Entry requirements
Entry to this course is recommended for pupils who have achieved L4 during BGE and will be working towards N5 qualifications in S4 or above.
Why take this course?
The course is suitable for all learners with an interest in developing their knowledge and understanding of human behaviour, either to pursue study and career options related to psychology or to broaden their learning experience. Learners will probably have little or no prior experience of studying psychology, but an interest in human behaviour and life experience provides a good foundation to progress to this qualification.
What you will experience
You will develop knowledge and understanding of factors to consider when planning and carrying out psychological research. Investigating topics on individual and social behaviour and learning how these topics can be explained using psychological theories, relevant concepts, and research evidence. Discovering how the thoughts, feelings and behaviours of individuals are developed through interaction within the social environment.
You will be taught at the Aberdeen City Campus by a College lecturer, by means of traditional teaching and lecturing, presentations, class discussions and group work activities. Regular class debates will form an integral part of the course, and use of online resources will encourage you to explore and research key issues in everyday life. Throughout the course delivery you will be offered an opportunity to review and identify how your skills are developing.
You will be expected to demonstrate:
- Good organisational and timekeeping skills
- An interest in the course content and a commitment to learning
- An ability to work independently
There will also be an external exam during the SQA Exam Diet.
Key Facts
Everything you need to know about applying for this course.
What you will need
A laptop device is required for this course – your school should be able to provide this for you.
What you need to know
In order to take part in this course, you should:
- Be ready to start your class at the given time
- Adhere to the School Pupils Code of Commitment
Being able to access online resources outwith the school or College environment will be an important part of your participation in this course. You will also be expected to spend time self-studying and working on a research project throughout the year.
Eating and drinking is not permitted in the classrooms. Drinking water is available from water dispensers in the corridors within the College buildings.
Delivery
This course is taught through blended delivery. Each week, learners will have one two-hour class in College, and one two-hour online session for directed self-study during which they will complete classwork.
Entry requirements
Entry to this course is recommended for pupils who have achieved L4 during BGE and will be working towards N5 qualifications in S4 or above.
What you will need
A laptop device is required for this course – your school should be able to provide this for you.
What you need to know
In order to take part in this course, you should:
- Be ready to start your class at the given time
- Adhere to the School Pupils Code of Commitment
Being able to access online resources outwith the school or College environment will be an important part of your participation in this course. You will also be expected to spend time self-studying and working on a research project throughout the year.
Eating and drinking is not permitted in the classrooms. Drinking water is available from water dispensers in the corridors within the College buildings.
Delivery
This course is taught through blended delivery. Each week, learners will have one two-hour class in College, and one two-hour online session for directed self-study during which they will complete classwork.
Entry requirements
Entry to this course is recommended for pupils who have achieved L4 during BGE and will be working towards N5 qualifications in S4 or above.
What you will need
A laptop device is required for this course – your school should be able to provide this for you.
What you need to know
In order to take part in this course, you should:
- Be ready to start your class at the given time
- Adhere to the School Pupils Code of Commitment
Being able to access online resources outwith the school or College environment will be an important part of your participation in this course. You will also be expected to spend time self-studying and working on a research project throughout the year.
Eating and drinking is not permitted in the classrooms. Drinking water is available from water dispensers in the corridors within the College buildings.
Delivery
This course is taught through blended delivery. Each week, learners will have one two-hour class in College, and one two-hour online session for directed self-study during which they will complete classwork.
Opportunities
Whether you wish to progress in your studies or enter the world of work, North East Scotland College has excellent progression opportunities, with links to several universities across Scotland and strong relationships with industry employers.
Education at NESCol
Upon successful completion of this course, you may be able to progress towards the following full-time course at North East Scotland College:
Student Stories
Jackie Thompson
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“I met a lot of lovely people on the course, some were adult returners like me, but I also got on well with a lot of the younger students and we had some excellent discussions and debates. “
Read more about Jackie's story
Aiden Barney
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“I really came out of my shell throughout my years of studying and have made many memories!”
Read more about Aiden's story
Charlie Third
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“I’d advocate the brilliant experience that is North East Scotland College to anyone thinking about returning to learning. “
Read more about Charlie's story
Zoe Frieslick
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“NESCol gave me the knowledge, skills, and most importantly, the self-belief to continue my studies at university.”
Read more about Zoe's story
Robyn Blacklaw
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“I absolutely loved my time at NESCol. It was a much better fit for me than school and a great environment to learn in.
Read more about Robyn's story
Kirsten Koss
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“I’m so glad that I came to NESCol because it really has been a life changing experience. I think Social Sciences is a great place to be if you’re curious about the world or if there’s something that really frustrates you about the system and you’d really like to see it change. Studying an HND in Social Sciences really helped me to see the world in a better light. The department has such down to earth, friendly, normal staff and I would jump at the chance to finish my studies at the college if I could. Choose College – it really is a wonderful place!”
Read more about Kirsten's story
Hollie Dunn
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“My time at college helped me see that I actually wanted to study psychology at university rather than a more broad-based social sciences course. If I hadn’t gone to college first, I wouldn’t have had the chance to discover that so I’m really glad I had the opportunity to properly explore the subject area before making a final decision.”
Read more about Hollie's story
Dean McGlynn
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“I found my time at college to be the perfect link between leaving school and starting university. The course was interesting, the assessments were rigorous and gave me the skills to work alone, as well as part of a group, which served me well at university. The lecturers were engaging and treated students as adults which created a good atmosphere for learning.”
Read more about Dean's story
Edward Flinn
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“NESCol really prepared me for the step up to university. I would definitely recommend college if you don’t feel ready to go straight to university when you leave school.”
Read more about Edward's story
Shaun Hale
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“I achieved things at NESCol both academically and personally that I didn’t think possible but with the help of lecturers and friends I made on the course, I feel I have grown as a person.”
Read more about Shaun's story
Applications
This course is only available to pupils in S4 to S6 across Aberdeen City and Shire, giving pupils the opportunity to experience life as a College student whilst staying on at school.
Please note, applications for schools courses must be submitted by a member of school staff.
You can apply for a place on this course by completing an online application form, which you can access using the ‘Apply Online’ button. Once completed, this will be received by our Admissions Team who will then process your application.
Aberdeen City Campus
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Starts 04 Jun 2025
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Duration 1 year
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Day Self study: Monday, Campus based: Wednesday
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Time 2:00pm - 4:00pm
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Course Code QGNSG-L244A
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