Social Sciences incorporating ICS
Psychology Higher (SCP)
Campus
Milton Road Campus
Sighthill Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 6
Study mode Part time
Start date
Aug 2026
Choose your study options
Course enquiry form
Course overview
This course is for S6 pupils who are still at school.
Higher Psychology will teach you to explore the human mind and behaviour in different contexts. You will investigate human behaviour by analysing academic evidence. As Psychology is a research-based subject, this course will allow you to conduct your research.
If you want to understand why people behave and think the way they do, then this course is for you.
This course is academically challenging and requires the ability to study independently.
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.
- Social Behaviour: Examine how interactions with others shape everyday social behaviour. You will investigate psychological explanations for social behaviour and will use research evidence to analyse how the thoughts, feelings and behaviours of individuals are influenced by their social environment.
You will learn why we spend a third of our lives sleeping, why adolescents are more likely to be night owls than morning larks, why sleep deprivation affects mental health, what your dreams mean and much more in this area of Individual Behaviour.
You will also learn why some people are more obedient than others, why some people change their thoughts and behaviour to match the majority, why we conform in some situations but not in others and much more in this area of Social Behaviour.
You may also study depression, prejudice or social relationships.
How the course is assessed
- You will sit an examination that SQA marks.
- You will conduct psychological research and submit a report to SQA.
Number of days per week
- Two afternoons per week, Tuesday and Thursday, 1.30 PM - 4.00 PM.
- At our Sighthill campus, the Tuesday afternoon class will be online, and the Thursday afternoon class will be on campus.
- At the Milton Road campus, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons will be on campus.
Entry requirements
- Higher English at Grade B and another relevant subject at Higher (Grade B) level e.g. History, Modern Studies, Biology.
- This is an extremely demanding academic course, and applicants need to ensure they can give the time and commitment required. They need to be able to work independently and juggle the demands of their school and college workload.
English Proficiency Requirements
IELTS 5.5Progression and Articulation Routes
- HNC Social Science
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Milton Road Campus | Part time | 18/08/26 |
| Sighthill Campus | Part time | 18/08/26 |
