UCAS code: C8L3 BSc/PsySoc
Duration: three years full time

The aim of the course is to give you a thorough grounding in theories, methods and research in both Psychology and Sociology, disciplines which are developing rapidly and which have applications in a wide range of practical settings.

You will spend two-thirds of your time in Psychology and one-third in Sociology.

The degree is accredited as conferring eligibility for Graduate Membership of the British Psychological Society and giving the Graduate Basis for Registration which is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist.

An integral part of the course is the teaching of research methodology, and students acquire competence in the use of statistical methods to analyse data from experiments in the laboratory and in the field.

For typical offers please refer to the on-line undergraduate prospectus for upto date details

Undergraduate programme

First Year

Introductory modules in Psychology cover applied psychology, approaches to psychology, cognitive psychology, abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, biological bases of behaviour, statistics and laboratory work, seminars on current topics in psychology, research skills and discussion groups.

Two modules in Sociology, Society in Transformation 1 and 2, focus on social changes and social problems in modern societies. The modules cover such topics as popular culture, gender, crime and the city, and an examination of the international nature of the modern social system.

Second Year

Modules in Psychology cover the following topics: social behaviour and development, biological psychology, abnormal psychology, personality and individual differences, cognitive psychology, statistics and laboratory work. 

Four modules are taken in Sociology: sociological analysis 1 and 2 and contemporary societies 1 and 2. Sociological analysis examines the work of key thinkers who have contributed to the development of sociology as a science. Contemporary societies focuses on key theoretical issues in the sociology of racism and ethnicity. Nationalism is also examined.

Third Year

Both core and option modules are taken in Psychology. The core modules are social behaviour and development, and brain and cognition.

The two options are chosen from the following modules:  legal psychology, clinical psychology, working environment psychology, behavioural pharmacology, psychology of love and attraction, cognitive and clinical neuropsychology, individual differences, human factors, visual cognition, game theory & experimental games.

In Sociology you choose two option modules from a specified list of topics including such areas as class, health, work, education, gender, ethnicity, the city, and popular culture.

Skills Gained

In both disciplines, students will develop skills in oral and written communication, information retrieval and the evaluation of research.

Training in Information Technology will include the use of spreadsheets and databases, and the assessment of complex statistical information using computer software. Practical and project work will develop research skills, enabling students to design and undertake experiments and other empirical investigations.

Careers/Further Study

Our graduates enter a wide variety of careers, including a variety of posts in health care, social work, personnel work, management training and teaching.

The Graduate Basis for Registration of the British Psychological Society qualifies you to take professional training in clinical, educational, occupational and counselling psychology. Students will get the Graduate Basis for Registration of the BPS provided they obtain an honours degree (lower second class honours or above).

The School of Psychology offers postgraduate training with the campus-based DClinPsych in Clinical Psychology and MSc in Forensic Psychology, and the distance-learning MSc in Applied Forensic Psychology, MSc in Forensic & Legal Psychology, MSc in Occupational Psychology and MSc in the Psychology of Work.  Alternatively students may wish to take up postgraduate research within the School of Psychology leading to a MSc in Psychological Research Methods or a PhD supervised by any member of staff.  The Sociology Department offers the MSc in Social Sciences Research (Sociology) or (Race and Ethnic Studies), and an MA in the Sociology of Sport. Students may wish to take up postgraduate research within the Department of Sociology leading to a PhD supervised by any member of staff.

Admissions Tutor Dr Phil Duke. Tel: +44 (0)116 229 7197. Email: psyc-admissions@le.ac.uk

Next step: request an Information and Application Pack