Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Politics

at University of Stirling United Kingdom

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.

The Stirling Centre for International Publishing and Communication at the University of Stirling is a world-leading centre for postgraduate publishing studies, offering a comprehensive and coherent approach to all forms of publishing.

You’ll develop expert knowledge of the entire publishing process in both print and digital environments – from planning, editing and production, to marketing and publication management. We update the content of this course every year to reflect the rapid changes that transform the industry, so you’ll graduate with cutting-edge skills and knowledge of current publishing industry practice and standards.

This course is demanding, stimulating and enjoyable – which is why many publishers now consider it equivalent to a year’s worth of experience at a publishing company. Our graduates occupy senior positions in both commercial and not-for-profit publication organisations across the world.

We have excellent links with publishing businesses, and a finger on the pulse of the industry and its changing needs. That means our teaching team will equip you with all the intellectual and practical qualities needed for a successful working life in publishing and related organisations.

The University of Stirling MBA (accredited by the Chartered Management Institute) is designed to transform capable managers into successful business and organisational leaders. Our MBA qualification is unique in the way it focuses on the practices, processes and outcomes of managing in a range of contexts, from large multinationals to small and medium sized enterprises. There is an emphasis on personal development, responsible business, strategy and how to effectively manage limited resources with maximum impact. These are supported by the professional and personal development modules that are designed to help each individual focus on developing current skills as well as identifying and developing new skills.

This sought-after qualification will give you a thorough understanding of the functional areas of business and management including:

• Accounting and finance
• Marketing
• Operations management
• Human resource management

By completing this course, you'll gain the confidence and resilience to respond to continually developing circumstances, the skills to build and lead a team, and the theoretical knowledge and its link to practice to successfully manage the challenges of the modern business environments.

Health psychology is the study of psychological and behavioural processes in health, illness, and healthcare. It is concerned with understanding how psychological, behavioural, and cultural factors contribute to physical health and illness.

Health Psychologists promote healthier lifestyles. They try to find ways to encourage people to improve their health and also to improve the healthcare system as a whole. For example, helping people to lose weight or stop smoking, or advising doctors on better ways to communicate with their patients.

You’ll learn to use your knowledge of psychology to promote general wellbeing and understand physical illness. We will teach you the skills needed to help people deal with the psychological and emotional aspects of health and illness, and to support people who are chronically ill.

Our MSc Health Psychology has a strong experiential focus and emphasises the application of health psychology to real world settings. The course includes contributions from healthcare practitioners. You will carry out a brief placement in a healthcare setting, which can include the NHS, third sector (charities) or industry, and you’ll usually arrange this placement yourself with support from the course team. You are encouraged to carry out research in healthcare contexts where possible.

Our English Language and Linguistics postgraduate degree gives you an excellent opportunity to study the complex workings of language and explore its central role in society. With the guidance of expert staff, you’ll explore how language works, how people use it, what people use it for, where it came from and how it changes.

You’ll learn to carry out independent research and engage with other researchers by writing, debating and delivering oral and written presentations. You’ll also play an active part in our regular Linguistics Reading Group meetings, which discuss articles on important and controversial linguistic topics.

The course also provides a grounding in theories and methods that are essential for a range of careers. You’ll graduate with an expert knowledge of contemporary linguistic theories and their application in a wider cultural context – including both generative and cognitive approaches to linguistic description, as well as the contexts in which these theories operate.

Our modern world works because of computer scientists. It’s a world where the vast majority of global money exists only on computers and a computer can tell a fake smile from a real one. By 2020, an estimated 31 billion devices will be connected to the internet.

This course has a practical, problem solving approach. You’re taught how to design effective solutions to complex problems. Not only will this course give you the theory, but you’ll get lots of practical experience in how to design, build and analyse computer systems. You’ll also develop a firm understanding of how computers work as well as effective computer programming.

According to the 2020 ScotlandIS Scottish Technology Industry survey, about 100,000 people are working in digital technologies professions. This is a growth of 9% since 2016. The growth has been strongest in web design and development, IT business analysts, architects and systems designers, programmers and software development professionals. Our graduates are highly sought-after. We’ll help you build strong links within the industry and give you the opportunity to take part in a three-month summer placement or a one-year placement. You’ll also have the chance to experience diverse international teaching methods if you choose to study abroad.

Here at Stirling, you can enjoy access to a vibrant community with an active Computer Club that supports projects and activities for those interested in Computer Sciences, including the organisation of a Hackathon.

Merging creative thinking with strategic analysis, marketing is the vital connection between any organisation and its potential consumer base. With more marketing platforms than ever before and boundless avenues for creative communication, good marketing skills have never been more in demand or more vital to an organisation’s success.

You’ll also have the freedom to take Marketing as a combined honours course with one of 11 other subjects – creating a tailored degree that will give you an edge in the field you’re most passionate about. With a 95% student satisfaction rate* and graduates working for organisations like Adidas, the BBC and Next, Marketing at Stirling is all about ensuring you can truly be the difference in this diverse, fast-paced and infinitely-relevant arena.

Our Masters in Sustainable Aquaculture explores the principles of aquaculture and the key factors influencing the viability of aquatic animal farming and food production systems. You’ll develop an understanding of aquatic animal biology, environmental issues, nutrition, reproduction and genetics, disease and health management.

With practical application at the core of your studies, you can choose to focus on specific aspects of sustainable aquaculture, including:

• Advanced broodstock management
• Aquaculture policy and planning
• Livelihood analysis
• Environmental management and biodiversity
• Feed formulation and resources
• Aquatic animal health control
• Epidemiology
• Ecotoxicology

You can also explore the commercial business of sustainable aquaculture, with optional modules covering marketing, business studies and economics. You’ll learn the skills necessary to establish, manage and appraise aquaculture enterprises and development projects from within the industry or public sector.

Human Resource Management is a vital part of every business, and impacts everyone from junior members of staff to CEOs. With a CIPD accredited HR degree from the University of Stirling, you’ll gain far-reaching expertise in organisational success and unlock a wealth of professional opportunities.

The course will prepare you to make an impact on key areas of business such as recruitment methods, staff development, performance management and career progression. You’ll also be equipped to enhance an organisation’s adaptability by broadening the skills of its workforce and understanding its broader social and economic environments.

When you study HR at Stirling, everything you’ll learn is rooted in research and contemporary developments in the business world. The course reflects the rapid changes in employment practices, markets, technology and law – ensuring you graduate with the front-line knowledge you need to succeed.

Adult nursing is a challenging and rewarding profession that offers a wide range of roles caring for people and promoting health.

Stirling is a superb place for you to learn the skills of modern nursing – which are valued around the world.  Our course is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council, and has also received multiple commendations.

Nursing is a dynamic profession, and we’ll give you the education and confidence necessary to fulfil your role in the healthcare teams of tomorrow. As you study, you’ll learn how to work with a range of multi-disciplinary professionals, groups and individuals to provide care and promote health. Our course is based on a philosophy that our graduates will develop values, integrity and resilience to become socially reflective practitioners  who will provide services based on excellence, compassion, safety and respect.

You’ll be allocated a personal tutor who will be a source of guidance, information and support during your studies. Whilst undertaking practice learning experiences, you’re also allocated a practice assessor and supervisor who will facilitate and support your learning in practice.

We’ll inspire and challenge you, so that you leave us as a confident and capable practitioner - ready to join a health and social care team upon graduation.