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University of Aberdeen · Undergraduate
BSc (Hons) Psychology Bachelor's degree at the University of Aberdeen
BSc (Hons) Psychology at University of Aberdeen leads to a nationally recognised Bachelor's degree. You'll study core psychology alongside specialisations such as Clinical, Cognitive, Forensic, Occupational, Developmental, Health Psychology, Neuroscience and Research Methods.
BSc (Hons)
Award
4
Years
Full-time
Study mode
85%
in work/study (15m)
About this course
BSc (Hons) Psychology is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Aberdeen, based in Old Aberdeen. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Psychology (non-specific) graduates from this provider, 85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 50% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £24,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Psychology, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
8.8
/ 10
Excellent
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Excellent90
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Excellent85
Limited evidence Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 85% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Exceptional90
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 90% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 5 modules
- Introductory Psychology I: Concepts and TheoryCompulsory15 credits
Module details
Introduces you to major concepts and theories in psychology to provide you with a strong understanding of the human mind and behaviour. You will attend lectures on biological, social and cognitive psychology and participate in tutorials where you will work with peers to discuss topics related to the lecture materials.
- Introductory Psychology I: Methods and ApplicationsCompulsory15 credits
Module details
A perfect combination of subject-specific knowledge and transferable skills. In weekly lectures and practicals you will learn how various research methods are applied across a variety of Psychology sub-fields. You will learn to read scientific articles and will begin to critically evaluate them.
Assessment: Critical reviews, close-reading exercises and oral presentations
- Introductory Psychology II: Concepts and TheoryCompulsory15 credits
Module details
Introduces you to major concepts and theories in psychology to provide you with a strong understanding of human mind and behaviour. You will attend lectures on evolution & emotion, lifespan development, and sensation & perception and participate in tutorials where you will work with peers to discuss topics related to the lecture materials.
- Introductory Psychology II: Methods and ApplicationsCompulsory15 credits
Module details
Builds onto Introductory Psychology I: Methods and Applications. You will learn more about research methods in Psychology through lectures, practicals and taking part in research. You will also learn how to set up and conduct a Psychology study yourself. Part of the lectures will focus on statistics, to equip you with the skills to analyze and interpret your own data. In doing so, you will also learn about the role of ethics in research.
Assessment: Two research reports and MCQ test about the lectures
- Getting Started at the University of AberdeenCompulsory
Module details
Studied entirely online, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks. Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.
Year 2 4 modules
- Advanced Psychology A - Concepts and TheoryCompulsory15 credits
Module details
Builds on the material covered in the 1st-year courses, expanding on psychology's concepts and theories. The course covers three core areas of psychology: language and cognition, perception, and individual differences.
- Advanced Psychology 1 - Methods and ApplicationsCompulsory15 credits
Module details
Introduces students to fundamental concepts and methods in psychological research and data analysis. Lectures cover distributions and probability, null hypothesis significance testing, t-tests, chi-square tests, and correlations. Practical classes involve the application of these methods to research examples from different areas of psychology, using the statistical software package SPSS.
- Advanced Psychology B - Concepts and TheoryCompulsory15 credits
Module details
Builds on the material covered in the 1st-year courses, expanding on psychology's concepts and theories. The course covers four core areas of psychology: social psychology, behavioural neuroscience and developmental psychology.
- Advanced Psychology 2 - Methods and ApplicationsCompulsory15 credits
Module details
Covers a broad range of data collection and analysis methods used in psychological research. Lectures cover survey and observational methods, regression analysis, ANOVA, and qualitative research methods. Practical classes involve the application of these methods to research examples from different areas of psychology.
Year 3 8 modules
- Methodology ACompulsory15 credits
Module details
Helps students prepare, evaluate and run their own Psychological research. A 'hands-on' course, where students will have the opportunity to conduct a small qualitative research project and practice using SPSS for a variety of statistical analyses. Provides a thorough grounding in qualitative and quantitative research methods through a lecture series. Specific topics covered include: verification and falsification of results; ANOVA and qualitative research strategies.
- Psychological AssessmentCompulsory15 credits
Module details
Introduces students to psychometric theory, real life applications of psychological assessment and the legal and ethical issues surrounding test administration. Topics covered include: IQ and mood assessment; clinical neuropsychological tests of cognitive dysfunction and memory; assessment of dementia and forensic aspects of assessment (legal malingering).
- PerceptionCompulsory15 credits
Module details
Considers a range of approaches to human perception, from historical beginnings to recent innovative research. Topics covered include: colour perception; face recognition; perception of pain and age related changes in perception. Students will also engage in guided debate with their peers regarding media portrayal of recent research findings.
- Biological PsychologyCompulsory15 credits
Module details
Aims to provide students with a good understanding of the biological basis of behaviour and cognition. The course is split into two sections. Section 1 focuses on psychopharmacology, which is the investigation of the effect of medication on normal and abnormal brain function. Section 2 focuses on neuropsychology, examining what can be learnt about psychological processes from studying patients with brain damage. Topics covered include: neurotransmitters; drug effects; psychedelic drugs; impaired
- Methodology BCompulsory15 credits
Module details
Builds on the skills already developed through participation in Methodology A. A 'hands-on' course, where students will have a second opportunity to conduct a small research project and practice using SPSS for a variety of statistical analyses. Builds on the thorough grounding in qualitative and quantitative research methods provided in Methodology A through a second lecture course. Also features workshops on employability, providing students with information on career planning, networking etc.
- Social PsychologyCompulsory15 credits
Module details
Provides students with an introduction to the range of topics within experimental social psychology, with a defined focus on social cognition. Topics covered include: Stereotypes; social perception and action; self-control; consciousness and mimicry. Provides a scientific explanation for social phenomena.
- Developmental PsychologyCompulsory15 credits
Module details
Consolidates and extends students' knowledge of a number of core areas of developmental psychology, focusing on the age range of young children (3 years) to adolescence. Examines both historical and contemporary issues and findings in (1) cognitive development and (2) social-emotional development. Evaluates how some main types of memory undergo developmental changes, and how cognitive plasticity develops. Evaluates the development of aggression and its risk factors, and gains a deeper understand
- Memory and LanguageCompulsory15 credits
Module details
The memory component introduces students to the main theoretical components of memory (working and autobiographical memory). Psychological theories of forgetting and eyewitness memory will also be discussed. The language component introduces students to the key issues in psycholinguistics. This will include assessment of sentence processing, analysis of the processes underlying language production and factors that influence communication in different settings.
Year 4 1 modules
- Psychology ThesisCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Constitutes the final-year thesis for the single honours Psychology degree. An empirical research project, where the student collects and analyses data in answer to a research question. The thesis begins in September and the final draft of the thesis is handed in for assessment at the end of the second term.
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
You'll study psychology from its foundations through to specialised areas and independent research. A course like this normally moves from core topics in Year 1, introduction to the field, research methods and statistics, and biological psychology, through cognitive and social psychology in Year 2, where you'll also develop advanced quantitative and qualitative research skills. In Years 3 and 4, you'll undertake specialist options such as clinical psychology, forensic psychology, neuroscience, child development and health psychology, alongside individual differences and psychopathology. You'll complete an empirical dissertation, a supervised independent study involving data collection, analysis and write-up. Throughout, the curriculum is grounded in BPS-accredited research methods.
Who it's for
Most entrants to this course held A-levels or equivalent qualifications, with 90% of accepted students coming in with this background. The typical UCAS tariff band among accepted students was 160–175 points.
Careers & job market
Across Psychology courses nationally, 85% of graduates were in work or further study 15 months after graduating. Of those working, 45% were in highly skilled work or further study. National graduate earnings data shows starting salaries (at 15 months) typically ranged from £22,250 to £28,000, rising to £22,950–£32,400 after five years. First-year retention was 85%, with students either still enrolled or having completed their studies.
University & format
This BSc (Hons) Psychology is taught full-time at the University of Aberdeen, a public university founded in 1495 and located in Old Aberdeen. The course runs for 4 years and is taught in English. It leads to a nationally recognised Bachelor's degree. The university is.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively. Overall student satisfaction: 100%.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
Application timelineWhat happens next
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Entry & how to get in
Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent90% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: 160 - 175 pointsThe most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students. This is what entrants had, not a stated requirement.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check the University of Aberdeen's official course page for the current offer.
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 90% |
| another higher-education qualification | 5% |
| a Baccalaureate | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Competitive entry
Accepted students typically held strong UCAS tariffs. Check how your predicted grades compare and whether a contextual offer applies.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Your UCAS points0
▾
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Add your grades to see where you land
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
Typical gradesA*A*A*A-level equivalent admitted students held
UCAS codeC800quote this on your application
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code C800). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask University of Aberdeen whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
International£24,800 / yr
Provider fee page. Set under Scotland's student-finance system; the provider's page is authoritative.
Check fees at University of Aberdeen →If you normally live in Scotland
For eligible Scottish-domiciled students at an eligible Scottish provider, SAAS can pay tuition directly. Living-cost support can combine bursary and loan and depends on household income and student circumstances. Students from elsewhere use their home funding body.
Check the current amounts with SAAS →Paying for it
- SAAS tuition payment: paid directly to the university for eligible Scottish-domiciled students, applied for through SAAS.
- Living-cost support: a mix of bursary and loan from SAAS, depending on household income.
- Repayment: only above the Scottish repayment threshold, and written off at the end of the plan term.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
Scotland runs its own system through SAAS; check saas.gov.uk for current rates.
Funding matched to this course
All University of Aberdeen funding →Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
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Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check
Careers & earnings
What Psychology graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £24,000 | £21,000 – £28,500 | 15 |
| 3 years after | £23,500 | £19,500 – £30,000 | 85 |
| 5 years after | £29,000 | £23,500 – £34,500 | 85 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
85%
in work or further study 15 months on
50%
in highly skilled work or study
90%
continue past their first year
65%
find their work meaningful
65%
say work fits their future plans
- 1Assistant / Graduate roleAssistant psychologist or research · 0–2 yrs
- 2Trainee / PractitionerDoctoral training or applied role · 2–6 yrs
- 3Qualified PsychologistChartered / HCPC-registered · 6–10 yrs
- 4Senior / ConsultantLeading services or research · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Psychology nationally
Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£24,000
£22,250 – £28,000After 3 years LEO
£23,500
£19,125 – £27,000After 5 years LEO
£29,000
£22,950 – £32,400national rangethis course’s medianaxis £18,000 – £33,500
National figures for Psychology graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
85 of 100
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
55% working15% working and studying15% in further study50% in highly skilled work or study
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Psychology courses at the same study level.
This course £29,000Peer median £26,500Middle 50% £25,000–£30,500
68th percentile
Compared with 758 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
Birmingham City UniversityBSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling£29,000Keele UniversityBSc (Hons) Psychology with Human Biology£29,000Sheffield Hallam UniversityBA (Hons) Education with Psychology and Counselling£29,000The University of LiverpoolBSc (Hons) Psychology (2+2 programme with Foundation Element)£29,000
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Welfare and housing associate professionalsSOC 2020 322 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,937
- Caring personal servicesSOC 2020 613 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £23,668
- Therapy professionalsSOC 2020 222 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £37,338
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
- Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 85; response rate: 55%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Psychology graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
85%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Psychology courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes45%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled85%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuationHow AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Survey scoring and data cleaning
- Literature-search summaries
- Routine report scaffolding
- Standard statistical runs
More human than ever
- Clinical judgement and formulation
- Empathy and the therapeutic relationship
- Designing and interpreting studies
- Ethics with vulnerable people
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Psychology graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- The NHS
- Schools
- Research & consultancies
- Charities
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Psychology graduates.
Psychology GraduateAcademicsPsychology Graduate: ABA Support for AutismAxcis Education RecruitmentPsychology Graduate for SEND school LincolnAspire PeoplePsychology GraduateTradewind RecruitmentPsychology Graduate TA – Special Needs School ExperienceStepintoteachingPsychology Expert Witness Lead: QA & TrainingSomek & AssociatesLive from the StudySmarter job board · as of 2026-08-01.See all matching jobs
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
💷
Student finance
Fees for this course are set under Scotland's own student-finance system, not the England cap; check the provider's course page for the exact figure. Tuition for eligible Scottish-domiciled students is paid by SAAS directly to the university, applied for through SAAS and not Student Finance England. Living-cost support is a mix of bursary and loan, and you repay only above the Scottish threshold.
📈
Where graduates go
85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £24,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
🎯
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
⭐
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.8 out of 10: NSS 89.9% · in work or study 85% · continued 90%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Aberdeen
All students13,930
International18.8%
Aged 25+29.2%
Psychology across the UK
Students138,290
Aged 25+37.3%
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Is Psychology right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to University of Aberdeen from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £24,800 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
University of Aberdeen offers the Aberdeen Global Scholarship (£6,000/yr) for international students, see Scholarships above.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with University of Aberdeen and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Aberdeen
Psychology at other universities
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
Entry is competitive. Accepted students typically held strong UCAS tariffs. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was 160 - 175 UCAS points. Use the calculator on this page to see where your predicted grades would put you; many universities also make lower contextual offers.
What are the entry requirements?
Set by the University of Aberdeen. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
What do graduates go on to do?
For Psychology (non-specific) graduates from this provider, 85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 50% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £24,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
What will it cost me?
Fees for this course are set under Scotland's own student-finance system, not the England cap; check the provider's course page for the exact figure. Tuition for eligible Scottish-domiciled students is paid by SAAS directly to the university, applied for through SAAS and not Student Finance England. Living-cost support is a mix of bursary and loan, and you repay only above the Scottish threshold. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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