Introduction
Do you get motivated by the way people 'tick?' Do you notice difference? What is normal behaviour? If you think about these questions a lot you may be interested in studying Psychology. Psychology is the science of mental process and behaviour. It is used in many contexts such as health, sports, social behaviour and how we process and act on information. You can study it with the French Language to give you a unique range of learning and opportunities and careers.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- BSc
- Duration
- 48 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Start Month
- September
- UCAS Code
- C8R1
French & Francophone Studies at Aberdeen has a long-standing reputation for teaching and research. The programme explores the diversity of French and Francophone culture and the complex global influence of France and the French language over the centuries. You will add to your growing language skills with diverse courses in contemporary society and politics, philosophy and history, film and visual culture, advanced translation skills, and literature from the Renaissance to the present day.
What You'll Study
A degree in Psychology with French is taught via a selection of compulsory and optional courses to enhance your learning, preparing you for a future career or further study. In each year, you will take courses adding up to 120 credits. Depending on the number of compulsory and optional courses offered by your degree, you can also choose other eligible courses that fit your timetable.
- Year 1
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Compulsory Courses
- Academic Writing for Language & Literature (AW1008)
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This compulsory evaluation is designed to find out if your academic writing is of a sufficient standard to enable you to succeed at university and, if you need it, to provide support to improve. It is completed on-line via MyAberdeen with clear instructions to guide you through it. If you pass the evaluation at the first assessment it will not take much of your time. If you do not, you will be provided with resources to help you improve. This evaluation does not carry credits but if you do not complete it this will be recorded on your degree transcript.
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
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This course, which is prescribed for level 1 undergraduate students (and articulating students who are in their first year at the University), is 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.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
- Introductory Psychology I: Concepts and Theory (PS1009)
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15 Credit Points
PS1009 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. Studying psychology is beneficial to a wide range of careers including management, education, and counselling, to name a few.
- Introductory Psychology I: Methods and Applications (PS1011)
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15 Credit Points
PS1011 is the 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. As you do so, you will learn to read scientific articles and will begin to critically evaluate them. Knowledge and skills will be practiced and assessed using a variety of methods: Critical reviews, close-reading exercises and oral presentations. The strong emphasis on developing critical thinking skills means that this course will be a valuable addition to any degree.
- Introductory Psychology II: Concepts and Theory (PS1509)
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15 Credit Points
PS1509 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. Studying psychology is beneficial to a wide range of careers including management, education, and counselling, to name a few.
- Introductory Psychology II: Methods and Applications (PS1511)
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15 Credit Points
PS1511 builds onto PS1011. 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. The main assessments are two research reports and and MCQ test about the lectures.
Optional Courses
Select ONE of the following options:
Beginner
- FR1028 Beginners French Language 1
- FR1528 Beginners French Language 2
- FR1021 Introduction to Literature and Culture of Modern France 1 AND/OR FR1527 Introduction to Literature and Culture of Modern France in Context
Intermediate/Advanced
- FR1029 Qualified French Language 1
- FR1529 Qualified French Language 2
- FR1022 Literature and Culture of Modern France 1 AND/OR FR1526 Literature and Culture of Modern France in Context
Plus further courses of choice to make up 120 credit points.
- Beginners French Language 1 (FR1028)
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15 Credit Points
This intensive language course is designed for students who have little or no previous knowledge of French.
- Beginners French Language 2 (FR1528)
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15 Credit Points
This course builds on the work done in FR1028, providing students with an adequate command of French language to allow them the possibility of continuing their studies into level 2 and Honours.
- Introduction to Literature and Culture of Modern France 1 (FR1021)
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15 Credit Points
This course offers students who are registered for the Beginners' course in French language an introduction to twentieth and twenty-first century French culture and society through the study of films, short prose texts and poetry. The course is organised around the broad themes of childhood and adolescence, gender, sexuality and love and marginalisation in contemporary France. The texts will be studied in translation or with subtitles.
- Introduction to Literature and Culture of Modern France In Context (FR1527)
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15 Credit Points
This course offers students who are registered for the beginners' course in French language an advanced introduction to twentieth and twenty-first century French and Francophone culture and society, focusing on the occupation of France during World War II and the experience of colonialism and post-colonialism. Written texts will be studied in translation or with vocabulary help and films will be studied with subtitles.
- Qualified French Language 1 (FR1029)
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15 Credit Points
This course is intended for students who have studied French to Higher or equivalent level. It will enable them to consolidate and extend their knowledge of French, written and spoken.
- Qualified French Language 2 (FR1529)
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15 Credit Points
This course is intended for students who have studied French to the equivalent of Scottish Higher or beyond. Building on the work done in the first semester, it seeks to enable students to consolidate and extend their knowledge of French, written and spoken.
- Literature and Culture of Modern France 1 (FR1022)
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15 Credit Points
This course offers students with intermediate or good knowledge French language an introduction to twentieth and twenty-first century French culture and society through the study of films, short prose texts and poetry. The course is organised around the broad themes of childhood and adolescence, gender, sexuality and love and marginalisation in contemporary France.
- Literature and Culture of Modern France in Context (FR1526)
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15 Credit Points
This course offers students with intermediate or good knowledge French language an advanced introduction to twentieth and twenty-first century French and Francophone culture and society, focusing on the occupation of France during World War II and the experience of colonialism and post-colonialism.
- Year 2
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Compulsory Courses
- Advanced Psychology A - Concepts and Theory (PS2017)
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15 Credit Points
This course 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 Applications (PS2018)
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15 Credit Points
This course 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 Theory (PS2517)
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15 Credit Points
This course 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 Applications (PS2518)
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15 Credit Points
This course 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.
Optional Courses
Select ONE of the following options:
Beginner
- Advanced Introductory French Language 1 (FR2012)
- Advanced Introductory French Language 2 (FR2512)
Intermediate / Advanced
- Advanced French Language 1 (FR2002)
- Advanced French Language 2 (FR2502)
Plus select a further 30 credit points from courses of choice.
- Advanced Introductory French Language 1 (FR2012)
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15 Credit Points
This second year French language course which runs in the first half-session is only open to students who have passed FR1528. It will improve their written, oral and aural skills, and is one of the two second year French language courses (along with FR2512) that has to have passed to be allowed into the French honours Programme.
- Advanced Introductory French Language 2 (FR2512)
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15 Credit Points
This second year French language course which runs in the second half-session is only open to students who have followed FR2012. It will improve their written, oral and aural skills, and is one of the two second year French language pre-requisite courses (along with FR2012) that one must have passed to be allowed into the French honours Programme.
- Advanced French Language 1 (FR2002)
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15 Credit Points
This second year French language course which runs in the first half-session is only open to students who have passed FR1529. It will improve their written, oral and aural skills, and is one of the two second year French language courses required to be allowed into the French honours Programme.
- Advanced French Language 2 (FR2502)
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15 Credit Points
This second year French language course which runs in the second half-session is only open to students who have followed FR2002. It will improve their written, oral and aural skills, and is one of the two second year French language pre-requisite courses to be allowed into the French honours Programme.
- Year 3
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Compulsory Courses
- Psychological Assessment (PS3011)
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15 Credit Points
Psychological assessment is used by chartered psychologists in a number of areas, including clinical, occupational and forensic applications. The aim of this course is to introduce students to psychometric theory, real life applications of psychological assessment and the legal and ethical issues surrounding test administration.
Topics covered on this lecture based course include: IQ and mood assessment; clinical neuropsychological tests of cognitive dysfunction and memory; assessment of dementia and forensic aspects of assessment (legal malingering).
An ideal course for students intending to secure a career in applied psychology.
- Perception (PS3012)
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15 Credit Points
Interaction with the world around us involves perceptual processing using our three main senses : visual (seeing), auditory (hearing) and haptic (touch). The aim of this course is to consider 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.
This course is produced by academics that specialise in this field, ensuring the most up-to-date and relevant lecture material.
- Biological Psychology (PS3014)
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15 Credit Points
This course aims to provide students with a good understanding of the biological basis of behaviour and cognition. The course is split into two sections, each featuring 5 lectures. 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.
Specific topics that will be covered include: neurotransmitters; drug effects; psychedelic drugs; impaired object and face recognition; amnesia; and disorders of motor control.
- Methodology A (PS3015)
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15 Credit Points
The main aim of this course is to help students prepare, evaluate and run their own Psychological research. As such this is 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. The course provides a thorough grounding in qualitative and quantitative research methods through a lecture series. Specific topics covered in this course include: verification and falsification of results; ANOVA and qualitative research strategies.
- Developmental Psychology (PS3518)
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15 Credit Points
The aim of this course is to consolidate and extend students’ knowledge of a number of core areas of developmental psychology, focusing on the age range of young children (3 years) to adolescence. This course will examine both historical and contemporary issues and findings in (1) cognitive development and (2) social-emotional development. In one half of the course students will evaluate how some main types of memory undergo developmental changes, and how cognitive plasticity develops. In the other half students will evaluate the development of aggression and its risk factors, and gain a deeper understanding of the role of play in typical and atypical development of social interaction with a focus on autism. There will also be opportunity to learn about some intervention programmes aimed at improving cognitive and socio-emotional skills in childhood. The broad range of developmental topics makes this an ideal course for anyone with interest in working with children.
- Memory and Language (PS3519)
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15 Credit Points
The memory component of this course aims to introduce students to the main theoretical components of memory (working and autobiographical memory). Psychological theories of forgetting and eyewitness memory will also be discussed.
The second component of the course, language, will introduce 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.
The assessment of multiple approaches within both research areas will provide all students with a good basis for developing critical thinking skills.
- Social Psychology (PS3520)
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15 Credit Points
Social Psychologists explore the psychological factors that influence individual behaviours within social situations. As such, the aim of this course is to provide students with an introduction to the range of topics within experimental social psychology, with a defined focus on social cognition.
Topics covered within this lecture based course include: Stereotypes; social perception and action; self-control; consciousness and mimicry.
This course provides a scientific explanation for social phenomena, making it ideal for students with an interest in individual and group behaviour.
- Methodology B (PS3522)
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15 Credit Points
This course builds on the skills already developed through participation in Methodology A. Similar to that course the aim is to help students prepare, evaluate and run their own Psychological research. As such this is 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. The course also builds on the thorough grounding in qualitative and quantitative research methods provided in Methodology A through a second lecture course. This course also features workshops on employability, providing students with information on career planning, networking etc.
- Year 4
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Compulsory Courses
Plus 60 credit points from Level 4 Psychology courses.
Please note: A graduating curriculum for the Honours programme must include 90 credit points from Level 4 courses.
- Psychology Thesis (PS4019)
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30 Credit Points
This course constitutes the final-year thesis for the single honours Psychology degree. The thesis is an empirical research project, where the student collects and analyses data in answer to a research question. The thesis itself begins in September and the final draft of the thesis is handed in for assessment at the end of the second term. The School has an international-level research culture and the final-year projects offer the students an opportunity to be involved in that culture. A number of student projects have contributed towards research publications.
- Non Honours Level 3 French Language 1 (FR3090)
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30 Credit Points
This Non-Honours Level 3 French language course, whose pre-requisites are FR2502 or FR2512 , runs over the full session and is open to students following a Designated Degree in French Studies, LLB (French or Belgian law) or any Degree with French language as a minor.
This course will improve French language skills in all four areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing, whilst increasing grammatical and lexical knowledge, as well as sensitivity to linguistic variety.
It carries 30 credits and is assessed by way of six equally weighted assignments.
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
How You'll Study
Teaching is by means of lectures, laboratory practicals, workshops and tutorials, with more extensive experimental projects at levels 3 and 4. Assessment is by means of examination and continuous assessment. Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
Learning Methods
- Lab Work
- Lectures
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
- Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course.
- Practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course.
- Written examinations at the end of each course.
The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
Why Study Psychology with French?
Why French
- A vibrant international community on campus and across Aberdeen and north-east Scotland, with many French and French-speaking students, staff and activities on campus and across the region.
- A dynamic French Society, organising social and topical events throughout the year, and a brilliant way to get to know other students studying or speaking French.
- The spectacular, award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library, with stunning study facilities, state-of-the-art learning technology, and a first-class collection of French books and films for your course.
- A packed campus programme of events, exhibitions, invited speakers and the popular WayWord literary festival, which often features work by Francophone writers.
- Your year abroad as a language assistant or visiting student at locations including Lyon, Rennes, Grenoble, Réunion, Brussels, Geneva, Lausanne, the IFP (Institute of French Petroleum) School in Paris and the Club des Langues in Anglet.
- International recognition as a centre for study and research in French, with research covering not only France, but also French-speaking Africa and the Caribbean.
Why Psychology
- You will be introduced to state-of-the-art concepts and theories taught by award-winning teachers and world-class researchers, exposing you to the latest thinking in the field.
- You will benefit from the key strengths within the School of social psychology, neuroscience, language, perception and industrial psychology.
- We have a wide range of course options available in 4th Year to allow you to specialise in areas such as clinical, forensic, language and developmental psychology.
- You will have the opportunity to gain experience using specialised laboratories and equipment including those for brain imaging analysis, eye movement recording, movement analysis and visual neuroscience.
- To help you get a job we have an employability programme for our students which includes: internship opportunities, online resources, career talks and networking events.
- Psychology graduates are eligible for membership of the British Psychological Society, this is a first step towards becoming a professional Psychologist.
- In the final year students have the opportunity to do a unique research project to a professional level. A number of final year projects have gone on to be published in internationally renowned journals.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme.
View the Aberdeen Global ScholarshipEntry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
General Entry Requirements
- 2024 Entry
-
SQA Highers
Standard: AABB*
Applicants who have achieved AABB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.
Minimum: BBB*
Applicants who have achieved BBB (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5) are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will normally be required.
Adjusted: BB*
Applicants who have achieved BB, and who meet one of the widening access criteria are are guaranteed a conditional offer. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will be required.
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBB*
Minimum: BBC*
Adjusted: CCC*
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
International Baccalaureate
32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL, with two Mathematics/ Science subjects at HL.
Irish Leaving Certificate
5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3 including a minimum of H3 from two Science or Mathematics subjects.
Entry from College
Advanced entry to this degree may be possible from some HNC/HND qualifications, please see www.abdn.ac.uk/study/articulation for more details.
- 2025 Entry
-
SQA Highers
Standard: BBBB*
Applicants who have achieved BBBB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.
Minimum: BBC
Applicants who have achieved BBC at Higher and meet one of the widening participation criteria above are encouraged to apply and are guaranteed an unconditional offer for MA, BSc and BEng degrees.
Adjusted: BB
Applicants who have achieved BB at Higher, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria above are encouraged to apply and are guaranteed an adjusted conditional offer for MA, BSc and BEng degrees.
We would expect to issue a conditional offer asking for one additional C grade at Higher.
Foundation Apprenticeship: One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects.
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBC*
Minimum: BCC*
Adjusted: CCC*
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
International Baccalaureate
32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL, with two Mathematics/ Science subjects at HL.
Irish Leaving Certificate
5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3 including a minimum of H3 from two Science or Mathematics subjects.
Entry from College
Advanced entry to this degree may be possible from some HNC/HND qualifications, please see www.abdn.ac.uk/study/articulation for more details.
The information displayed in this section shows a shortened summary of our entry requirements. For more information, or for full entry requirements for Sciences degrees, see our detailed entry requirements section.
English Language Requirements
To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Fees and Funding
You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| RUK | £9,250 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | |
| EU / International students | £24,800 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | |
| Home Students | £1,820 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year |
Additional Fees
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.
Scholarships and Funding
UK Scholarship
Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme. More about this funding opportunity.Funding Database
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
Careers
At the University of Aberdeen, we give you every opportunity to broaden your horizons and develop the professional and personal skills and attributes you will need to build a successful career. The high quality of our degrees combined with our strong focus on employability opens up a wide range of career options, which is demonstrated by our consistently high rate of graduate employment.
Accreditation
This degree holds accreditation from
Our Experts
The School of Psychology provides an exciting and vibrant research environment. Our degrees are taught by a range of experts across our 3 research themes, Cognition, Perception and Attention and Social Cognition.
- Director of Undergraduate Teaching
- Dr Helen Knight
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Facilities
There is a range of specialised laboratories including those for brain imaging analysis, eye movement recording, movement analysis and visual neuroscience.
Sir Duncan Rice Library
The University’s award winning Sir Duncan Rice Library is listed in the “Top 20 spellbinding University libraries in the World”. It contains over a million volumes, more than 300,000 e-books and 21,000 journals.
Find out more
Psychophysiology Centre
This facility consists of several spacious rooms that house electroencephalographic (EEG) equipment and sound-attenuated, shielded testing booths.
Eye Tracking Facilities
The School of Psychology has four in-house eye trackers. The Eyelink 1000 system allows the recording of eye gaze at a sampling rate of 1000 Hz.
Discover Uni
Discover Uni draws together comparable information in areas students have identified as important in making decisions about what and where to study. You can compare these and other data for different degree programmes in which you are interested.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX