MA Psychology and Sociology
About this course
MA (Hons) in Psychology and Sociology, a combined psychology and sociology degree focused on human behaviour, social structures and societal relationships. Core topics include Programming, Statistics, Research Methods, and Communication & Writing. This four-year undergraduate degree provides thorough training across both disciplines, drawing on empirical investigation and contextual analysis. The first year introduces basic concepts in research methods and statistics alongside the R language, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, biological psychology, differential psychology, and social psychology. The second year continues with research methods, statistics, R programming, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, differential psychology, biological psychology, social psychology, and reviewing scientific literature. The third year builds on this with advanced statistical analysis using R programming and qualitative methods applied in a group project.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: from A*A*A* to AAA (required: Biology or Human Biology at B, Chemistry at B, Computer Science or equivalent at B, Environmental Science at B, Geography at B, Geology at B, Life and Health Science at B, Mathematics at B, Physics at B, Psychology at B, Statistics at B) IB: from 37 points with 666 at HL to 34 points with 655 at HL
What students say
Based on about 44 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 87%
- Learning opportunities: 82%
- Assessment and feedback: 74%
- Academic support: 88%
- Organisation and management: 88%
- Learning resources: 90%
- Student voice: 74%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 80 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 93%
- Left higher education: 6%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 1%
What graduates do next
Based on about 14 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 85%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation: 10%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Welfare and housing associate professionals: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 5%
- Research and Development (RandD) and Other Research Professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 60%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 35%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 50 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- London: 15%
- South East: 5%
- South West: 5%
- Scotland: 70%
Who gets in
Based on about 75 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 77%
- Baccalaureate: 8%
- Access course: 3%
- Other HE qualification: 8%
- No formal qualifications: 6%
Modules
- be trained in basic concepts in research methods and statistics
- learn how to programme in the R language
- learn to use a variety of qualitative methods
- have a practical introduction to laboratory-based psychology research
- cognitive psychology
- developmental psychology
- biological psychology
- differential psychology
- social psychology
- social change
- drug use
- race
- ethnicity
- gender
- research methods
- statistics
- R programming
- cognitive psychology
- developmental psychology
- differential psychology
- biological psychology
- social psychology
- reviewing scientific literature
- report writing
- ethical awareness
- advanced statistical analysis using R programming
- qualitative methods which are applied in a group project
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Psychology and Sociology at University of Edinburgh earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £26,500 after 3 years, £32,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £23,500 and £40,500. The £32,000 median after five years is £4,500 more than the UK median for Psychology.
What do graduates of MA Psychology and Sociology at University of Edinburgh do next?
95% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MA Psychology and Sociology at University of Edinburgh?
87% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA Psychology and Sociology at University of Edinburgh?
The typical offer is AAA at A level, or 37 points in the IB. The average entrant had 180 UCAS points.
Does MA Psychology and Sociology at University of Edinburgh include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MA Psychology and Sociology at University of Edinburgh?
93% of students continued into their second year, and 6% left higher education.