BSc (Hons) Sociology with Psychology
Student profile
Natasha Gohel - BSc (Hons) Sociology with Psychology
I had studied sociology for A-level, and was very interested in psychology, so being able to combine both areas at Portsmouth was very appealing to my own interests. The modules are set up to relate to real people in real-life situations at the same time as looking at the wider theories, and the lecturers are great at being approachable as part of their teaching.
There’s also useful support from departments like Academic Skills, with their study workshops, and Student Finance, who backed me up when a delayed student loan was causing obvious problems. The library is set up to help concentration, with some areas for silence and others for group conversations – and librarians to keep us in line. I think the experiment with 24-hour opening is going to be amazing.
Outside the degree, I do socialise a lot, going to the cinema or for nights out with friends – I wouldn’t have met the kinds of people I did here anywhere else, so it’s the type of city that really opens your mind. There’s so much to do that you can really lose track of time – days, even!
After I graduate, I want to do a PGCE and teach in secondary schools. The university’s Purple Door agency helped me a lot in choosing a career, and through them I’ve been offered the chance to mentor secondary-school children, which is a great opportunity (and it’s even paid). Overall, I know I have really matured through this course, growing in confidence and financial awareness, and in mastering the balance of formal and informal working with my lecturers that will be vital for my future career.
Rachel West - BSc (Hons) Sociology
Sociology at Portsmouth is diverse. The material covered is wide ranging, offering more than the basics of the discipline. The lecturers are very approachable and they have a lot of relevant experience.
Support facilities at the University are very good, particularly the Academic Skills Unit, which offers support in things like exam preparation and referencing and the Library's resources are extensive.
Personally, I like the fact that the University is not campus based. You really feel like you are part of the city and living by the sea gives you the best of both worlds.