Sociology and Psychology BSc (Hons)

This module introduces aspects of individual differences and social psychology from the British Psychological Society to allow students to understand some of the possible reasons for differences in human behaviour across different situations. As such it compliments the research module that runs alongside it in explaining some of the results found, and what needs to be taken into consideration when designing research and trying to explain behaviour. There are also a range of core skills delivered in this module to enable their success across the course.

Understanding the process of acquiring new knowledge is fundamental to psychology, especially when we want to investigate human and non-human behaviour. This module will introduce you to the core skills that are essential for scientifically addressing questions relating to areas of psychology through various research methods and processes. You will learn about and study different areas of research such as study design, ethical issues, quantitative and qualitative analyses and interpretation of data.

This core module is an introduction to the BPS/QAA curriculum for biological psychology, developmental psychology, and cognitive psychology. For example, in biological psychology students will explore the biological bases of human and non-human behaviour, brain structure and function, comparative and evolutionary psychology. In cognitive psychology students will explore perception, attention, memory, learning, and language. Finally, in developmental psychology, students will explore prenatal, attachment, culture, language (acquisition), risk and resilience.

Explore how media shapes public perceptions, in particular in reference to deviance in this dynamic sociology and criminology module. "Media and the Representation of Deviance" delves into the influence of both traditional and contemporary media platforms on societal views, looking in particular at deviance, from crime to inequality, mental health and politics. Students will examine key academic literature and theories, learning to critically analyse concepts such as agenda-setting, news values, and media framing, as well as influential models like Chomsky and Herman's propaganda model and moral panic theory. The module covers the evolution of media, from its historical roots to the complex world of social media, examining the power dynamics in media ownership, the regulatory landscape, and the framing of social issues. Through case studies, students will apply theoretical insights to real-world examples, understanding how media representations impact public opinion and influence policy on topics like mental health, poverty, welfare, and crime. By the module's end, students will be equipped to construct well-supported arguments on the role of media in shaping social inequalities, understand its power in influencing societal outcomes, and critically reflect on emerging trends in media representation. This module is essential for anyone interested in understanding the media’s role in constructing narratives around deviance and its broad impact on society.

This Research Methods module will provide students with a comprehensive introduction to the principles of research in psychology in alignment with the British Psychological Society (BPS) standards. The module focuses on helping students develop and enhance their research techniques developed in level 4, continuing to develop a critical understanding of diverse research methods, enabling you to select the right approach/es for different psychological research questions. 

From designing experiments to working with or designing psychometric tests, you’ll learn how to generate hypotheses, collect data, and apply statistical tests with confidence.  Additionally, you’ll also learn how to present research findings effectively in written BPS reports through to visual formats. The module emphasises the application of research methods to psychological issues, equipping students to design meaningful studies and evaluate data.

Why is the body a topic of interest for sociologists? How does power play out in the categorisation, construction and regulation of bodies? These are some of the questions explored on this module, which introduces students to the sociology of the body. The module contextualises current debates with an examination of classical understandings of the body in Western philosophy, medicine and sociological theory, before exploring the rising public and sociological interest in the body from the 1970s and 1980s as a topic of study in its own right. The module introduces students to theories emphasising the social construction of the body, challenging the notion of bodily categorisations, differences and associated inequalities (such as those attached to gender, race or disability) being natural, fixed or inevitable.  The module also takes a focus on how bodies are regulated and controlled by social institutions and policies, and critically examines the neoliberal imperative to self-regulate our bodies with the aim of continual “self-improvement".  Throughout, students are encouraged to apply their own reflections and examples from everyday life to the theories studied. 

This experiential module is designed to provide students with hands-on learning experiences that complement their academic studies. This module aims to bridge the gap between personal social missions, theory and practice, equipping students with critical awareness, essential skills and experiences for their future plans, including employment, further study and other ventures. The module is enriched through partnership working between academics and others working in a range of organisations promoting social impact. Students will have opportunities to foster their own social missions, develop and apply academic understanding and key skills through working on real-world projects. Key components of teaching and learning include:

1. Real-World Projects: Students engage in projects that address actual challenges faced by organisations, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge and key skills in practical settings. 

2. Service Learning: Initiatives that combine community service with learning objectives, promoting social responsibility and civic engagement.

3. Reflective Practices: Encouraging students to reflect on their experiences through journals, discussions, and skills analyses to enhance critical thinking and personal growth.

4. Networking Opportunities: A range of networking opportunities will be shared that students can engage in during independent study to build sector insights and develop their networks. 

5. Skills workshops: Experts will deliver Social Impact Leadership workshops giving insight into personal success and challenges in their paths and teaching key skills towards success.
6. Career Guidance workshops: Knowledge from Career Experts will underpin career guidance to support students to develop personalised plans for actioning towards aspirations, including employment, further study and other aspirations. 

This module aims to empower students with the tools and resources necessary to secure meaningful employment and embark on successful careers.

This module builds on the first year PS4024 module to cover the remaining aspects of the British Psychological Society's Social Psychology and Individual Differences curriculum, with a focus on the real world implications of what students have learnt. We will explore a range of issues in society around issues such as power, politics and community that help us understand why people act as they do and how society can influence this. Students will choose to explore one of these issues in depth for their assessment.

This module has two distinct themes. Theme one is to develop awareness and skills in understanding the psychology behind job searching, job applications, writing a persuasive CV, performing appropriately at interview and using social media to search for, and apply for jobs. Theme two helps students to apply psychology in real life situations in a discipline of interest chosen by the student. Students will work in groups and use psychological theory to solve specific problems either provided by partners within the community, working with partners in the community or provided in-house by staff. This is an experiential learning module where more than half of the content is delivered using practical exercises. Students will have an opportunity to take a self-directed approach to building essential skills.

Psychopathology aims to promote students understanding of psychological disorder, how it develops and is maintained, and to help you to think about how, as psychologists, we might best intervene to promote psychological wellbeing. This module explores research, practice, and service user perspectives on psychopathology throughout the lifespan, providing students with a robust understanding of current thinking and approaches in the field of clinical and counselling psychology.

Education has long been established as a means of achieving greater equality for all, with educational policy positioned as egalitarian. This module critically explores education’s identity within contemporary contexts of neoliberalism, capitalism and postmodernity. It includes an exploration of the possibilities and barriers to emancipatory education, including globalisation, technological advancements, and contemporary educational improvement agendas.  

The module invites students to consider how their personal biographies relate to both contemporary and legacy educational policy agendas. The module utilises critical social theory to debate the impact of educational reform, and the social and structural forces that drive it. The module also considers the social conditions required for education to deliver greater equality, and the impact that curriculum design has upon social mobility.

This level 6 major project module will take students on a transformative journey that will enhance their critical thinking, analytical abilities, and academic writing.  Students will learn about the philosophical foundations of social research and will be able to reflect on their own philosophical and methodological standpoint. Research design, ethical issues and methodological tensions will be covered throughout the first two terms of this module. A practical focus on quantitative and qualitative data analysis will aid students to become career ready for the research sector. Teaching will be face to face in small groups,  where students will work with peers to consider the staged process of research design and apply what they have learnt to real world research phenomena. Once students have developed their knowledge and understanding of research methods and data analysis techniques, they will embark on their own piece of research under the guidance of an academic supervisor. By writing a substantial piece of independent research students will gain essential skills in research methodology, data analysis, and academic writing that will serve them throughout their academic and professional career.

This module will look at key areas of Health Psychology, in particular looking at the areas of behaviour change and patient experience. This will allow students to build on what they have learnt so far in their degree and see this applied to issues within the physical health field. The module will prepare students for careers in physical health support or related areas around behaviour change such as marketing.

Neurodiversity in Practice covers a range of topics which affect children's development: these include a broad spectrum of neurodiversity issues, but may also include the experiences of children raised in unusual circumstances, who have a sensory or physical disability, a mental health condition, or who are unusually gifted or talented, for example.