Direct answer
The University of Aberdeen requires applicants from China to hold a degree equivalent to a UK lower second class Honours degree in any discipline for the MSc Psychological Studies. The official page provides a country-specific equivalence tool but does not display a static qualification table. The international tuition fee for 2026/27 is £26,250, reduced to £18,250 for self-funded students who receive the £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship.
Degree equivalence for Chinese applicants
The programme requires at least a lower second class Honours degree (or equivalent) in any discipline. Some prior study of Psychology at undergraduate level is preferred but is not essential. The University directs all applicants to the In My Country or Territory pages to verify whether their specific degree meets the equivalence standard. The official programme page does not publish a fixed list of Chinese qualification equivalences; you must select “China” from the drop-down menu on the country-specific page to obtain the current requirement.
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree, you must demonstrate fluency in English. The minimum scores for this programme are:
- IELTS Academic: Overall 6.5, with Listening 5.5, Reading 5.5, Speaking 5.5, Writing 6.0.
- TOEFL iBT: Overall 90, with Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, Writing 21.
- PTE Academic: Overall 62, with Listening 59, Reading 59, Speaking 59, Writing 59.
- Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency: Overall 176, with Listening 162, Reading 162, Speaking 162, Writing 169.
Tuition fees and the Aberdeen Global Scholarship
For the 2026/27 academic year, the published international tuition fee is £26,250. Self-funded international students receive an £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship, which reduces the payable fee to £18,250. The official page states that all eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students will receive this scholarship.
Required application documents
You must supply the following documentation with your application:
- An up-to-date CV or resumé.
- A degree certificate showing your qualifications.
- A full transcript showing all subjects studied and marks achieved, with an original and official English translation.
- A detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme.
If you have not yet completed your current programme, you can still apply and provide the degree certificate later.
Programme structure and accreditation
The MSc Psychological Studies is a 12-month full-time on-campus programme starting in September or January. It is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). Successful completion provides graduate basis for Chartered Membership of the BPS. The programme introduces graduates from other disciplines to the study of psychology. Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, group work, and practicals, with assessment through written coursework, examinations, and a research project.
What the official page does not confirm
The programme page does not display a static Chinese qualification equivalency table. You must use the live country selector tool to check your specific qualification. The page explicitly states that the entry requirements information is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry.
FAQ
Is a Psychology background required for the MSc Psychological Studies?
No. The programme is designed for graduates from any discipline. Some prior study of Psychology at undergraduate level is preferred but is not essential.
What is the minimum UK degree classification required?
Applicants must have at least a lower second class Honours degree (or equivalent).
Can I apply if I have not yet completed my degree?
Yes. You can apply before completing your current programme and provide your degree certificate at a later date.
Does the programme offer a January start?
Yes. The MSc Psychological Studies is available to start in both September and January.
Is the programme accredited by the British Psychological Society?
Yes. The MSc Psychological Studies and its programme variants are accredited by the BPS.
What is the Aberdeen Global Scholarship value for international students?
Eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students receive an £8,000 scholarship, reducing the published fee of £26,250 to £18,250.
Official sources
The entry requirements, fees, and programme details on this page are drawn from the University of Aberdeen official postgraduate taught degree programme page for Psychological Studies: Psychological Studies | Postgraduate Taught Subjects | The University of Aberdeen. For related guidance on UK postgraduate study, you may also find useful context in our articles on Newcastle University admissions, fees, and programmes, on selecting a UK master’s application agency, and on Australian education agent rankings and recommendations.