Welcome

Located in the heart of Edinburgh, the School of Health in Social Science is a dynamic and inclusive environment for learning, teaching and research. Our interdisciplinary approach to our subject areas equips students with the knowledge and skills to tackle the most pressing health and social challenges, from individual mental health to global pandemics.

Results from the Research Excellence Framework 2021 (REF 2021) were released on 12th May 2022. REF is the UK’s system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions, and the 2021 results confirm Edinburgh’s position as a world leader. 

Read more: REF2021: excellent results for the School of Health in Social Science

A group of students sit on the steps outside McEwan Hall, smiling whilst conversing

Clinical and Health Psychology

The discipline of Clinical and Health Psychology is focused on the development, understanding, and intervention for psychological difficulties across all stages of life.

A pair of students sit on the edge of the Salisbury Crags, looking out over the city as the sun sets in the distance

Counselling, Psychotherapy and Applied Social Sciences

Since its inception in 2000, Counselling and Psychotherapy has emerged as a premier institution in Scotland for postgraduate education, training, and research in Counselling Studies.

A group of nursing students are being shown how to use medical equipment in one of their clinical elective classes

Nursing Studies

As an academic discipline Nursing Studies encompasses a multifaceted approach to understanding healthcare delivery, patient care, and the broader implications of healthcare systems within society.

A group of students are sat round a table in Potterrow, a student union venue, smiling and chatting together

Current Students

About us

About Us

Find out more about our School, our History and further information about our campus, facilities and how to get in touch. 

Equality and Diversity

Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) are core values in the School of Health in Social Science, and inform all of our work. The School has an active EDI committee, chaired by the EDI Director, who also sits on the School’s Senior Management Committee. 

Hope Park Counselling Centre

Hope Park Counselling Centre offers person centred and/or psychodynamic counselling to residents in the Edinburgh area, aged 16 and over. The Centre is part of the School of Health in Social Science and is a practice and research centre for our counsellors in training.

Centre for Psychological Therapies

The Centre for Psychological Therapies provides evidence based psychological therapies for children and young people in the community. The Centre is part of the School of Health in Social Science and offers clinical placements and supervision for students on our MSc Psychological Therapies programme.