BSc (Hons) Psychology with Forensic and Investigative Psychology

Our BPS-accredited Psychology with Forensic and Investigative Psychology degree takes you on a journey to uncover why criminals break the law. Our flexible Psychology degrees are ranked TOP in the UK for teaching satisfaction (Psychology and Health, NSS 2023).

Course detail

Start Date

September

Duration

4 years (full-time)

Award Title

BSc (Hons)

UCAS Code

C816

Why study Psychology with Forensic and Investigative Psychology?

Find out why people break the law and how vital psychology is to criminal investigations. This Psychology with Forensic and Investigative Psychology degree teaches you how psychological theory and research applies in forensic settings like police investigations, the court room, and the prison service. 

‘Investigative forensic psychology’ means helping to uncover the motivation behind the crimes and how they are investigated. You'll develop analytical techniques to evaluate different kinds of criminal behaviour. From what makes serial killers tick to whether children are reliable witnesses, you’ll find out how to apply psychology to forensic scenarios.

The first two years of this flexible degree are designed to help you dig deeper into the science of psychology, learning how humans think, feel, and behave. In years three and four, you take more advanced options related to forensic and investigative psychology.  

You'll gain a thorough understanding of this fascinating subject, including how to: 

  • Analyse offender motives.

  • Understand offending behaviour.

  • Evaluate eyewitness testimony.

  • Profile missing people.

  • Understand the language of the judicial system.

  • Support vulnerable witnesses, victims and offenders.

  • Assess and manage offenders.

 

Uncover the psychological issues involved in crime

You'll develop an analytical approach so you can evaluate the different kinds of criminal behaviour involved in investigations. You'll learn how to observe that behaviour, tackle literature-based research and develop, test and evaluate theories. This culminates in conducting your own supervised research project in your final year, which is one of the cornerstones of your degree.

This Psychology with Forensic and Investigative Psychology degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and its core areas follow the curriculum set out by the BPS. This accreditation is essential if you want to become a Chartered Psychologist and means that successful graduates can apply for further professional psychology training.

Psychology degrees here at Abertay are flexible. You can switch to BSc Psychology or another Psychology pathway if you develop an interest in a particular topic later on. See 'How the course works' below for full details.

Our BSc Psychology course scored an impressive 95% for Overall Student Satisfaction in the 2020 National Student Survey (NSS).

Your journey starts here

You'll uncover the psychological issues involved in the management, investigation and prosecution of crime. Along the way you'll learn how to provide rigorous research-based evidence which may be used in the criminal justice system. 

As part of your course, you’ll develop skills in report writing, numeracy, statistics and IT, communication, and analytical thinking. All of which helps you in the world of work or further study, whatever you decide on after you graduate.

What is Investigative Forensic Psychology?

‘Investigative forensic psychology’ means helping to uncover the motivation behind the crimes. 

To do this you’ll apply psychological empirical evidence and theoretical frameworks to the criminal justice system, including the crime scene, police interrogations, and the court room 

You’ll discover what motivates people to commit crimes, learn techniques to elicit accurate accounts from witnesses and victims, and review the factors that can impact on jury decision making.

Two rooms - room 1 shows a female counselling another female. room 2 shows a male counselling a female

Career opportunities

We are extremely proud of our alumni. Their post-graduation roles are wide and varied, such as:

  • Occupational therapists

  • Various positions within the police

  • Youth workers

  • Researchers

  • Drug rehabilitation workers

  • Clinical psychologists

  • Primary/secondary school teachers

  • College/university lecturers

  • Social workers

2 males and 1 female studying together

Strong industry links

You'll be learning from academics with access to a wide range of research and professional networks.  

We have strong links with the Scottish Institute for Policing Research and many of the lecturing staff are members of professional societies. We have excellent connections with local health services, the games industry and local education authorities.  

You’ll have the option to connect with local organisations, or apply your learning to your current workplace in the work placement module.

Three people sitting on sofas talking

About your modules

All modules shown are indicative and reflect course content for the current academic year. Modules are reviewed annually and may be subject to change. If you receive an offer to study with us we will send you a Programme document  that sets out exactly which modules you can expect to take as part of your Abertay University degree programme. Please see Terms and Conditions for more information.

Modules

Year 1 Core Modules

You must study and pass four core modules

Brief description

This module will introduce youto some of the core areas in psychology through evaluation of seminal studies that have shaped our discipline. We will take an integrated approach, covering historical, theoretical and contemporary research that underpins our knowledge of human brain and behaviour.

Indicative content:

  • Attachment – Harlow (1985): What is attachment and how does it contribute to cognitive and behavioural development?
  • Neuropsychology – Gazzaniga (1967): How do studies of ‘split brain’ individuals who have undergone a callosectomy (had the two hemispheres of their brain disconnected) inform out understanding of how the brain works? Are different brain areas responsible for different functions?
  • Eyewitness Memory – Loftus (1975): Are our memories fixed? How can things that happen before and after a memory is formed change the way we remember things?
  • Eye Movements – Yarbus (1967): How can we measure and record what we are looking at? Why is this information important?
  • Androgyny – Bem (1974): Can changing how we think about masculinity and femininity change the way these concepts are researched and understood?

Brief description

Introduces you to the core principles and practical skills for psychological research. The curriculum includes an introduction to the scientific process, the benefits and disadvantages of key research designs, and practical application of statistical analysis and ethical considerations. Practical activities facilitate understanding of the link between psychological knowledge and empirical research.

Indicative content:

  • The Role of Research in Psychology: Introduction to scientific enquiry and the role of research in psychology
  • The Experimental Method: Defining experimental variables. Experimental design. Bias and control
  • Descriptive Statistics: Measures of central tendency and dispersion. Graphical and tabular presentation of data. Properties of the normal distribution curve. Standard error of the mean and confidence intervals
  • Inferential Statistics: Introduction to hypothesis formation and testing. The role of probability in statistical inference. Test selection for parametric and non-parametric data. Data analysis using inferential statistical tests. Type I and Type II errors. Introduction to statistical software for data entry; to summarise data in tables and graphs; and to perform descriptive and inferential statistical analysis.
  • Ethics: Introduction to ethical considerations and implications with reference to the British Psychological Society Guidelines
  • Library Skills: Identify, locate and evaluate appropriate academic sources for a set academic task using key library and information skills, and acknowledge their use
  • Report Writing: Conveying information from investigations using the appropriate APA standard. Conduct and report a literature review using appropriate academic sources.

Brief description

This module will explore the rapidly expanding field of comparative psychology; the scientific study of the behaviour and mental processes of non-human animals. The module will cover a breadth of comparative psychology including topics on physical and social cognition, communication, and learning, as well as applied aspects including human-animal interactions, ethics and welfare. 

Indicative content:

  • Conceptual Issues: Introduction to Comparative Psychology. Discuss the philosophy and historical context of comparative psychology and its relationship to understanding human cognition. Investigate the strengths and limitations of historical research methods and the evolution of the topic.

  • Mastering the environment (physical cognition): Considering the cognitive capacities that allow individuals to successfully exploit their physical surroundings covering tool−use, causal understanding and innovation.

  • Social Cognition: Investigating the cognitive processes that underpin the ability to live successfully in a social group covering social relations, intentionality and deception, and understanding other minds.

  • Animal Culture: Assessing the evidence that suggests non−human animals are capable of culture covering social learning and imitation, teaching, behavioural traditions and cultural evolution.

  • Communication: Assessing animal communication systems as well as evidence of human−like language systems in any non−human animal communication system.

  • Welfare: Investigating how comparative psychology can inform our understanding of animal welfare and related ethical issues involved in certain human-animal interactions.

Brief description

The purpose of this module is to enable you to recognise the steps you need to take to ensure you achieve academic success.

Indicative content

  • The new challenge of studying in HE: Expectations of a student in higher education.
  • Successful student behaviours: Academic excellence is only part of a successful university experience.  Find out more about wider integration through your University community.
  • Sense of purpose and Abertay attributes: Recognising the opportunity that university offers and starting to think about where this might lead and how you might determine that direction, whether that be career or further study.
  • Reflections on personal strengths and challenges: Preparatory work to consider what those strengths and challenges might be.
  • Formative Diagnostic engagement: Diagnostic tool can be taken on multiple occasions as student engages with developmental process.
  • Growth and moving forward: How could you act upon this information?  What resources are available to support your development?
  • Action planning: How to create an action plan and measure your success in meeting it
  • Summative assessment: Create action plan and identify schedule of microcredentials to study in year one.

Year 1 Option Modules

You must study and pass two option modules of your choosing - one in Term 1 and one in Term 2

Brief description

A sociological examination of key contemporary social issues, challenges and problems.

Indicative content:

  • Social inequality and social division: Social class and social mobility; race, ethnicity and multiculturalism; gender and identity.
  • Globalisation and globality: Media and culture; identity, nation-states and globalisation; terrorism and political conflict.
  • Social life and everyday life: The life-course; families and family life; interactionism; education.

Brief description

Explore key concepts regarding crime and punishment. This includes how they are understood and represented in society, and the impact of different understandings of crime.

Indicative content

  • The meaning of crime, deviance and punishment: What do we mean by crime, deviance and punishment? How and why do different societies define certain behaviours as criminal whilst others do not? External and internal social control; the problem of social order; conformity and deviance.
  • The Extent of Crime and deviance: The incidence of crime; How reliable are official statistics on crime? Who commits most crime? Are official statistics on crime useful? How do we 'talk' about crime and define criminal behaviour?
  • Crimes of the Powerful: Exploring the dark figure of crime: uncovering the implications of dominant constructions of criminality. What crimes exist that we know very little about? Why might that be? Includes engagement with crimes of the powerful including state corporate crime and human trafficking.
  • Punishment: In order to highlight the centrality of punishment in the criminal justice system, the meaning and use of punishment will be explored. Why do we punish people? What do we hope to achieve by punishing people? Is punishment a deterrent?

Brief description

An introduction to social issues in sport and exercise contexts. 

Indicative content:

  • Recognising and defining discilines within social science: You'll explore the major disciplines within social science in the context of sport and exercise (e.g., sociology of sport, sport development, sport history)
  • Discrimination in sport: You'll explore sources of discrimination in sport and exercise contexts (e.g., gender, class, ethnicity, LGBTI).
  • Sport political ideology: Learn how political systems impact upon and use sport.
  • Ethics and sport: Learn about moral and ethical issues in sport and exercise. This contexts provide a unique environment for moral and ethical issues.
  • Qualitative methodologies: An introduction to qualitative research and how this type of research has developed our understanding of sport and exercise.

Brief description

This module introduces the concepts of scientific literacy skills and a broad overview of some of the main principles, practices and techniques used in Forensic Science and the roles of Forensic Scientists. This will include some of the basic forensic practical skills involved in the investigation, searching and examination of crime scenes.

Indicative content

  • Information literacy and IT: This will include: how to use reading lists, library catalogues, online databases; the collection and evaluation of academic sources of writing, conventional formats and presentation, referencing, avoiding plagiarism; the planning and writing forensic scientific reports, defending academic arguments. As well as how to use the University desktop, file management, standard desktop software, introduction to software tools.
  • General Principles and History of Forensic Science: This will include an overview of the history of forensic science, including case studies and the practice of forensic science, the examination of scenes of crime as well as the nature of physical evidence, class and individual characterisation
  • Forensic Science Techniques: This will include fires and explosions; court procedures & legal systems; fingerprints; firearms and ballistics; forensic uses of DNA, blood dynamics; questioned documents; microscopy; toolmarks and impressions.
  • Practical Forensic Skills - Laboratory Based: Carry out a number of selected biological, chemical and forensic experiments, then interpret and report the data acquired.
  • Practical Forensic Skills - Crime scene based: Recording of crime scene – notes, sketches. Evidence Preservation - avoidance of contamination, control samples, collection, packaging and labelling of evidence (choice of packaging, avoidance of loss, deterioration or tampering, sealing, labelling and transport); Methodology of Effective Sampling - Effective sampling of trace and contact evidence (handpicking, swabbing, tape lifts, sweeping, vacuuming). Representative sampling, known samples and negative controls.

Brief description

Many of the theories and practical skills you experience during your early years of study are delivered in encapsulated sessions that can seem far removed from the bigger issues relevant to your discipline. This module will explain how theoretical knowledge is applied to the development of research questions, and how the skills you will develop are used in the scientific study of human behaviour in the field of psychology.

Indicative content

  • Where do I start? Understanding scientific literature: Understanding empirical research and extracting the most important information from a sea of confusing statistics and 'science-speak' can be challenging. You will learn how to approach a published research paper and how to identify the main message from the results.
  • Research approaches in psychology: Designing an experiment is challenging – there is often a balance to be made between the ‘ideal’ experiment and what can practically be done. You will learn about research questions and the different types of research that can be carried out. We will also consider how some famous approaches have influences scientific thinking.
  • Why does psychology need neuroscience? Understanding the links between the brain and behaviour is a huge area of psychological research. You will be introduced to neuroimaging techniques and will be asked to consider the pros and cons of each method, and the extent to which we can learn about brain function from neuroimaging.
  • Viewing psychology through the lens of evolution: Evolutionary psychology examines human behaviour in the context of Darwin’s theory of natural and sexual selection. We will look at research on social judgements of faces, which uses this theory as a framework to pose questions such as why we find a face attractive or threatening.
  • What makes a good theory? Applications for understanding language: How do we use research to refine our theoretical understanding? For example, can psychology offer new perspectives on the age old debate about whether dialects are languages?
  • Applying psychology evidence to the real world: Forensic psychology: You will consider how data collected in the real world (e.g., through police work) can be used for research purposes, and also how lab-based experimental findings can then be usefully applied (e.g., in the interpretation of eyewitness testimony).

Brief description

You'll be introduced to a sociological understanding of the processes of social change within European history. It will trace the dynamic interplay of politics, science, technology, economy, art, culture and ideas that has defined the epochs of classical antiquity, feudalism, early modernity and capitalist modernity.

Indicative content

  • Lectures: Lectures will be divided into four distinct sections that cover the following historical epochs: classical antiquity, feudalism, early modernity and capitalist modernity. Lectures will cover the social structure, economy, politics, science, technology, ideas and culture of the historical epoch concerned and the processes of historical change that led to its breakdown and supersession by another type of socio- political formation.
  • Tutorials: Tutorials will be of a traditional format centred around the discussion of readings from the core texts, related videos and library exercises - they will also offer guidance regarding the assessment requirements.
  • Introduction and Conclusion: In the first week there will be an Introduction to the Module and a lecture that focuses on the question 'What is history ?'. In the final week there will be an exam revision session.

Brief description

You'll be introduced to the criminal justice system and processes in Britain. It will examine how the criminal justice system operates, its key agencies and processes, as well as their relationship with the wider institutions, structures and issues in modern society. It will also look consider theories of and debates concerning crime and criminal justice and how these have influenced the history and development of the criminal justice system.

Indicative content

  • The Criminal Justice System: What is criminal justice? is there a criminal justice 'system'? general characteristics, themes and principles; theories and approaches to crime prevention and crime control; crime control models vs 'due process' models; criminal justice in Scotland.
  • Key Agencies: The role, functions and working practices of the main agencies operating within the criminal justice system (e.g. the police, courts, prisons and probation services) and the processes involved from arrest to probation.
  • Social Power, Inequality and Criminal Justice: Youth crime and justice; race and institutional racism; gender and crime; crime and criminalisation.

Year 1 MySuccess Modules - Term 2

You must study and pass three MySuccess modules of your choosing

Brief description 

Learn to understand the fundamentals of writing at university, including how to find the specific language for your subject and how to “sound academic” when you write. 

Indicative content

  • Finding the right words: Why having a big vocabulary is vital if you want to be a good writer. Introduction to the Academic Word List. How to build your subject vocabulary
  • Learning the style: What lecturers mean by “academic style”. How to learn the rules of academic writing. Why these vary in different subjects and different assignments
  • The connection between the right language and avoiding plagiarism: What we mean by “the right language” in writing. Some fundamental rules you need to remember. How this helps you to paraphrase (and why that’s vital). 
  • Being a guide for your reader: Why a clear structure is key to a good grade. How to lead your reader through your writing. How to make your writing “flow”.
  • Persuading your reader you’re right: Why all academic writing is persuasive writing. The importance of evidence. How to present your arguments and back them up

Brief description 

An introduction to the key digital capabilities you need for your studies. 

Indicative content

  • Map current skills: Identify current strengths against a range of digital skills students will need at university and are also sought by employers.  Create a plan to develop your digital skills journey using an online platform.
  • Digital Learning Environment: Identify tools including assistive technologies which will help you organise your learning and ensure your devices are efficient and secure.
  • Institutional Systems: Understand how to engage with institutional tools such as MyLearningSpace, MS Teams, OASIS, MyAbertay Dashboard and Calendar
  • Digital Communication and Collaboration: Use different types of online communication to communicate with other students and your lecturers.  Understand how learning networks are used professionally.
  • Digital Learning and Development: Understand how to develop skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Forms and OneDrive skills to an advanced level by gaining software provider accreditation.
  • Digital Creativity and Problem solving: Use appropriate tools to create and edit digital content, including multimedia while respecting copyright. 
  • Digital Identity: Identify effective use of social media to present a positive digital identify. 

Brief description

Get to know Dundee, the ‘coolest little city in Britain’. This amazing city has lots to offer. Find out for yourself why GQ magazine thinks we are ‘cool’, and why actor/comedian/author Stephen Fry said: “Dundee’s setting is probably more extraordinary than any other city in the UK. It is about as ideal – ludicrously ideal – as any setting could be.” Take a guided tour of our location, heritage, culture, industry and innovations, find out how you can get involved, and what’s on our horizon. #sunnydundee

Indicative content:

  • Location: We will explore the geography that makes Dundee’s setting “probably more extraordinary than any other city in the UK. It is about as ideal – ludicrously ideal – as any setting could be.” – Stephen Fry Did you know there is an extinct volcano in the city centre? and why our city is known as #SunnyDundee (one of the sunniest cities in Scotland)… It’s all down to geography
  • Heritage: The 3 ‘J’s – Jute, jam and journalism… the industrial foundations of modern Dundee – our link with the world through international trade (e.g. Dundee does not grow oranges – so how did we get to be famous for our Dundee marmalade?). Dennis the menace and his Beano pals will have a tale to tell you … and the McManus galleries hold many a local secret for you to uncover (find the Tay Whale).
  • Industry and Innovation: A city of innovation and reinvention… with lots of innovation over the centuries in Dundee, we will explore the Recent: Biomed, computer games… And the Future: MSIP, Eden project, E-Games arena One of the first places in the UK to have Green health prescriptions (and we have lots of parks!)
  • Culture: Take a ‘virtual’ trip to Antarctica on RRS Discovery, explore the history of industry at Verdant works, marvel at the displays in the V&A, dance at the Dundee rep, soak in culture at Dundee Contemporary Arts, and marvel at developments in medicine, engineering, environment and more at Dundee science centre…
  • Take part: Dundee is a friendly city, we say hello we help each other, we have lots of communities large and small. Discover how Abertay fits into the city and how you can too.

Brief description 

Take the first step on your journey towards becoming an independent, confident and accomplished information literate student in your chosen subject area, gaining an understanding of the fundamental skills you will need for research both at University and in lifelong learning.

Indicative content

  • Getting started: Identifying the ‘knowledge gap’ and the information needed to fill it: why information literacy matters. 
  • Understanding Information sources: How scholarly information is generated and disseminated; key characteristics of different information types (e.g. print/electronic, primary/ secondary, bibliographic/full-text, open access/paywall).
  • Searching for information: Planning, using and refining appropriate search strategies; online search tools (Google vs specialist services); using a range of web and database search functionality (e.g. truncation, phrasing, filters)
  • Evaluating information: Using appropriate quality criteria to critically evaluate information from any source to determine authority and bias.
  • Referencing: Understanding what is meant by academic integrity, plagiarism and the need for appropriate referencing; creating reference lists and in-text citations; use of referencing tools to manage information.

Brief description

The purpose of this module is to enable you to become an effective communicator of ideas and concepts. It will build on your existing visual and written communication skills and will help you develop confidence and support your communications development to support success in your academic, social, and future professional journey. This module will help you learn how to present and persuade a targeted audience that an idea is beneficial – presenting a clear and well-supported message or point of view to influence a decision. This will involve developing a visual portfolio in the form of a mood board or infographic to represent an idea/concept delivering content in a captivating way to give a sense of what the message or idea is to the audience. We will then guide you in developing a convincing, clear, and concise written justification that complements and supports the visual portfolio to convince the target audience of the benefits of the idea/concept. Developing these skills will be of significant benefit to your academic success at the university and beyond.

Indicative content:

•    What is visual communication and why is it important? Overview of forms of visual communication as a tool to convey an idea, concept, design thinking or project and why it is important to present in a simple and inspirational way to deliver impact to a chosen target audience.
•    What is persuasive writing and why is it important? Overview of structuring written communication to persuasively present a clear and well supported idea or point of view (evidence) including counter views to influence a decision by a target audience.

Brief description 

Gain an early opportunity to start planning your personal and career development for your life beyond University. 

Indicative content

  • The new challenge of knowing the future now: What will the future look like for me and what can I do to prepare? Videos, presentations and interactive activities sessions on a range of topics and concepts to help provide a wider context for self-development.
  • Who am I? Use of a range online interactive online self-assessment tools and activities used to create your own personal profile and benchmark your own career readiness.
  • My current personal profile and my future-(professional) self:  Using results and data from self-assessment tools to create personal profile. You're Introduced to the Career Management Cycle model as an approach to personal development, interactive self-reflection and for planning suitable personal goals. 
  • Mind the Gap: Use of positive case studies from previous students/graduates. (Where are they now?) To help inspire and raise your career aspirations. 
  • Growth and moving forward: Set out your next steps based on a range of opportunities available to do so. 
  • Decoding the jargon: Decode the jargon terms used in education/employment/work /careers. 
  • Action planning: Use of SMART technique in setting personal goals.

Brief description 

Experience first-hand what Abertay has to offer and further embed yourself as a member of the Abertay community.

Indicative content

  • Student Representation: The student voice is important to both us and the University. We value your opinions, and our reps allow us to hear it. Learn all about our Class reps, Division reps and Community reps. The University also delivers the Lead Voices, which recruits students to advocate the voices of students belonging to protected characteristics.
  • Societies: Societies are student led and student organised. Find out more about societies: what they do, the committee structure, society council and the skills you can gain from being part of a society. If you don'tt see something you like, then you can learn how to create a society of your own.
  • Sports: Whether you're interested in competitive level or looking for a social activity, there are a variety of sports clubs to join. Learn about our different sports clubs, the Sports Union, their committees and physical activities the University has to offer. There are several links between physical activity and wellbeing including mental health which will also be discussed.
  • Peer Mentoring: The Abertay Peer Mentoring programme connects students to other students. Abertay Mentors are experienced students who are keen to support the academic and personal success of others.
  • Enterprise: Bell Street Ventures is the University’s centre for enterprise who offer workshops, resources and consultation. Open to students and graduates whether you want to start a business, change the world or choose who you want to work with as a freelancer.

Brief description

Preparation for a successful experience at Abertay and beyond by equipping you with the knowledge and awareness of techniques and behaviours that are known to positively infuence ongoing wellbeing. 

Indicative content:

  • Course overview: Introduction to the course and to the underpinning theory.
  • Connecting: Consideration of the value of building strong social relationships and Identifying ways of becoming more connected at Abertay and within local communities.
  • Being active: Highlighting the benefits of becoming physically active and providing examples of how this might be achieved from different starting points and circumstances.
  • Taking notice: Introducing useful techniques such as mindfulness and grounding
  • Learning: Explaining the link between learning and wellbeing and showcasing a range of opportunities open to Abertay students.
  • Giving: Exploring the value of giving in different contexts and flagging options as an Abertay student, including peer mentoring, Student Association involvement and volunteering opportunities.
  • Course summary and next steps: Creating an action plan to adopt the behaviours above.
  • Summative assessment: An online quiz structured around the five elements above.

Year 2 Core Modules

You must study and pass all four core modules​

Brief description

This module will introduce the cognitive aspects of the BPS core curriculum. Cognitive psychology encompasses much of what are considered ‘mental processes’, these can range from low-level processes such as perception and object recognition to higher-level processes, including decision making and problem-solving. The module will combine expert lectures with practical classes exposing students to experiments as participants. Through engaging with this module you will develop the Intellectual, Professional, Digital and Active Citizen Abertay Attributes.

Indicative content:

1. Conceptual and historical perspectives in cognition
Origins of research in cognition, and cognitive neuropsychology. Understanding how cognitive processes operate in different brain areas.
2. Neural architectures
Neurones, receptive fields and vision. How does the brain connect the world outside with our thoughts and experiences?
3. Perception and recognition
The recognition of objects and faces.
4. Attention
Is cognition a limited resource to be allocated carefully or do we attend to everything?
5. Learning and memory
What circumstances determine how we learn new information? How is this information stored in our brains and how do we access this information while reasoning?
6. Decision making and problem solving
How do we choose responses; how do we solve problems?

Brief description

Forensic psychology is a constantly growing discipline and covers an exciting and broad range of topics. This module will examine key issues in forensic psychology integrating information from clinical, biological, developmental, personality, social and cognitive psychology. Through engaging with this module you will develop the Intellectual, Professional, Digital and Active Citizen Abertay Attributes.

Indicative content:

1. General Issues
Introduction to offenders, offences, victims, and the role of psychology in the actions of the police, the courts and prisons.
2. Explanatory Models of Crime and Offending
Biological factors, gender differences, individual differences, childhood and developmental issues, social and economic factors, and cognitive-behavioural approaches.
3. Developmental Basis for Criminal Behaviour
Biological basis of social, aggressive, and sexual behaviour with regard to neuropsychological, neuropharmacological and evolutionary issues. Psychological and biological treatments for childhood and adult psychopathology.
4. Mental Health and Offending
Mental health issues in offending behaviour. The relationship between mental health symptoms and risk in relation to offending. Personality disorder and schizophrenia as critical issues in serious offending.
5. Personality Abnormality
Inherited and acquired conditions in lifelong risk of criminal behaviour such as ADHD, Conduct Disorder (CD) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Examining the factors that increase the likelihood of serious sexual and violent behaviour, stalking, and criminal recidivism.
6. Substance Use and Crime
Addiction Models of criminal behaviour. Models of emotional dyscontrol in offending. The role of alcohol and drugs in serious assaultative behaviour, neuropharmcology and psychology.
7. Specific Criminal Offences
Consideration of information from specific offending populations and the psychological factors contributing to offences. Offences may include violent offending, fire raising, stalking, terrorism.
8. Sexual Offending
Detailed consideration of individual offenders and the psychological characteristics of their criminal offences and offence development in relation to sexual and violent offending.
9. Risk Assessment
Critical discussion of the role and nature of risk assessments with forensic populations including specific methods of risk assessment.
10. Treatment and Interventions
Consideration of the background to the development and application of treatments and interventions including `what works?' approaches and cognitive-behavioural treatments, as well as key issues relating to working with offenders.

Brief description

To build on research methods knowledge and prepare student for third year Core Research Methods

Indicative content:

1. Methods of Research
Main quantitative and qualitative research methods available to psychologists; Use in applied settings; advantages and disadvantages
2. The Experimental Method
Variables and levels; hypotheses; design - basic and advanced; control techniques; validity and reliability in experimentation; ethics in experimentation
3. Data Analysis - Descriptive Statistics
Data types; measures of central tendency; measures of dispersion; normal distribution; graphing data; confidence intervals.
4. Data Analysis - Inferential Statistics
Test selection; parametric and nonparametric 2-sample test of difference; Within and Between one-way ANOVA and Non-parametric ANOVA, effect size; power; correlation; Tests of both internal and external reliability; inter rater reliability
5. Qualitative Methods
Types of qualitative research techniques; questionnaire design, interviewing - types, advantages, disadvantages; analysing interview material.
6. Quantitative Methods
Experimental method, two variable tests of difference (parametric and non-parametric), tests of relationships (parametric and non-parametric); multilevel testing (parametric and non-parametric), follow up testing (parametric and non-parametric). Reliability analysis using Cronbach's alpha, quantitative content analysis, item analysis
7. Ethics
Creating and conducting ethical research based on BPS Ethical Guidelines
8. Reporting Research
Sections and content of an APA formatted psychology lab report; APA referencing
9. Information Searching
Structured and unstructured search; Search using the Internet and locating electronic journals using the university library system and appropriate data bases
10. I.T.Skills
Designing a lab report template using Word for Windows; using SPSS and JAMOVI for data analysis

Brief description

This is a student-led module in which students and staff collaborate in the assessment content and marking criteria. The area of study is psychological research related to 'real life' situations showing how psychology can be practiced in environments such as industry, education, health and sport, and delivered as seminars by staff and external speakers. Through engaging with this module you will develop the Intellectual, Professional, Digital and Active Citizen Abertay Attributes

Indicative content:

1. Psychological Therapies in the Real World
Understanding the applications and impact of psychology therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy.
2. Psychology in the Public Sector
Understanding the ways in which local and national governments use psychology research.
3. Human Factors
Understanding how psychology impacts performance in safety-critical workplaces such as medicine and aviation.
4. Environmental Psychology
To what extent are the environments we live and work in influenced by psychology?
5. Sports Psychology in the Real World
What is sports psychology and how is it applied to issues like duty of care?
6. Applied Forensic Psychology
Applying psychology theory to crime to help answer questions like ‘why do offenders offend?’
7. Applied Educational Psychology
How can psychology theories be applied in teaching, such as supporting children with learning difficulties?

Year 2, Term 1 Option Modules

You choose ONE Option Module in Term 1 and ONE Option Module in Term 2. Direct entrants must take PSY201 in Term 1.

Brief description

Forensic psychology is a constantly growing discipline and covers an exciting and broad range of topics. This module will examine key issues in forensic psychology integrating information from clinical, biological, developmental, personality, social and cognitive psychology. Through engaging with this module you will develop the Intellectual, Professional, Digital and Active Citizen Abertay Attributes.

Indicative content:

1. General Issues
Introduction to offenders, offences, victims, and the role of psychology in the actions of the police, the courts and prisons.
2. Explanatory Models of Crime and Offending
Biological factors, gender differences, individual differences, childhood and developmental issues, social and economic factors, and cognitive-behavioural approaches.
3. Developmental Basis for Criminal Behaviour
Biological basis of social, aggressive, and sexual behaviour with regard to neuropsychological, neuropharmacological and evolutionary issues. Psychological and biological treatments for childhood and adult psychopathology.
4. Mental Health and Offending
Mental health issues in offending behaviour. The relationship between mental health symptoms and risk in relation to offending. Personality disorder and schizophrenia as critical issues in serious offending.
5. Personality Abnormality
Inherited and acquired conditions in lifelong risk of criminal behaviour such as ADHD, Conduct Disorder (CD) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Examining the factors that increase the likelihood of serious sexual and violent behaviour, stalking, and criminal recidivism.
6. Substance Use and Crime
Addiction Models of criminal behaviour. Models of emotional dyscontrol in offending. The role of alcohol and drugs in serious assaultative behaviour, neuropharmcology and psychology.
7. Specific Criminal Offences
Consideration of information from specific offending populations and the psychological factors contributing to offences. Offences may include violent offending, fire raising, stalking, terrorism.
8. Sexual Offending
Detailed consideration of individual offenders and the psychological characteristics of their criminal offences and offence development in relation to sexual and violent offending.
9. Risk Assessment
Critical discussion of the role and nature of risk assessments with forensic populations including specific methods of risk assessment.
10. Treatment and Interventions
Consideration of the background to the development and application of treatments and interventions including `what works?' approaches and cognitive-behavioural treatments, as well as key issues relating to working with offenders.

Brief description

The overall purpose of this module is to develop students’ understanding of the core concepts of sport and exercise psychology and how these apply to real world environments. This will be achieved by explicitly addressing students’ knowledge of affect, behaviour and cognition within relevant contexts. Students will examine intrapersonal and interpersonal factors and explore how these factors both shape and are shaped by involvement in sport and exercise. Through engaging with this module you will develop the Intellectual, Professional, Digital and Active Citizen Abertay Attributes.

Indicative content:

1. Definition of the field of sport and exercise psychology
2. Fundamentals of sport and exercise psychology
3. The role of personality in sport; models of achievement motivation and competitiveness; motivational climates; stress, arousal, anxiety and other emotional processes.
4. Group processes
Group and team dynamics, group cohesion, communication, leadership.
5. An introduction to psychological skills

Brief description

You'll be encouraged to anticipate the future opportunities and challenges that will face children in the next 20 years. By looking at emerging social norms and technologies, you'lll explore how children of the near future may learn, socialise, and thrive, as well as looking at what practical and mental health challenges may be faced. You'll also focus on gathering appropriate evidence that can inform professional practice and when working directly with the next generation of children.

Indicative content:

  • Childhood over the last century: An overview of how "childhood" has changed over the last 100 years. changing patterns of developmental research.
  • Relationships: Exploring generational changes in who children spend time with. Parenting, childcare and social networks.
  • Teaching and learning: Changes in curriculums and approaches to learning. Future directions of schools.
  • The use and misuse of technology: Technology in learning, learning of technology (e.g., cybersecurity), technology beyond learning
  • Developmental disorders and mental health: Definitions and prevalence as well as treatment, interventions and educational support.
  • Applications: Examining how we can apply this knowledge to professional practice with children.

Brief description

The module is designed as an introduction to research methods skills for students entering the BSc Psychology Programme at Level 8. It introduces students to the core principles and practical skills of psychological research. The curriculum includes an introduction to the scientific process, the benefits and disadvantages of key research designs, and practical application of statistical analysis and ethical considerations. Practical activities facilitate understanding of the link between psychological knowledge and empirical research.

Indicative content:

1. The Role of Research in Psychology
Introduction to scientific enquiry and the role of research in psychology
2. The Experimental Method
Defining experimental variables. Experimental design. Bias and control
3. Descriptive Statistics
Measures of central tendency and dispersion. Graphical and tabular presentation of data. Properties of the normal distribution curve. Standard error of the mean and confidence intervals
4. Inferential Statistics
Introduction to hypothesis formation and testing. The role of probability in statistical inference. Test selection for parametric and non-parametric data. Data analysis using inferential statistical tests. Type I and Type II errors.
5. Introduction to statistical software
Introduction to statistical software for date entry; to summarise data in tables and graphs; use of statistical software to perfom descriptive and inferential statistical analysis.
6. Ethics
Introduction to ethical considerations and implications with reference to the British Psychological Society Guidelines
7. Library Skills
Identify, locate and evaluate appropriate academic sources for a set academic task using key library and information skills, and acknowledge their use
8. Report Writing
Conveying information from investigations using the appropriate APA standard. Conduct and report a literature review using appropriate academic sources.

Year 2 Microcredentials - Term 2

If you are a Direct Entrant (new student) to this year of study and have not previously taken module ABE101, then you MUST take ABE201 as part of your Microcredential selection. If you have previously taken ABE101 then you are NOT permitted to take ABE201.

Please choose a total of TWENTY credits worth of microcredential (ABE) modules in Term 2.

Brief description

Throughout the microcredential you will become familiar with university systems (including the virtual learning environment), consider what attributes make a successful student and develop key successful student habits.

Indicative content

  • Navigating Abertay Systems: Be introduced to and understand how to engage with Abertay systems and tools such as MyLearningSpace, MS Teams, OASIS, MyAbertay etc.
  • Expectations of University and You: Explore your own and the universities expectations of you and of the university; Consider the code of conduct; independent learning; blended learning; how university is structured; health and safety; and the Abertay attributes.
  • Understanding and Searching Information: How scholarly information is generated and disseminated, key characteristics of different information types. Planning, using, and refining appropriate search strategies; online search tools; using a range of web and database search functionality. 
  • Successful Student Behaviours: Develop strategies to key successful student behaviours including Defeating Procrastination, Time Management, Notetaking and preparing for classes, Growth Mindset, Accessing student support and opportunities.
  • Referencing: Understand what is meant by academic integrity, plagiarism, and the need for appropriate referencing; creating reference lists and in-text citations; use of referencing tools to manage information.
  • Sounding Academic: Explore what lecturers mean by “academic style” and “the right language”; Understand what is meant by and how to learn the rules of academic writing characteristics. Consider how this differs between college and university; Learn how to paraphrase. Explore how assessments, marking and feedback works at university.
  • Evaluating Information: Using appropriate quality criteria to critically evaluate information from any source to determine authority and bias.

Brief description

This microcredential provides you with the space and time to develop your skills in designing, planning, delivering, and showcasing an artefact responding to the societal issue. The microcredential is flexible and you will have a choice of what and how you create your response.

Indicative content

  • The Big Issue: You will be introduced to the big society issue that will be the focus of your artefact response. Learning materials available will help you consider your response to the challenge.
  • Developing Ideas: You will think creatively as to how you will respond to the big issue. You will consider your intended artefact aims, outcomes and target audience. 
  • Responding to the Challenge: Resources and guidance will be available as you respond to the challenge and create your artefact.
  • Preparing for the Showcase: Guidance will be available on how best to showcase your artefact for the assessment. You will develop your presentation skills to support you in showcasing the artefact. 
  • Showcase Event: You will attend a showcase event and present your artefact.

Brief description

You will discuss a range of anti-racist approaches and how they apply within the context of professional communications. You will examine case studies and scenarios to identify the nature of bias in society explore ways to be anti-racist especially in professional communications.

Indicative content

  • Racial Bias in Society: Using case studies and scenarios to discuss various forms of racism in society, you will explore the need for anti-racist practice in professional communications. 
  • Classification of Anti-Racist Practice: This section compares different anti-racists approaches applied across several contexts. You will discuss the challenges and benefits of each approach. You will identify barriers to implementation of anti-racist practice.
  • Discuss Anti-Racist Approaches for Successful Professional Communications: You will be introduced to various communications frameworks (e.g. the humanity-centric framework) and will explore scenarios for the application of these frameworks in a range of professional contexts.
  • Embedding Anti-Racism in Digital and Social Media Communications: How can you discuss matters of race and anti-racism on digital and social media while maintaining a professional persona. We will examine cases for best practices and explore ways to avoid bigoted language in digital communications. 

Brief description

In this module you will study two ways of analysing language: (i) a basic introduction to conversation analysis and discourse analysis as applied to ordinary talk/texting, and (ii) and introduction text mining, based on identifying patterns and developing insights from text-based data available on the Internet (e.g., social media data, online texts, online reviews etc).

Indicative content

  • Conversation Analysis and Talk and Text as Action: A brief overview of the CA focus on language as action; an examination of how people talk in terms of questions, answers, invitations, excuses, justifications etc.; an examination of texting, emojis, misunderstandings.
  • Text Mining: Introduction to text mining and its uses in a social sciences and business context; Online data sources; The text mining process: data collection, pre-processing and analysis; effectively communicating and visualising insights from textual data.

Brief description

By the end of this microcredential, you will be able to evaluate and select machine learning algorithms and AWS services to be appropriately applied to different business problems.

Indicative content

  • Introduction to Machine Learning: What is ML? ML process, business problem solved with ML, ML tools, Amazon SageMaker, ML challenges, supervised learning (regression, classification), unsupervised learning (clustering, dimensionality reduction), reinforcement learning, etc.
  • Implementing a ML pipeline using Amazon Sage Maker: Formulating ML problems, collecting and securing data, extracting, transferring and loading data, evaluating your data, finding corelation, feature engineering, data cleaning, dealing with outliers, training, deployment, performance evaluation, hyperparameters and model tuning.
  • Forecasting: Time series analysis, Amazon Forecast, Implementing a forecast model, Stock Predictions.
  • Computer Vision: Facial Recognition, Image and Video Analysis, Dataset Preparation.
  • Natural Language Processing: Amazon Comprehend, Polly, Translate, and Lex, Creating a chatbot, Alexa, etc.

Brief description

This online module will support you to get familiar with sustainability and introduce you to tools that can help you to understand and reduce your climate impact. By increasing your sustainability self-awareness, you will be able to make a positive difference in your own life, and in the organisations and communities around you.

Indicative content

  • What is sustainability and how is it linked to Climate Change?: We define sustainability, enhancing understanding of the links between society, economy, and environment. Climate change is explained and linked to sustainability. We provide clear accessible information about the reliable science of climate change. We describe the need efforts towards limiting human-induced global warming (limiting cumulative CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions). 
  • Global Sustainability: We introduce the United Nations Sustainability Goals (SDGs). The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership. They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests. 
  • Personal Sustainability: The WWF environmental footprint tool is a great way to start your personal sustainability journey. The planet is in crisis - from climate change to the pollution in our oceans and devastation of our forests. It's up to all of us to fix it. Take your first step with our environmental footprint calculator. 
  • Community Sustainability and Climate Resilience: Community climate resilience comes in many forms. In this topic we introduce ideas which can provide multiple benefits of people, planet, and prosperity. We showcase inspiring examples whereby working with natural processes (Biophilic design, blue and green infrastructure) we can connect people with nature to improve their well-being and quality of life, whilst simultaneously tackling climate change and storing carbon.
  • Global Solutions: What is the world doing about it? What impact do Global Climate and Biodiversity agreements (COP26 etc) really have? What’s happening here? Where are the challenges and the good news stories? We showcase positive initiatives focussed on progress.

Brief description

By the end of the module, you will know more about key aspects of nutrition and health and be better equipped to identify and tackle the barriers that prevent you from eating well.

Indicative content

  • Healthy eating on a budget: This topic will show you that healthy eating doesn’t have to be expensive! You will be given basic nutritional knowledge, as well as skills and practical tips to be able to eat a healthy diet on a budget. You will then be able to develop your own menu and share it with your peers, so you learn from us as well as from each other.
  • Prebiotics, probiotics and health: You will learn about the importance of our microbiota on health, and how what we eat can modulate it. You will be provided with cooking tips and will be able to develop your own fermented foods for better gut health.
  • Fat or sugar, which is worse?: You may have heard that fats are bad for our health, or perhaps you have heard it is all about the sugars? You will learn about the role of both sugars and fats in our diet; what makes them good or bad for health and the science behind it. You will be given the tools to assess your own sugar and fat intake as well as tips to implement the changes you need to eat better. 
  • The British diet vs Mediterranean diet: What is a Mediterranean diet and what are its real benefits? Is it just a diet or a pattern? Can we get the same benefits as those living in Mediterranean countries? In this topic, you will explore how feasible it is for us to adopt the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle, considering the seasonality of ingredients as well as sustainability. 
  • What drives our food choices?: How healthy do you think your diet is? Do you find it easy to eat well? With this topic you will become more aware of our obesogenic environment, of how the food industry talks to us, and how the media report nutritional claims. You will learn to look more closely and more critically at your environment, so you can make healthier decisions.

Brief description

This microcredential will help you to refine your current writing skills through the analysis and discussion of a range of texts and exercises, enabling you to then apply these techniques to assignments for your other modules.

Indicative content

  • Speaking the language: How to develop your academic and professional vocabulary: understanding the genre; understanding your reader’s expectations.
  • Meeting expectations: Why different assignments have different requirements: decoding instructions; selecting appropriate writing techniques.
  • Tightening up the nuts and bolts: How to improve your writing accuracy: reviewing key grammar and punctuation issues; improving your editing and proofreading.
  • Standing on the shoulders of giants: How to borrow from the greats: reviewing the principles of citing sources; using writing techniques to incorporate research into writing.

Brief description

This module will help you develop a better understanding of the difference between media reporting and scientific evaluation. It will equip you with the skills to look beyond sensational stories related to human behaviour and dig deeper into a topic area to validate the evidence.

Indicative content

  • Paranormal Beliefs and Experiences: Is Extrasensory Perception Real? Is there really evidence that we can predict the future?
  • Myths about the Brain: Can repressed memories be recovered in therapy? How easily are false memories created? What are the implications for the justice system? 
  • Myths about our Mind and Body: Is the key to success in everyday life simply a case of posing like a powerful superhero? 
  • Myths about Language: Does being bilingual make you smarter and keep your brain younger? Are bilingual people less likely to get dementia as a result of this lifelong brain training?

Brief description

Through this microcredential you will gain an insight into what the world of work may look like in the (near) future. This includes developing a knowledge of how the economy and labour market evolves and why individual skills-sets and employability are so important and intrinsically linked to this process.

Indicative content

  • The future of work: What will the future of work look like? What is used to predict how the world or work will change? Can the future of the economy and of work be accurately predicted? 
  • Key factors that influence change: Identifying some of the key factors that influence how the world of work and our economy evolves and changes.
  • The key role of skills and personal employability: The emergence and decline of skills: skills are fundamental to the economy (and graduate employers). What skills will be most in demand and/or be most valuable to our economy in future and why? Understand the importance of skills to the economy (and to graduate employers) at both the macro and micro level. Know what specific new skills are emerging and becoming more valuable and sought after, (as others are in decline) for our modern economy and graduate labour market. 
  • Labour market information - what is it for?: Labour market Information is hugely important to our understanding of our economy at any given time: and also, in looking at the present and past to help predict future growth, opportunities, shortages and skills gaps. Recognise the importance of key Labour Market Information (LMI). Have the ability to source and use key Labour Market Information (LMI). Understand how to use accurate Labour Market Information as a tool to help their own personal development and future career planning. 
  • What now?: Some help and steer – suggestions to you may wish to use your new knowledge and insight to help with your own career aspirations, planning and personal/professional development while at university.

Brief description

Some businesses have the sole focus of making money whereas others exist to also make a difference. Social enterprises are becoming more popular, and recognisable, and are making an impact across the world. From supporting the homeless, to giving waste products a second life, social enterprises are fighting for various causes. 

Indicative content

  • What is a social enterprise and how does it function?: What the definition of a social enterprise is with examples from different sectors.
  • How do social enterprises identify problems to tackle?: How social enterprises decide on what they will tackle and how they will do it. 
  • How do you gather evidence that there is a problem requiring a solution?: Way in which you can gather evidence and data to validate the idea for a social enterprise. Determining needs and wants within a category. 
  • How to identify skills and knowledge gaps: Understanding the skillsets within a founding team to fulfil the tasks required to start a social enterprise. 
  • How to understand the problem you are trying to solve: Knowing the problem, you are trying to solve and how this effects the target customers the social enterprise is aimed at. Looking at the issues in a customer-focussed way. 
  • How to develop a social impact plan: What is involved in a social impact plan and how to put one together. 

Brief description

This module will introduce you to the study of AI and Society. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a set of technologies and concepts and can be understood as using computers and software to denote problem-solving capacities and knowledge acquisition (intelligence) which otherwise we believe only belongs to natural beings such as humans.

Indicative content

  • Introduction to the core concepts: A brief introduction to the concepts of “artificial”, “intelligence” and “society”. 
  • Introduction to the problem of AI and Society: A discussion of where the problem of the impact of AI on Society comes from, presentation of some of the original debates and examples.
  • Contemporary debates: A discussion of the contemporary debates about the impact of AI on Society, with examples.

Brief description

What is Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how has it shaped our past and present? These are questions we will explore on a guided tour of AI from the past to the present and the future. You will develop a better understanding of what AI is and isn’t.

Indicative content

  • Historical AI: Tracing the historical development of “traditional” AI systems including aircraft autopilots, expert systems, and accounting/financial software.
  • Current AI: Covering the contemporary generation of AI technologies in areas such as speech recognition (e.g., Alexa, Siri) and recommendation systems (e.g., Amazon, YouTube). Examples will be drawn from Health, Sport, Games, Engineering, Business, Law and Computing. 
  • Future AI: Exploring the limitations of today’s AI when it comes to general intelligence and contextual adaptation. Examples will be drawn from Health, Sport, Games, Engineering, Business, Law and Computing.
  • My AI: How AI will impact your future, and how you can use AI to help you achieve your career goals.  Reflection on how AI may inform your subject area going forward.

Brief description

This microcredential is aimed at you, if you have an interest in technology but are not experts. The microcredential will develop your digital safety and how to stay safe online.

Indicative content

  • Threat Landscape: Cyberattacks and online threats. System vulnerabilities. Social Engineering. Rights and computer laws.
  • Authentication: Password security. Biometrics. MFA and Password managers. Good practices for authentication.
  • Secure Communication: Web browser security. Certificates and trust. Effective encryption. Secure communication methods.
  • Personal Information Privacy: Information leakage. Personal information privacy and open-source intelligence. Device encryption and security. Security mindfulness.
  • Malware: Types of malware. Identifying malicious software. Malware propagation techniques. Malware removal and preventative measures.

Brief description

This microcredential will help you to develop and build your own confidence in applying numeracy skills in real world situations.

Indicative content

  • What is my GPA and how likely am I to get a First? (BASIC NUMERACY): Calculation and manipulation of data using Percentages, Indices (Powers), Roots, Probability, and simple equations. 
  • The power of prediction (GRAPHS): Straight line graphs, Gradients, Equations of a straight line, Intercepts. Drawing graphs - Linear equations, Distances between points. Simultaneous linear equations.  
  • Love a good puzzle (ALGEBRA): Changing subject of formulae. Factorisation - common factors, Difference of two squares, Trinomials. Solving simultaneous equations by Substitution and Elimination.
  • Advanced power of prediction (FUNCTIONS): Introduction to functions – Linear and Quadratic and solving quadratic equations. Factorising Quadratic equations.
  • Love a good triangle (TRIGONOMETRY): Trignometric functions - Sine, cosine and tangent. Trignometric formulae.

Brief description

In this microcredential, you will learn more about how digital media production professionals in the UK and China are working together to reduce barriers and identify new opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Indicative content

  • History and future of videogames in China: Focussing on the videogame sector as a case study of Chinese digital creative industries, how has the videogames market and industry developed in China, how is the Chinese videogames economy currently constituted, and what does the future hold?
  • Consumer trends and audience preferences: What is popular with audiences in China? What can we note about preferences in terms of narrative content, aesthetics, play styles etc. when compared with other markets?
  • Policy and regulation: What unique regulations or limitations are imposed on digital media within China, and what similarities are there with other national and transnational regulations? How is creative content development and publishing shaped by policy in China? What social and ethical challenges are presented by regulation, in China as well as in the UK?
  • Transnational working and co-production: How is digital creative content conceived, developed, and released by professionals working across borders? What are the challenges for small and independent creative studios, compared with multi-nationals with studios based in and outside China?
  • Publishing in China: How do digital media content like videogames make it to market in China? What processes and requirements must creative businesses be aware of, and how do developers find, connect to, and work with Chinese publishers? How to consumers in China access content, including on grey markets?
  • Challenges and success: Hear from UK and Chinese professionals on the China market, co-operation, the hurdles they cleared, and how they found success.

Brief description

Increasingly, the role of creativity in supporting and maintaining wellbeing is being researched and celebrated. This module will introduce you to the current theory in this area, as well as a range of creative resources shown to be helpful for both self-care and the support of others.

Indicative content

  • Why does creativity matter?: An introduction to why creativity matters when it comes to mental health.
  • Your brain on words: The place of stories in their various forms as a resource for wellbeing.
  • Engaging the senses: The potential of tools such as music and art for self-care.

Year 3 Core Modules

You must study and pass four core modules

Brief description

The links between biology and psychology. Introduction to the physiology that underpins observable behaviour (genetics, CNS and the endocrine system), looking at processes that exert direct control over behavioural responses and those that play a modulatory role in human psychology. How biology, experience and personality produce individuality in humans.

Indicative content:

  • Biological control of behaviour: How the central nervous and endocrine systems interact to produce observable behaviours such as movement, ingestion, and reproduction.
  • Psychopharmacology: Looking at the physiological consequences of taking recreational and therapeutic drugs, and biological and psychological underpinnings of drug addiction.
  • Hormones, reproduction and emotion: Examining how hormones influence mate choice, mating behaviour and sexual orientation; the biological underpinnings of emotion, emotional valence and components of the emotional response.
  • Behavioural genetics, evolutionary and sociobiology: Influences of genetics and environment on human behaviour; an introduction to the evolutionary processes that impact human and non-human animal cognition and social interactions.
  • Methodologies: Neuropsychology and neuroimaging: Looking at the physiological and behavioural effects of brain degeneration and implications for everyday life; introducing methods used in investigation of neural correlates of cognition. Psychological testing and application: Psychometric testing, specific aspects in personality tests, reliability, validity, BPS guidance.
  • Introduction to personality and individual differences: Introduction into main theories in personality and individual differences; Trait vs. State; Personality vs. Situation.
  • Intelligence: Definitions of intelligence; psychometric approaches to intelligence and their implications for educational and social policy; cognitive basis of intelligence. Debates about generational, racial, and gender differences in IQ.
  • Biological influences: Heritability in intelligence and personality, neurobiological theories of personality, evolutionary influences & comparative personality, mental illness and personality disorders.
  • Personality and culture: Further ideas and debates in personality and culture including national character, social attitudes, evolutionary approaches, cognitive and learning styles, individual differences in health and illness, social anxiety and shyness.
  • Individual differences in cognitive styles: Individual differences in how we think, perceive and remember information. Exploration of different learning style and theories of learning.

Brief description

Explore the processes that underpin social cognition across development and examine how these processes change from early childhood to adolescence, adulthood and older age. It provides an in-depth understanding of how we process and remember information in a social context, covering issues such as group processes, stereotyping and prejudice, and perception of self and others.

Indicative content

  • Historical and Conceptual Issues: Introduction to research on the socio-cognitive approach, and the study of developmental changes in cognition and social processing.
  • Social Cognition: Stereotype formation and application: Models of stereotyping, stereotype formation and contents, and exploration of how and when stereotypic information is activated. 
  • Social Cognition: Prejudice and effective interventions: Examining intergroup prejudice and the interventions designed to reduce its negative effects.
  • Social Cognition: Self-processing: How self-processing systems shape attention, perception and memory.
  • Lifespan: Development of stereotyping and prejudice: Exploring patterns of stereotype development across childhood and adulthood, and their links to social and cognitive development.
  • Lifespan: Development of self-processing biases: How self-processing systems develop across childhood, adolescence and old age, impacting the effects of self on cognition.
  • Applications: Examining the effectiveness of applied social cognition research, from education to intergroup behaviour.

Brief description

The theories, methods and empirical data relevant to psychological development throughout the lifespan.

Indicative content:

  • Biological basis of development; theories and milestones: Pre-and post-natal brain development, brain maturation, biological basis of ageing.
  • How to study development?: Designs and approaches.
  • Infancy: Methods for studying infant development, physical development in infancy, cognitive development in infancy: Memory and pre- cursors to language, social and emotional development in infancy.
  • Early childhood: Methods for studying early childhood, physical and cognitive development in early childhood, language development in early childhood, social and emotional development in early childhood, moral development in early childhood.
  • Middle childhood: Physical and cognitive development in middle childhood, social development and peer relations in middle childhood. Emotional and Moral Development in middle childhood.
  • Adolescence: Physical and cognitive development in adolescence, social and emotional development in adolescence.
  • Adulthood: Biological, cognitive and social changes in middle adulthood. Theories and data on midlife crisis.
  • Ageing: Biological, cognitive and social changes in late adulthood; models of cognitive decline; emotional and personality changes, dementia, death, longevity.

Brief description

Build upon the psychological research methods techniques and analyses covered in earlier years such as aspects of experimental design, quantitative and qualitative analyses and project preparation. 

Indicative content:

  • Analysis of variance: Revise variance and one-way ANOVA. Examine factorial ANOVA designs; within, between and mixed designs; main effects and interactions; explore interactions and multiple comparisons (a priori and post-hoc).
  • ANOVA practical: Participate in the design, implementation and data gathering of a study suitable for analysis with ANOVA and write this up as an assessed piece of coursework.
  • Experimental design: Examine methodological issues in design, identifying limitations of designs, defining a research question, hypothesis testing and operationalising variables. Look at Type I and II errors; effect sizes and statistical power.
  • Qualitative methods of data collection and analysis: The theoretical underpinning of qualitative methods. The design of research questions; how to code data from visual and textual formats, the application of techniques such as content and thematic analysis. Use textual data (such as interview schedules) to carry out a qualitative analysis. This work will contribute towards the assessed qualitative report.
  • Correlation and multiple regression: Simple linear regression models and multiple predictors of a criterion variable (multiple linear regression). Explanation of statistical tests for multiple regression models.
  • Laboratory skills: Extensive training in the advanced use of SPSS for analyses. Regular laboratory attendance is recommended in order to develop strong research skills. This will allow you to become a confident researcher.
  • Project proposal for supervisor feedback and subsequent ethics submission: Write an ethics proposal for your fourth year project with support and guidance from your allocated supervisor. Employ research design and analysis skills to design a suitable experiment/study. Identify and address possible ethical issues which is central to this process. Supervisors will give feedback to a draft of the proposal.
  • Research skills: Writing and work management: Communicating effectively in oral and written form, using research literature effectively. Reporting and interpreting. Writing using American Psychological Association editorial style. Developing a meeting agenda, goal setting and evaluating progress, communicating effectively in supervision meetings, identifying responsibilities. Sustaining research work in laboratory classes.

Year 3 Option Modules

You must study and pass two option modules of your choosing - one in Term 1 and one in Term 2

Brief description

Learn the techniques required to design systematic approaches to scientific enquiry of the mind using the latest techniques and technologies. This includes identifying testable hypotheses and tractable questions. It also involves appreciating the technical constraints on display technology and the methodological considerations required to present stimuli accurately, precisely. Finally, it emphasises the importance of attaining the ability to communicate scientific methods for the benefit of others.

Indicative content:

  • Identification of Research Questions: Using collaborative methods to establish problems in psychology amendable to systematic research on or making use of technology.
  • Technology in Psychology: Appreciating the opportunities of using computers to assess human performance to precisely control displays or to enable large volumes of data to be collected.
  • Control of computer displays: Strength and weaknesses of CRT Monitors, Flat panel displays, tablet computers, Virtual Reality etc. Using computers to run experiments on visual processing.
  • Automation of data collection methods: Creating or modifying software to control the sequence, timing and data collection of experiments on analog or digital visual displays.
  • Visual Cognition and Vision Science: Measuring the limits of human visual performance. Using adjustment, staircase or constant stimuli methods. Understanding thresholds and bias. Explaining different methodological approaches to the assessment of eye-movements in scene perception and natural vision.
  • Data challenges in Psychology: Many areas of psychology create exceptionally large data sets, either through imaging techniques such as brain imagery, or distributed computing techniques such as mobile devices and social media. Each of these present opportunities for Psychological Science, but also challenges.
  • From Items Analysis to Linear Mixed Models: The inclusion of F1 and F1 Clark and Clark, Raijmaakers in the need for items analyses. Leading to the contemporary use of Linear Mixed Models.
  • Historical and Conceptual Issues: Using case studies to illustrate how technology has informed the creation of theoretical models of human processing. Understanding how technological evolution has driven developments in novel paradigms in vision science and visual cognition.

Brief description

This is a student-led module in which students and staff collaborate in the assessment content and marking criteria. The area of study is psychological research related to 'real life' situations showing how psychology can be practiced in environments such as industry, education, health and sport, and delivered as workshops by staff and external speakers.

Indicative content:

  • Psychology and Technology: How has psychology research influenced technology development such as artificial intelligence and security systems?
  • Psychological Therapies in the Real World: Understanding the applications and impact of psychology therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, and speech and language therapy.
  • Psychology in the Public Sector: Understanding the ways in which local and national governments use psychology research.
  • Psychology in the Workplace: Exploring the impact of psychology on human resource management in the workplace, focusing on issues of equality, diversity and inclusion.
  • Environmental Psychology: o what extent are the environments we live and work in influenced by psychology?
  • Sports Psychology in the Real World: What is sports psychology and how is it applied to issues like duty of care?
  • Applied Forensic Psychology: Applying psychology theory to crime to help answer questions like ‘why do offenders offend?’
  • Applied Educational Psychology: How can psychology theories be applied in teaching, such as supporting children with learning difficulties?

Brief description

This module will introduce you to the neuronal, cognitive, and emotional processes involved in physical and creative cultural practices, with an emphasis on dance and its power for change (hence; from dance to trance). Throughout the module, you will learn in short lectures with integrated Q & A sessions about current research on the perceptual, sensorimotor, emotional, cognitive and neuronal changes in relation to dance and other cultural practices from a psychological and neuroscientific perspective, covering a wide spectrum from social interaction, cognition, expertise, health and wellbeing, as well as personality and evolution. The theoretical and methodological content will be completed by small-group practical sessions that provide you with opportunities for shared, reflective experiences including example questions to prepare for the assessments. While the lectures and practical topics will focus on dance, you can choose your own activity of interest to apply the learnt content for the coursework such as music, theatre, sport, acting, painting and reading.

Indicative content:

  • Why we dance: Feelings, the innateness of rhythym and functions of dance: Are we born to dance? Is dancing an innate, biologically-driven activity to get in trance? Do animals dance? The module will provide a comprehensive introduction to theories and research findings on the evolution of dance, considering functions of rituals linked to aggression, status, trance, mating and communication. We will discuss studies showing the genetic disposition of dance, personality and individual differences in developmental, cognitive and motor responses to dance, music and rhythm.
  • What do you need to dance: Motor action, perception and memory: What makes our body move? To understand what we need in order to dance, the module will cover topics of motor control and action, visuo-spatial perception, memory and frameworks of expertise. Further, advancements in models of training and strategies to enhance performance will be discussed (i.e., imagery, attention, goal-setting, and other training technique for improving performance).
  • Watching dance: Audiences' expertise and personal preferences: What do we see and feel when we watch dance? This section builds the core of the module. It covers a large content, relating to the nonverbal information we transmit through dance and how. Research on cognitive, perceptual, emotional and sensorimotor processes of watching dance will be discussed within the concepts of action observation, mirror neurons, embodied cognition, sensorimotor entrainment, kinaesthetic empathy, biological motion, synchronicity as well as experimental aesthetics.
  • The benefits of dance: Self-confidence, body image, rehabilitation, health and wellbeing: The reports on effects of dance on health and wellbeing are controversial. While participation in recreational dance has predominantly positive effects on self-image, vocational dance training and professional dance practice can be hugely detrimental to the individual’s health and wellbeing. The findings from the literature are discussed in terms of body image, motivation, and identity, injury and self-esteem, ideal means of training, as well as dance as a form of rehabilitation.
  • The Psychology of thetre, art, music, sport and gaming: Throughout the module, we will touch on other cultural practices, such as acting, painting, writing, music, and so on. As with dance, individuals’ motivations to engage in these practices, related health and wellbeing benefits will be discussed and students are expected to engage in proposed literature in their field of interest.

Brief description

This module takes an evolutionary approach to the study of human behaviour. Specifically, we examine evolutionary approaches to cognition, culture, and sociality. The module starts with an exploration of social behaviours and demonstrates how social learning underpins uniquely human culture and cognition. We also explore evolutionary approaches to social perception and interaction, with a focus on social attributions of others in romantic and non-romantic contexts (face perception). The module draws on cutting-edge research from the field, with teaching sessions partly student-led. Students engage in a number of innovative learning contexts including demonstrations. You'll develop your ability to critically evaluate the primary scientific literature in these areas.

Indicative content:

  • Evolutionary approaches to human sociality and culture: Sociality and cooperation; Conflict and maladaptive behaviour.
  • Approaches, methods and concepts in Cultural Evolution: Humans as a cultural species. Why are humans distinct from other animals in their cultural repertoires? How does culture accumulate and progress?
  • Ontogeny of Cultural Evolution: How do children acquire culture? When does social learning emerge and are children ‘blind imitators’?
  • Social perspective and cognition: Human mate choice and sexual signalling: What makes someone beautiful? What trait dimensions do we assess from facial and other physical cues? Are these signals reliable? Historical context and methods in assessing attractiveness judgements and other social judgements.
  • Biological perspectives on human sexuality and romantic attration: Individual/cultural differences in sexuality. The hormonal basis of attachment. Biological perspectives on romantic expression and sexual behaviour.

Brief description

The psychology of mental health disorders and exploration of how patients experience their illness.

Indicative content:

  • Models to aid diagnosis: Introduction to the use of biopsychosocial models in the diagnosis of mental ill health.
  • Understanding causes: Exploration of the biological, psychological and environmental causes of mental health disorders such as psychoses, mood disorders, developmental disorders or learning difficulties.
  • Treatment and outcomes: Investigate treatment options for patients with disorders and categories of distress, evaluate research on treatment outcomes for different categories of patients.
  • Lived experience: Consideration of the lived experience of patients from symptom onset, diagnoses and treatment, experience of the clinicians and health workers in supporting patients with mental illness.
  • Prognosis and life after treatment: Evaluating how patients with different categories of distress respond to treatment, how their biological and environmental circumstances influence prognosis, and managing mental health conditions long term.

Year 4 Core Modules

You must study and pass two core modules

Brief description

Design, conduct and analyse your own independent piece of research and present your research findings. Receive guidance and support for the honours project process.

Indicative content:

  • Working with a supervisor: Making the most of supervision, preparing for supervision meetings, becoming a confident independent learner, setting goals, evaluating progress.
  • Application of Methods and Statistics (Workshop-based): Choosing appropriate methodologies. Using appropriate computer packages: e.g. SPSS and Excel. Use of specialised software: e.g. Superlab and E-Prime.
  • Becoming an effective researcher: Critically evaluating your own ideas, identifying the right question to ask, relating your ideas to the literature, ethical issues and how to address them.
  • Participating in the research community: Immersion in the literature. Organising research materials and keeping good records. Conducting meetings with outside agencies and communicating findings to participants and peers.
  • Design and procedure: Methodological issues, techniques of analysis, limitations of statistical techniques, pilot work, creating experimental materials, making sure ideas are ‘testable’, problems with implementation.
  • Data: Collecting data efficiently, keeping good records, ensuring data can be analysed, analysing data appropriately, interpreting the results. Ensuring confidentiality of data. Presenting data and research findings clearly.
  • Communicating results: Writing in APA (American Psychological Association) format, being your own editor, critiquing and reviewing your own work effectively, relating your findings to the literature. Presenting the main findings of the project orally.
  • Presentation skills: Organising material, presentations using multi-media. Personal confidence, audibility, modulation and diction in public speaking.
  • Personal Development Planning (PDP): Reflect on your own learning development and current skills (e.g. CV’s, experience and transferable skills) in order to develop employability awareness and as preparation for post graduate study and the workplace. Consideration of psychological literacy.
  • Writing skills: Developing a mature and confident writing style; correct editorial style for research projects. Trouble-shooting in writing skills; proof-reading.

Brief description

This module is designed to develop your understanding of cognitive psychology, building on content from previous modules, and to relate this to real world applications. The module develops a deeper understanding of cognitive processes such as attention, perception and memory and language, applying these to real world practices in areas such as education, policy development, security and the justice system.

Indicative content

  • Historical and Conceptual Issues: Introduction to cognitive models in psychology, their relevance to our current understanding of cognitive psychology. Review of examples of successful and unsuccessful applications of cognitive psychology.
  • Visual perception: Models of visual perception – reminder of processes in the recognition of objects, categories and faces. How can we improve face recognition in the real world – e.g. passport security.
  • Attention: Understanding models of visuo-spatial and executive attention. Executive functions and whether they can be trained by certain practices such as bilingualism, music or gaming.
  • Decision Making: Understanding processes related to decision making and which cognitive biases we are prone to engaging in and why.  Relating this to Behavioural Economics/nudge theory where policy makers aim to change decision making to lead to better public health outcomes.
  • Memory: Exploring types of long-term memory including semantic and episodic, declarative and non-declarative. Understanding associative networks in memory and priming. Relating this to forensic and justice settings e.g. how reliable is eyewitness memory?
  • Language and Multilingualism: Understanding the cognitive processes involved in storing and using multiple language varieties. How do we cognitive define bilinguals and monolinguals. Relating this to situations involving language assessment such as education, speech & language therapy etc.

Year 4 Option Modules

You must study and pass three option modules of your choosing – two in Term 1 and one in Term 2

Brief description

Major crime investigation involves a complex interplay of human, situational and environmental circumstances that can pose significant challenges to even the most experienced investigators. This module will examine the critical role that psychological research and theories play in informing policing investigative practice.There will be in depth discussions of established and emerging knowledge in key areas, such as the controversial topic of criminal profiling, investigative decision-making, crime-linkage and suspect interviewing.

Indicative content

  • Introduction and context: An introduction to investigative psychology and the importance of recognising how other people can influence our behaviour and cognitive processes, including an overview of both theory and application of social influence research in this exciting and developing area of applied psychology.
  • Investigative processes: An overview of the key stages and issues in relation to police and wider criminal justice system investigative processes including some of the key legal powers associated with these.
  • Investigative decision-making: How do detectives make critical decisions during an investigation regarding relevant lines of enquiry, which information is relevant to a case, where there are potential gaps in information and how to a build a case? How do they prevent tunnel vision and bias when faced with complex equivocal scenarios? We will evaluate key applied decision-making literature in the context of serious crime investigations.
  • Family liaison and support: Family Liaison Officers are specially trained police officers who provide a two-way flow of information between families and investigation teams for high risk missing person cases and bereavements resulting from fatal accidents, murders or unexplained deaths, or disasters involving multiple fatalities. We will discuss the psychology of this critical role including investigative challenges when a family member is a suspect.
  • Offender profiling: What is offender profiling and how is it undertaken? We will dispel some of the myths of popular media by evaluating different approaches to offender profiling, considering their efficacy and use by the police and discussing the future for this topical approach to investigation.
  • Serial homicide and case-linkage: What is serial homicide and how does it differ from other types of homicide? In what ways can offender profiling be applied to this serious crime? We will discuss critical research on crime-linkage grounded in psychological theory.
  • Investigating missing persons: What do missing people do and where do they go? What role is there for psychological theories in explaining missing person behaviour and helping the police investigate cases?
  • Psychological autopsy and suicide: Murder or suicide? How can psychology and related disciplines inform our understanding of factors which can be used to support investigative decision making regarding the likelihood of suicide and investigative decisions regarding whether a case might be a murder? The use of psychological autopsy as an aid in such cases will be critically evaluated.
  • Suspect interviews: We will examine and understand the psychology of suspect interviews, looking at current practices as well as the evolution and use of police techniques in different countries.
  • False confessions: Why do some individuals confess to crimes they did not commit? We will discussion the complex and fascinating issue of false confessions and how it relates to suspect interview techniques.

Brief description

An opportunity to link work experience with your academic study by undertaking a psychology-relevant work placement. Through a competitive process, you can apply for placements organised by the University or if you already have a suitable work or voluntary post, can use this to gain work-based credit. You must work a minimum of 30hrs across the term with your placement provider as well as attend sessions in the University designed to enhance employability and support the assessments.

Indicative content:

  • Introduction: Overview of expectations from work placement students.
  • Mapping skills, reflective practice and reflecting on personal experiences: Evaluating skills against careers and job opportunities, engaging in reflective practice, identifying areas of development.
  • Self-presentation in job applications: How to construct a cover letter, tailoring your CV, presentation in interview and networking events.
  • Careers in Psychology - real-life experiences: Abertay alumni will return to share their stories and experiences of securing jobs in psychology-related fields and beyond.
  • Project and task management: How to manage tasks and projects to ensure successful completion and effectiveness.

Brief description

You'll be introduced to the use of mindfulness and associated concepts in the maintenance of emotional and psychological well-being. The module combines theoretical knowledge and research with experiential learning. As well as examining the history, theories and application of mindfulness-based practices in mental healthcare, you'll have the opportunity to engage in mindfulness practice.

Indicative content

  • Origins of mindfulness: Buddhism, eastern philosophies and meditation practices. The western adoption of meditation from 1960s-present. Key figures in the development of mindfulness practices
  • Mindfulness Practices: Introductory training and support in developing students own mindfulness practice, ongoing peer- group facilitation and on-line reflective writing on the process. Introduction to the variety of mindfulness activities and methods of engagement in mindfulness practices
  • Contemporary research and theory in mindfulness: Evaluation of the applications and effectiveness of mindfulness-based practices in mental health and well- being. Introduction to the cognitive and spiritual models of mindfulness
  • Socio-political context: The cultural and research movements which have allowed the incorporation of mindfulness practices in to western medicine and healthcare

Brief description

A general introduction to the field of cognitive neuroscience but also specialist insights into current research topics. The theoretical and methodological foundations of cognitive neuroscience will be comprehensively reviewed and students will develop key skills to understand and report cognitive neuroscience research via individual and group work.

Indicative content

  • Cognitive Neuroscience: history, definitions, themes, approaches and issues.
  • Techniques and Technology: Series of lectures on the methodologies that are currently available in cognitive neuroscience, broadly divided in measurement and manipulation techniques.
  • Specialist areas: Lectures on contemporary research - these may vary from year to year and may be selected from the following (non-exhaustive) list: perception; action; attention; attentional control; memory; emotion; social cognition; language; numerical cognition; executive functions; decision making.
  • Identifying, reading and reporting primary sources: Students will be guided in searching for suitable primary sources and understanding cognitive neuroscience research reports. They will also be required to engage in supervised presentations of research papers followed by discussions with the class.

Brief description

This module focuses on child development in the first eight years. It will cover language development, number and counting knowledge, reading from a cognitive and educational perspective. In addition, it will look at the influence of play and the media during these early years.

Indicative content

  • Child cognition and brain growth: The development of the brain in early childhood and its links to language and numerical skills.
  • Conceptual issues in learning: Domains (modules), critical periods, learning mechanisms (e.g. statistical learning, bootstrapping, innate constraints), nature-nurture.
  • Speech and sounds: Auditory perception, acquisition of phonemes, and the effects of prosody on acquisition of other parts of the language system.
  • Acquisition of words: Words, concepts and categories. Child-directed speech, literacy acquisition, language impairments.
  • Rules of language: Acquisition of morphology and syntax.
  • Learning to read: Theories of normal reading; dyslexia and hyperlexia.
  • Early numerical skills: Theories of mathematical development; early number and counting skills.
  • The role of play: Play inside and outside the classroom. How play influences cognitive and social development.
  • Media: The role of television viewing and computer games on children's development.

How the course works

Psychology degrees at Abertay are flexible. You can study different pathways and switch to a new pathway if your interests change over time. 

You apply for one of these specific degree pathways at the start:

But if you’re unsure which to choose, don’t worry, apply for the course that appeals most. 

This is because you have an opportunity to switch to a different pathway at the start of Year 2, Year 3 and Year 4 (conditions apply*). Our academic team will always be available to help if you do decide to switch pathways. 

Your degree title will be reflected in the pathway you choose eg. BSc (Hons) Psychology with Development and Education or BSc (Hons) Psychology with Forensic Scene Investigation. 

No other Scottish university is offering these flexible undergraduate degree pathways in psychology. We believe this gives our graduates a distinct edge when it comes to applying for postgraduate study or employment. 

*Dependent on the relevant modules being taken. Please check your Student Handbook for full details.

 

Teaching and assessment

You'll learn through a combination of lectures, practical laboratory classes, seminars, tutorials, and independent study. 

In addition to practical laboratory classes where you'll learn relevant scientific techniques firsthand and design experiments and collect and analyse data, the Research Volunteer Scheme provides you with the opportunity to directly learn from academic experts and get involved in cutting-edge research.  

You will be assessed using a variety of methods. These include examinations and class tests, practical laboratory reports, essays, oral and poster presentations, research projects, writing scientific articles and case studies. 

All students must complete their Honours project on an area of psychological research related to their chosen pathway.

 

Accreditation

The British Psychological Society (BPS) is our professional body and the BSc (Hons) Psychology programme here at Abertay has their accreditation. The BPS Accreditation is essential for students who want to become a Chartered Psychologist.

Entry Requirements

Please note: All applicants must have passes in English and Maths - National 5 grade C or GCSE grade C/4 or equivalent.  National 5 ESOL is accepted in lieu of National 5 English. National 5 Lifeskill Maths and Application of Maths at grade B is accepted in lieu of Maths. You may be eligible to take ABE111: Numbers for Everyday Life in lieu of a National 5 Maths qualification at grade C or GCSE grade C/4 or an acceptable equivalent.

Higher Application of Maths at grade C accepted.

Below are the literate subjects we accept for entry on this course:

One of the following: Business Management; Classical Studies; Economics; English; ESOL; Geography; History; Media Studies; Modern Studies; Philosophy; Politics; Psychology; Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies; Sociology

If there is a subject that does not appear, please contact our Admissions Office (admissions@abertay.ac.uk) who will be able to confirm whether or not it would be considered for entry.

Please visit our College Qualifications pages for suitable College courses.

Republic of Ireland applicants, click on the UK tabs and scroll down to find your Entry Requirements.

See information about studying and applying to Abertay for International students.

Qualification Type Grade Requirements Essential Subjects
Higher (standard entry) BBBB Literate subject
Higher (minimum entry) We may make you an offer at the minimum entry grades if you meet the criteria. Find out if you're eligible for minimum entry (see below). BBC Literate subject at B
A-Level CCC Literate subject
T Level C or higher in Core Component in one of the following:- Education & Early Years, Health, Healthcare Science, Science or Legal Services
Irish Highers H3H3H3H3 Literate subject
International Baccalaureate Diploma Based Programme (IBDP) 28 Points To include literate subject at S5 or H4
International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) We encourage applications with the IBCP but understand that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying. We accept the International Baccalaureate Careers-related Programme (IBCP). Any subject requirements must be met as per our published IB Diploma requirements.
BTEC Extended Diploma MMM Health & Social Care
AHEAD   Successful completion of the relevant stream of our AHEAD programme
SWAP Access   Access to: University Study/Community, Education & Humanities/Arts & Social Sciences and Primary Teaching/Languages, Arts & Social Sciences/Humanities & Primary Education/Degree Studies/Celtic Studies/Arts & Humanities/Humanities/Humanities (Teaching)
SQA HNC/HND B Our College Qualifications pages list approved HNC/HND courses
BTEC HNC/HND D Health & Social Care
Qualification Type Grade Requirements Essential Subjects
Advanced Higher AAB Psychology and one from Modern Studies, English, Sociology, History, Chemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Maths or Physics
A-Level AAB Psychology and one from Government & Politics, English, Sociology, History, Chemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Maths or Physics
International Baccalaureate 34 Points Psychology and one from Modern Studies, English, Sociology, History, Chemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Maths or Physics plus one other AH
SQA HNC/HND B Our College Qualifications pages list approved HNC/HND courses
International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) See next column If you are taking HNC/HND with one or more Higher Levels IB subjects, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A Level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.

We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants from across the world. Please select your country from the searchable list below to view different qualification entry requirements. If you have different qualifications to those listed, please contact us using the form below.

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Academic Requirements

Applicants will typically be required to achieve CCC at A-Level, to include any essential subject(s).

Applicants will typically be required to pass the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma with an overall score of 28 points, to include any essential subject(s) at S5 or H4.

English language: English B at S5 or H4 is accepted. For English A, no grade is specified. For alternative English language qualifications, please see below.

We accept and encourage applications with the International Baccalaureate Careers-related Programme (IBCP) but understand that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying.

Any subject requirements must be met as per our published IB Diploma requirements.

We recognise the Aptitude Scholastic Tests (ASTs) for entry to all our undergraduate programmes. The AST grades are equivalent to the below A Level grades: 

A Level Grade   AST Score

A                        210+

B                       170 - 209

C                       140 - 169

D                       100 - 139

Specific entry requirements for each course (year 1 and year 2 if applicable) can be found on each course page. 

Applicants should also meet our minimum requirements for English language and any portfolio or interview requirement (see course page for details).

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) with 6 units as follows: 4 units at III, 2 units at IV, to include any essential subject(s) at III.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the European Baccalaureate with an overall grade of 70%, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 7.

English language: English Language 1 at grade 6 or English Language 2 at grade 7 are accepted. For alternative English language qualifications, please see below.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Diplomë e Maturës Shtetëore with an overall grade of 7.5, to include any essential subject(s).

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Baccalauréat Technique / Commercial with an overall grade of 14, to include any essential subject(s).

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Baccalauréat de l'Enseignement Secondaire with an overall grade of 14, to include any essential subject(s).

Applicants with national school qualilfications will typically be required to pass the first year of a university degree in a relevant subject with an average grade of 12/20, to include any essential subject(s).

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Trayecto Técnico Profesional with an overall grade of 6.5, to include any essential subject(s).

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Título de Técnico Superior/Universitario with an overall grade of 6.5, to include any essential subject(s).

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Araratian Baccalaureate at Extended Level with grades CCC, to include any essential subjects.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Certificate of Secondary General Education wih an average of 13 and the first year of a university degree in a relevant subject with an average grade of 64%, to include any essential subject(s).

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Year 12 Certificate plus ATAR rank of 77 or Overall Position of 11, to include any essential subject(s) at Year 12 with grade B, grade 3 or Sound Achievement.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Reifeprüfung/Maturazeugnis with an overall grade of 2.8, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 2.

English language: English at grade 2 in the Reifeprüfung/Maturazeugnis is accepted. For alternative English language qualifications, please see below.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Tam Orta Tahsil Hazzinda Aggestat with an average of 4, and the first year of a university degree in a relevant subject with an average grade of 62%, to include any essential subject(s).

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Shahadat Al-Thanawaya Al-Aama/General Secondary Education Certificate with an average of 60%, and the first year of a university degree or post-secondary diploma in a relevant subject with an average grade of 65% or 2.25 (on the 4 point scale), to include any essential subject(s).

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Intermediate/Higher Secondary School Certificate at an average of 2.5, and the first year of a university degree in a relevant subject with an average grade of 50% or C+, to include any essential subject(s) at 60% or grade B.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Certificate of General Secondary Education at an average of 6, and the first year of a university degree in a relevant subject with an average grade of 6.0, to include any essential subject(s).

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Certificate d'Enseignement Secondaire Supérieur with an overall average of 60%, to include any essential subject(s) at 65%.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Diploma van secundair onderwijs with an overall average of 60%, to include any essential subject(s) at 65%.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Abschlusszeugnis der Oberstufe des Sekundarunterrichts with an overall average of 60%, to include any essential subject(s) at 65%.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Diploma de Bachiller at 64%, and the first year of a university degree in a relevant subject with an average grade of 63%, to include any essential subject(s) at 70%.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the General Certificate of Secondary Education at an average of 4.5, and the first year of a university degree in a relevant subject with an average grade of 65%, to include any essential subject(s).

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Certificado de Conculsão de Segundo Grau with an average score of 8.0, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 8.0.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Certificado de Conclusão de Ensino Médio with an average score of 8.0, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 8.0.

Applicants will typically be required to pass Brunei A Levels in 3 subjects at grades CCC, to include any essential subject(s).

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Diploma za Sredno Obrazonvanie with an average score of 4.5, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 5.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Diploma of Upper Secondary Education at average of C, and the first year of a university degree in a relevant subject with an average grade of 65%, to include any essential subject(s) at 65%.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Baccalaureat or Baccalaureat Technique at an overall grade of 12, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 12.

Applicants will typically be required to complete the Secondary School Diploma or Diplôme d'Études Collégiales with five grade 12 subjects at an average of 65%, to include any essential subject(s) at 65%.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Licencia de Education with a GPA of 4.5 (7-point scale) overall. Applicants will also need to have completed the first year of a university degree in a relevant subject with an average of 4.5 (7-point scale) GPA, with the essential subject at a minimum of 5.0 (7-point scale) GPA.

Applicants will typically be required to complete Senior Middle/High School Certificate/Diploma at an average of 75%, to include any essential subject(s) at 77%; and pass GAOKAO with 500 points (based on the 750 points scheme).

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Bachiller Academico at an average of 3.25, and the first year of a university degree or Tecnico Universitario in a relevant subject with an average grade of 3.3, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 3.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Svjedodžba o Maturi with an overall grade of 3.2, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 3.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Apolytírio Lykeíou with an overall grade of 17.0, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 17.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Vysvědčení o maturitní zkoušce with an overall grade of 2.4, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 2.

Applicants will typically be required to complete the Studentereksamen (STX), including 3 Level A subjects an overall grade of 7, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 7.

English language: Studentereksamen English Level A or B at grade 7 is accepted. For alternative English language qualifications, please see below.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Título de Bachiller at an average of 7.0, and the first year of a university degree in a relevant subject with an average grade of 13 / 60%, to include any essential subject(s) at 60%.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Gumaasiumi lõputunnistus with an average score of 3.2, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 4; and pass 3 state examinations at a minimum of 55% (or 2 states examinations plus C1 Advanced English CAE or IELTS).

English language: 75% in the English state examination is accepted, or C1 Advanced English CAE or IELTS (overall score 6.0 with no band lower than 5.5). For alternative English language qualifications, please see below.

Applicants who have achieved a Diploma from a Technical/Commercial/Industrial/Health Institute may be granted entry to Year 2 of our degrees if they pass with a minimum of 71%, to include any essential subject at 70%. 

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Certificate of General Secondary Education with a minimum of 71%, in include any essential subject at 70%. 

Applicants will typically be required to complete the Studentsprogv at an overall grade of 7, to include any essential subject(s) at Level A grade 7.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Ylioppilastutkinto/Studentexamen at an overall grade 4, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 5.

English language: Advanced English at grade 5 within the Ylioppilastutkinto/Studentexamen is accepted. For alternative English language qualifications, please see below.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Baccalauréat Général/Professionnel/Technologique at an overall grade 12, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 13.

English language. English at grade 14 in the Baccalauréat Général/Professionnel/Technologique is accepted. For alternative English language qualifications, please see below.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Option Internationale du Baccalauréat at an overall grade 11, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 13.

English language. English at grade 13 in the Option Internationale du Baccalauréat is accepted. For alternative English language qualifications, please see below.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the NECO in at least five subjects at an average of B/C, and the first year of a university degree in a relevant subject with an average grade of 54%/2.00, to include any essential subject(s) at 60%/2.70.

English language: English at C6 or higher in the NECO is accepted. For alternative English language qualifications, please see below.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the WAEC in at least five subjects at an average of B/C, and the first year of a university degree in a relevant subject with an average grade of 54%/2.00, to include any essential subject(s) at 60%/2.70.

English language: English at C6 or higher in the WAEC is accepted. For alternative English language qualifications, please see below.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Sashualo Skolis Atestati (Secondary School Certificate) at an average grade of 7, and the first year of a university degree in a relevant subject with an average grade of 65%, to include any essential subject(s).

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Shualo Specialuri Sastsavleblis Diplomi (Special School Leaving Diploma) at an average grade of 7, and the first year of a university degree in a relevant subject with an average grade of 65%, to include any essential subject(s).

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Abitur with an overall grade of 2.4, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 11.

English language: Abitur English at grade 10 is accepted. For alternative English language qualifications, please see below.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the NECO in at least five subjects at an average of B/C, and the first year of a university degree in a relevant subject with an average grade of C/50%, to include any essential subject(s) at grade B/55%.

English language: English at C6 or higher in the NECO is accepted. For alternative English language qualifications, please see below.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the WAEC in at least five subjects at an average of B/C, and the first year of a university degree in a relevant subject with an average grade of C/50%, to include any essential subject(s) at grade B/55%.

English language: English at C6 or higher in the WAEC is accepted. For alternative English language qualifications, please see below.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Greek Apolytirion of Geniko Lykeio at grade 17 and 3 Pan-Hellenic exams at an average of 16, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 17.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Hong Kong HKDSE at 3333 in 4 core subjects, with elective subjects at 333 (for 3 electives) or 43 (for 2 electives), to include any essential subject(s) at 3.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Érettségi Bizonyítvány at an overall grade 4.0, with 2 higher subjects at grade 4, to include any essential subject(s).

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Stúdentspróf at an overall grade 6, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 6.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Indian Senior School (Year 12) exam at an average of 60%, to include any essential subject(s) at 65%.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan/Madrasah Aliyah (SMK / MA) at 71%, to include any essential subject(s).

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Post School Qualification Diploma 1 at 2.2, to include any essential subject(s).

Applicants from Ireland should check the UK Year 1 Entry tab for entry requirements with Irish Highers.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Te'udat Bagrut or Bagrut with at least 2 subjects at level 5 and 1 subject at level 4 at an average of 60%, to include any essential subject(s) at Level 5 with 65%.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Diploma di Esame di Stato at 70%, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 8 (on the 10 point scale) or grade 16 (on the 20 point scale).

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate at grade 3.5, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 4.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Certificate of Completed Secondary Education at an average of 3, and the first year of a university degree in a relevant subject with an average grade of 70% / 2.33, to include any essential subject(s).

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) at an average of B, to include any essential subject(s) at B.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Certificate of Complete General Secondary Education at an average of 3, and the first year of a university degree in a relevant subject with an average grade of 3.4, to include any essential subject(s).

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Atestas par vispārējo vidējo izglītību with an average score of 7, to include 3 state exams at a minimum of 70%, to include any essential subject(s) at 70%.

English language: 80% in the English state exam is accepted. For alternative English language qualifications, please see below.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Baccalauréat Libanais or Baccalauréat II with 12, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 12.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Brandos Atestatas with an average score of 7 with a minimum of 70% in 3 state exams, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 8.

English language: 80% in the English state exam is accepted. For alternative English language qualifications, please see below.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Diplôme de Fin d'Études Secondaires at an overall grade of 42, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 44.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Certificate of Higher Secondary Education with 70%, to include any essential subject(s) at 73%.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Ensino Secundário Complementar with grade 2.6, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 3.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Cambridge Overseas Higher School Certificate (COHSC) with grades CCC, to include any essential subject(s) at grade C.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Malawian School Certificate of Education at grade 5, and the first year of a university degree in a relevant subject with an average of 60%, to include any essential subject(s).

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) with a minimum of 3 subjects at BCC or 2.30 GPA, to include any essential subject(s) at grade B/3.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) with 4 subjects at 70% / B5 B5 B5 B5, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 75%/B5.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Matriculation Certificate Examination with grades BC at Advanced level and CCCC at Intermediate level, to include any essential subject(s) at Advanced level grade C.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Diplomă de Bacalaureat with an overall grade of 6.0, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 7.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Certificate of Secondary Education at 70%, and the first year of a university degree in a relevant subject with an average of 70%, to include any essential subject(s).

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Higher Secondary Education Certificate with a minimum of 65%, with essential subjects at 65%. On the 4-point GPA scale, applicants will need to pass with 2.6 GPA, with the essential subject at 2.8 GPA. 

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) with an overall score of 6.6, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 7.

English language: English at grade 8 in HAVO is accepted. For alternative English language qualifications, please see below.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the NECO in at least five subjects at an average of B/C, and the first year of a university degree in a relevant subject with an average grade of 2.5 or 50%, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 3.0 or 55%.

English language: English at C6 or higher in the NECO is accepted. For alternative English language qualifications, please see below.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the WAEC in at least five subjects at an average of B/C, and the first year of a university degree in a relevant subject with an average grade of 2.5/50%, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 3.0/55%.

English language: English at C6 or higher in the WAEC is accepted. For alternative English language qualifications, please see below.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Secondary School Leaving Diploma/Matura with an overall grade of 3.5, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 3.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Vitnemål for Vidergaende Opplaering with an overall average of 3.6, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 4.

English language: English at grade 4 in the Vitnemål for Vidergaende Opplaering is accepted. For alternative English language qualifications, please see below.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the General Secondary Education Certificate Examination at 65% minimum.

In addition, applicants will also need to have completed a Foundation Programme or the 1st year at University in a relevant subject, with an average grade of 3.0 GPA (on a 4 point scale), to include any essential subject at 3.0 (on a 4 point scale). 

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Higher Secondary School Certificate at an average of 60%, and the first year of a university degree in a relevant subject with an average grade of 60%/2.5, to include any essential subject(s) at 68%.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Senior High School with a minimum average of 80% in the relevant subject. 

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Matura with an average score of 60%, to include 3 Advanced subjects at a minimum of 50%, to include any essential subject(s) at Advanced level with a score of 70%.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Diploma/Certificado Nível Secundário de Educação with an overall grade of 14, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 16.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Qatar Senior School Certificate (Shahadat Al-Thanawaya Al-Aama) at an average of 60%, and the first year of a university degree in a relevant subject with an average grade of 2.0/70%, to include any essential subject(s) at 2.5/75%.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Diplomă de Bacalaureat with an overall grade of 7, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 8.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Attestat o Srednem Obrzovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education) at an average of 4, and the first year of a university degree in a relevant subject with an average grade of 3.5, to include any essential subject(s).

Applicants will typically be required to pass the General Secondary Education Certificate (Tawjihiyah) with an average of 60%, and either the post-secondary diploma or first year of a university degree in a relevant subject with an average grade of 3.0/70%, to include any essential subject(s) at 75%.

Applicants will typically be required to pass Singapore GCE A-Levels with grades CCC, to include any essential subject(s).

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Vysvedčenie o maturitnej skúške at grade 2.4, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 2.

English language: English at B2 level at grade 2 in the Vysvedčenie o maturitnej skúške is accepted. For alternative English language qualifications, please see below.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Maturitetno spričevalo at grade 3.5, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 4.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the National Senior Certificate (with Matriculation Endorsement) with 4 subjects at 5555, to include any essential subject(s).

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Título de Bachiller with an average score of 6.8, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 7.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Sudan School Certificate with an average of 60%/C, and the first year of a university degree in a relevant subject with an average grade of 65%/B, to include any essential subject(s).

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Avgangsbetyg/Slutbetyg fran Gymnasieskola with an average score of 15.5, to include any essential subject(s) at level 5 grade B.

English language: English Level 5 at grade B or English Level 6 at grade C in the Avgangsbetyg/Slutbetyg fran Gymnasieskola is accepted. For alternative English language qualifications, please see below.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Certificat de Maturité with an overall grade of 4.2, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 5.

Applicants will typically be required to pass Maturitätszeugnis with an overall grade of 4.2, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 5.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Attestato Di Maturità with an overall grade of 4.2, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 5.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Certificate of Complete General Secondary Education at an average of 3, and the first year of a university degree in a relevant subject with an average grade of 3.4, to include any essential subject(s).

Applicants will typically be required to complete the Certificate of Secondary Education/Maw 6 with an average of 70%/3.0, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 3; or complete the first year of a university degree in a relevant subject with an average of 2.0, to include any essential subject(s) at 2.5.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the High School Diploma at an average of 80%, to include any essential subject(s) at 75%.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the High School Diploma at an average of 75%, to include any essential subject(s) at 70%.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Certificate of Secondary Education at an average of 3, and the first year of a university degree in a relevant subject with an average grade of 3.5, to include any essential subject(s).

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Certificate of Complete General Secondary Education, and the first year of a university degree in a relevant subject with an average grade of 65% / 2.2 (on the 4 point scale) / 4.0 (on the 5 point scale), to include any essential subject(s).

Applicants will typically be required to pass the General Secondary Education Certificate Examination at 65%, and the first year of a university degree in a relevant subject with an average grade of 2.0, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 2.3.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the High School Diploma with a GPA of 3.0 (on a 4-point scale) plus ONE of:  

  • SAT (I) score of 1100 (minimum 550 on each section)
  • 3 AP Tests at grades 3 or above
  • ACT Composite score of 25

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Diploma of Academic Lyceum at an average of 3, and the first year of a university degree in a relevant subject with an average grade of 60%, to include any essential subject(s).

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Título de Técnico Superior Universitario, and the first year of a university degree in a relevant subject with an average grade of 50% / 6.1 (on the 10 point scale) / 12 (on the 20 point scale), to include any essential subject(s).

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at Advanced Level with grades CCC, to include any essential subject(s).

Applicants will typically be required to pass the High School Diploma at an average of 80% / B / WU, to include any essential subject(s) at 75%.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Baccalaureat or Baccalureat Technique with an average of 12/20 to include any essential subject(s) at 12.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Baccalauréat Général/Professionnel/Technologique at an overall grade 12, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 13.

English language. English at grade 14 in the Baccalauréat Général/Professionnel/Technologique is accepted. For alternative English language qualifications, please see below.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Option Internationale du Baccalauréat at an overall grade 11, to include any essential subject(s) at grade 13.

English language. English at grade 13 in the Option Internationale du Baccalauréat is accepted. For alternative English language qualifications, please see below.

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Baccalaureate/Baccalaureate Technique at grade 13 or higher and have 1 year of a University degree with an average grade of 50% or 2.5GPA (on the 5 point scale) in a relevant subject. The essential subject will need to be achieved at 55% or a 3.0GPA (on the 5 point scale). 


All courses at Abertay University are taught in English. If your first language is not English, you will need to demonstrate that you meet our English language requirements.

Please see English Language Requirements for the full list of accepted qualifications and further details.

For more information on the application process, tuition fees and scholarships, studying in Scotland, and to contact our International Team, please visit our International Students page.

 

Not sure if you're eligible for entry?

If you have the potential and motivation to study at university, regardless of your background or personal circumstances, we welcome your application.  

We understand some people have faced extra challenges before applying to university, which is why we consider the background in which your academic grades have been achieved when making an offer.  

If you expect to receive passes in three Scottish Highers (grades A-C) and have...  

  • been in care, or are a young carer yourself

  • attended a school or lived in an area where not many people go to university

  • are eligible for free school meals

  • are a young person estranged from your family

  • are a government-recognised refugee or have asylum seeker status

  • are a registered pupil with sustained engagement in a targeted aspiration-raising programme such as LIFT OFF, LEAPS, FOCUS West or Aspire North  

... we encourage you to submit an application.

Ukrainian flag

Support for Ukrainian students

We're keen to offer help to Ukrainian students who may wish to transfer from their existing institution in Ukraine or to register with us as new students for intake in September. There will be no tuition fees charged for the duration of the degree programme, as those with refugee status are treated as ‘Home/Scottish’ students and will also have access to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland bursary and student loans. Our Recruitment Team can help guide applicants.

FIND OUT MORE

Fees and funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you depends on factors such as your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. 

More information

Find out about grants, bursaries, tuition fee loans, maintenance loans and living costs in our undergraduate fees and funding section.

 

Scholarships

We offer a range of scholarships to help support your studies with us.

As well as Abertay scholarships for English, Welsh, Northern Irish and international students, there are a range of corporate and philanthropic scholarships available. Some are course specific, many are not. There are some listed below or you can visit the Undergraduate scholarship pages.

Scholarships

Abertay RUK Scholarship: Science and Social Science

A scholarship for prospective undergraduate Science and Social Science students applying from England, Wales or Northern Ireland.

Abertay International Scholarship

This is an award of up to £12,000 for prospective international undergraduate students.

The Robert Reid Bursary

Two £1,000 awards for students who have overcome challenges to attend university.

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