Degree type: BSc (Hons)
UCAS Code: C890 BSc/BS
Duration: 4 years (full-time)
How to Apply
Key features
Behavioural scientists are interested in all aspects of our lives and behaviour. They ask questions about how people behave and about the society they live in. They want to understand the nature of the interaction between individuals and the culture and society that they live in.
They try to find answers and solutions to the social, political and ethical problems faced by human beings in a rapidly changing world.
In the first two years of this course, you will study the foundations of psychology and sociology including the theoretical frameworks and practical research methods that both disciplines use to investigate, analyse and interpret human behaviour. You will also learn relevant IT skills and develop an ability to present and communicate sociological and psychological research data.
In the third year, you will be given a choice of topics across disciplines of sociology and psychology, and in the fourth year will formulate and complete a research project on a topic of your own choice which will culminate in the completion of an Honours Dissertation.
Students in 4th year are also eligible to apply for the Community Links module which offers the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and employability skills through part-time placements with locally based voluntary, public sector and social enterprise organisations. On completion of the course, you will possess a strong understanding of social research methods, and will be able to draw upon a wide range of social and psychological knowledge to apply to practical, everyday problems and use as a basis for employment or further study.
The structure of this degree offers a high level of flexibility. At the end of year 2, if you decide that you would like to specialise in sociology or in psychology you can go on to graduate with BSc (Hons) Sociology or BSc (Hons) Psychology.
How you learn
You will learn in a variety of different ways that reflect the diverse knowledge and wide skills which are essential to being a successful Behavioural Science graduate. Class contact time will on average be 10-12 hours per week made up of lectures, seminars, tutorials and laboratories with an emphasis on active enquiry based learning.
You will be expected to attend lectures that will offer an overview of the key aspects of each module topic and provide directions for further independent study. You will also participate in laboratory classes that encourage the development of practical research and experimental skills; and you will take part in seminars and tutorials that give the opportunity to engage in discussions groups and develop communication and presentation skills.
On completion of the course you will have attained the attributes which will enable confident thinking, determined creation, flexible collaboration and the ability to challenge complexity.
How you are assessed
A variety of assessment methods are used throughout the course including formal examinations using seen and unseen papers; class tests; essays; laboratory reports; poster presentations and formal oral presentations. All Behavioural Science degree students are required to undertake either a psychology or sociology research project in their fourth year culminating in a 10,000 word dissertation on a topic chosen by the student.
Higher BBC; A Level CC; ILC (H) BBC; UCAS Tariff: 168 points*
*See below for UCAS Tariff guidance
Essential subjects: English or another literate subject (e.g. History, Modern Studies)
UCAS Tariff Guidance
Although there is no limit to the number of points that you can accumulate, for entry to Abertay you must have qualifications at an appropriate level (SCQF 6/NQF 3); you cannot count the same or similar qualifications twice; Standard Grades, Intermediate 2s, GCSEs and key/core skills cannot be counted; and D grades at SQA Higher and Advanced Higher are not counted.
Applicants who have taken either SQA Highers or A Levels must offer at least three Highers or two A Levels for degree entry (or two Highers or one A Level for DipHE entry). If you have studied a subject at two different levels, the most advanced will be taken into consideration, e.g. if you studied both Higher Biology and Advanced Higher Biology, then only the Advanced Higher will be counted.
If you are using the tariff remember to check for any essential subjects you must have to meet the entry criteria for a course. It’s not just the number of points achieved that secures you a place.
Overseas
All applicants are required to provide certified proof of competence in English language. The University's minimum requirements are IELTS 6.0 (with no band lower than 5.0), TOEFL CBT 223, TOEFL 563, TOEFL IBT 85 or a suitable equivalent qualification.
Mature
Applications from mature students are assessed on the same criteria used for school leavers, e.g. SQA Highers or GCE A Levels, where relevant school leaving qualifications exist. For those without standard entry qualifications, consideration is given to experience gained as well as professional qualifications and other forms of learning that could provide evidence of ability to benefit from a particular course.
The successful completion of approved access courses (such as those offered by Dundee College in association with the universities of Abertay, Dundee and St Andrews) provides significant evidence of ability to benefit from study at Abertay.
For further advice please use our Ask a Question section.
Career
There are a wide variety of career opportunities for Behavioural Science graduates, who are especially well suited to ‘people-oriented’ occupations. These include personnel management; public relations; marketing; community education; youth work; social research; policing; criminal justice services; drug rehabilitation, and social enterprise.
Many of our Behavioural Science graduates go on to complete professional qualifications in social work, counselling, human resource management, and teaching, or to take further academic qualifications at postgraduate level.
Related courses
BSc (Hons) Psychology
BA (Hons) Social Science
BSc (Hons) Sociology
DipHE Social & Health Sciences
Further information
BSc (Hons) Behavioural Science - Further Information
