Introduction:

The BSc (Hons) Psychology with Sociology degree is a British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited course that combines comprehensive training in psychology with the study of the structure and dynamics of social systems and society as a whole. Our students benefit from weekly research seminars, over 80 academic experts, and they have access to first-class laboratory suites.

The course covers all the core areas of Psychology stipulated by the BPS curriculum. This accounts for two-thirds of the course and includes the workings of the brain; the processes and mechanisms of human thinking, feeling and behaviour; and how psychologists, psychological research and therapy can make a tangible and positive difference to people’s lives and society. The remaining third of the curriculum considers the social structures of society and sociological perspectives on issues such as crime, gender and poverty.

What you’ll study

In the first two years of your degree, you'll complete an introduction to psychology and core modules in biological, social, developmental, and cognitive psychology, and you'll undertake training in research methods and statistics.

In sociology, you'll complete additional modules covering social structure and social life, thinking sociologically, classical sociological theory, and another sociology module of your choice.

In your final year, you'll sit a further core module in psychology, and can tailor your studies (often with a view to future employment opportunities) by choosing from a range of optional psychology and sociology modules. In your final year you'll also complete a research project in psychology, focused on a topic of your choosing under the supervision of a research-active member of staff.

You can also take part in the innovative Professional Practice in Psychology module. Taking on the role of a consultant psychologist, you will work on real-life problem scenarios supplied by external organisations, and provide evidence-based solutions to these organisations.

How you’re taught

The BSc (Hons) Psychology with Sociology is taught by experienced staff used to dealing with students from a range of backgrounds and with varying levels of skill and experience.

To provide you with a first-class learning experience and to guarantee you have an opportunity to make the most of your time at university, you will receive contact time through a diverse range of delivery methods that include lectures, workshops, and one-on-one supervision.

The smaller group sessions provide opportunities to develop:

• problem-solving skills
• group working skills
• analytical skills
• debating skills
• presentation skills
• research and data analysis skills.

How will I be assessed?

You'll be assessed in a variety of ways and on a modular basis – through traditional means such as examinations and essays, but also in more innovative ways such as research reports, oral and poster presentations, and by a final year research project. Our diverse approach to assessment allows students to demonstrate the breadth of their abilities and provides opportunities for everyone to excel.

The range of assessment tools has been acknowledged as one of the strengths of the course by the BPS Accreditation Committee and External Examiners.

Careers and employability

Our Psychology with Sociology course is designed so that you can develop all the knowledge and skills that you'll need for your future career.