This course is still open for entry in September 2024 (Home Scottish only) – please visit our Clearing and Late Application page.
Please note: International applications are now closed for the September 2024 intake.
Psychology and Sociology - BSc (Hons)
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? If so, you will enjoy our BSc (Hons) in Psychology and Sociology: it provides a challenging and stimulating environment for exploring these questions around the individual and society.
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.
Why QMU?
- Innovative and unique course: Through the unique integration of sociology and psychology teaching in ‘hybrid’ modules, we have developed a highly innovative and unique joint degree which is aligned to QMU’s strategic goal to provide distinctive, accessible and high quality education.
- Stimulating learning environment: We offer a stimulating environment in which students can develop the intellectual and professional edge needed for working with 21st century society.
- Staff expertise: Our staff work on outward-facing, innovative and cross-disciplinary research.
- Support for students: Our class sizes are smaller compared with some universities, so you have closer and more personal support and guidance from our staff.
Psychology and Sociology - BSc (Hons): The course in brief
On this course you will 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 social groups.
You will 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
On this course you will:
- learn to use social scientific methods and evidence to make sense of human behaviour;
- learn how to think and write critically, giving you skills that can be valuable in many fields; and
- have opportunities to go into communities and apply your skills and knowledge in a real-world context and reflect upon the ways that psychological and sociological knowledge can effect real change in people’s everyday lives.
How will I be taught?
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 assessed using a number of techniques, including essay writing, presentations, podcasts, report writing, critical reflections and examinations.
Exchange opportunities
In Year Three you have the opportunity (subject to availability) to study for one semester at a university overseas. Please visit theÌýExchanges and Study AbroadÌýpages for more information.
Teaching staff, class sizes and timetables
You can read more about the teaching staff on this course at the bottom of this page. Please note that teaching staff is subject to change.
For more information, please also visit ‘How we teach and how you’ll learn’.
What will I learn each year?
Year One
You will:Ìý
- gain a thorough grounding in the key concepts, theories and schools of thought in psychology and sociology;
- look at the historical development and contemporary applications of psychological and sociological knowledge as well as explore the very latest debates in both disciplines;
- develop a wide range of essential transferable talents, by focusing on improving your interpersonal and presentation skills, effective reading and writing, analytical thinking and critical reflection, as well as your research skills.
Modules
- Introduction to Academia
- The Sociological Imagination 1 – Classic & Contemporary Sociological Theories & Concepts
- The Sociological Imagination 2 – Diversity and Inequality
- Introduction to Psychology 1
- Introduction to Psychology 2
- Foundations of Psychology: Core Concepts and Practices
Year Two
You will:Ìý
- start to develop research skills in psychology and sociology;
- start to make informed, comparative, critical judgements and evaluations of competing psychological and sociological approaches to substantive issues;
- start to develop competence in the critique of published psychological and sociological research in relation to conceptual and methodological considerations; and
- start develop competence in synthesising relevant evidence in the development of coherent and systematic arguments.
Modules
- Current Debates in Sociology
- Material Culture
- Exploring Research
- Self & Identity
- Developmental and Social Psychology Ìý
- Psychology Option module
Year Three
You will:Ìý
- develop skills to critically evaluate the utility of a range of epistemological and methodological perspectives in interrogating psychological and sociological issues;
- develop skills to employ evidence-based, comparative reasoning and to critically examine practical, theoretical and ethical issues associated with the use of different methodologies, paradigms and methods of analysis in psychological and sociological research;
- develop understanding of ethical issues and current codes of ethics and conduct;
- develop competence in the presentation and interpretation of qualitative and quantitative data; and
- have the opportunity (subject to availability) to study for one semester at a university overseas. For more information, visit Exchanges and Study Abroad*.
Modules
- Interaction & Social Order
- Sociology of Knowledge & Science
- Sociological and Psychological Approaches to Social Movements
- Research Skills
- Developmental Psychology
- Psychology Option Module
Year Four
You will:Ìý
- develop specialisms in psychology and sociology;
- be able to demonstrate detailed and contemporary knowledge and understanding in relation in relation to chosen specialisms;
- through independent scholarly activity, synthesise and critically evaluate a wide range of psychological and sociological theories, theorists, concepts and practices;Ìý
- conduct independent research appropriate to sociology and/or psychology; and
- become an independent, pragmatic, reflective and critical thinker.
Modules
- Dissertation (in Psychology, Sociology or both)
two Sociology option modules
two psychology option modules
Option modules
These modules are indicative and may be subject to change year on year.
Sociology options include:
- Understanding the Sociological Present
- Class, Poverty and Inequality: Social Policy Response
- Sociology of Scotland
- Inequality, Poverty and Social Policy in Comparative Perspective
Psychology options include:
- Cognitive Science of Belief
- Community Engagement
- Critical Engagement with the History of Psychology
- The Psychology of Pain
- Psychology for Contemporary Issues
- Peer relations in Childhood and Adolescence
- Memory: Origins and Structures
NB The modules listed here are correct at time of posting (Feb 2023) but may differ slightly to those offered in 2024. Please check back here for any updates.
Career opportunities
You’ll graduate with a wide range of skills, knowledge and aptitudes. You’ll be ready to step out into a wide range of careers, to develop yourself in even greater ways. Our alumni are pursuing careers in social and community work, consumer and social research, public policy development, teaching, academia, marketing and human resource management.
Psychology and Sociology - BSc (Hons): Entry requirements and application information
Entry requirements
Scottish Higher: Standard - BBCC, Minimum - BCCC
A Level: CCD
Irish Leaving Certificate: H3 H3 H3 H3
International Baccalaureate: 26 points
International: IELTS of 6.0 with no element lower than 5.5
Required subjects: English required at Nat 5/ GCSE
Am I a Widening Access student?: We apply the minimum entry criteria to applicants who meet one or more contextual factor. To see if this would apply to you, please refer to the access and application page.
Mature/Access: We welcome applications from mature students with relevant qualifications and/or experience. Visit ourÌýCollege Leavers and Mature Students Advice pageÌýfor more information.Ìý
Direct Entry:
Year Two
- HNC in a related subject with B in the graded unit
- Scottish Higher: BC at Advanced Higher in relevant subjects plus BB at Higher
- A Level: BBB in relevant subjects
Year Three
- HND in a related subject with CB in the graded units
For details of related HNC and HND courses, visit ourÌýCollege Leavers and Mature Students Advice page.Ìý
Disability/health conditions
If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or learning disability, it should not stand in the way of your studying at QMU. However, if you are not sure whether your disability might be a barrier in your studies or in relation to the professional standards, please contact the disability service who will be able to have a conversation with you about reasonable adjustments and supports available to you.
Terms and Conditions
The delivery of this course is subject to the terms and conditions set out in ourÌý2024/25 Entry Terms and Conditions (Undergraduate).
Associate student places
You can study this course as an associate student, completing the first year at Newbattle Abbey College or West Lothian College.
Read more about the Associate Student Scheme.Ìý
Awarding body
QMU
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Course Overview
Opportunities to meet us: open days and more
As well asÌýopen days, we offer campus tours and online events throughout the year to help you find out more about student life and studying at QMU.
Open days and other ways of meeting us: more information