BSc

Psychology and Sociology

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You are viewing this course for September start 2024

The BSc Psychology and Sociology degree at Aberystwyth University will give you the opportunity to engage with psychological theory and research and explore how psychology is applied to real-world personal and social issues. The BSc Psychology and Sociology will also enable you to explore both personal and social nature of human experience from different perspectives. 

Course Overview

Why study Psychology and Sociology? 

All our degree schemes are designed with employability in mind and are accredited by the British Psychological Society – perfect for graduate-level careers or access to postgraduate training.

The Department of Psychology has outstanding teaching and research facilities dedicated to your course. The laboratories and dedicated research spaces provide you with a diverse array of facilities and equipment with which to explore. These resources allow you to develop your interests and engage creative problem-solving techniques as you progress towards your graduation.

The Psychology and Sociology elements of this degree will enable you to: 

  • be able to critically evaluate ideas, concepts and approaches across the whole of the subject and within particular branches of Psychology and Sociology 
  • be able to carry out independent research, applying a range of skills in relation to data collection, analysis and presentation; have developed a range of skills and be able to apply them to a variety of Psychological and Sociological issues
  • be able to recognise that your learning experience has been positively reinforced by exposure to research;
  • be able to evaluate your own performance in a range of learning contexts and under different modes of assessment
  • be able to work independently, in a team and with a social awareness of the contribution made by scholarship and applied research in their discipline to psychological and / or social policy
  • have the necessary skills and awareness to seek employment in a variety of professional careers or to begin postgraduate research and study.


Our Staff

Department of Psychology’s teaching staff are all research active and all permanent staff are qualified to PhD level with most having either a PGCTHE or are fellows/senior fellow of the higher education academy. Over half of the staff also have the qualification CPsychol; an indicator of the BPS’ highest standard of psychological knowledge and expertise.

Department of Geography and Earth Science: lecturers are all qualified to PhD level or working towards a PhD.

Modules September start - 2024

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Introduction to Social Theory GS25020 20
Understanding (in)equality and (in)justice GS24220 20
Cognitive Psychology PS21820 20
Qualitative Research Methods PS21410 10
Quantitative Research Methods * PS21310 10
Social Psychology PS20220 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Geographical Perspectives on the Sustainable Society GS28910 10
People and Power: Understanding Comparative Politics Today IQ23920 20
Placing Culture GS22920 20
Placing Politics GS23020 20

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

The study of Psychology and Sociology provides a solid foundation for you to consider a wide range of careers including the media, social work, international development, community engagement, and the civil service to name a few.

Nowadays, employers are seeking graduates who possess various skills which include the ability to think analytically and laterally. Our Psychology and Sociology degree provides you with a breadth and flexibility of skills which is why Sociology graduates nationally are attractive to employers.

Psychology and Sociology graduates have progressed on to:

  • Criminology, the Police Force
  • Health and Social Care
  • Social Work
  • Social Policy (including public housing, social work, local government administration and the voluntary sector)
  • Management
  • Journalism
  • Public Relations
  • Teaching
  • Research.


Teaching & Learning

During your first year of your course, you will be introduced to the main concepts, themes and perspectives of Psychology and Sociology which include:

  • Key concepts and theoretical approaches that have been and are developing within sociology
  • Social and individual behaviour
  • Brain and cognition 
  • The relationships between individuals, groups and social structures
  • Historical issues in psychology 
  • Social Diversity and inequalities
  • The role of culturally organised processes in life
  • Processes underpinning social change
  • The distinctive character of Sociology in relation to other forms of understanding, such as its relation to other disciplines and to everyday explanations
  • The relationship between analysis of evidence and sociological arguments;

During your second and third year, the teaching will consider:

  • Core knowledge and understanding modules to develop your capacities relating to your first year modules
  • Your independent research project 
  • A range of qualitative, quantitative and digital data sources, research strategies and methods of data collection and analysis
  • The importance of ethical issues in all forms of sociological data collection, analysis and argumentation
  • Practical classes and fieldwork exercises.


Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff 120 - 96

A Levels BBB-CCC

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):
English or Welsh and Mathematics

BTEC National Diploma:
DDM-MMM

International Baccalaureate:
30-26

European Baccalaureate:
75%-65% overall

English Language Requirements:
See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements:
International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

The University welcomes undergraduate applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma or T-level qualifications, provided that relevant subject content and learning outcomes are met. We are not able to accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas or T-levels as a general qualification for every undergraduate degree course.
Our inclusive admissions policy values breadth as well as depth of study. Applicants are selected on their own individual merits and offers can vary. If you would like to check the eligibility of your qualifications before submitting an application, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for advice and guidance.

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