Who are we, and how do we shape
our world? On this course you’ll
explore both the nature of the
individual and society. You’ll learn
the critical thinking skills that
discerning employers are looking
for in a variety of fields including
business, health, media, education,
social care and management.
BSc/BSc (Hons)
Psychology and
Sociology
Studying psychology and
sociology will allow you to
explore a large and fascinating
world – the fundamental nature
of human beings and how that
nature shapes our social
environment. You’ll engage with
debates about the practical,
theoretical and ethical issues
associated with the use of
different methodologies,
paradigms and methods of
analysis applied in each of the
disciplines, and their relevance
and value for different
communities and publics.
Are you fascinated by human nature, by
who we are and how we interact? Do
you want to understand what impacts
the shape of society around us and how
it could be changed for the better? Then
you will enjoy our joint course in
psychology and sociology as it provides
a challenging and stimulating
environment for exploring these
questions around the individual and
society.
In this course you will learn to use social
scientific methods and evidence to make
sense of human behaviour. You’ll learn
how to think and write critically, giving
you skills that can be valuable in many
fields. You’ll be given opportunities to go
into communities and apply your skills
and knowledge in a real-world context
and reflect upon the ways in which
psychological and sociological
knowledge can effect real change in
people’s everyday lives.
The modules in Years One and Two will
give you a thorough grounding in the key
concepts, theories and schools of
thought in both psychology and
sociology. You’ll look at the historical
development and contemporary
applications of psychological and
sociological knowledge as well as
explore the very latest debates in both
disciplines. We know how important it is
that you develop a wide range of
transferable talents, so you’ll also focus
on improving your interpersonal and
presentation skills, effective reading and
writing, analytical thinking and critical
reflection, as well as your research skills.
In Years Three and Four you’ll develop an
in-depth understanding of a broad range
of substantive debates within the
disciplines of psychology and sociology:
the psychology of risk, the origins and
structure of memory and eyewitness
testimony, the sociology of gender and
sexuality, sociologies of liberation, and
social interaction and social order.
Working closely with a member of
academic staff, you will conduct your
own independent research project in
Year Four, in which you will be
encouraged to bring together your
knowledge of academic theories and
concepts, as well as refining your
research skills.
Your ability to understand the relationship
between complex academic theory and
practical research will certainly enhance
your employability on completion of this
course.
Structure
You can opt to study for an honours
degree over four years or an ordinary
degree over three years. You will
complete a range of modules each year
as outlined.
Teaching, learning and assessment
You will be taught in lectures, seminars,
practical workshops and laboratories.
Outside these timetabled sessions you
will be expected to continue learning
through self-study. Your work will be
134
assessed using a number of techniques,
including essay writing, presentations,
report writing, critical reflections and
examinations. For full details see the
course entry on our website.
Modules
Year One
Introduction to Academia & the
Sociological Imagination/ Diversity,
Identity & Wellbeing/ Foundations of
Empirical Psychology/ Introduction to
Psychology 1: Social, Developmental &
Individual Psychology/ Introduction to
Psychology 2: Biological & Cognitive
Psychology
Year Two
Social Inquiry – Philosophy & Design/
Production & Consumption of Culture/
Social & Developmental Psychology/
Data Analysis/ Psychological Literacy/
Biological & Cognitive Psychology/
Enquiries in Psychology/ Individual
Difference & Historical Perspectives in
Psychology
Year Three
Current Debates in Sociology/ Social
Research – Theory & Practice/ Sociology
Option modules including: Poverty &
Social Exclusion/ Sociology of Liberation/
Interaction & Social Order/ Changing
World: Social Movement & Global
Change/ Psychology Options including:
Social Psychology/ Literature Review/
Developmental Psychology/ Cognitive
Psychology/ Individual Differences/
Critical, Conceptual & Historical Issues in
Psychology
Year Four
Sociology Dissertation/ Sociology
options including: Sociology of Scotland/
European Policy & Politics/ Queer