Sociology and Psychology BSc (Hons)

Our dynamic Sociology and Psychology degree is ideal for those wanting a deeper knowledge of the of the complexities of society and social inequalities, who also have a fascination for the workings of the human mind. You will be supported and empowered to develop a lifelong curiosity and unique way of looking at the world around you, and the behaviour of individuals, through a critical and theoretically informed lens.

In an ever-changing world grappling with pressing social and mental health challenges, there's a growing demand for informed, critical thinkers who can navigate these issues reflexively, and who can apply practical skills in doing so. Our curriculum is designed so that both subjects complement one another and give you a well-rounded, applied understanding of social inequalities and contemporary issues, and a deep, evidence-informed insight into psychological theories and debates. You will be taught by staff who are actively engaged in research, who bring this expertise to their teaching. 

This course allows you to gain a deep understanding of the human mind, and explore the complexities of human thought, emotions, and behaviour. Our Psychology component provides a solid foundation in mental health, social psychology, and cognitive processes. This degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), and our course ensures you can achieve the Graduate Basis for Chartership of this professional body.

Alongside gaining core knowledge and skills in Psychology, you will delve into a range of important social issues through a sociological lens, including the influence of the media and media representations, welfare policy and the governance of poverty, gender and the body, and consumer culture.

The combination of subjects facilitates a deep exploration of the intersection of human behaviour and social structures. You will develop the skills to become a force for positive change, learn to analyse complex social issues, communicate effectively, and apply your knowledge to a range of current, real-world problems. Our expert staff will guide you through a curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application. Our course includes opportunities for work placements and networking with local organisations.

Join us at the University of Chester and embark on a journey that will equip you with a unique and sought-after range of knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact on the world.

The Sociology and Psychology course offers an in-depth understanding of social and psychological issues, debates and challenges affecting our lives today and in the future, alongside giving you the skills needed to explore and respond to such issues independently.

In Year 1 (Level 4), you will develop an understanding of Psychology and its distinctive qualities, and key approaches and perspectives within the discipline, alongside building core academic skills. You'll also be introduced to core research methods in Psychology. You will then have the chance to focus on the sociological topic of social welfare policy, seeing this topical issue in a historical perspective and examining the role of welfare policies in shaping everyday experiences and inequalities, using theory to do so. Other topics you'll have the opportunity to explore from Sociology include climate change and global inequalities, and the role the media and the ways different groups are represented; and from Psychology, additional topics include a further exploration of key approaches, and key issues in applied Psychology.  

In Year 2 (Level 5), you will build on your learning and skills developed in the first year, with the opportunity to study research methods and processes in Psychology in more depth, and engage with further study of social and individual differences including qualitative methodology. You're also offered the chance to engage in theoretically informed debates on contemporary social issues such as mobilities, globalisation, social class, decolonisation, race, ethnicity and migration. The sociology of the body is another topic you'll explore, building an understanding of how our bodies are constructed, categorised and regulated in contemporary Western societies, with a critical focus on topics such as gender, race and disability. You will consider the influence of wider forces such as social media and social policies on bodily experiences and practices.

In Year 2, you are also offered opportunities to put your learning and skills into practice through real-world experience to support and develop your future career plans. This includes the chance to gain relevant work experience related to your chosen subject, study abroad, engage with a research project, or learn a language. 

In Year 3 (Level 6), you will have the opportunity to explore sociological topics including the sociology of consumption, education, and a consideration the role of social science outside of academia, and its potential to promote positive social change and challenge inequalities through engaging the public and making social scientific knowledge more accessible. In Psychology, there is the chance to study topics such as psychopathology, health psychology, and atypical development. Furthermore, you will consolidate your knowledge and skills through undertaking an independent project on a key issue of your choice in one of your subjects, with continued support and guidance from experienced researchers. 

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

This course is delivered in three terms of ten weeks each. In each term, you will study 40 credits comprising either one or two modules. Scheduled contact hours range between approximately six and ten hours per week, depending upon level of study and the complexity of the material being taught. This course is primarily delivered in person, with some online learning. You can expect to take part in interactive sessions comprising lecture content, task-based workshops and peer-led seminar discussions that enhance subject knowledge and build key academic skills.  

As a student, you will be involved in the design, delivery, and experience of your learning at university, recognising the importance of student agency and co-creation in education. Opportunities to collaborate in your learning process include student representation; feedback; inclusive teaching initiatives (such as workshops or discussions around making the curriculum more inclusive, where your input is crucial); student-led workshops and seminars; collaborative curriculum design; peer teaching; access to digital platforms where you can share resources; project-based learning (such as coursework projects where you will have choice over the topic); being part of a learning community with your fellow students; and having input into how these communities are structured and operate. 

Outside of timetabled teaching, you should expect to spend an average of 30-34 hours per week on independent study, which might include undertaking weekly learning activities for each module in your own time, undertaking wider reading, using the University's library, one-to-one tutorial time with staff, working with peers, and preparing work for summative assessments. 

There will be a broad range of assessment methods to optimise learning and skill development for a diverse range of learners with unique needs and preferences, and to enable you to build a wide array of skills to thrive in the workplace. These will include formative assessment such as group tasks and discussions where you can receive feedback from lecturers and your peers to build your confidence and skills. Summative assessment will include written coursework, such essays (short and long form), summaries and critical reviews of literature and/or policy, case study reports, and writing for public as well as academic audiences. In addition, summative assessment will focus on visual, verbal and practical skills, encompassing, for example, posters and presentations.  

You will be given ongoing support with assessments throughout each module, in addition to being guided on how to utilise past feedback. We continuously review the assessment methods used, to ensure they are inclusive and engaging, and so that they equip you with all of the skills that graduate-level employers are looking for.

All teaching is delivered by experienced academics and practitioners, with the fundamental principles of the Chester Future Skills Curriculum at its core – building your subject competence, confidence, and key transferable skills to shape you into a world-ready Chester graduate.

Job prospects

Many of our Psychology graduates go on to postgraduate studies in Psychology (e.g. Cognitive Neuroscience, Forensic and Sport Psychology) or have secured a graduate role in industries such as Marketing, Banking and Project Management due to their sought after transferable skills, such as communication, team working, analysis, creative and critical thinking.

Sociology graduates pursue diverse career paths including in the public sector and civil service, politics and government, social work, charity and advocacy work, public relations, advertising, market research, journalism, academia and teaching. The critical and analytical skills developed through studying Sociology are highly transferable and extremely sought after by employers.

Progression options

Social Work MA 

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.