BSc (Hons) Psychology

The Psychology BSc (Hons) is suitable for students with a science or commerce background who are interested in the systematic study of cognition, mind and behaviour. Students may wish to take this knowledge into a career in industry or complete further training to become a professional psychologist.

Why study Psychology at Heriot-Watt University’s Dubai Campus?

• Heriot-Watt psychology programmes have been ranked as one of the leading programmes in the UK.
• Heriot-Watt takes an applied focus, going beyond textbook and theory to explore real-world uses of psychology.
• Psychology graduates have sought after transferable skills in writing, research and critical evaluation.
• Honours graduates have career opportunities in psychology and business professions and are eligible for a broad range of postgraduate training programmes internationally that are relevant to psychology.

January entry

January intake is applicable for Year 1 students only.

Accreditation

The Dubai Campus is accredited by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and fully licensed to teach its degrees in Dubai. All graduates receive a British degree that is accredited by Royal Charter in the UK.

"The course allowed me to get a detailed insight into experimental and clinical psychology. It allowed me to obtain a more holistic understanding of the field, helping me make a more informed decision on the area of specialty I would go on to focus on in my graduate studies."

Shravanti Shankar, Psychology, BSc (Hons)

Course content

DETAILED COURSE GUIDE

This programme includes courses in psychological science, both theoretical and research based. In years 1-3 this is complemented by a small number of electives taken from the management programmes to broaden the learning experience. The curriculum is based on that recommended by the British Psychological Society.

First year

Students are introduced to psychology from a range of perspectives and begin their studies in research methods, which will continue throughout the programme. Students are also introduced to the specific academic skills required to study and think about psychological contexts.

Second year

Psychology courses cover Social Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Intelligence alongside more advanced Statistics and Research Design. Students also choose 2 electives in related management subjects, either human resources or marketing.

Third year

Psychology courses cover Social Cognition, Personality, Lifespan Development, Health and Forensic Psychology, and Biological Psychology. These courses take an applied approach, including the discussion of relationships, health and environmental design. Students also take 2 electives in management.

Fourth year

Advanced psychology courses continue the applied focus in a range of areas based on faculty expertise. Currently, this includes topics on consciousness, neuroscience, industrial psychology and psychopathology. In addition, each student undertakes a major independent project. This involves research design, data collection and analysis, and is a chance to learn in depth about a topic of the student’s own choosing.