Behavioural Studies

Behavioural Studies at Aberdeen brings together internationally recognised researchers in social cognition, neuroscience, lifespan development, perception, language and cognition, and occupational/industrial psychology in a supportive and stimulating teaching environment.

Why Aberdeen?

Behavioural Studies at Aberdeen brings together internationally recognised researchers in social cognition, neuroscience, lifespan development, perception, language, and cognition, and occupational/industrial psychology in a supportive and stimulating teaching environment.

• There are a range of specialised laboratories including those for brain imaging analysis, eye movement recording, movement analysis, visual neuroscience, and face recognition.
• The School is the oldest in the UK, being founded over 100 years ago, and maintains a strong commitment to providing a supportive and stimulating environment for undergraduate studies

Programmes

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Study Abroad

Students intending to do an Honours degree in Behavioural Studies can study abroad in second year of their undergraduate degree, subject to approval of the overseas curriculum by the Head of School. 

The opportunity to take Enhanced Study options as part of your degree and participate in co-curricular activities. See www.abdn.ac.uk/thedifference for more information.

Courses are available from first to fourth year. Behavioural Studies can be studied as a four year Honours degree or a three year Designated degree.  Progression to Honours is based on  passes in all level 1 and level 2 pre-requisite courses.

First Year  

In the Concepts and Theory course there are lectures and workshops on: Biological Psychology; Developmental Psychology (human development from infancy to old age); Animal Learning and Behaviour; Cognitive Psychology; Perceptual Psychology and Social Psychology. In the Methods and Applications course there are lectures and practical classes that aim to give you a basic understanding of research methodology and descriptive statistics used in psychological research. 

Second Year

In the Concepts and Theory course there are lectures on: Developmental Psychology; Behavioural Neuroscience; Language and Cognition; Organizational Psychology; Perception; Social Psychology; Clinical Psychology. The Methods and Applications course builds on your research methodology skills acquired in first year to examine alternative and more complex methodologies and statistics used in psychological research. 

Third & Fourth Year (Honours)

At level 3, there are lectures and tutorials on: Biological Psychology; Developmental Psychology; Human Memory; Perception; Psychological Assessment and Social Psychology. Students also study an additional 30 credits of courses from other subjects.

At level 4, students carry out a library-based thesis project. They also select six options, currently from the following list: Evolutionary Psychology; Human Neuropsychology; Abnormal Psychology; The Cognitive Neuroscience of Person Perception;  Human Factors; Cognition  and Learning, Visual Awareness; Applications of Cognitive Neuroscience; Perspectives on Social Attributions and Brain and Body.  

Variations

Students doing the Joint Honours programme take a fully prescribed curriculum of level 3 Psychology courses spread across third and fourth year, and complete a smaller empirical project in their final year. The Major-Minor degrees include language courses at levels 1, 2 and 4. At level 4, students select four of the option courses instead of six. 

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching is by means of lectures, laboratory practicals, workshops and tutorials, with individual thesis supervision at level 4. Assessment is by means of examination and continuous assessment.

Careers

Behavioural Studies graduates have many employment opportunities (occasionally after further postgraduate training) in psychology-related fields. Further areas benefiting from an understanding of the human mind and behaviour include careers in education, business, marketing, and advertising.

Further details of opportunities for graduates can be obtained from the BPS website www.bps.org.uk/careers/.

Finding your direction

There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success.  The Careers Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us – from first to final year – and beyond.

• More information on employability at the University of Aberdeen.
• More information on the Careers Service.
• More information on careers prospects and employability with a degree in Behavioural Studies.

Entrance Requirements

SQA Highers - AABB*
A Levels - BBB*
IB - 32 points, 5 at HL
ILC - BBBB
*Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/Science subjects.

Advanced Entry - Advanced Highers ABB, A Levels ABB, or IB 34 points (6 at HL)including Psychology at A.

For further details of entrance requirements click here

Please click on the links below to find out more information on funding in your area.

• Scotland and EU (Excluding England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• Rest of UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• International
• Scholarships

Related Links

• Scholarships
• Entrance Scholarships
• Funding Database
• England Wales and Northern Ireland Finance Guide