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Our departments

  • 1st
    in Scotland for Sports Science
    (Guardian University Guide 2026)
  • 89.8%
    satisfaction with teaching
    (Guardian University Guide 2023)
  • 1st
    in Scotland for Speech & Language Therapy
    (Complete University Guide 2026)
  • 95%
    of research rated outstanding or world-leading
    (REF 2021)

Shaping the future of psychological sciences and health research

The Department of Psychological Sciences & Health brings together four interlinked disciplines - Psychology, Speech and Language Therapy, Physical Activity & Health, and Counselling - to address some of today’s most pressing societal and health challenges.

Our shared focus on healthy ageing, mental health, behaviour change, communication, movement, intervention development and wellbeing underpins everything we do.

Our Department at a Glance

Working across disciplinary boundaries is one of our core strengths. Our teams collaborate on projects translating theory into practical impact — from developing innovative interventions and health-promoting environments to advancing our understanding of ageing, sleep, neurological conditions, and mental health.

Students and researchers benefit from access to a rich ecosystem of cutting-edge facilities, including neuroscience, cognition, exercise, speech, sleep, and VR labs.

These spaces support world-leading research, cross-disciplinary student projects, and partnerships with industry, the NHS and community organisations. Our labs also play a key role in developing highly employable graduates by providing hands-on experience with advanced technologies and research methods.

Our research tackles real-world challenges - from speech disorders and ageing to mental health, physical activity, trauma, and health behaviour change. Our academic researchers translate theory and use technology when working closely with partners across health, education, government and industry to ensure our work delivers to meaningful impact.

We deliver high-quality education that reflects the breadth and depth of our department, providing an international outlook and delivering strong student satisfaction.

Teaching is informed by the latest research, innovative assessment approaches (including GenAI-aware pedagogy), placement opportunities to embed learning and a commitment to inclusive, supportive learning and student wellbeing.

Our department fosters a supportive and internationally engaged environment. Students value our approachable staff, strong research culture, diverse learning community, and the breadth of opportunities to develop professionally.

We are expanding our Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and micro-credentials to meet growing demand for flexible, career-enhancing training in areas such as CBT, counselling skills, behaviour change, sleep, and neuropsychology - offering new avenues for collaboration and industry engagement.

Featured courses

Our students

Photo of Speech & Language student Lucy Gibson

Lucy Gibson

Speech and Language Sciences (MRes)

Supervisors and staff are very approachable and responsive- whether through email or in-person meetings. I was encouraged to submit my work to conferences, which led to me presenting at both university-level and international conferences. This was due to the support and encouragement of my supervisors and SLT teaching staff.
Photo of Speech & Language student Ronald Gallacher

Ronald Gallacher

Speech and Language Pathology (BSc)

The lecturers are very approachable – it’s a small cohort so you have the opportunity to get to know them. They’re great at fostering your strengths and helping you with things you find more difficult, and they genuinely want you to succeed and thrive.
Counselling & Psychotherapy student Koren McGeever

Koren McGeever

MSc Counselling & Psychotherapy

I cannot fault the tutors at all because the level of support available throughout the course has been phenomenal. I felt well supported both academically and practically when I started seeing clients. There were weekly dissertation group meetings so I felt well supported through that whole process.

Our Specialisms