Social Sciences
Welcome to Social Sciences
Social Sciences at Heriot-Watt University comprises the Department of Languages and Intercultural Studies, the Department of Psychology, and the Department of Research Methods and Practice.
We specialise in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching informed by impactful research and industry partnerships, covering our core disciplines:
- Languages and Intercultural Studies
- Psychology
- Research Methods and Practice
A truly global outlook
Everything we do in Social Sciences has a truly global outlook. Many of our programmes are delivered across Heriot-Watt’s three main campuses in Edinburgh, Dubai and Malaysia, offering students the opportunity to transfer between Heriot-Watt's global campuses for one semester or more. We have collaborative partnerships with leading business and language schools all over the world including student exchange programmes with universities in North America, China, Europe and Australia.
Teaching, research and scholarship
We are internationally recognised for the quality of teaching and research across the school. Our students are taught by leading academics who, in many cases, have published the research which shapes their disciplines and written the books which will guide their learning. Many members of staff balance teaching time with continued professional practice as translators, interpreters, practitioner psychologists, and advanced research methodologists. This brings real-world experience into the classroom.
Our academics are involved in a range of research and consultancy work funded by international agencies such as ESRC, EU, industry, commerce and government both in the UK and overseas.
Search our programmes
Psychology
Explore the Psychology department at Heriot-Watt University. Our accredited undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are anchored in cutting‑edge research across cognition, wellbeing, and workplace psychology to solve real‑world problems.
Languages and Intercultural Studies
Our professional language and intercultural department offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in translation, interpreting, BSL, Mandarin, French, Spanish, German, enriched by state‑of‑the‑art labs, real‑world collaboration and international recognition.
Department of Research Methods and Practice
The Department of Research Methods and Practice is home to our Doctoral Centre and postdoctoral researchers, leading in social science research expertise and practice. Find out how we can support your research, including collaboration on funding bids and high-level consultancy on research methods.
