Welcome to Psychology at the University of Edinburgh
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind, brain and behaviour. It focuses on building and testing theories to help explain how people interact with each other and the world around them.
Psychology is an experimental and observational science, in which evidence from research studies is used to develop and evaluate theories. Our degree programme has a strong emphasis on developing skills in research methods and statistical analysis, to support our research-led teaching.
Why study Psychology at Edinburgh?
We're ranked 6th in the UK and 30th in the world for psychology (QS World University Rankings by subject 2025).
- Graduates of the four-year BSc Psychology degree programme, and most joint degree programme graduates, will have qualifications accredited by the British Psychology Society.
- The University's reputation with employers stands at an impressive 96.9% (QS World University Rankings 2024).
Psychology sample lecture
View a sample lecture recorded from a recent online information sessions. This will give you an insight into what you might learn in your first year at Edinburgh and allow you to explore the subject in more detail.
Our degree programmes
Single honours
Four year undergraduate degree programme
Joint honours
Four year undergraduate degree programme comprising a combination of two subjects
MA (Hons) Psychology & Business CN81
MA (Hons) Psychology & Economics CZ81
MA (Hons) Psychology & Linguistics CQ81
MA (Hons) Philosophy & Psychology VC58
MA (Hons) Sociology & Psychology LC38
Single honours
Multidisciplinary degree programme incorporating philosophy, psychology, informatics and language sciences
Degree programme content
First year compulsory courses:
- Psychology 1A - You will develop an integrated understanding of modern approaches to some of the core areas of psychology such as individual differences, cognitive neuroscience, perception and learning.
- Psychology 1B - This course explores core areas of psychology such as developmental and social psychology, human memory, and the psychology of language.
- Data Analysis for Psychology in R1 - This course provides foundations in working with data, probability, hypothesis testing and the use of R statistical programming environment.
Optional courses:
In year 1, psychology single honours students will typically take two option courses and joint honours students will take one option course. There are a wide range of courses to choose from and you might choose based on enhancing or complementing your degree programme, or choose something based on interest.
Find out more about the compulsory and optional courses in this degree programme:
Please note this programme structure is for the current course content and availability is subject to change.
Teaching and support
Types of Teaching
In Years 1 and 2 teaching is mostly conducted in lectures and small group meetings called tutorials, where you will have the chance to discuss topics in greater detail.
Lectures comprise up to 300 students and tutorials normally comprise around 10 students.
Usually you will have around four or five contact hours per week in psychology courses. In Years 3 and 4 the emphasis shifts to more specialised, seminar-based courses and independent study
Student Advisor
You will be allocated a named Student Adviser. The Student Adviser will support you during your time at University and will work alongside academic staff and teaching teams for more specialised academic support.
PsychPALS
PsychPALS is a Peer Assisted Learning Scheme. Trained psychology students run academic study sessions on topics such as course content, assessment, essays, exams, study skills, and any further skills students need to excel in their degrees.
Psychology Society
Edinburgh University Psychology Society organises social events and academic talks and offers students an opportunity to get to know other Psychology enthusiasts.
Careers in psychology
Our graduates develop high-level research, statistical, IT, and report-writing skills, which are valued by employers in various sectors.
Recent examples of roles psychology graduates have gone onto include:
- Charity Project Worker
- HR Consultant
- Social Worker
- Evaluation Officer
- Project Manager for a financial institution
- Supporter Relations Manager for a charity
- Summer School Director
- Marketing Executive
Some students continue their studies to enter a research or teaching career. Others go on to train as a professional psychologist in a specific field.
Student experience
Melissa Robertston, BSc Psychology, Class of 2021
"The lecturers in Psychology were always friendly and approachable, and you could have interesting chats with them in the social spaces in the Psychology building. I enjoyed this as it felt like a close community.
I also enjoyed using the facilities for Psychology students in the Psychology building at 7 George Square. This beautiful old building had a lovely library and social spaces, and Psychology students had special access to nice study spaces."
Find out more about psychology
We’ve put together a list of resources to get you thinking about psychology:
- Opening Skinner’s Box: Great Psychological Experiments of the Twentieth Century by Lauren Slater (W.W. Norton & Company) - The author sets out to describe some of the psychological experiments of the twentieth century through a series of accounts which can be both witty and shocking.
- Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman (Penguin) - This best-selling book, summarises research the author conducted over many years and is concerned with two modes of thought: 1. fast, instinctive and emotional; and 2. slow, more deliberative and more logical. The book describes cognitive biases associated with each.
- Silver Linings Playbook (2012) - Adapted from the novel by Matthew Quick, this film follows its two main characters’ road to recovery from their psychological breakdowns.
- Read the latest Psychology news from the school: News | The University of Edinburgh
Connect with us
For enquiries about entry requirements, admissions and your application:
Email: future.students@ed.ac.uk
How to apply and fees & funding information:
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