for their work in the health and education services but psychology graduates can be found in almost any area of life.
A psychology degree opens up a wide range of career paths including educational, health, clinical, occupational psychology and counselling. Increasingly graduates are also progressing to successful careers in allied fields such as data skills, teaching, social robotics & artificial intelligence and child & adolescent mental health professions, in addition to research and teaching careers in higher education.
Accreditation
This degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society as conferring eligibility for Graduate Membership of the Society. Graduates who complete with at least second class Honours in the Psychology component would achieve the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). This is a first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist.
Degrees and UCAS codes
Which Psychology degree?
Psychology is available as three programmes:
- Bachelor of Science (BSc)
- Master of Arts in Social Science (MA (SocSci))
- Master of Arts (MA)
Although the content and level of the Psychology courses that will be available for you to study will be the same regardless of which of these degree types you choose, the structures of the overall degree programmes are not the same and it is important that you choose the one that best suits your interests and strengths. The choice is important for three main reasons:
- The first and second years provide a broad, general foundation and you should choose subjects from your areas of interest.
- It is possible that you may not be accepted for entry to Honours in Psychology (this is a competitive process at the end of second year) and you need to have an alternative programme available.
- All programmes require a Mathematics qualification for entry but other requirements differ.
The differences between the three programmes are outlined below. This information aims to guide you toward the most appropriate one when you apply to the University.
You study three subjects in your first year. One is Psychology (making up one-third of the programme) and the choice of the other two depends on the pathway that you have chosen. Half of the second year is Psychology and again you have a choice of other courses to complete your curriculum, which depends on your chosen pathway.
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
The first year comprises Psychology and two other subjects, which are typically drawn from science: often Biology, Mathematics, Statistics, Chemistry. Entry requirements include two science subjects.
This is the most common route to Psychology and has a distinct advantage that it allows an alternative path to an accredited honours degree in Psychology if your Level 2 performance is not sufficient to allow you entry into the Psychology honours programme. If this is the case, Science students have the option of taking the Level 3 Designated Degree course in Psychology, graduating at the end of year three and taking a 'conversion' degree route to honours at one of the British Psychological Society courses offered at other universities.
Master of Arts in Social Science (MA SocSci)
This programme's entry requirements include English and either a humanities subject or a language.
An obvious subject to take alongside Psychology in first year is Sociology and you might be interested in Politics as well. Other popular social science choices include Business and Management. Please note that not all combinations of subject choice are possible.
The MA (Social Sciences) degree requires Psychology students to study a minimum of 40 Social Sciences credits in addition to 40 Psychology credits. Therefore, the remaining 40 credits required for a total year's curriculum of 120 credits can be Arts, Social Sciences or Science credits. In exceptional cases, the College permits a student to study 40 Psychology credits and 80 credits of Arts credits on the proviso that the student understands he/she will be required to transfer to the College of Arts on the MA (Master of Arts) degree at the end of the session.
Master of Arts (MA)
This is a more specialised route whose entry requirements include English and either a humanities subject or language.
It has a requirement that at least half of your courses in the first two years of study must be Arts courses (which do not include Psychology itself). This means that a typical first year comprises Psychology and two Arts courses, such as English Language and Philosophy. The second year is typically half Psychology and half Arts courses. This provides a sound foundation if you choose (or are required) to pursue your Honours studies in an Arts subject rather than Psychology.
The MA degree requires Psychology students studying either single or Joint Honours to take the following:
In year 1 a student takes 40 credits of Psychology and 80 credits of Arts subjects like language, literature, history, philosophy, theology, creative and cultural subjects, and archaeology.
In year 2 a student takes 60 credits of psychology at level 2 and 40 credits of one of their level 1 Arts subjects at level 2, and 20 other level 1 credits.
A student, if then qualified, may proceed either to take single Honours in Psychology, taking 120 credits of the subject in each of years 3 and 4, or to take joint Honours in Psychology and their level 2 Arts subject, taking 60 credits of each subject in each of years 3 and 4.
When you apply you will need to know the UCAS code for you chosen subject or subject-combination.
Due to high demand, if you wish to be considered for Honours Psychology you must apply using a UCAS code for Psychology, either as a single subject or as a Joint Honours combination.
When applying you will need to know the UCAS code for the subject or subject-combination that you wish to apply to:
BSc (Hons)
MA (Hons)
MA(SocSci) (Hons)
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details.
Scholarships
The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That's why we've invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding in recent years.
College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences Deans' Award
The College of Medicine, Veterinary, and Life Sciences is offering two scholarships worth £10,000 each towards tuition fees for academically excellent students wishing to study an Undergraduate programme within the College’s programme portfolio for 2024 entry.
They are open to students applying to undergraduate programmes within the School of Life Sciences, as well as BSc Psychology within the College of Medicine, Veterinary and Life Sciences at the University of Glasgow.
Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship
The University of Glasgow has a number of Undergraduate Excellence Scholarships available to new International and EU students for 2024 entry. The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fee discount of £7,000 per year of study and is subject to satisfactory progress for consecutive years of study.
EU Welcome Award
The University of Glasgow continues to be committed to ensuring a strong relationship with our existing and future EU students, and supporting EU talent to make their home at the University of Glasgow.
We appreciate the challenging financial implications that have arisen for our European applicants, and are therefore delighted to offer the EU Welcome Award to new incoming EU students starting an undergraduate programme for Academic Session 2024-25. The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fee discount of £5,000 for every year of study and is subject to satisfactory progress for consecutive years of study. This discount cannot be combined with another University scholarship.
Applicants that completed a Study Abroad year, Exchange programme or International Summer School at the University of Glasgow and therefore eligible for the Alumni discount could be granted the EU Welcome Award as well.
RUK Excellence Scholarship
The RUK Excellence Scholarship of £1,000 for each year of study will be awarded to first degree new entrants who have attained academic excellence in one sitting at A Level (or equivalent).
RUK Access Bursary
The bursary supports talented students who may not be able to take their place at University for reasons of financial hardship. It is available to new entrant full-time, undergraduate students of the University of Glasgow who are fully registered for the up coming academic session, ordinarily domiciled in England, Wales or Northern Ireland and paying annual tuition fees of £9,250 per annum.
James McCune Smith Undergraduate Scholarship
The University of Glasgow has up to 30 undergraduate scholarships available for students of African/African-Caribbean backgrounds. The scholarship supports students who could face financial difficulties taking up their place to study at the university. The value of the scholarship is £2,000, paid in instalments for year one of undergraduate study. The scholarship is open to new applicants to the university for 2024 entry. Current students who have previously been in receipt of the award may reapply, however, preference will be given to applicants entering their first year of study.
Beaconhouse Schools
The University of Glasgow offer a 15% discount on the first year of tuition fee to students from Beaconhouse Schools and who enrol on an undergraduate programme at the University of Glasgow. The discount does not apply to Veterinary Medicine, Medicine and Dentistry programmes.
Republic of Ireland (RoI) Access Bursary
Glasgow has a long and proud tradition of providing financial support to talented students who, for reasons of financial hardship, might not be able to take a place at university. Our RoI Access Bursary is part of our commitment to continue to attract and support students from a diverse range of backgrounds. For 2023 entry, the RoI bursary will be up to £2,000 for your first year of study and £1,000 for continuing years.
Payments of the RoI Access Bursary will be detailed in your Award Letter.
- The RoI Access Bursary will be awarded as a cash payment.
- The RoI Access Bursary will be paid in 10 instalments from October until July; this award is based on household income
- The RoI Access Bursary will only be awarded in years where tuition fees of £9,250 apply
Please see here for up to date information and criteria for 2024 entry.
Republic of Ireland (RoI) Excellence Scholarship
The RoI Excellence Scholarship of £1,000 for each year of study will be awarded to first degree entrants who have attained at Irish Higher grades H1, H1, H1, H2, H2 from the Irish Leaving Certificate for 2023 entry. Dentistry, Medicine and Veterinary Medicine applicants are not eligible for this award.
Payments
- The RoI Excellence Scholarship will be processed as a cash payment.
- The RoI Excellence Scholarship will be paid in 2 instalments.
- The first payment will be in October and the second payment will be in February.
These payments will be credited to the UK bank account held on your MyCampus profile; therefore, it is vital that this is up to date at the start of the session. By submitting your bank details on the MyCampus system, you are confirming that you agree with the terms and conditions of the award.
Please see here for further information and eligibility criteria for 2024 entry.
Undergraduate Talent Scholarships
The University of Glasgow is awarding c.50 undergraduate Talent Scholarships to support students who could face financial difficulties in taking up their place to study at the University for 2024 entry. The value of each scholarship is typically £1,500 p.a. for each year of the degree programme, subject to satisfactory progress. Talent Scholarships are available to students entering any of the University's Colleges.
Dental School students are eligible for a Talent Scholarship in their first year of study only. They are eligible for the NHS Dental Student Support Grant in the following years.
Cowrie Foundation Scholarship
The University of Glasgow and The Cowrie Scholarship Foundation (CSF) will offer a scholarship to support Black African and Caribbean heritage applicants from socio-economically challenged backgrounds. Applicants must be ordinarily resident in the UK and commencing an undergraduate study in the academic year 2024-25
The Cowrie Scholarship Foundation wants to fund 100 Black British students through UK universities in the next decade. More information on the Foundation can be found here.
Sanctuary Scholarships
The University of Glasgow is offering up to 20 Sanctuary Scholarships for applicants to the University, who have been forced to travel to the UK for humanitarian reasons and are facing challenges in progressing onto Higher Education. The scholarship is open to prospective undergraduate and postgraduate taught students at the University of Glasgow applying for entry in September 2024/25. Please note that you must have applied to the University before submitting an application for this scholarship.
The scholarship will meet the cost of tuition fees for the duration of your programme, for applicants who are unable to access mainstream funding through Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) or Student Finance. The Sanctuary Scholarship also provides a £5,000 per year stipend, to assist with study costs. In addition, if the eligibility criteria for university accommodation is met, this will also be provided for the duration of your degree, if required. For more information on the accommodation criteria, please see the Accommodation Services section on the website.
Undergraduate students with refugee status (or equivalent) and access to funding, are eligible to apply for the scholarship and would receive the £5,000 stipend towards study costs only, if successful.
Postgraduate Taught Masters students with refugee status (or equivalent) and access to funding, are eligible to apply for the scholarship and would receive the £5,000 stipend towards study costs and a partial tuition fee waiver, to cover any shortfall not met by your Postgraduate Masters tuition fee loan.
The Clan Gregor Society Prize
The Clan Gregor Society is offering an award to new entrants to the University of Glasgow who descend from Clan Gregor. Prospective students will be asked to submit an application highlighting areas of consideration such as academic excellence and financial need. The award is open to both Undergraduate and Postgraduate applicants for 2024 entry.
The scholarships above are specific to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database
How to apply
Due to high demand, if you wish to be considered for Honours Psychology you must apply using a UCAS code for Psychology, either as a single subject or as a Joint Honours combination.
Full-time students must apply through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
SQA applicants who are eligible for our Widening Participation programmes are encouraged to participate in one or more of these programmes, including Summer School, to support your application and the transition to higher education.
International students to Arts, Engineering, Law, Nursing, Science, and Social Sciences can also apply using The Common Application: however, if applying to more than one UK university, we recommend using UCAS. Applications to Dentistry, Education, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine must be made through UCAS.
Application deadlines
- 16 October: if including Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or also applying to Oxford or Cambridge
- 31 January: all other UK applicants (unless otherwise stated on the UCAS website)
- 30 June: international students.
We do not usually accept any applications after these deadlines.
It's your responsibility to ensure the accuracy of your application before submission. Requests to correct application content, change degree programme or change college of entry, will not be accepted after these deadlines. This policy is in place to ensure fairness and consistency to all applicants, and no exceptions will be made.
- Apply at www.ucas.com or through your school or college
- Contact UCAS on 0871 468 0468
- Apply at commonapp.org (international students to certain areas only)
More information about this programme
Subject league tables
Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide [Psychology]
Related programmes
Psychology & Neuroscience
Undergraduate events
