Sociology with Psychology BSc (Hons)

University of Portsmouth

Overview

Prepare to lead the world into a more positive future.

Human thought and behaviour shapes our society, which in turn shapes our experience as global citizens. Take a sociological and social psychological approach to the most pressing social issues of our time, from global economic inequality and the migrant crisis to world hunger, climate change and gender equality - and see how our actions interact with and influence social justice and wellbeing in the world.

While developing your sociological imagination, you'll also study social psychological concepts such as prosocial behaviour, intergroup dynamics and social influence. On this BSc (Hons) Sociology with Psychology degree, you'll conduct your own research into societal issues that matter most to you, developing the skills to influence positive change such as critical thinking, leading on research projects, analysing data and communicating proposals for change effectively.

Course highlights

• Learn from leading academics actively researching solutions to social inequalities and exploring the social structures that shape our lives, including researchers from our Sociology and Social Theory Research Group
• Tailor your studies to topics that match your ambitions from a diverse range of specialist modules, including social justice, gender and sexuality, race and racism and global inequality
• Use social psychological theory to address one of three 'unsolvable issues' (homelessness, domestic violence or unemployment), simulating projects you'll work on in future health-related careers
• Hear from industry specialists on topics such as racism, asylum and gender-based violence – recent guest speakers have come from Friends Without Borders and Portsmouth Abuse and Rape Counselling Services (PARCS)
• Discover how to present your knowledge and research to a wider audience, through the production of a video or podcast on an optional module
• Learn to use industry-leading software, such as SPSS statistical analysis software and NVivo qualitative data analysis software, to transform your research into actionable findings
• The psychological approach on this course is designed to enhance your understanding of sociology beyond sociological theory – it doesn't offer British Psychological Society accreditation (BPS) but strongly prepares you for further study or training related to the psychological and social sciences.

Careers and opportunities

The course provides a solid foundation for moving into a variety of people-focused careers, from community development and careers advice, to teaching and charity work. You'll have the communication, research, critical thinking and analysis skills employers look for to lead on complex projects, convert report findings into manageable insights and manage people with an understanding of how the mind works.

After the course you could also continue your studies to a PhD or other postgraduate qualification, following in the footsteps of your lecturers.

What sectors can you work in with a sociology with psychology degree?

Many of our sociology graduates go into people-focused roles, or in roles that allow them to do research, shape social policies or bring about social change.

Areas you could go into include:

• teaching and lecturing (with additional training or further study)
• research and policy
• health and social care
• advertising, marketing and media
• local government
• careers advice, human resources and recruitment
• charity work and community development

What jobs can you do with a sociology with psychology degree?

Roles you could go onto include:

• peer support and young persons service manager
• youth worker
• school teacher or college lecturer
• research executive
• fundraising and project manager
• hr adviser
• social worker
• evidence and evaluation manager

Our Careers and Employability team will support you for up to 5 years after you leave the University.