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Social Sciences incorporating ICS

Psychology Higher

Campus Sighthill Campus

Qualification SCQF Level 6

Study mode Evening

Start date Aug 2025

Cost £400
(see funding options)

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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 that involves working with human participants following 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 act as pathways to further study, including university entry. 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: £400 per subject. Fees will be confirmed when an application has been processed.

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 for social behaviour and will use research evidence to analyse how the thoughts, feelings and behaviours of individuals 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 take place (3 hours per week) every Wednesday from 5 PM to 8 PM.
  • You will attend our Sighthill campus every week.

Entry requirements

  • 2 A/B passes at National 5.
  • These passes should include English and Psychology (or another social subject, e.g. History). 
  • You should identify the reason for choosing to study Psychology in your course application. 

    English Proficiency Requirements

    IELTS 6.0

    Progression and Articulation Routes

    • A variety of HNC/D courses
    • University courses that require a suite of Highers

    Study Options

    Campus Study mode Start date Cost
    Sighthill Campus Evening 20/08/25 £400

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