Best Universities for a Psychology Degree in Scotland

Psychology courses involve the study of the human brain and the complex nature behind its behaviours. Scotland is home to some of the best universities in the UK that offer psychology degrees.

Psychology courses involve the study of the human brain and the complex nature behind its behaviours. Scotland is home to some of the best universities in the UK that offer psychology degrees, and studying in Scotland means benefiting from a mix of cosmopolitan cities and beautiful rural landscapes that live long in the imagination. The cost of living is much lower at Scottish universities than in many other parts of the UK, and great graduate employability means you are much more likely to find your dream career after finishing a psychology degree here.

Studying for a psychology degree in Scotland will equip students with various skills that open opportunities with various employers. Jobs that are directly related to a psychology degree include:

• Clinical psychologist
• Education mental health practitioner
• Educational psychologist
• Forensic psychologist
• Health psychologist
• High-intensity therapist
• Occupational psychologist
• Psychological wellbeing practitioner

Learn more about studying for a psychology degree in Scotland below and book a free consultation with SI-UK today to begin your application or have any further questions about studying in the UK answered.

Top 10 Scottish Universities for Studying Psychology

Find the ten leading psychology degrees available at Scottish universities below (Guardian University Guide 2024).

1. University of St Andrews

The University of St Andrews emphasises research-led psychology teaching delivered by leading academics. Students studying psychology courses at the university will be taught various topics of modern psychology, including, but not limited to, perception, cognition, motivation, and behaviour.

• Suggested course: Psychology MA (Honours)
• Entry requirements: IB diploma: 36 (HL 6,6,5). A-level: AAB
• International fee: £30,160

2. University of Glasgow

The University of Glasgow’s psychology degree programmes, such as the BSc/MA/MA(SocSci), are accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), and candidates who complete their programme with at least a second class Honours in Psychology in any component from the University will achieve a Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). The GBC certification is the first step toward becoming a Chartered Psychologist.

• Suggested course: BSc Psychology
• Entry requirements: IB diploma: 36 (6,6,5), including SL4 Mathematics and two HL Science subjects.
• International fee: £30,240

3. University of Strathclyde

The University of Strathclyde stands out among the top universities for studying psychology in Scotland. With its BA Hons Psychology programme, students experience a great learning environment that explores human behaviour, delving into thoughts, learning processes, memory, actions, and interpersonal engagement. 

Led by a dynamic team of specialists, the programme offers high-quality facilities and an engaging curriculum, covering conditions of human behaviour and various other factors. The British Psychology Society (BPS) accreditation adds value, paving the way for diverse career paths, including professional psychology, teaching, and human resource management.

• Suggested course: BA (Hons) Psychology
• Entry requirements: A Levels: Year 1 entry: ABB-BBB, Year 2 entry: AAA-ABB; (GCSE English Language 6/B or Literature 6/B, GCSE Maths 4/C).
• International fee: £19,600

4. Glasgow Caledonian University

Glasgow Caledonian University offers a BA (Hons) in Applied Psychology that describes, explains, and predicts thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. The program emphasizes research and practical problem-solving. Its detailed curriculum blends specialist knowledge and generic skills, promoting personal growth and employability. 

Accredited by the British Psychological Society, the programme allows specialisation in counselling, forensics, health, or sport and exercise psychology. The university boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including a newly-furnished virtual reality lab for enhanced learning experiences.

• Suggested course: BA (Hons) Applied Psychology
• Entry requirements: A Level: AAA or equivalent.
• International fee: £14,500

5. University of Aberdeen

The University of Aberdeen is one of Scotland's top universities for studying psychology, exploring the complexities of mental processes and behaviour. The degree covers a broad spectrum, from understanding human thought and perception to rigorous training in psychological methods. 

With a supportive environment, the Psychology department ensures internationally recognised standards, accredited by the British Psychological Society. Graduates find diverse applications, from clinical roles supporting child development to contributing to better thinking in adults or excelling in sports and criminal profiling.

• Suggested course: Psychology, BSc
• Entry requirements: IB diploma: 32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL, with two Mathematics/ Science subjects at HL.
• International fee: £24,800

6. University of Dundee

The University of Dundee offers a standout Psychology MA (Hons) programme, emphasising critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication of scientific ideas. Students study subjects like English, History, Geography, or Politics in their initial years. Later, it includes hands-on research projects, encouraging analytical skills. 

Accredited by the British Psychological Society, the programme's engaging environment extends to the student-run Psychology Society, organising social events, study sessions, and career-oriented talks for a well-rounded educational experience.

• Suggested course: Psychology MA (Hons)
• Entry requirements: IB diploma: 30 points, including 5, 5, 5 at higher level.
• International fee: £21,900

7. University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh is renowned for excellence in research, teaching, and student support. The single honours Psychology degree and most of the joint degrees at Edinburgh are accredited by the British Psychological Society, enabling students to pursue further professional training.

Along with core psychology courses in the first and second years, students can choose option courses, allowing them to develop their interests widely. In the third and fourth years, candidates can specialise in areas of their interest, such as cognitive neuroscience, intelligence, personality, language, and vision.

• Suggested course: BSc Psychology
• Entry requirements: A Levels: A*AA. IB: 39 points with 666 at HL.
• International fee: £34,800

8. Abertay University

Abertay University is one of Scotland’s top universities for psychology, offering a BSc (Hons) Psychology programme with a well-rounded curriculum. The focus is on exploring the links between the brain and behaviour. Students gain practical experience through relevant work placements, cultivating a broad skill set. 

The syllabus, accredited by the British Psychological Society, teaches you about everyday life impacts, covering understanding, memory, communication, and the influence of biological and social factors on behaviour—essential for those aspiring to become chartered psychologists.

• Suggested course: BSc (Hons) Psychology
• Entry requirements: Passes in English and Maths - National 5 grade C or GCSE grade C/4 or equivalent.
• International fee: £15,000

9. University of Stirling

The University of Stirling offers a popular BA (Hons) / BSc (Hons) Psychology programme, focusing on real-life issues like crime detection and health improvement. Semesters 1-2 introduce psychology, while Semesters 3-4 emphasise links between different subjects, covering social behaviour, abnormal psychology, and research methods.

Advanced modules in core areas fill Semesters 5-8, concluding in a final-year research project. Renowned for high-quality research, Stirling provides valuable opportunities for placements, engagement in student-led teaching, and cutting-edge research, ensuring a well-rounded education.

• Suggested course: BA (Hons) / BSc (Hons) Psychology
• Entry requirements: SQA Highers: AABB – by the end of S5, AABBB – by the end of S6 GCE. A-levels BBB. IB Diploma 30 points.
• International fee: £21,300

10. University of the West of Scotland

The University of the West of Scotland’s BSc (Hons) Psychology prepares students for careers as Chartered Psychologists. Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), the course delves into the human mind and behaviour, providing scientific insight and practical applications to real-world settings.

The curriculum, spanning four years, emphasises key areas such as developmental, social, biological, and cognitive psychology. Students deepen their knowledge through a research dissertation and specialised optional modules, encouraging data collection, analysis, and interpretation skills.

• Suggested course: BSc (Hons) Psychology
• Entry requirements: A levels: BBC (112 UCAS Tariff points). International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma: 27 points.
• International fee: £15,500

Study Psychology in Scotland

Contact SI-UK London today if you want to learn more about studying for a psychology degree in Scotland and begin your application for the upcoming intake.

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FAQ

What qualifications do you need to study psychology in Scotland?

To study psychology in Scotland, typically, you'll need relevant qualifications like A-levels (BBC), IB diploma (27 points), or equivalent. Universities may have specific entry requirements, so checking with each institution is advisable.

Which universities in Scotland have the highest acceptance rate for Psychology?

The University of Edinburgh, the University of Aberdeen, and Abertay University are known for their acceptance rates for psychology degrees. 

How can I get a full scholarship to study psychology in Scotland?

Securing a full scholarship for psychology in Scotland can be highly competitive. Students can explore scholarship opportunities offered by various universities, external organisations, or government programmes. Admission criteria often include academic excellence, personal statements, and sometimes financial need.