Psychology and Sociology

The BSc Psychology and Sociology degree at Aberystwyth University will give you the opportunity to engage with psychological theory and research and explore how psychology is applied to real-world personal and social issues. The BSc Psychology and Sociology will also enable you to explore both personal and social nature of human experience from different perspectives.

All our degree schemes are designed with employability in mind and are accredited by the British Psychological Society – perfect for graduate-level careers or access to postgraduate training. The Department of Psychology has outstanding teaching and research facilities dedicated to your course. The laboratories and dedicated research spaces provide you with a diverse array of facilities and equipment with which to explore. These resources allow you to develop your interests and engage creative problem-solving techniques as you progress towards your graduation.

The Psychology and Sociology elements of this degree will enable you to:

• be able to critically evaluate ideas, concepts and approaches across the whole of the subject and within particular branches of Psychology and Sociology

• be able to carry out independent research, applying a range of skills in relation to data collection, analysis and presentation; have developed a range of skills and be able to apply them to a variety of Psychological and Sociological issues

• be able to recognise that your learning experience has been positively reinforced by exposure to research;

• be able to evaluate your own performance in a range of learning contexts and under different modes of assessment

• be able to work independently, in a team and with a social awareness of the contribution made by scholarship and applied research in their discipline to psychological and / or social policy

• have the necessary skills and awareness to seek employment in a variety of professional careers or to begin postgraduate research and study.

During your first year of your course, you will be introduced to the main concepts, themes and perspectives of Sociology. During your second and third year, the teaching will consider the core knowledge and understanding modules to develop your capacities relating to your first year modules. You will undertake your independent research project. You will select and study a wide range of qualitative, quantitative and digital data sources, research strategies and methods of data collection and analysis. You will understand the importance of ethical issues in all forms of sociological data collection, analysis and argumentation and your timetable may also include practical classes and fieldwork exercises.

The study of Psychology and Sociology provides a solid foundation for you to consider a wide range of careers including the media, social work, international development, community engagement, and the civil service to name a few. Nowadays, employers are seeking graduates who possess various skills which include the ability to think analytically and laterally. Our Psychology and Sociology degree provides you with a breadth and flexibility of skills which is why Sociology graduates nationally are attractive to employers.