Psychology Higher

What is special about this course?

This Course develops learners’ ability to analyse psychological explanations for individual and social behaviour. Psychology provides learners with opportunities to find out about some of the ways that thoughts and emotions can affect how we feel and behave. Psychological knowledge of individual and social behaviour can support learners in personal and professional relationships, and can enable them to understand some of the factors that influence behaviour. Learning in psychology therefore offers a suitable context for finding out about factors that are important to being a confident individual and a successful learner.

Good reasons to study this course are:

  • All lecturers within the department are experienced practitioners within their field, which enables them to work from the same values base and view students holistically
  • Interesting course work
  • Relevant for personal and professional development
  • Can inspire students to progress onto further training or study
  • You will gain the opportunity to understand and participate in research

 

Entry requirements

Candidates would normally be expected to have attained one of the following (or equivalent): National 5 Psychology, one National Qualification in a social subject, Standard Grade English and maths or equivalent.


Adult learners will be considered without these qualifications.

Research
The learner will evaluate the research process in psychology. This will involve explaining the stages of the research process, evaluating experimental and non-experimental research methods, explaining ethical guidelines and evaluating and sampling methods. The learner will be able to calculate and present data using descriptive statistics, and to apply and justify choice of method to research scenarios.


Social Behaviour
The learner will analyse topics relating to human social behaviour and apply understanding of social psychology to everyday behaviour. This will involve explaining concepts or theories associated with a topic in social psychology, and evaluating psychological research evidence relevant to the topic.


Individual Behaviour
The learner will analyse topics relating to individual behaviour, and will be able to explain how psychological knowledge and understanding can be applied to support individual wellbeing. This will involve explaining a topic relevant to individual behaviour, and include evaluating psychological approaches and theories used in explaining individual behaviour.

How will I study my course?

  • Part Time

You will study through short internet-supported lectures, group discussions, individual exercises, carrying out psychological research and personal study.

How long will my course last?

1 Year

Mondays from 1.15pm – 4.30pm

Where can I study my course?

    • Lerwick Campus

Start date

September

Fees

For the latest information on fees please see our fees policy.

Funding

Most full-time students will have their fees paid.

Students on part-time courses may also be eligible to have their course fees waived.

For more information see the funding page. 

What can I do on completion of my course?

Academic: This course can be considered towards entry into a higher level of study such as Higher National Certificate (HNC) / Higher National Diploma (HND) or BSc (Hons) Psychology courses.


Employment/Career: Achieving this Higher can be used as a stepping stone into various career paths such as sports, educational and clinical psychology, through further study in higher education.


Former students have: Changed their career path by going on to study a degree in psychology either at Shetland UHI or at another university.

Is there more information available online?

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"First class course, thoroughly enjoyable.  The whole course gave a really good insight into human development from different psychological perspectives.  Mind opening and very well taught."  Rachel Bryant.

“A challenging Higher providing insight into the study of human behaviour and psychological research” - Susan Menary, lecturer

Apply for Psychology Higher

I want to start in 2023/24
I want to start in 2024/25

We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at UHI Shetland. UHI Shetland operates a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion and/or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.