English Studies and Psychology

Texts are all around us – from books and magazines to TV, email and the internet.

The ability to analyse text and language is a skill that employers value, and the tools you learn from studying English will support your career goals.

You can learn more about the power of language and literature with a degree in English from the University of Stirling. We’re ranked 1st in Scotland (source: National Student Survey 2024).

What you’ll study

Our course offers a blend of language analysis, literary studies, and creative writing. You will:

• explore literature from the medieval period to the present day;

• analyse a variety of literary texts including classic novels, plays, and poems;

• develop your creative writing skills to enhance your understanding of literary techniques;

• gain insights into linguistics and the evolution of the English language.

Unique opportunities

We offer several unique opportunities to enrich your studies. You can:

• meet creative writers, scholars and critics at our lectures and readings. Previous guests include Stirling alumni Graeme Armstrong and Kirsty Logan, and writers from the prestigious Royal Literary Fund and Charles Wallace fellowships;

• network with visiting authors, such as past guests Anne Enright, Sarah Waters, Ben Okri and Graeme Macrae Burnet;

• work with our Royal Literary Fund Fellow in one-on-one sessions to develop and enhance your writing skills.

Why do we behave the way we do, and what drives our behaviour? If you’re interested in the mind, and in human (as well as animal) behaviour, then Psychology is for you. Our award-winning Psychology course sits at the cutting edge of inter-disciplinary scientific research. We focus on important societal problems such as detection of criminals and improvement of health outcomes. After introducing Psychology to you as a biological and social science, we’ll cover topics as diverse as brain functioning, child development, and social behaviour. You’ll get hands-on experience designing and conducting experiments, working in high-end specialist labs and in our on-site kindergarten, the only such facility in the UK. You’ll develop a deep knowledge and understanding of mind and behaviour, coupled with excellent practical skills, all of which will offer you a wide and diverse choice of careers. The course is delivered by what the British Psychological Society (BPS) commended as a proactive, approachable and engaged programme team. The BPS also recognised our innovative, student-led teaching initiatives, which help students’ personal and professional development, and our personalised system of student support and feedback, which helps to nurture a close-knit academic community.

Ever wondered why people think, feel, and behave the way they do? From the everyday choices we make to the big life-changing moments, psychology helps you uncover the science behind it all.

A Psychology degree at Stirling lets you explore how the mind works. You’ll develop the scientific, analytical, and people skills that employers want. With around 750,000 people working in psychology-related jobs in the UK (The British Psychological Society), you’ll be joining an exciting and in-demand field.

What you’ll study

Our undergraduate degree in psychology looks at the uses of psychological science. It addresses real-world problems, from catching criminals to improving health and wellbeing. You’ll explore:

• how the brain functions;

• how children develop;

• how people interact in social groups.

You’ll learn from a proactive and supportive team that’s passionate about helping students succeed. The British Psychological Society (BPS) recognises our innovative, student-led teaching. Our personalised support system ensures you feel part of a close-knit community from day one.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• British Psychological Society