Start your postgraduate journey with us in 2025
Psychology at Edinburgh brings together leading researchers approaching the scientific study of mind and behaviour through a range of topics - from language development to dementia, personality to paranormal beliefs.
Drawing from a vibrant and stimulating research culture, our programmes will help you develop professional, critical and analytical skills. You will learn how to formulate research questions and appreciate diverse approaches to research.
You will benefit from the breadth and strength of the academic community at Edinburgh, the department has strong interdisciplinary links with colleagues in medicine, informatics, linguistics, education, biology, and public health.
Expand your horizons and forge lifelong connections through innovative and engaging research seminars and events, organised for the student community throughout the year.
Why study Psychology at Edinburgh?
- Psychology is rated 3rd in the UK by Times Higher Education for the quality and breadth of the research using the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).
- We're ranked 6th in the UK and 30th in the world for psychology (QS World University Rankings by subject 2025).
- Opportunity to specialise in prominent research areas of our department including; social psychology, cognitive neuropsychology, individual differences or language psychology.
Showcasing Psychology at Edinburgh
Postgraduate programmes in Psychology
Applications are now open for 2025 entry. We operate a gathered field admissions approach with applications being processed in batches throughout the cycle. You can submit your application at any time. Find out more about our programmes and how to apply.
Spotlight on research
Our vibrant research community focuses on brain and mind across the lifespan, with particular strengths in cognitive neurosciences, the psychology of individual differences, language and communication, and theoretical and applied work in social interaction and child development.
Our research has influenced, among others, the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) clinical guidelines for the assessment and management of motor neurone disease (MND), and developed the psychological theory of Interactive Alignment, which underpins methods for teaching English as a second language in China. The impact resulting from our research has been uniformly rated outstanding in terms of reach and significance.
Find out more about how our research is making an impact:
Our community
As a Psychology student, you will be part of a thriving and diverse community within the School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences (PPLS). Students are invited to join WhatsApp and/or Discord groups to connect with fellow classmates, and our Psychology society, PsychSoc, organises regular events throughout the year.
You will have access to a range of dedicated labs and facilities, many of which include state-of-the-art software and equipment, to support your studies and enable cutting edge research.
With around 80 students across all our psychology MSc programmes, there are plenty of opportunities to meet new people, develop your subject-area knowledge and have fun in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Hear from staff and students
Professor Abrahams teaches the Clinical Neuropsychology course.
Professor McIntosh teaches Specialist Techniques in Neuroscience.
Tobias Thejll-Madsen
Graduating from Edinburgh in 2020, Tobias works as a part-time Research Assistant in the Psychology department and is currently a PhD student at the University of Glasgow.
Hear from more staff and students
Connect with us
Feel free to get in touch with our friendly Postgraduate Team with any questions you might have about academic or English language requirements, course information, enquiries about your application and information on arriving at the University.
Postgraduate Research Administration Team (MScR/PhD enquiries):
Email: pplspgoffice@ed.ac.uk
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