Psychology SCQF 6 (Online Virtual Classroom) Higher

What is special about this course?

Psychology is best defined as 'the scientific study of the mind and behaviour' therefore you should have, aside from a basic interest in human behaviour, a good basic grasp of scientific principles and the ability to analyse and evaluate psychological theories and research studies.

The central theme of the course is to enable you to investigate psychological knowledge and research, which promotes your understanding of individual and social behaviour. You will analyse and evaluate concepts and theories, and draw on research evidence to explain human behaviour.

Entry requirements

Psychology at National 5 level or 3 National 5 subjects at C or above, including one literary subject.

 

The course consists of three areas of study:

Individual behaviour

You will analyse individual behaviour, investigate topics and learn how these topics can be explained using psychological theories and research evidence.

Social behaviour

You will analyse how interaction with others shapes social behaviour. You will investigate psychological explanations for social behaviour, and use research evidence to analyse how the thoughts, feelings and behaviours of individuals are influenced by their social environment.

Research

You will understand and apply the research process and research methods used in psychology. You will develop the skills required to conduct and evaluate psychological research.

Equipment

Internet connection and a suitable device with headphones, microphone and camera (minimum spec) is required. Please email us if you have any concerns about connectivity or equipment.
 

How will I study my course?

  • Part Time
  • Evening
  • Online
  • Vocational Pathway
  • Online Virtual Classroom
  • Monday evenings 6pm - 9pm
  • Optional tutorial 5pm - 5.45pm

You will learn online through timetabled classes delivered by a lecturer in a virtual classroom on Microsoft Teams. You'll use our virtual learning environment to access resources, complete assessments, and chat to your lecturer and classmates. You will have to attend one of our campuses or centres for SQA assessments.

How long will my course last?

1 Academic Year

Where can I study my course?

    • Online

Fees

 

SCQF 4 - 6 Scottish Fee 2026/27 RUK and International 

National 4, 5, Highers and Advanced Highers

 £370 £1517

A fee waiver could be available to help with the payment of your course fees depending on your personal circumstances, please check our fee waiver guidance to see if you are eligible, please also see the additional costs associated with this course.  

Fees are payable at the time of enrolment each academic year. Please get in touch with accountsreceivable.nwh@uhi.ac.uk if you have any further questions. 

Additional costs  

This course requires you to attend a UHI North, West and Hebrides campus or centre for your prelim assessment. Travel to one of our UHI North, West and Hebrides centres will be at your own expense.

This course includes a final exam. Your final exam will take place at one of our exam centres (SQA) Alness, Auchtertyre, Fort William, Portree, Stornoway or Thurso. Travel to this centre will be at your own expense.

There is no charge for assessments and exams that take place in UHI North, West and Hebrides centres (Alness, Auchtertyre, Fort William, Portree, Stornoway or Thurso).

It may be possible to sit final exams at one of the other UHI campuses who may charge for the cost of the room hire and staff invigilation. These costs will be at your own expense. This would need to be agreed and organised by you.

 

What can I do on completion of my course?

Higher Psychology provides suitable preparation for entry to higher education courses in psychology or further study in other academic and vocational subjects.  Examples are sciences or Social Science at HNC or degree level.  The varied skills, knowledge and discipline offer students preparation for careers in research, teaching, chartered psychology (forensic, clinical, educational, occupational) or other employment.

Is there more information available online?

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I chose to study psychology because learning more about how we think and feel whilst having the opportunity to use these skills by making a positive impact on people's lives.  

This learning style enabled me to become more independent. On the calls you can keep your cameras or microphones off or on which means that you have the opportunity to speak up or to type in the chat box, giving you the choice based on what you feel comfortable with.

This course will help me if I decide to go into a career in Psychology, however even if I decide not to, I believe that this course will benefit any career as it gives you the skills to become more understanding to everyone around you.

Lexi MacLeod

Apply for Psychology SCQF 6 (Online Virtual Classroom) Higher

We are no longer accepting applications for 2025/26

I want to start in 2026/27

We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at UHI North, West and Hebrides. UHI North, West and Hebrides 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.