BSc (Hons) Psychology and Sociology

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This is a contemporary and exciting course which combines the disciplines of sociology and psychology for students to develop the knowledge, application and skills to understanding the complexity of individuals and the societies in which they live.

The curriculum includes key areas of psychology and sociology, you will study subjects such as education; crime; social behaviours; therapy and counselling, power, politics and identity, education, media, social inequalities, migration and race and ethnicity. You will develop scientific approaches to researching key issues from a sociological and psychological perspective. These topics, which include research methods, problem solving and manipulation of data, provide useful tools for a range of careers in healthcare, public sector, leadership, organisations, law enforcement, finance, research and IT.

This degree emphasises the practical application of psychology and sociology, with real-world assessments integrated throughout. You’ll also have the option to undertake work-based learning as part of your studies. In sociology modules you will reflect on real issues such as community empowerment, equity in the workplace, applied sociology in work environments.

To reflect the wide range of careers that are open to graduates, the course can be tailored with optional units that suit your specific ambitions.

Solent is home to dedicated psychophysiological recording equipment, eye-tracking facilities and psychology labs.

What does this course lead to?

Solent psychology and sociology graduates can be found in a wide range of different roles and industries. Recent graduates have gone onto careers in mental health support, clinical psychology, therapeutic practice and children’s health.

Graduates who wish to go on to become chartered and registered psychologists would need to undertake postgraduate study in their chosen field.

Who is this course for?

Solent's BSc (Hons) Psychology and Sociology degree is ideal for those interested in human behaviour and everyday social interactions and those who want to ask critical questions about the communities they live in. By studying both psychology and sociology you will develop a diverse set of skills and knowledge that are transferrable to a range of careers.

Tuition fees

The tuition fees for the 2020/21 academic year are:
UK and EU full-time fees: £9,250 per year
International full-time fees: £13,260 per year

For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.

Bursaries and scholarships

Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.

Graduation costs

For graduates in 2020, there is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket was £15 in 2019, but this fee is subject to change for future years. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.

96 - 112 UCAS tariff points from A-levels or equivalent

A minimum of two completed A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma at MMM or BTEC Diploma at DD or equivalent, which comply with the minimum entry requirement of 96 UCAS points.
Alternative entry to this course is available through the Social Sciences Foundation Year.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please refer to our course entry requirement statement.

English language requirements

Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:

IELTS minimum 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component
TOEFL IBT minimum 80 with a minimum of 19 in each individual component
or equivalent.

Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.

The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.

New for 2020

At Solent University we’re constantly improving our courses to reflect our real-world curriculum. We want to make sure our courses are unique, creative, have an applied approach to teaching and reflect the ever-changing world. Find out more about how we build our courses using our curriculum framework....

New for 2020

At Solent University we’re constantly improving our courses to reflect our real-world curriculum. We want to make sure our courses are unique, creative, have an applied approach to teaching and reflect the ever-changing world. Find out more about how we build our courses using our curriculum framework.
Transferable skills

Students learn a range of transferable skills including leadership, group work, team building, individual behaviours, critical thinking, report writing and research skills.
Assessment

The course is assessed using a diverse range of assessment including lab reports, essays, research projects, presentations, reflective essay, group work projects, case studies.
Study abroad

You'll have the opportunity to spend between three months and a year of your course studying abroad at one of our EU partner universities, as part of the Erasmus programme. For more information, see www.solent.ac.uk/exchange If you're a non-UK student studying at an EU university, the Erasmus programme gives you the chance to...

Study abroad

You'll have the opportunity to spend between three months and a year of your course studying abroad at one of our EU partner universities, as part of the Erasmus programme.

For more information, see www.solent.ac.uk/exchange

If you're a non-UK student studying at an EU university, the Erasmus programme gives you the chance to come to the UK and study psychology units at Solent for between three months and a full academic year.
The industry

Students studying psychology and sociology might pursue careers in public sector industries, such as public sector and private sector research; social policy; social work; charity organisations (e.g. Mind), as well as teaching, working with vulnerable groups (young, old, disabled) and marginalised groups (for example, the youth sector). Skills include being...

The industry

Students studying psychology and sociology might pursue careers in public sector industries, such as public sector and private sector research; social policy; social work; charity organisations (e.g. Mind), as well as teaching, working with vulnerable groups (young, old, disabled) and marginalised groups (for example, the youth sector). Skills include being able to plan, carryout and deliver research; create strategies to support vulnerable people; behavioural management and other associated skills.
Student support and services

Student welfare - Solent University is committed to giving you the best possible educational experience during your time with us. As such we have a number of support services and policies set up covering funding, careers and employability, chaplaincy, counselling, international advice, student affairs, key academic skills, disability support and...

Student support and services

Student welfare - Solent University is committed to giving you the best possible educational experience during your time with us. As such we have a number of support services and policies set up covering funding, careers and employability, chaplaincy, counselling, international advice, student affairs, key academic skills, disability support and general student advice. Find out more about our approach to student welfare.

Accommodation - Solent University has a range of student accommodation available. All student residences are in the city centre and within easy walking distance to the city campuses. Accommodation costs vary depending on the size and type of room. Find out more about the cost of living in our student residences.

University facilities - You will have access to a modern, comfortable and efficient study environment, including the Mountbatten library and learning resource centres. Solent offers a wide variety of sports halls, gyms and sports equipment, plus superb IT, media, and cutting-edge specialist facilities. Find out more about our first-class facilities here.

Living in Southampton - Southampton is a modern, vibrant student city brimming with arts and culture, top high street brands, green spaces and a buzzing nightlife. Studying at Solent means that you’ll be at the very heart of it. Find out more about being a student in Southampton.

Solent Students’ Union - Run by students for students, Solent Students’ Union is on hand to offer independent advice and support while you’re at university. Visit the Students’ Union website for more information.

Study location

East Park Terrace

Got a question about this course?

Contact our Ask Solent team:

admissions@solent.ac.uk 023 8201 5066

How to apply

Any student applying for the first year of a full-time/sandwich undergraduate course must apply through UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service). This includes mature, overseas and EU students.

Nearly all schools and colleges offer their students the facility of applying electronically through the UCAS website using 'Apply'; it may also be used by those applying independently in the UK and overseas. This facility and all course information can be found on the UCAS website: www.ucas.com.

Your application should reach UCAS by 15 January if you hope to enter a course the following autumn. Early application is advised for the most popular subject areas. Late applications may be made until the end of June. The UCAS code for the University is S30, code name SOLNT.

Please click the links below to apply through UCAS:

Mode of study	Duration	Apply
Full-time	3 years	Apply

Social Sciences Foundation Year route:

Mode of study	Duration	Apply
Full-time	4 years	Apply

How to apply

Core modules

Exploring Psychology
Methods and Analysis in Psychology
The Sociological Imagination
Psychology Across the Lifespan
Social Inequalities
Researching the City

Core modules

Brain and Behaviour
Psychological Research
The Social Individual
Bodies and Identities
Social Movements and Social Justice

Options

Race and Ethnicity in Modern Britain
Global Health Inequalities

Please note: Not all optional modules are guaranteed to run each year.

Core modules

Developing Professional Practice in Psychology
Applied Psychology Research Project
Media Society and Power

Options

Educational Inequality and Injustice
Applied Sociology in the Community
Migration and Refugees
Sociology of Medicine, Health and Wellbeing

Please note: Not all optional modules are guaranteed to run each year.

Programme specification document

Web-based learning

Solent's virtual learning environment provides quick online access to assignments, lecture notes, suggested reading and other course information.

The Student Hub

The Student Hub is a central space where you can access all of the information and support you need during your time at University.

Professional and experienced staff can help resolve any query, and if they cannot answer the question themselves they will find the person who can.

Career support

Mei Mason-Li Course Leader View profile

Brian McDonough Course Leader View profile

Imogen Tijou Course Leader View profile

Ben Powis Senior Lecturer View profile

Philippa Velija Senior Lecturer View profile

Pamela Pourzanjani Senior Lecturer View profile

Greg Neil Lecturer View profile

Aarti Ratna Associate Professor View profile

The university cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.

As you learn, you’ll benefit from access to Solent’s dedicated psychophysiological recording equipment, eye-tracking facilities and psychology labs.

The psychology and sociology teaching team, made up of academics with extensive industry and research experience, will guide you as you apply your newly founded research skills to a range of experiments and projects. This hands-on training eventually leads to a final applied psychology project, acting as the perfect springboard into graduate employment or further study.

Staff are research active and engage in community and research projects which are embedded in the modules that students' study.

Psychology laboratory

Graduates who wish to go on to become chartered and registered psychologists would need to undertake postgraduate study in their chosen field. Many graduates will move on to study other postgraduate courses in the social sciences, as well as a range of employment opportunities, including work for mental health and community organisations; public and private sector research; teaching and educational sector jobs; careers connected to community sector management, social work and policy sector jobs.

Other careers include:

Government agencies
Education
Journalism
Public Relations
Human Resources
Police
Non-profit and outreach work
Charity work
Research
Politics
Leadership

Practical experience is embedded throughout the curriculum. This includes work placement and live brief opportunities. Students are also encouraged to present their final-year project at industry conferences - past students have presented for the British Psychological Society.