Department of Sociological and Psychological Sciences

Our Facilities

We have access to twelve dedicated staff research labs and a suite of experimental cubicles, specialised crime scene simulation areas, and a dedicated VR laboratory with Oculus Quest 2 for immersive experiments.

We have a microscopy suite and a range of analytical laboratories for analysing physiology and biochemistry, including an Atomic Force Microscope and Vacuum Metal Deposition machine.

Our research hardware includes an anechoic chamber, wall mounted remote controlled CCTV cameras, EEG with Paradigm, tCDS machine, SMI Eye View X HED Mobile Eye-Tracker and BeGaze analysis software, SR Research Eye Link II Eye Movement Recorder, equipment to measure galvanic skin response, BioHarness Telemetry System with LabChart, CUDA modelling PC, two Pupil Invisible mobile eye movement recorders, Fujitsu CRT and Sony Trinitron monitors, and a photography suite with image processing software, thermal imager, and 3D camera. Our labs are equipped with high-end PCs with appropriate licensed software (e.g., E-Prime, FaceReader, Genemapper, Gorilla, N-Vivo, Observer XT, Psychopy, Qualtrics, SPSS, Superlab) and our test library includes standardized tests of aptitude and IQ, executive function, mental health, and vision.

We also have access to the Emergent Technology Centre, a biomechanics and movement facility for high-quality video-capture and full kinematic analysis, a portable fEMG machine, and private interview rooms with recording equipment for qualitative research and training in counselling and interviewing skills. We have ongoing external partnerships for primate observation at zoos, and research links with charitable organisations including those in coaching and the performing arts.

Why Study Psychology @ Abertay?

Psychology is about understanding brains and behaviour. It seeks to generate, test, and evaluate the best explanations that we currently have, for how and why the mind works in the way it does.

Find out how people think, and develop your scientific understanding of human behaviour on one of our flexible undergraduate psychology degrees. 

We train you to develop your knowledge and understanding of human behaviour, so you can then apply it to real-world situations, and transfer your skillset to a variety of careers in research, science, and business.

All our degrees are accredited by the British Psychological Society which means you are eligible to become a graduate member. This is an essential first step to becoming a Chartered Psychologist, which means you can apply for applied roles in health, education, clinical, counselling and more.

On our last accreditation visit we were commended on our vibrant academic community, approachable staff, and the opportunity for students to take a variety of assessment types and receive quality feedback on their work.

We are one of the top institutions for Psychology in the UK:

• No 11 in the UK for Student Satisfaction (2023 Complete University Guide).
• Top 10% in UK for Teaching Quality (2023 Guardian University Guide).

We are also in the UK Top 10 for Research Quality among modern universities that teach psychology (UoA4 REF 2021).

This means you'll be taught by dedicated staff, many of whom are producing world-leading research (UoA4 REF2021), so you can immerse yourself in cutting-edge research that improves our understanding of the mechanics of individual and group behaviour.

We offer many opportunities for students to engage in research, and many of our best graduates have successfully attracted funded research opportunities as a postgraduate.

Job Opportunities

For employment opportunities - including Research Fellowships - view the job search section on our website.

For PhD Studentships in any of our Subject areas, check out the Funded Research Projects and Postgraduate Research Funding sections.