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.
Psychology at the University of Glasgow is ranked in the top 50 in the Times Higher Education World Rankings. We are committed to research-led teaching providing the opportunity for students to be taught by leaders in the field of discipline specific and educational research. We are sector leading in the support we provide for our students in employability and skills relevant to a rapidly evolving employment market.
We bring together expertise in experimental psychology, cognitive science and cognitive neuroscience in order to advance the understanding of human and animal behaviour.
Our students 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.
- 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
- Degree options
- Professionally accredited
- Study abroad available
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 & 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 health approaches as well as developing your professional skills for the graduate employment market.
Single Honours students choose from a selection of options The option courses range from courses in Health and Neuroscience to Neurodiversity and Data Visualisation. 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 (for example, using eyetrackers or brain imaging data) or applied settings such as a school or community partner.
Course details
Year 1
Core courses:
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, spanning a diverse range of qualitative and quantitative methodologies and applications from theory to practice. Current options are listed below.
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 3
- Human Development 3
- Individual Differences 3
- Physiological Psychology 3
- Professional Skills 3
- Social Psychology 3
- Statistical Models 3
- Current Issues in Psychology 3
- Psychometrics 3
- Qualitative Project 3
- Quantitative Project 3
Year 4
Core courses:
Current optional courses:
- Advanced Qualitative Research Methods 4H
- Applied Data Visualisation 4H
- Applied Psychology in Sport 4H
- Autism and Neurodivergence 4H
- Memory: From Synapses to Systems 4H
- Neuropsychological Approaches to Consciousness and Volition 4H
- Psychology and Biology of Mental Health Conditions 4H
- Psychological Assessment 4H
- Psychometric and simulation methods in R 4H
- Service Learning: Supporting Schools with Effective Learning Strategies 4H
- Topics in Health and Social Neuroscience 4H
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 2027
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
Scottish 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 AAAAA 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.
Scottish 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 from non-English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
English language requirements
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)
- 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
- IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
- 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.
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Common equivalent English language qualifications for entry to this programme
TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)
Tests taken up to 20 January 2026
- 90 Overall, no subtest lower than Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.
Tests taken from 21 January 2026
- 92 Overall, no subtest lower than Reading 22; Listening 20; Speaking 23; Writing 21
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.
Pearsons PTE Academic
- 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
- 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.
Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)
- 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
- 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.
Oxford ELLT
- 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
- 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.
LanguageCert Academic SELT
- 70 overall with no subtest less than 60
- 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.
Password Skills Plus
- 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 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.
Trinity College Tests
- Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests
- 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.
University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses
- Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.
School Qualifications
- IGCSE English First Language, grade C
- IGCSE English Second Language, grade A
- A Level English, 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
International School Qualifications
- Brunei: O-Level English Language 1120 grade B and above
- Denmark: Studentereksamen English at 7
- European Baccalaureate: English as Language 1 pass, if taken as Language 2 grade 7, if taken as Language 3 grade 7.5
- Finland: Ylioppilastutkinto / studentexamen English grade C or 4
- France: International Option Baccalaureate (OIB) / Baccalauréat Français International (BFI) grade 12
- Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone: West African Examination Council (WAEC) / Senior Secondary School Certificate English grade C6
- Germany: German Abitur English Grade 11
- Hong Kong: Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, English Language grade 4
- India: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) / All India School Certificate (ISC) English at 80%
- Kenya: Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) English grade B
- Netherlands: Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) grade 7
- Norway: Vitnemal English grade 4 or above
- Singapore: Cambridge International O Level English Language (1128 Singapore only) at Grace C; Singapore Integrated Programme Secondary 4 English Language at grade B
- South Africa: National Senior Certificate (NSC) / Independent Exam Board (IEB) Grade 4 (English as Home Language) OR Grade 4 (English as First Additional Language)
- Sweden: Avgangsbetyg / Fullständigt Slutbetyg fran Gymnasieskolan English grade VG
- Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at English at Ordinary Level grade C
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Alternatives to English Language qualification
- Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
- Undergraduate 2+2 degrees from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
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 UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.
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Pre-sessional courses
We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study. Our courses give you:
- direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS)
- essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University
- flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.
For more detail on our pre-sessional courses please see:
- English for Academic Study: Pre-sessional courses
We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:
- Heriot Watt
- Kingston Upon Thames
- Middlesex University
- Manchester University
- Reading University
- Edinburgh University
- St Andrews University
- UCL
- Durham
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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: English for Academic Study
Careers and future opportunities
Graduate destinations
The following are examples of roles that graduates are in 15 months after completing their programme:
- Support Worker
- Public Sector Audit Associate
- Assistant Clincial Psychologist
- Mental Health & Wellbeing Support Worker
- Social Researcher
- Assistant Statistician
- Trainee Therapist
- Finance Graduate
- Fraud Investigator
- Teacher.
Example job titles are taken from responses received through the HESA Graduate Outcomes survey. Graduates surveyed 15 months after graduation. Includes single and joint honours programmes.
Job prospects
Graduate Outcomes data shows that:
- 93.3% of students are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating
- 75.4% of those in work are in graduate-level employment
- The average professional salary after 15 months is £29,161.
This university-level data is from HESA Graduate Outcomes survey. It relates to graduates who completed their programme in 2023–24 and were surveyed 15 months after graduation. Includes single and joint honours programmes.
Skills development
As well as building subject specific knowledge and skills throughout your degree, you’ll also develop transferable skills by:
- Analysing psychological evidence independently, interpreting data and evaluating competing theories across core areas of the discipline.
- Critiquing research rigorously, synthesising findings and identifying limitations in methods, interpretations and applications.
- Communicating psychological ideas effectively, producing clear written, visual and oral outputs for specialist and non‑specialist audiences.
- Applying quantitative, qualitative and computational techniques to interrogate psychological datasets and justify your conclusions.
- Designing and conducting independent psychological research, selecting appropriate methodologies and demonstrating ethical practice.
Careers & employability support
Our Careers, Employability & Opportunity team are here to support you at every stage of your career journey. They’ll provide you with opportunities to explore your options, connect with employers in the UK and abroad, build your confidence and develop in demand skills.
You’ll have access to a wide range of support and resources that are designed to help you plan and prepare for your future including: masterclasses, 1:1 career coaching, a dedicated jobs board, employer events and much more.
Accreditation
The single and joint honours psychology degrees at the University of Glasgow are accredited by the British Psychology Society.
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.
The scholarships above are relevant 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
- 15 October: if including Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or also applying to Oxford or Cambridge
- 13 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)
Subject league tables
Times Higher Education World University Rankings [Psychology]
Guardian University Guide [Psychology]
Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide [Psychology]
Complete University Guide [Psychology]
QS World University Rankings [Psychology]
