BSc (Hons) Sociology with Psychology
- UCAS code: L3C8
- Mode of study: Full time
- Duration: 3 years
- Entry requirements 2013: 240-300 points from 3 A levels or equivalent.
- Please see details of the range of other qualifications that will also be considered on the 'Entry Requirements' tab below. Please do contact us for advice on other qualifications that aren't listed here.
Find out more:
Tel: +44 (0)23 9284 8299
Email: humanities.admissions@port.ac.uk
Department: School of Social, Historical and Literary Studies
Course overview
Psychology examines the workings of the mind and how this relates to behaviour. It fits very well with sociology because sociology is concerned with developing theories that explain the changing nature of social behaviour in different societies.
Our degree course is designed to provide you with the opportunity to major in sociology and study a set of psychology units. You will study 120 credits of psychology in your three years on the degree. You will not need a science A Level or any background in statistics, although there will be some exposure to these elements of psychology. You will study 240 credits of sociology and all your options and your dissertation will be sociology based.
From sociology, you'll begin with major theoretical perspectives in sociology and specific topics like social inequalities and social change. Options vary from year to year but include such areas as deviance and social problems, food and society, urban sociology, work and employment, animals and society and consumer society.
The psychology element introduces psychology units such as personality and behaviour, interaction and communication, the developing person, mental processes, employment and occupational environments and contemporary issues and lifestyles.
Please note that students taking BSc (Hons) Sociology with Psychology cannot transfer to single honours psychology. Furthermore, this is not a British Psychological Society (BPS) conferred degree award and, therefore, will not constitute a basis for exemptions from BPS core courses.
We expect to recruit a variety of students who may offer different sorts of qualifications or demonstrate evidence of competence or ability to succeed on the programme.
Placements
This course allows you to take the Learning From Experience (LiFE) option, which lets you earn credits toward your degree for work / research placements, volunteer roles or internships undertaken alongside your studies. The option gives you the opportunity to enhance your employability skills, to reflect on the ways in which you've done so, and to learn to express this to potential employers.
Course content
This honours degree course in Sociology with Psychology is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the theory and methodology of the disciplines and their application to the analysis of social phenomena. The course facilitates the development of both students' independent study and collaborative work. It offers students the chance to make real choices in the balance of their studies through the option programme and the dissertation.
Stage 1
You will study topics such as analysing and theorising society, social research, and key ideas in psychology. You will also study subjects that Portsmouth considers essential to your future learning and career such as study skills and employability skills.
Stage 2
You will study core aspects such as Modernity and globalisation, risk and society social research and, the developing person and mental processes. You will also be able to choose from a range of options such as deviance and social problems, urban sociology and emotions and social life. You will have the opportunity to study a foreign language.
Much of the knowledge and skills gained in studying these topics are transferable to post-University careers.
Study abroad
It is possible to take part in an exchange programme during stage 2 at Moorhead State University in the USA.
Stage 3
In the final year of your course you will study core aspects such as Current trends in applied psychology and choose from a range of optional units including transformations of modern society, animals and society, food and culture, war and violence and young people state and society amongst others. You will also undertake a dissertation.
Teaching and assessment
Our teaching approach involves lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops. Students will be expected to participate fully in group discussions and group projects. They will also have hands on experience in Computing.
The learning experience for undergraduates is different from pre-degree study and we address this issue by teaching the skills necessary for degree level work through study skills tutorials in Year One . Tutorial support and skills development continues in Years Two and Three including careers and dissertation supervision.
A wide range of assessment methods are employed, including seminar participation, essays, in-class tests, projects (both individual and group), academic poster presentations, examinations and a 10,000 word dissertation. The final degree award is determined by the overall performance of students in units in Years 2 and 3.
Career prospects
Throughout the Sociology with Psychology degree the student develops key transferable skills that can enhance employability. Graduates from this degree programme pursue careers in a wide variety of professions including: teaching and lecturing; advertising and marketing; the media; banking and financial services; local government; business administration; personnel management, criminal justice, education, social services, human resources and social research.
The course provides a sound academic basis for careers in commerce, industry and the service sector. Honours degrees also enable students to undertake postgraduate research or to complete specialised professional training. Sociology with Psychology students have the opportunity to develop both various skills relevant for future employment and also transferable social and life skills.
Facilities and features
Over the last four years, the University has invested substantially in its teaching facilities. Our teaching rooms at Milldam are equipped with multimedia and audio-visual facilities. In addition, we provide quiet rooms, a dedicated IT teaching room and IT facilities.
The School has a large archive of documentary films in its multimedia resources area and the University library is currently undergoing significant investment and expansion to further enhance the range of resources available to you there.