BA Hons Applied Psychology

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Robert Gordon University

Program Overview

Program Overview:
This four-year degree begins with two years of broad social sciences before allowing you to specialise in psychology. Delivered by a friendly, research-active team, the programme equips you with transferable skills and a deep understanding of how human behaviour intersects with society.

Curriculum Structure

Year One
Students complete the Applied Social Sciences first year, studying introductory modules in psychology, sociology, politics, and research methods. This helps build strong foundations in academic skills and social science thinking.

Year Two
Continuing on the Applied Social Sciences route, you dive deeper into social science theory with increasing focus on psychology-related content and methods. You also refine academic practice through analytical and practical assignments.

Year Three
At this point you transition into psychology specialisation. Core modules cover psychological theory, research methods, and real-world applications, allowing you to see how psychology connects with contemporary social issues.

Year Four
Your final year allows elective selection across diverse psychology areas and features a core dissertation project. You’ll tailor your study towards topics that interest you and gain experience in independent research.

Placement or Study Abroad Option:
Although not formally embedded, optional placements or study-abroad modules may be available via electives, especially in Years Three or Four.

Focus Areas:
Human cognition and behaviour, social science perspectives, research and analytical skills, psychology in applied and societal contexts.

Learning Outcomes:
Graduates will be able to analyse psychological and social phenomena, conduct qualitative and quantitative research, apply psychological knowledge in real-world situations, and communicate ideas effectively across disciplines.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
This programme is not accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). Students seeking access to professional psychology roles in the UK may need to take a BPS-accredited conversion course or pursue postgraduate training.

Reputation & Facilities:
RGU is a well-established university known for its strong student support, smaller class sizes, and high student satisfaction. Based on Aberdeen’s scenic Garthdee Campus, students benefit from personalised teaching and access to dedicated social science resources.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This BPS-accredited degree emphasizes real-world application of psychological theory in diverse sectors such as healthcare, education, business, and social care.

Key experiential features include:

  • Opportunities for placements and internships in schools, charities, mental health, and support services
  • Use of research labs and observational facilities for practical training in psychological methods
  • Applied modules that focus on behaviour change, wellbeing, workplace psychology, and intervention planning
  • Community-based projects and client-focused assignments to develop consultancy skills
  • Final-year honours project on an applied topic of your choice, supervised by expert staff

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates are equipped with both theoretical insight and practical experience, preparing them for diverse professional settings or further study.

Typical roles include:
Mental Health Support Worker, Assistant Psychologist, Behavioural Coach, Social Researcher, HR Assistant

Career and academic support includes:

  • Employability-enhancing modules and career planning support throughout the course
  • Guest lectures and networking opportunities with practicing psychologists and organisations
  • Pathways to postgraduate study in Clinical, Educational, Occupational, or Counselling Psychology

Further Academic Progression

Graduates often continue into MSc or Doctorate programmes in Applied Psychology fields or pursue HCPC registration to become Chartered Psychologists.

Program Key Stats

£16,980
£ 29
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


Eligibility Criteria

BCC
2.8
27
60

1000
24
6.0
80

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Clinical psychologist
  • Counselling psychologist
  • Assistant psychologist
  • Mental health worker
  • CBT therapist
  • Educational psychologist
  • Academic researcher
  • Data analyst
  • HR officer
  • Community support worker

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