Level 6

Psychology & Sociology BSc (Hons)

Duration Age Group Study Start Cost Available Locations
3 YEARS ADULT FULL TIME 18/09/2024
£8000 per year * Southend Campus
Duration Age Group Study Start Cost Available Locations
3 YEARS ADULT FULL TIME 18/09/2024
£8000 per year * Southend Campus
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Overview

Course code: L340

The underpinning philosophy of the BSc (Hons) Psychology and Sociology programme is to provide you with the ability to apply theory, concepts and ideas across psychological and sociological disciplines. The programme will enrich your knowledge and research skills to enhance your understanding of human behaviour and society.

At its core the BSc (Hons) Psychology and Sociology programme adopts a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approach. The programme is structured across four distinct strands; Psychology, Sociology, Research Methods and Employability. The four strands enable you to analyse contemporary issues from a range of perspectives, providing essential transferable skills for employment. Although delivered as four separate strands, the programme also focuses on the application and linking of these areas. This provides you with opportunity to investigate the impact of the individual on society and how, in turn, society can shape the individual. The design of this course provides you with the unique opportunity to use applied research to understand the world and human behaviour across the lifespan.

Employability and work-related practice is embedded within every module, to provide a solid underpinning of skill development. An integral part of the programme is not only to embed employability but to assess it at an early stage (the Work-Related Skills unit). The assessment is designed to foster ambition not only within the programme but beyond. This aspect of the programme has been reinforced by discussions with external employment providers enabling focus on current and succinct skills within the relevant sectors.

Entry Requirements

A Minimum of 64 UCAS Points from one or more of the following:

  • Access to Higher Education Diploma
  • A Levels
  • T Levels
  • BTEC/UAL Extended Diploma
  • Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Level 3 or 4)
  • Or equivalent EU/International qualifications, such as International Baccalaureate Diploma
  • GCSE English Language and Maths at Grade C (old specification) or Grade 4 (new specification) or above OR a Level 2 equivalent such as Functional Skills.

This list is not exhaustive, other qualifications may be considered. Entry to this course will also be determined by the quality of your application, looking primarily at your portfolio/showreel of work,
personal statement and reference.

Entry to this course will also be determined by the quality of your application, personal statement and reference.

DBS Check (Disclosure and Barring Service)

Successful applicants for this programme may require an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before commencing practice placement in Year 2. DBS identification documents are verified by trained staff in line with DBS guidelines as part of the admissions process.

The administration charge for this service will be incorporated into the course fees.

Course Structure

Year one units

  • Foundations of Psychology
  • Classical Sociology
  • Contemporary Sociology
  • Personality, Intelligence and Individual Differences
  • Research Methods in Social Sciences Preparation for Practice Learnin

Year two units

  • Qualitative and Quantitative Research
  • Social Division and Inequalities
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Practice Learning

Year three units

  • Final Major Project (Dissertation)
  • Psychology of Mental Health and Mental Disorders
  • Health Psychology
  • Sustainability and Globalisation
  • Sociology of Crime and Deviance

Work placements

Work placements are encouraged throughout the duration of the course. However work placement as a course requirement feeds through the modules Work-Related Skills during the first year and then the Work-Related Practice unit in the secondyear. Work placements that form part of the Work Related Practice module are to be negotiated with students and external employers using the standardised placement learning processes and therefore may vary in duration and length.

Timetables

Timetables are normally available one month prior to registration, though we endeavour to let you know an outline as soon as possible. Please note that we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day during the week .

Typically timetables are scheduled for 13 hours per week across two days between 9am-5pm (however there may be events during the year, for example guest speakers that may run until 6pm). We expect you to build on your learning through Independent study for which we have space available within the campus or at the Forum in Southend.

Previous guest speakers have included

  • Dr Josh Davis (University of Greenwich and Researcher in Super-Recognition)
  • Iain Banks (Southend Borough Council)
  • Emma Goddard (Restorative and Mediation Services Development Manager Essex Police)
  • Itayi Garande (International lawyer)
  • Jacki Simpson (Volunteering Matters)

Workshops have included

  • Safeguarding
  • Deaf awareness
  • Dementia friends training
  • Mental Health First Aid training

Teaching & Learning

Teaching

You are taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and workshops, which enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of the disciplines of Psychology and Sociology.

Typically across all years of the programme you will have 13 hours of contact time per week across two days.

Contact time will consist of:

  • 1-4 hour lectures/seminars
  • Tutorial and dedicated one-to-one support when necessary

Independent learning

When not attending lectures, seminars or workshops or other timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue to learn independently through self-guided, independent activities. This may typically include reading journal articles, books, periodicals and preparing coursework and presentations. A range of excellent facilities, including the library and online learning resources, the Learning Resource Centre and the Forum supports your independent learning. Typically Independent learning will approximately equate to 50% in Year one and 53% in Year two (with 17% making up Placement Learning) and 70% in Year three.

Assessment & Feedback

Across the programme you will be assessed using a variety of methods including:

  • Essays
  • Research Projects
  • Presentations
  • Short Answer Tests
  • Portfolios
  • Debates

Please note that full assessment information can be found in the module descriptors.

Feedback

You will receive formative feedback as part of your modules and taught sessions with your Module Lead. You will also receive summative comments on all formal assessments undertaken by coursework. We aim to provide feedback within 20 working days for formal assessments (coursework and practical activities). Alternative forms of feedback can be requested by students through one-to-one meetings with Module Assessors/Module Leaders. Check

Feedback on the Final Major Project/Dissertation module in Year three is provided throughout and through supervision meetings as scheduled.

Course Cost

Adult, full_time: £8000 per year

Fees are per academic year for Home/UK students.

The following course-related costs are included in the fees:

  • During years two and three you will be required to produce a poster presentation to conference expectations. The professional printing of this poster costs £12 each and will be provided through the Central Reprographics Unit at the College
  • You will receive an allocation of pages for printing. Once you have used your allocation, you need to charge up your account with more pages

Additional course costs can be found here

There may be costs for optional visits/trips.

What Next...

Graduates have gone on to careers such as education, research (National Office of Statistics), project management and support workers. Students have also entered Masters Qualifications in Psychology, Social Work, Fashion Psychology, Mental Health, Clinical and Forensic Psychology. Graduates have also undertaken teacher training and have achieved either QTS or QTLS, enabling them to take up roles in mainstream schools.

Graduates wishing to progress in psychology can undertake a British Psychological Society (BPS) conversion award through an accredited institution which will provide an opportunity to become eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). By gaining this, you will be eligible to apply for a place on a society-accredited postgraduate training programme and in time progress to gaining Chartered Membership (CPsychol) of the Society. Your programme leader will be able to advise of accredited programmes.

Success Stories...

Psychology and Sociology graduate Katie Fida shares her story

Psychology and Sociology graduate Katie Fida shares her story

Course studied

Psychology & Sociology BSc (Hons)

I chose this university because I was drawn to the class room style lectures, where more conversation and debates could take place, as I feel this is a brilliant way to learn as opposed to huge lecture theatres.


My name is Katie, I am 25 years old and I studied BSc Psychology and Sociology at University Centre South Essex from 2017 to 2020 and this is my story.

Before coming to the university centre, I completed one year of an adult nursing degree; however, it just didn’t feel 100% right. So, I wanted a career change, I decided to enrol on an Access to Counselling course, which I completed with a Distinction, and then that lead me to the Psychology and Sociology degree. Alongside my college course I worked in healthcare as a Health Care Assistant in hospitals and care homes.  I then got a job working in a Psychiatric hospital whilst studying on my degree, which fuelled my desire to work in the field of psychology. 

I finally was able to marry my wife in August, after it was cancelled in July, then I started a master’s in Psychology in September 2020, which I am due to finish in August 2021.

I am currently working in a Psychiatric hospital, on a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit. My job entails ensuring the safety of those suffering from severe mental health disorders (at a point of crisis), who have been sectioned under the Mental Health Act. It is my job to observe their mental state daily and report this, carry out enhanced observations to minimise potential risk they pose to themselves or others. I carry out risk assessments, ward rounds, liaise with family members and the MDT. I also assist with care plan writing, verbally de-escalate patients when they are in crisis and carry out CBT skills coaching sessions.  

I started working on the Personality Disorder ward, then I carried out CPD training within the company I work. I now work with patients with Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Psychosis and other severe mental health conditions. I employed my knowledge and skills from the degree into my work also. 

I chose this university because I was drawn to the class room style lectures, where more conversation and debates could take place, as I feel this is a brilliant way to learn as opposed to huge lecture theatres.

It has helped massively with my understanding of a lot of social and psychological dilemmas that people may be in. It has also helped me with critical thinking when in crisis situations. It helped me prepare for my Master’s, the progression from degree level 6 work, to master’s level 7 work felt almost natural. A lot of what I learned on my degree I am now expanding on in my master’s, and I don’t think I would have such a great understanding if I had never completed the degree that I did. 

I gained critical thinking skills, communication, I learned how to use SPSS which is paramount for the profession I seek to be in. I have the skills to write an academic piece of work, which has helped my report writing skills in my current job role. I also learned presentation skills, which has helped me with the confidence of speaking in front of others in a formal manner. This has helped when I have carried out handovers and ward rounds in my current role and have also helped with my masters. 
I used SPSS at the university, which I am very grateful for, as I use this a lot in my master’s now, and will use it many times throughout my career, so that software is the exact same as I am using now and in the future, which is excellent. 

My favourite memory would be the trip we all took to the Bethlam Mental Health Hospital, we got to look through the archive hospital records which we were all absolutely glued to. It was very fascinating and great insight. But I also just have so many brilliant memories from the lectures, being able to chat in depth as a group about the topics, I learned a lot through the conversations. 

I would recommend it because I feel smaller learning groups are an excellent way to build confidence and to really get engaged with the topics you learn. The tutors are very helpful and the smaller class groups means you can have more one to one conversation with the lecturers. It is also in an excellent location. 
My greatest achievement I would say is getting a First class on my dissertation, and then winning an outstanding student award. I have also recently received a Distinction on my master’s Psychology exam. 

After completion of my master’s I hope to progress in the company I am currently in, to an assistant psychologist, and then I will be applying for a Doctorate. I hope to work as a Clinical or Forensic psychologist. I also hope to be a good role model to my daughter, as a single parent it has not been easy studying and working, but I hope it finally pays off and that I can give her a nice life, whilst also working in my dream career.

The university centre really helped with my confidence, especially my academic confidence and to believe that pursuing my aspirations may actually be achievable.
If you would like to learn more about the Psychology and Sociology BSc course, visit: www.southessex.ac.uk/he/ucse-courses 

Daniel McFarlane, Psychology and Sociology graduate, shares his story

Daniel McFarlane, Psychology and Sociology graduate, shares his story

Course studied

Psychology & Sociology BSc (Hons)

My level of confidence and belief in my academic abilities has increased in such a dramatic way because of the support and guidance I received from the amazing lecturers that taught me on my degree.

My name is Daniel Macfarlane, I am 28 years old and I studied Psychology and Sociology at University Centre South Essex from 2017 until 2020 and this is my story.

Before I studied at the college I had various accountancy jobs, moving from place to place for many years.

Since completing the course I have moved to Somerset and become a FE Lecturer teaching the social sciences to access to HE students.
~
I chose University Centre South Essex for a couple of reasons. I was at an age where I did not feel like travelling away to study and the university centre offered a course I was interested in.

I gained an abundance of knowledge concerning topics within sociology and psychology and skills such as teamwork, communication and confidence, that will always be valued within any new role I take on.

The best thing about higher education is realising that you can achieve what you want, if you put the time and effort in.

As a lecturer, I have to accredit my ability to deliver lessons to the confidence I gained within my course at the university centre and the presentation and communication skills that I gained with the support of my lecturers.

I don’t have a specific favourite memory as I enjoyed my time there, but the supportive and intimate classroom environment was something that meant a lot to me and helped me in my studies.

My ambitions for the future is to teacher at degree level and maybe complete a masters.

My level of confidence and belief in my academic abilities has increased in such a dramatic way because of the support and guidance I received from the amazing lecturers that taught me on my degree.