MA Psychology and Linguistics

Year 1

Psychology

We focus on research methods and statistical analysis in this programme. You will:

• be trained in basic concepts in research methods and statistics
• learn how to programme in the R language
• have a practical introduction to laboratory-based psychology research

Through lectures and tutorials, you will complete a general introduction to psychology, covering:

• cognitive psychology
• developmental psychology
• the psychology of memory and perception
• individual differences
• language and thinking
• social psychology

We recommend you take the Data Analysis for Psychology in R1 course. This course provides the foundations for working with:

• data
• probability
• hypothesis testing
• the R statistical programming environment

Linguistics

You will take two semester-long introductory courses:

• Linguistics and English Language 1A - offers a brief introduction to the study of language in general and of English in particular

• Linguistics and English Language 1B - will help you develop the tools and knowledge needed to investigate different subsystems of language

In this year, you will also study:

• regional and social variations of language in general (especially in the English language)
• semantics and pragmatics

Option course

You will also choose from a range of option courses outside your primary subject.

Year 2

Psychology

To prepare you for Year 3, you will complete a year-long, intensive grounding in:

• research methods
• statistics
• R programming

You will continue to study core areas of psychology, developing an understanding of topics such as:

• individual differences
• abnormal, developmental and social psychology
• perception
• cognitive psychology
• language
• memory/learning

You will practise and develop your professional and study skills, such as:

• reviewing scientific literature
• report writing
• ethical awareness

Linguistics

You will take Linguistic Theory and the Structure of English. In this, you will learn detailed aspects of modern English structure.

You will take another linguistics course in either Cross Linguistic Variation or Phonetic Analysis and Empirical Methods.

Year 3

Psychology

You will choose advanced courses in psychology. These will expand on and combine the core areas required for British Psychological Society (BPS) accreditation.

To support your research work, you will use R in courses on research methods.

Linguistics

You will also take a selection of courses in linguistics. These may include:

• Speech Production and Perception
• Origins and Evolution of Language
• Child Bilingualism
• Pragmatics

Year 4

Psychology

You must take two courses in research methods and statistics.

You will complete option courses that focus on specific areas of psychology. These courses build on and combine the core domains of psychology:

• biological
• developmental
• cognitive
• social and individual differences

Course options change each year depending on new topics, staff availability and student demand.

Examples of courses offered include:

• Social Psychology of Groups
• Introduction to Neural Network Modelling
• Methods and Controversies on Parapsychology
• Psycholinguistics of Language Production
• Clinical Psychological Problems in Context

Linguistics

In linguistics, course options might be:

• Language Variation and Change
• Language Pathology
• Psycholinguistics
• First Language Acquisition

Dissertation

You will also complete a dissertation in either language sciences or psychology.

Programme structure

Find out more about the compulsory and optional courses in this degree programme.

To give you an idea of what you will study on this programme, we publish the latest available information. However, please note this may not be for your year of entry, but for a different academic year.

Programme structure (2024/25)

Our facilities

Teaching will take place at the Psychology building at George Square, and at other locations in the University's Central Area. You will have access to:

• specialised laboratories
• the School's own dedicated library
• the University's Main Library and computer facilities

Take a virtual tour

You can take a closer look at the Psychology building and explore our facilities and campus on the University's Virtual Visit site.

Take a virtual tour of the Psychology building

Study abroad

There are opportunities to study in Europe through international exchange programmes.

What are my options for going abroad?

How will I learn?

Courses are taught through a combination of:

• lectures
• tutorials
• practical classes
• project work
• peer-supported group work
• computer-based exercises

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed through coursework and exams.

In Year 3, you will complete a group research project.

In Year 4, you will complete an independent research project (dissertation).

You will develop skills in:

• research
• statistics
• information technology
• report-writing

These skills are valued by employers in various sectors.

Psychology

Many psychology graduates have gone on to work in:

• healthcare and social services
• charitable organisations
• human resources
• management
• business and finance
• consulting
• media and advertising

Some students continue their studies to enter a research or teaching career. Others go on to train as a professional psychologist in a field such as:

• clinical psychology
• educational psychology
• forensic psychology
• health psychology
• organisational psychology

Linguistics

Linguistics graduates work in a wide range of fields, including:

• journalism
• international relations
• translation
• marketing
• social research

Recent graduates have taken up funded places on MSc programmes, or have found employment in speech technology research.

A linguistics qualification is also good for careers in professions such as:

• speech and language therapy
• adult literacy
• teaching English as a foreign language

Standard entry requirement

The standard entry requirement is:

• SQA Highers: AAAA (achievement by end of S5 preferred). BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6. (Revised 18/04/2024 to lower entry requirements from AAAAA.)
• A Levels: A*AA.
• IB: 39 points with 666 at HL.

Minimum entry requirement

The minimum entry requirement for widening access applicants is:

• SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• A Levels: ABB.
• IB: 34 points with 655 at HL.

More information for widening access applicants

Required subjects

The grades used to meet our entry requirements must include:

• SQA: Highers: one from Biology or Human Biology, Chemistry, Computing Science or equivalent, Geography, Mathematics, Physics, or Psychology at B. Higher Applications of Mathematics is not accepted in place of Higher Mathematics. National 5s: English at C. Mathematics at A or Mathematics and Physics both at B or Higher Mathematics at C.
• A Levels: one from Biology or Human Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science or equivalent, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, or Psychology at B. GCSEs: English at C or 4 and Mathematics at A or 7, or Mathematics and Physics both at B or 6, or Mathematics, Science plus Additional Science (or science double award) at BB or 66.
• IB: HL: one of Biology or Human Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science or equivalent, Geography, Mathematics, Physics, or Psychology at 5. SL: English at 5 and Mathematics at 6 (if not at HL).

Find out more about entry requirements

International applicants

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Entry requirements by country

International Foundation Programme

If you are an international student and your school qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to the University you may be eligible for admission to this degree programme through our International Foundation Programme.

International Foundation Programme

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from mature students and accept a range of qualifications.

Mature applicant qualifications

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.

SQA, GCSE and IB

For SQA, GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher:

• SQA National 5 at C
• GCSE at C or 4
• Level 2 Certificate at C
• IB Standard Level at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry)

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component.We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 162 in each component.
• Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 65 with at least 54 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
• Oxford ELLT: 7 overall with at least 5 in each component.*

We also accept a wider range of international qualifications and tests.

Unless you are a national of a majority English speaking country, your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start of the month in which the degree you are applying to study begins. If you are using an IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, Oxford ELLT, or Trinity ISE test, it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the degree begins, regardless of your nationality.

English language requirements

(*Revised 24 May 2024 to change PTE Academic requirement from total 62 with at least 54 in each component, and to clarify that we do not accept PTE Academic online. Revised 29 August 2024 to add Oxford ELLT requirements.)

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It is one of many sources of information which will enable you to make an informed decision on what and where to study.

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for MA Psychology and Linguistics

Additional costs

None.

Funding

For more information on how much it will cost to study with us and the financial support available see our fees and funding information.

Fees and funding

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