BSc

Psychology and Sociology

Psychology and Sociology Code LC38 Attend an Open Day Attend an Open Day

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Key Facts

LC38

  • UCAS Tariff

    120 - 96

  • Course duration

    3 years

Available for September start 2026

Further details on entry requirements

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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 course will enable you to explore the personal and social nature of human experience from different perspectives. You will also develop your ability to analyse social phenomena through training in the collection, analysis and presentation of sociological data.

Course Overview

Why study Psychology and Sociology at Aberystwyth University? 

Friendly and Inclusive 

We believe potential is unlocked when people are given the right opportunities. That’s why we welcome students from all backgrounds into a friendly, inclusive, supportive environment where they can thrive. Our aim is to help every student grow into a confident, resilient individual, ready to succeed in their future careers or further study.

Small group teaching in seminars allows for a good staff/student ratio and a more personalised and interactive learning experience. Quiet learning environments are available for individual study.

When you join us, you will be assigned a personal tutor who will support you throughout your degree and is there to advise and guide you on a range of academic and personal matters. 

Student Satisfaction 

At Aberystwyth, we work with you to help you become informed and curious thinkers. We use our teaching and research experience to inspire you and to give you the skills and confidence to do whatever you wish to do in the future.  

We are ranked in the Top 10 Psychology departments in the UK for academic support (National Student Survey, 2025).

Exceptional Resources 

The Department of Psychology’s modern research facilities and outstanding student learning spaces support an innovative approach to learning and teaching. 

You can practise your research skills using specialised equipment and software throughout your degree, and our laboratories and research spaces provide you with an array of facilities and equipment to explore. Our facilities include eye-tracking software, EEG (electroencephalography), sound-attenuated chamber, a driving simulator, counselling rooms and a child development laboratory.

Research-led teaching

You’ll be taught by a passionate team of lecturers in both departments who are also active researchers. Their research informs our teaching, and provides excellent opportunities for your own final year Psychology research project.

Variety of modules

We offer a wide range of core modules that allow you to explore key concepts of both psychology and sociology, accompanied by a variety of optional modules focused on diverse aspects of culture and society.

Accredited courses

Our Psychology courses are accredited by The British Psychological Society, in recognition of their quality, which is widely acknowledged by employers on the field. On graduation, you’ll be eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the society.

If you wish to pursue a career in psychology or in the wider psychological field, studying a BPS accredited course is essential. 

Study abroad

Our students benefit from international exchange agreements with universities in Australia, Canada, Europe, Hong Kong, Malaysia and North America, so you can apply to spend all or part of your second year studying psychology overseas.

Welsh Language 

If you are a Welsh-speaker you have the opportunity to conduct part of your studies in Welsh. You’ll find bilingual staff in Psychology who will support you in your work, and who can guide your university experience in Welsh. You’ll also be assigned a Welsh-speaking personal tutor for your time at university.

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 - 2026

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
Genders and Sexualities GS20220 20
Sociological Theory GS25020 20
Cognitive Psychology PS21820 20
Qualitative Research Methods PS20310 10
Quantitative Research Methods * PS21310 10
Social Psychology PS20220 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Placing Culture GS22920 20
Placing Politics * GS23020 20

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

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.

Transferable skills

We have embedded employability throughout this course to enable you to develop the transferrable skills needed to build a CV for a potential career in a psychology or other setting, including:

  • effective research and data analysis
  • critical thinking
  • effective problem-solving
  • ability to work independently and as part of team
  • the ability to express ideas and communicate information in a clear and structured manner 
  • self-motivation and independence 
  • teamwork and project management skills 
  • confidence in delivering presentations
  • information technology skills. 

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.

How will I be taught? 

Your academic and intellectual development are at the heart of the Aberystwyth Psychology experience. Our staff are committed to a student-focused approach to teaching, making your learning needs a priority in both what we teach and how we teach you.

From traditional lectures to small group work, we deliver inspirational teaching through a wide variety of different formats. You will also apply your knowledge in lab-based workshops and practicals, where you will be able to benefit from our wide range of specialist research equipment and facilities. At Aberystwyth you can be confident that you will receive the best learning experience at the very forefront of the discipline.

Assessment

Your development will be assessed in a broad variety of ways including traditional exams, essays, literature reviews, critical reviews, wikis, blogs, posters, observations, reports, presentations and your final project or dissertation. 

You’ll receive feedback on all your assignments to help you identify your strengths and pinpoint areas where you could improve and we’ll offer insights into how you might achieve that. This approach encourages you to become an independent thinker and learner, and is designed to help you thrive at university and beyond.

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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