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BA (Hons) Sociology and Psychology
Key information
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Typical offer:
Entry requirements -
Fees: See below
Full details -
UCAS code: L3C8
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Institute code: H36
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Study a language option
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Entry requirements
The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.
UCAS points A Level BTEC Access Course Tariff IB requirement 112-120 BBC-BBB DMM-DDM Overall merit profile in 45 credits at Level 3 112-120 points Additional requirements
GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language and 4/D Mathematics
All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.
If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.
For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.
Find out more about International Entry Requirements.
UCAS points A Level BTEC Access Course Tariff IB requirement 112-120 BBC-BBB DMM-DDM Overall merit profile in 45 credits at Level 3 112-120 points Additional requirements
GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics
All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.
If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.
For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.
Find out more about International Entry Requirements.
- Benefit from our location and industry connection to increase your employability
- Access specialist facilities on campus to support your learning
- Tailor your learning to fit your unique interests with a focus on activism
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Level 4
Module Credits Compulsory/optional Who Am I? 15 Credits Compulsory Have you ever asked yourself how and why you have become the individual you are, why you think the way you do and what will influence the person you will become? In this module you will be exploring some of the internal mental states and processes that shape you and your behaviour. In this overview of cognitive psychology, you will begin to understand what is meant by cognition and what it means to think, to store, process and retrieve information and remember and forget. During the module, you will consider the various processes that are involved in thinking and the factors that shape them. Psychology - The Story So Far 15 Credits Compulsory What is learning? How do we learn? What are the factors that motivate and inhibit learning? These are some of the key questions that you will explore during this module. As a psychologist you will need to gain an introduction and overview of the historical development of the science and practice of psychology in order to grow into its academic persona. The challenge is that ever-increasing specialisation within the field often makes it difficult to discern the common roots from which the field of psychology has evolved. By exploring this shared past, you will be better able to understand how psychology has developed into the discipline we know today and informs the daily life of teachers and learners. By studying the history and systems of psychology within education, you will be able to identify the key cultural and political events in the evolution of psychology to the present and understand the purposes of cross-cultural psychology, theoretical orientations and methodologies. By studying the field's successes and mistakes, alongside today's emerging findings, you will develop your ability to think critically about psychology within education and how it has developed in response to modern culture, politics, economics and current events. Perception and Behaviour 15 Credits Compulsory In social psychology, our perception reflects who we are and how we fit into society. In positive psychology, our perception has the potential to affect our overall well-being and happiness. And in cognitive psychology, our perception affects how we see ourselves, others, situations and the worlds around us. Because our perception is intertwined with much of what we do, this module focuses on understanding the psychology behind our perceptions. Key theories and research into social perception will enable students to understand the following questions: • Are stereotypes inherently wrong? • What has perception got to do with conspiracy theories? • In what ways does perceiving people differ from perceiving objects? • Do we believe that first impressions are more influential than later impressions? • How does perception affect how we think and act? We can all be thought of as psychologists. Why? Because we tend to explain, predict and to some degree, control the behaviour of other people. This module focuses on how we come to engage in this process of social perception. It draws on attribution theory, social identity theory, and implicit personality theory among others, to explain/understand how we perceive ourselves and others, especially inferring what people are like (the Halo effect), the importance of names and self-disclosure, stereotyping, ingroups and outgroups, how we represent and carry out/ manage our impressions of ourselves and others. By the end of this module, students will come to appreciate the relevance of social psychology in understanding complex social issues such as stereotyping, unconscious bias, social identity and representation, impression formations and management. Practicing Psychology in an Uncertain World 15 Credits Compulsory Although the assertion that psychology was born in the 19 century is sometimes contested it is part our daily life now and informs our "language of motives" as we interact with each other. However, what is psychology? What does it aim to do? How can psychology be used to change our behaviour? How does it contribute to our understanding of human behaviour? And what sorts of questions are of relevance in psychology? These are some of the key questions that this module seeks to examine. Throughout the module, students will critically question what psychology is, its core themes/issues, longstanding debates and approaches in psychology, and how these insights from psychology can help us to understand human and even animal behaviour. Overall, the ideas in module will serve as a useful foundation for understanding the psychological concepts, theories, research and interventions related to the later modules on the programme. Sociology in Practice 15 Credits Compulsory What do sociologists do? How do they do it? This module is designed to support your transition to learning at university, teaching you the skills required to succeed on your degree in a hands-on and relevant way, and building your understanding of the discipline of sociology in the 21st century. It will introduce you to some key thinkers from around the world who have helped shape the field, and places particular emphasis on the practical application of these ideas and concepts. Understanding the Body 15 Credits Compulsory Attitudes to the body - what it should look like, how it should operate, what counts as 'normal' - are fundamentally shaped by the societies we live in and their values. You will explore a variety of different ways that the body and its relationship with society, politics, and culture are understood, and develop a strong understanding of how scholars have engaged with these ideas and experiences. Focusing on key topics such as birth, death, different approaches to health and healing, and ideas of the 'normal' body, on this module you will develop your critical thinking skills and engage with case studies that allow you to apply sociological theory to real-world examples. The American Century, 1900-2000 15 Credits Compulsory The influence of the American lifestyle extends far beyond the country s borders, and this module encourages you to reflect on the historical roots of often-familiar elements of culture from the United States of America. By focussing on selected moments in twentieth century American music, sport and entertainment, we will consider the historical processes that shaped the continent s social and cultural history. Building on this, we will also examine how and why the country s cultural identity has been internationally transmitted and how it has been received. Each week you will learn to connect a specific individual, event or movement to broader historical issues through the use of video, texts, images, and song. Revolutions, Riots, and Social Justice 1776-Present 15 Credits Compulsory This module takes you through 200 years of national and global conflicts over people s rights, and the complex history of the recognition of human rights. Taking a history from below approach, this module will give you critical thinking skills in understanding how global change affects individuals and different communities, and how different social movements fought for rights, including women, sexuality, race, and disability. You will investigate the impact of revolutions and new ideas in inspiring different groups across the world to challenge and defend their social, political, and economic rights. -
Level 5
Module Credits Compulsory/optional Brain and Behaviour 15 Credits Optional Children may at times behave in ways that shock, frustrate and challenge educational professionals. Understanding that all behaviour is communication and what is at the root of behaviour is key to effective school-based behaviour support. During this module, you will consider the many and varying influences on our own thoughts, feelings and behaviours and way that these are linked. You will learn about the importance and impact of attachment and relationships in shaping children's understanding of the world and their own place within it. You will analyse the impact of trauma and adverse childhood experiences on children's brains and they key role played by educational professionals in helping children to grow into resilient, independent young people. You will use this familiar context to consider and debate the biological basis of behaviour and how far such thinking creates expectations that are realistic and/or fixed. Investigating 15 Credits Optional As a relatively new "science" psychology takes little for granted and is perhaps better able to accept uncertainty than longer standing scientific methods e.g. as first outlined by Sir Francis Bacon (1561-1626) to provide logical, rational problem solving across many scientific fields. On your journey through this module, you may find yourself challenging the accepted approach of the basic steps of the scientific method of making an observation that describes a problem, creating a hypothesis, testing the hypothesis, drawing conclusions and refining the hypothesis. Is it really that simple? You will be critically examining a range of research reports, some sound, some not, to look at how qualitative methods may be used in psychology. Connected Global Perspectives 15 Credits Optional "People are the same the world over!" Is this true? Or is it that the interpretation of behaviour differs in different parts of our globe. This is an important consideration in our connected lives. You can observe cultural differences in the smallest of actions. When working and interacting with people from different cultures, you learn to look at their behaviour without making assumptions that are based on cultural identity. Large companies now have advisors to promote and interpret cultural sensitivity knowing that understanding how culture affects the way organisations operate in different parts of the world helps them to use acceptable business practices and why colleagues and customers behave differently based upon their location and cultural heritage. In this module you can explore psychological perspectives from other cultures including those where the term 'psychology' would hardly be recognised. You will analyse patterns in behaviour, psychological functioning and experience that appear different in other countries and cultures and consider how far socialisation or interpretation is involved in the perceived differences. Downloading: Social Media and Learning Identities 15 Credits Optional Social media plays an ever-increasing part in our lives. This module asks whether it is beneficial or disadvantageous to learning and learners' identities. You will consider issues of equality, diversity and inclusion as well as social justice as well as how social media may shape attitudes and values and thinking dynamics in learning. Does access to social media develop agency and self-efficacy? What are the psychological perils of using social media for learners? Applied Sociology: Policy Problems 15 Credits Optional Do you want to be a change-maker? Feel like you can do a better job? This module enables you to develop your critical thinking skills and analysis to confront the greatest challenges facing society today. You will consider how these challenges can be met, guided by research and research techniques. Using real-world scenarios, you will develop your understanding of the complexity of social policymaking and will consider and reflect upon your own values and understand how they guide your ideas and solutions. Education, crime, unemployment, poverty, health and social inequality will be the focus, enabling you to analyse and evaluate how policymakers respond to these policy areas and, through your own assessment and application of research methods, will start to build your own social policy responses Medicine Matters: Access to Care and Activism 15 Credits Optional How do health institutions and social processes shape disease experiences in individuals and communities? This module will encourage you to examine the interaction between health and society. you will interrogate how scientific knowledge that shapes health practices is socially constructed. It will consider medicalisation and how medical discourses construct illness categories. You will also think about how gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, social class, and disability intersect with experiences of health and healing in historical and contemporary contexts. In particular, it considers the social inequalities and divisions that shape access to health and healthcare. You will consider the theories that help to explain the existence of these inequalities and explore the ways in which society, for example through activism and political reform, responds to these inequalities. Religion, Faith and Society 15 Credits Optional Religion remains powerful force in twenty-first century society, both as a source of meaning and purpose and a source of conflict. How has religion adapted to an increasingly secular environment, and what does it mean to be a believer in a pluralist, globalised world? In this module, you will be able to question the evolution of religious community and the nature of faith in a 'disenchanted' world, where, in secular societies, religion is largely expected to remain in the private sphere. We will challenge this division between religious and secular, private and public by examining the complex and ongoing dialogue between these categories. How does religion influence attitudes about sexuality, embodiment, and national and personal identity? What role does religion play in political struggles for recognition? What does the rise of the 'prosperity gospel' tell us about the place of religion in the contemporary global capitalism? Sociology at Work 15 Credits Optional Sociology graduates develop a broad range of transferable skills that open doors to many different career pathways. This module is designed to help you put those skills into practice by undertaking a minimum of 24 hours spent at up to two work placements, identified by yourself and approved by the module tutor. It helps to provide a stimulating range of activities and hands-on experience that will allow you to develop your sociological knowledge beyond the context of university. There are a wide range of possible sites for a suitable placement for Sociology students, including education, heritage, voluntary organisations, the media, local government and other areas: we encourage you to pursue placement opportunities that interest you most! In addition to making you aware of the different ways in which your sociological knowledge will help you in the workplace, the module is geared towards enhancing student employability skills in a supportive environment Beginners French for Social Sciences A 15 Credits Optional This module aims to enable students to communicate in basic French in everyday social settings. Starting from simple greetings and exchanging simple information, you will progress towards being able to hold longer conversations and to understand the language in a range of contexts. Through regular conversation, you will find out about each other, exchange ideas and opinions, and develop your interpersonal skills. Language learning is both challenging and rewarding and provides an opportunity for learners to develop their sense of self-efficacy and enhance their sense of self. It also provides an opportunity to develop intercultural awareness by gaining insights into cultural aspects of life in France and/or other francophone countries. Whether you are interested in learning French for travel, work, family reasons or purely for pleasure, this module encourages personal growth and fosters the development of professional soft skills that are highly valued by employers. Beginners French for Social Sciences B 15 Credits Optional This module aims to enable students to communicate further in basic French in everyday social settings. You will progress towards being able to hold longer conversations about past and forthcoming events and understand the language in a wider range of contexts. Through regular conversation, you will find out about each other, exchange ideas and opinions, and develop your interpersonal skills. Language learning is both challenging and rewarding and provides an opportunity for learners to develop their sense of self-efficacy and enhance their sense of self. It also provides an opportunity to develop intercultural awareness by gaining insights into cultural aspects of life in France and/or other francophone countries. Whether you are interested in learning French for travel, work, family reasons or purely for pleasure, this module encourages personal growth and fosters the development of professional soft skills that are highly valued by employers. Beginners German for Social Sciences A 15 Credits Optional This module aims to enable students to communicate in basic German in everyday social settings. Starting from simple greetings and exchanging simple information, you will progress towards being able to hold longer conversations and to understand the language in a range of contexts. Through regular conversation, you will find out about each other, exchange ideas and opinions, and develop your interpersonal skills. Language learning is both challenging and rewarding and provides an opportunity for learners to develop their sense of self-efficacy and enhance their sense of self. It also provides an opportunity to develop intercultural awareness by gaining insights into cultural aspects of life in Germany and/or other German-speaking countries. Whether you are interested in learning German for travel, work, family reasons or purely for pleasure, this module encourages personal growth and fosters the development of professional soft skills that are highly valued by employers Beginners German for Social Sciences B 15 Credits Optional This module aims to enable students to communicate further in basic German in everyday social settings. You will progress towards being able to hold longer conversations about past and forthcoming events and understand the language in a wider range of contexts. Through regular conversation, you will find out about each other, exchange ideas and opinions, and develop your interpersonal skills. Language learning is both challenging and rewarding and provides an opportunity for learners to develop their sense of self-efficacy and enhance their sense of self. It also provides an opportunity to develop intercultural awareness by gaining insights into cultural aspects of life in Germany and/or other German-speaking countries. Whether you are interested in learning German for travel, work, family reasons or purely for pleasure, this module encourages personal growth and fosters the development of professional soft skills that are highly valued by employers. Beginners Japanese for Social Sciences A 15 Credits Optional This module aims to enable students to communicate in basic Japanese in everyday social settings. Starting from simple greetings and exchanging simple information, you will progress towards being able to hold longer conversations and to understand the language in a range of contexts. Through regular conversation, you will find out about each other, exchange ideas and opinions, and develop your interpersonal skills. Language learning is both challenging and rewarding and provides an opportunity for learners to develop their sense of self-efficacy and enhance their sense of self. It also provides an opportunity to develop intercultural awareness by gaining insights into cultural aspects of life in Japan and communities. Whether students are interested in learning Japanese for travel, work, family reasons or purely for pleasure, this module encourages personal growth and fosters the development of professional soft skills that are highly valued by employers. Beginners Japanese for Social Sciences B 15 Credits Optional This module aims to enable students to communicate further in basic Japanese in everyday social settings. You will progress towards being able to hold longer conversations about past and forthcoming events and understand the language in a wider range of contexts. Through regular conversation, you will find out about each other, exchange ideas and opinions, and develop your interpersonal skills. Language learning is both challenging and rewarding and provides an opportunity for learners to develop their sense of self-efficacy and enhance their sense of self. It also provides an opportunity to develop intercultural awareness by gaining insights into cultural aspects of life in Japan. Whether you are interested in learning Japanese for travel, work, family reasons or purely for pleasure, this module encourages personal growth and fosters the development of professional soft skills that are highly valued by employers. Beginners Mandarin for Social Sciences A 15 Credits Optional This module aims to enable students to communicate in basic Mandarin in everyday social settings. Starting from simple greetings and exchanging simple information, you will progress towards being able to hold longer conversations and to understand the language in a range of contexts. Through regular conversation, you will find out about each other, exchange ideas and opinions, and develop your interpersonal skills. Language learning is both challenging and rewarding and provides an opportunity for learners to develop their sense of self-efficacy and enhance their sense of self. It also provides an opportunity to develop intercultural awareness by gaining insights into cultural aspects of life in China and/or other Chinese-speaking countries and communities. Whether you are interested in learning Mandarin for travel, work, family reasons or purely for pleasure, this module encourages personal growth and fosters the development of professional soft skills that are highly valued by employers. Beginners Mandarin for Social Sciences B 15 Credits Optional This module aims to enable students to communicate further in basic Mandarin in everyday social settings. You will progress towards being able to hold longer conversations about past and forthcoming events and to understand the language in a wider range of contexts. Through regular conversation, you will find out about each other, exchange ideas and opinions, and develop your interpersonal skills. Language learning is both challenging and rewarding and provides an opportunity for learners to develop their sense of self-efficacy and enhance their sense of self. It also provides an opportunity to develop intercultural awareness by gaining insights into cultural aspects of life in China and/or other Mandarin-speaking countries. Whether you are interested in learning Mandarin for travel, work, family reasons or purely for pleasure, this module encourages personal growth and fosters the development of professional soft skills that are highly valued by employers. Beginners Spanish for Social Sciences A 15 Credits Optional This module aims to enable students to communicate in basic Spanish in everyday social settings. Starting from simple greetings and exchanging simple information, you will progress towards being able to hold longer conversations and to understand the language in a range of contexts. Through regular conversation, you will find out about each other, exchange ideas and opinions, and develop your interpersonal skills. Language learning is both challenging and rewarding and provides an opportunity for learners to develop their sense of self-efficacy and enhance their sense of self. It also provides an opportunity to develop intercultural awareness by gaining insights into cultural aspects of life in Spain and/or other Spanish-speaking countries. Whether you are interested in learning Spanish for travel, work, family reasons or purely for pleasure, this module encourages personal growth and fosters the development of professional soft skills that are highly valued by employers. Beginners Spanish for Social Sciences B 15 Credits Optional This module aims to enable you to communicate further in basic Spanish in everyday social settings. You will progress towards being able to hold longer conversations about past and forthcoming events and understand the language in a wider range of contexts. Through regular conversation, you will find out about each other, exchange ideas and opinions, and develop your interpersonal skills. Language learning is both challenging and rewarding and provides an opportunity for learners to develop their sense of self-efficacy and enhance their sense of self. It also provides an opportunity to develop intercultural awareness by gaining insights into cultural aspects of life in Spain and/or other Spanish-speaking countries. Whether you are interested in learning Spanish for travel, work, family reasons or purely for pleasure, this module encourages personal growth and fosters the development of professional soft skills that are highly valued by employers. The State in the 21st Century 15 Credits Optional In 1996, Susan Strange published The Retreat of the State in which she argued that the central role of the state in both domestic and international politics was diminishing. However, in recent years political developments across the globe, including the policies of Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, BREXIT, and the 2008 Financial Crisis, have shifted focus back onto the state as the primary arena for the conduct of politics. Through a combination of theoretical discussions and applied case studies, this module will explore how and why the state is returning as well as what its return means for the broader narrative of domestic and international politics. Postcards from the Empire: Experiences of British Imperialism 15 Credits Optional At the empire's height, Queen Victoria claimed sovereignty over nearly one in four of the planet's human inhabitants. The lives and experiences of each were sculpted by international, national, and local dynamics. This module explores the stories of these everyday lives through snapshots of life in the British Empire up to 1922. Case studies may draw from places including Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, Africa, India, Ireland, Canada, America, and the Caribbean. Themes may include race, gender, class, religion, economics, and adventure. A particular emphasis will be placed on exploring the histories of racialized and colonized peoples, with attention to the historical approaches developed over the past several decades that have changed the ability of historians to identify and engage with these voices. -
Level 6
Module Credits Compulsory/optional Doing Research 30 Credits Optional Now it is stage in your programme for you to push and test the frontiers of knowledge in psychology by carrying out an investigation of your own. From initial planning through to conducting and collecting your data and then analysing the results you will be in charge, supported, of course, by your research supervisor and module leader. You will evaluate your research, carry out an in-depth literature review of that area, formulate hypotheses based on that review and design a study to test these. At all times you must make sure that you maintain an ethical approach. This investigation gives you the opportunity to explore a topic in psychology that you really enjoy and in which you are interested at a much deeper level. You may find your choice defines your identity as a psychologist and in your future career. Difference and Conformity 15 Credits Optional Are you fascinated by media portrayals of forensic psychologists? In this module we look at how psychology informs concepts of difference, conformity, deviance and delinquency and criminal behaviour. You will consider whether deviance is always criminal and whether conformity can lead to criminal behaviour. Why do we expect the difficult or troubled child to be predisposed to enter a career in crime and, if that is the case, why does it happen? Because difference and deviance are defined by societal norms it can vary within a society, according to factors such as age and social status and be linked to issues related to inclusion of those with protected characteristics. How far is difference, deviance and crime innate, socially determined or negotiated? In this module students will have an opportunity to investigate topics of their choice using a psychological lens. Being Human and Becoming Who We Are 15 Credits Optional "The essence of being human is that one does not seek perfection" - George Orwell. The nature of humans has intrigued scholars and writers for thousands of years. For some, we're naturally self-seeking, self-centred, aggressive, cruel, irrational and tribal. While for others, we're inherently rational, good and altruistic people. And for some, we're a mixture of the good and the bad, the yin and yang. So, what makes us human and what makes us tick, is best explain from an eclectic perspective, rather than relying heavily on a single perspective. This is why this module will draw on humanistic, cognitive, biological, behavioural, social and positive psychology to question what it means to be human, our distinctive differences, as well as similarities. This will open lots of provocative and radical debates, studies and theories on social connections, happiness, goal setting, goal-attainment and goal-striving. To challenge both old and new assumptions about human nature, we will pay close attention to self-determination theory, self-concordant theory, humanistic theory social brain hypothesis and broaden and build theory, among other. Counselling, Mentoring and Coaching 30 Credits Optional "The purpose of counselling is to set people free", says Rollo May. What do you make of this statement? To a greater extent, this maxim lies at the heart of what counselling is, and what this module seeks to critically explore. At its most basic, this module shows how psychology can be applied in therapeutic and helping professions. The module will allow students to gain understanding of what goes on within the practice of counselling, mentoring and coaching. It employs real-life cases, hypothetical scenarios, psychological theories and research to critically reflect on the following questions: · What really happens in counselling? · Is it possible to be non-judgemental in counselling? · How can we understand human behaviour, emotions and thoughts within the context of counselling/mentoring/coaching? · Why do some people prefer counselling to biological interventions? · What's the difference between counselling and coaching/mentoring? · What makes a good counsellor/mentor/coach? · What should be the relationship between the counsellor and the counselee, or the mentor and mentee? · How effective is talking therapy? Does it really work? These questions will be addressed using the work of psychologists who have made a significant contribution to the field of counselling psychology. The Psychology of Place - Learning Environments 15 Credits Optional This module provides further opportunities for students to practise creative, critical and practical thinking skills in psychology. It is concerned with questions about creating a positive learning environment. For example, what would your ideal school look like? And why? How might educators support students to enhance their self-concept and self-efficacy? What should an educator do when openly challenged by learners? In what ways could educators support their learners to develop into self-regulated individuals? And how might educators promote critical thinking and problem-solving in their work? In this module, we will address these key issues about creating a positive learning environment within educational settings. Taking a social constructivists perspective, we will construct a personal, as well as an evidence-based understanding of what makes a positive learning environment. Using school-based documentaries and classic movies about school life, we will also question and provide justifications for different learning environments and how they support and/or inhibit learner development. Everyday Violence 15 Credits Optional "The practice of violence, like all action, changes the world, but the most probable change is to a more violent world." - Hannah Arendt, On Violence Violence is a ubiquitous part of everyday life. We can find it in many kinds of social relations: in familial and sexual relationships; in relations within and between social groups, tribes, or gangs; in class struggles, ethnic conflicts, and wars. We also find stylized violence performed in mediated or controlled settings, in sport or the media. Such widely different categories of violent behaviour require different approaches in their analysis and understanding. Assault against an individual, a boxing match, football hooliganism, terrorist attacks, genocide - all are indisputably violent, but all have different legal status and cultural meaning. In this module you will explore the wide-ranging sociological discussion of the many kinds of violence that characterize social relations, from face-to-face interactions to the realm of geopolitics. Seeing Sex: Gender and Sexuality through the Global Cultural Lens 15 Credits Optional Human identity has always been shaped by 'gender and sexuality', but what do these terms actually mean? Is the condition of the sexual human in the twenty-first-century intrinsically or only superficially 'different' to that of the past? This interdisciplinary module considers the evidence by surveying global cultural production - from social media, literature, and visual cultures to historical artefacts, politics, and personal experience - as observed through the analytical lens of contemporary sociological theory. Exploring a range of issues ranging from civil partnerships to sexual role play, queer movements to taboos, you will question how cultural differences shape - and in turn are shaped by - the human experience of gender and sexuality. Drawing on established and emerging sociological research, you will interrogate how prevailing cultural notions and practices pertaining to gender and sexuality operate in order to uncover deeper human truths about fundamental power dynamics and hierarchies within and across societies. Our House is on Fire: Humanity and Environmental Crises 15 Credits Optional Are humans part of nature? How could the way humans create knowledge influence human action in the natural environment? Why is it that humans know so much about the environmental devastation of our time and yet it feels like nothing is being, nor can be, done about it? In this module you will explore and challenge a range of ways in which humanity has engaged with, and responded to, the more-than human world. You will look at the impact of global intellectual movements, evaluate historic and recent activism, and consider and devise research-informed ways to sensitively respond to environmental crises. In undertaking this module, you will engage with a range of theoretical and practical learning experiences to see the theory come to life. You will be able to explore socio-cultural, economic and politic features that influence negative and positive change on human and more-than-human relationships Race and Racism 15 Credits Optional In this module, you examine the concepts of 'race', racism, and culture, both historically and in contemporary society. You will study a range of empirical examples to see 'race' and racism as dynamic, engaging with them in specific spatial and temporal contexts. You will also learn about how to make links between 'race' and other cultural identities based on gender, sexuality, and class. By using theories in cultural studies, sociology, critical race theory, and decolonial studies, you will develop the skills to critically discuss and analyse how 'race' and racism are expressed through and shaped by popular cultural texts, policy, arts, and digital media technologies. Following this theoretical grounding, this module explores a number of contemporary debates, including, but not limited to the explorations of the War on Terror, urban multiculture, diaspora, immigration, citizenship, #BlackLivesMatter, #StopAsianHate, intersectionality, and the debates on post-race. Sociology Dissertation 30 Credits Optional Now it is the stage in your programme for you to push and test the frontiers of knowledge in sociology by carrying out an investigation of your own. From initial planning through to conducting and collecting your data and then analysing the results you will be in charge, supported, of course, by your research supervisor and module leader. You will evaluate your research, carry out an in-depth literature review of that area, formulate hypotheses based on that review and design a study to test these. At all times you must make sure that you maintain an ethical approach. This investigation gives you the opportunity to explore a topic in sociology that you really enjoy and in which you are interested at a much deeper level. You may find your choice defines your identity as a sociologist and in your future career. States of Emergency: Nation, Politics and Culture 15 Credits Optional Are we permanently in a state of emergency? And if so - what does this look like, and what can be done about it? This module aims to introduce you to a range of contemporary debates related to the impact of identity and identity formation on domestic political phenomena concerning governing in modern nation states from all over the world. You will then use theoretical readings and sociological frameworks to reflect on the importance of culture in shaping representations of the nation state as an invented space. You will also consider the range of tools and justifications employed by the state apparatus to justify the establishment of states of exception through which to govern a multiple and often fragmented polis, through a number of case studies from public and private domains Representation and Identity in Contemporary Media 15 Credits Optional Using different theories of political communication, students examine the subject of media representation, mediatization and the politics of cultural identities in the twenty-first century. Students engage with key theories and concepts of representation and media framing to illuminate an understanding of identity as a political concept. Everyday Lives: An Intimate History of Twentieth Century Women 15 Credits Optional This module offers an intimate history of the everyday lives of women in America, Britain and Ireland. We will explore the lives, roles, experiences and perceptions of ordinary women during the twentieth century. Students will be introduced to an array of sources including popular and visual culture, objects and digital sources, oral testimony and literature (fiction and memoir) and to what they reveal about the manner in which women were perceived and represented; how women viewed themselves; and how women of different generations experienced, negotiated and reacted to social change. Fashion, consumerism, courtship, sexuality, and advertising are among the areas considered for what they reveal about women and the world around them. Such themes will be analysed within the context of continuity and change across the twentieth century and three geographical perspectives. The module will conclude by questioning the extent to which women s movements were representative of ordinary women.
Why choose this course?
Are you keen to champion social change?
You’re passionate about understanding and addressing the issues that shape 21st century societies. You’re fascinated by the intricate workings on modern day communities and want to make a significant difference to the world around you, at local, national and international levels. This course will provide you with the transferable skills and expertise to be able to put your passion for social change into practice in a variety of fields.
Bringing Sociology and Psychology together, you’ll get the best of both worlds by exploring the connections between both subjects. You will cover both traditional and cutting-edge aspects of sociology and psychology. As you progress through your studies, you will build a multi-dimensional understanding of how power is exercised and normalised at all levels of society.
You’ll be part of a vibrant community and will learn from inspiring lecturers who offer a combination of real-world experience and cutting-edge research. You will gain from their wealth of knowledge in health and social care, politics, popular culture, migration, education, crime and law.
Our on-campus facilities, including our Psychology observation room, will help bring the theoretical aspects of your learning to life, giving you first-hand practical experience before you graduate.
You will graduate with a highly sought-after range of transferable skills and insights into how society works. Our existing industry connections alongside our dedicated Careers and Employment team will offer you support to help kickstart your career.
With our favourably located campus, you will benefit from good access to resources and opportunities within Hertfordshire and in London. You’ll be exposed to a wider range of possibilities to explore in both social and professional capacities.
What's the course about?
The joint degree in Sociology and Psychology offers you the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of key areas and research skills in both disciplines. In addition, you will also critically reflect on the synergies between them for developing a holistic understanding of society and behaviour.
The focus across the programme on current issues, critical and creative thinking and applied social research prepares graduates for a wide range of careers.
Your main campus is College Lane
This is where the creative arts, science and health-related subjects are based. This means you’ll share the campus with future nurses, scientists, artists and more. You can use the common rooms to relax with friends, work out in the 24-hour gym or have a drink in our on-campus pub or cafes. We also have restaurants for you to eat in or grab something on the go. Our Learning Resources Centres are open 24/7, which means you can study whenever suits you best. Want to pop over to the other campus? You can take the free shuttle bus or walk there in just 15 minutes.
What will I study?
Teaching will be delivered through a mix of face-to-face and online learning and will vary according to the characteristics of each module. Workshops are used for modules where practical skills taught are taught enhanced by the supervision of experts, but there are also seminars and lectures. This course is 100% coursework based. Assessments will include critical news analysis, group projects, annotated source assignments and manifestos, and drafting critical policy papers storyboards.
In your first year, you will receive a secure grounding in necessary skills and knowledge necessary including core topics in sociology and psychology. You will engage in practical exercises and authentic assessment methods, building your ability to effectively
In your second year, there is increasingly the opportunity to follow your own interests in Psychology and Sociology. You will develop core research and employability skills through a close examination of how individual motivations, feelings and behaviour is influenced by the wider social context at hand. You will also have the option to add on a beginner’s language aimed specifically at social sciences, with the option to choose from French, German, Spanish, Mandarin or Japanese.
In your final year, you will build on the skills gained in your previous years of study and will have the opportunity to choose modules that appeal to your specific interests. You will also have the option to work on a final year project where you will be able to carry out sustained research on a sociological subject of their own choice, supported by a supervisor. You will complete the Programme with an understanding of where you own values might take you in the next stage of their lives and give them an understanding of how social change and activism can be achieved in a professional context.
A BA (Hons) Sociology degree is also available which explores both the traditional and cutting-edge aspects of sociology, with a thread of activism connecting all modules.
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What's next for my career?
The programme provides insight into the issues, inequalities and lines of contestation that shape modern societies in a globalising world, including gender, race, ethnicity, religion, and sexuality. This awareness, and the skills in gathering and analysing both qualitative and quantitative data and clear written and oral communication of these findings that are developed over the course of the programme, are highly valued by employers.
As a Sociology and Psychology graduate, you will be able to go into a very wide range of careers, fuelled by the training in social research that gives insights into different subjects. Typical careers have involved working in some form of public sector or welfare role but could also involve graduate trainee programmes, the police or probation services, civil service or local government, marketing, journalism and so on. This can include, after further study, professions such as social work, nursing, or teaching in schools and/or further education.
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Further information - includes assessment method
Course fact sheets BA (Hons) Sociology and Psychology Download Programme specifications BA (Hons) Sociology and Psychology Download Additional information Sandwich placement or study abroad year
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Applications open to international and EU students
Yes Course length
- Full Time, 3 Years
- Part Time, 6 Years
Location
- University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield
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How to apply?
International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK
Apply through our international/EU application portal
Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK
Apply using the links below:
2024
Start Date End Date Link 25/09/2024 31/05/2025 Apply online (Full Time) 23/09/2024 31/05/2025 Apply online (Full Time) 25/09/2024 31/05/2025 Apply online (Part Time) 2025
Start Date End Date Link 25/09/2025 31/05/2026 Apply online (Full Time) 23/09/2025 31/05/2026 Apply online (Full Time) 22/09/2025 31/05/2026 Apply online (Full Time) 25/09/2025 31/05/2026 Apply online (Part Time) -
Fees and funding
Fees 2024
UK Students
Full time
- £9250 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time
- £1155 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
EU Students
Full time
- £15500 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time
- £1940 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
International Students
Full time
- £15500 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time
- £1940 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.
View detailed information about tuition fees
Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet
Other financial support
Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students
Living costs / accommodation
The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.