Social Sciences incorporating ICS
Psychology Higher
Campus Sighthill Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 6
Study mode Evening
Start date
Aug 2026
Course enquiry form
Course overview
This fascinating course will enable you to explain the human mind and behaviour from a range of psychological perspectives. The Higher allows you to conduct practical research involving human participants, in accordance with recognised ethical standards. This course is academically challenging and requires the ability to study independently.
National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications, accredited by the SQA, are typically studied at high school and college. These qualifications serve as pathways to further study, including entry to university. Edinburgh College offers a selection of subjects at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher levels on a part-time basis. You may choose to study up to two subjects.
Course Fees: £416 per subject. Fees will be confirmed when an application has been processed. Some applicants may be eligible for fee remission.
What you will learn
- Research: Understand the research process and methods used in psychology and develop the skills needed to conduct and evaluate psychological research using numerical skills and psychological terminology.
- Individual Behaviour: Analyse individual behaviour by investigating various topics and how they can be explained using psychological approaches and theories. Why do we sleep? Why do we dream? Do our dreams have meanings?
- Social Behaviour: Examine how interactions with others shape everyday social behaviour. You will investigate psychological explanations of social behaviour and use research evidence to analyse how individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are influenced by their social environment. Who is more likely to conform? Why do we follow the orders of authority figures?
- Additional Topic: Depression or Memory
How the course is assessed
- You will be assessed by an examination (67%) and an assignment (33%).
- The examination paper will sample psychological knowledge and understanding from the three topics and will also require you to apply your knowledge and experience to explain human behaviour.
- The assignment will require you to plan, carry out and report on your psychological research investigation.
Number of days per week
- Tuition will be held online (3 hours per week).
- There will also be a 2-hour online drop-in session every week.
Entry requirements
- 2 A/B passes at National 5 OR 2 relevant Highers at Grade C.
- These passes should include English and Psychology (or another social subject, e.g. History, Modern Studies, Geography).
- You should identify the reason for choosing to study Psychology in your course application.
English Proficiency Requirements
IELTS 6.0Progression and Articulation Routes
- A variety of HNC/D courses
- University courses that require a suite of Highers
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Sighthill Campus | Evening | 19/08/26 |
