Psychology and Sociology

Psychology enables you to study the workings of the human mind and how this is revealed in human behaviour, both consciously and unconsciously. As a psychology student, you will be introduced to psychological theories and will learn to critically evaluate them so that you can reach your own well-informed conclusions about the nature and origins of human and non-human behaviour. Sociology is the study of how society is organised and how we experience life and therefore psychological theory can help us to understand the impact society has on our behaviour.

You’ll have access to excellent facilities and equipment. We have recently invested £320k in new hardware and software for our psychology laboratories and we also have a laboratory in the new £13m state-of-the-art Health and Wellbeing Building officially opened in June 2023.

Studying psychology enables you to develop a diverse range of transferable skills which are valued highly by employers. We are proud to be ranked 1st in the UK for graduates in career 15 months after graduation for Psychology (Guardian University Guide, 2023).

Sociology looks at your world and challenges you to ask searching questions about inequality, fairness, power and violence. With a degree in sociology, you can shape your future. You will study complex and challenging real world issues such as gender, sexuality, injustice, migration, the unequal impact of climate change and big global social changes in all parts of our world. Our course develops the skills you need to analyse and think carefully and knowledgeably about social life in the second quarter of the 21st century.

You will be challenged to become sensitive to the wider social context of your lived experience and learn to look beyond a narrow focus on the individual in any life situation. These are the creative, analytical and intellectual skills you will need for many careers in a wide range of areas. You do not need to have taken A level sociology; if you do, then our degree will stretch and challenge you in new directions. Bring an open mind, expect to be challenged, and prepare yourself to explore the big sociological vistas.

This programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) which means that on successful completion of your degree, eligibility for graduate based chartership (GBC) of the BPS will be conferred. GBC of the BPS is a mandatory requirement for access to most professional practitioner training programmes. This course offers a professional placement and study abroad.

Graduates have begun careers in; Probation, Prison Service, Arrest Support, Legal Aid Counselling, Social Work, Careers Advice, Refugee Council, Behavioural Support, Psychologist, Housing Officers, Employment Consultants. Many graduates also opt to pursue further academic qualifications such as MA or MSc degrees in Psychology, Sociology, Criminology or Research, with a number of graduates take PGCE courses to become teachers or lecturers in tertiary education.