The University of Edinburgh: School of Health in Social Science

The School of Health in Social Science is a vibrant academic community with longstanding expertise in teaching, research and knowledge exchange across three subject areas: Clinical and Health Psychology; Nursing; and Counselling, Psychotherapy and Applied Social Sciences. The School offers a broad portfolio of postgraduate taught masters across our range of subject areas.

Clinical and Health Psychology

Clinical and Health Psychology provides a suite of practitioner training programmes and academic programmes. Practitioner training includes NHS-commissioned professional training programmes in Clinical Psychology and Applied Psychology for Children and Young People, and training in psychological therapies and CPD courses, aimed at graduates and professionals working in health and mental health related services. Academic programmes include a psychology conversion programme for graduates from any discipline wishing to pursue a psychology career, and campus-based and online programmes in psychological approaches to child and adolescent mental health.

Nursing Studies

One of the first universities to offer a nursing degree in the UK (since 1956), we have a long tradition of preparing graduate nurses. We offer undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes, as well as CPD courses, and are currently ranked first in the UK for undergraduate nursing in the Guardian University Rankings 2023. Programmes include campus-based and online programmes designed to develop the careers of nurses globally.

Counselling, Psychotherapy and Applied Social Sciences

With more than 15 years experience of providing education and training, Counselling and Psychotherapy has been at the forefront of the development of counselling as a professional activity. Along with professional counselling training from PGCertificate to Doctoral level, we offer a one-year MSc in Counselling Studies.

Why Edinburgh?

You will be studying in one of the world’s oldest universities (teaching since 1583), currently ranked 22nd in the QS University World Rankings 2024. Our university boasts first-class facilities including a world leading library, an award-winning gym and sports centre and a wealth of teaching and study spaces. Our Institute for Academic Development offers a broad range of career and study skills for research students.

The City of Edinburgh is a thriving capital city that blends history, culture and a world-class arts scene in a prosperous and diverse economy. Compact, friendly and safe, it is known for its striking architecture, intellectual legacy, festival culture and abundance of green spaces.

Explore our postgraduate programmes