Psychology and Sociology - BSc (Hons)

On this course you will engage with debates about the practical, theoretical and ethical issues associated with the use of different methodologies, paradigms and methods of analysis applied in each of the disciplines, and their relevance and value for different communities and social groups.

You will learn the critical thinking skills that discerning employers are looking for in a variety of fields including business, health, media, education, social care and management

On this course you will:

• learn to use social scientific methods and evidence to make sense of human behaviour;
• learn how to think and write critically, giving you skills that can be valuable in many fields; and
• have opportunities to go into communities and apply your skills and knowledge in a real-world context and reflect upon the ways that psychological and sociological knowledge can effect real change in people’s everyday lives.

Structure

You can opt to study for an honours degree over four years or an ordinary degree over three years. You will complete a range of modules each year as outlined.

Teaching, learning and assessment

You will be taught in lectures, seminars, practical workshops and laboratories. Outside these timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning through self-study. Your work will be assessed using a number of techniques, including essay writing, presentations, podcasts, report writing, critical reflections and examinations.

Exchange opportunities

In Year Three you have the opportunity (subject to availability) to study for one semester at a university overseas. Please visit the Exchanges and Study Abroad pages for more information.

Teaching staff, class sizes and timetables

You can read more about the teaching staff on this course at the bottom of this page. Please note that teaching staff is subject to change.

For more information, please also visit ‘How we teach and how you’ll learn’.

Year One

You will: 

• gain a thorough grounding in the key concepts, theories and schools of thought in psychology and sociology;
• look at the historical development and contemporary applications of psychological and sociological knowledge as well as explore the very latest debates in both disciplines;
• develop a wide range of essential transferable talents, by focusing on improving your interpersonal and presentation skills, effective reading and writing, analytical thinking and critical reflection, as well as your research skills.

Modules

• Introduction to Academia
• The Sociological Imagination 1 – Classic & Contemporary Sociological Theories & Concepts
• The Sociological Imagination 2 – Diversity and Inequality
• Introduction to Psychology 1
• Introduction to Psychology 2
• Foundations of Psychology: Core Concepts and Practices

Year Two

You will: 

• start to develop research skills in psychology and sociology;
• start to make informed, comparative, critical judgements and evaluations of competing psychological and sociological approaches to substantive issues;
• start to develop competence in the critique of published psychological and sociological research in relation to conceptual and methodological considerations; and
• start develop competence in synthesising relevant evidence in the development of coherent and systematic arguments.

Modules

• Current Debates in Sociology
• Material Culture
• Exploring Research
• Self & Identity
• Developmental and Social Psychology  
• Psychology Option module

Year Three

You will: 

• develop skills to critically evaluate the utility of a range of epistemological and methodological perspectives in interrogating psychological and sociological issues;
• develop skills to employ evidence-based, comparative reasoning and to critically examine practical, theoretical and ethical issues associated with the use of different methodologies, paradigms and methods of analysis in psychological and sociological research;
• develop understanding of ethical issues and current codes of ethics and conduct;
• develop competence in the presentation and interpretation of qualitative and quantitative data; and
• have the opportunity (subject to availability) to study for one semester at a university overseas. For more information, visit Exchanges and Study Abroad*.

Modules

• Interaction & Social Order
• Sociology of Knowledge & Science
• Sociological and Psychological Approaches to Social Movements
• Research Skills
• Developmental Psychology
• Psychology Option Module

Year Four

You will: 

• develop specialisms in psychology and sociology;
• be able to demonstrate detailed and contemporary knowledge and understanding in relation in relation to chosen specialisms;
• through independent scholarly activity, synthesise and critically evaluate a wide range of psychological and sociological theories, theorists, concepts and practices; 
• conduct independent research appropriate to sociology and/or psychology; and
• become an independent, pragmatic, reflective and critical thinker.

Modules

• Dissertation (in Psychology, Sociology or both)
  two Sociology option modules
  two psychology option modules

Option modules

These modules are indicative and may be subject to change year on year.

Sociology options include:

• Understanding the Sociological Present
• Class, Poverty and Inequality: Social Policy Response
• Sociology of Scotland
• Inequality, Poverty and Social Policy in Comparative Perspective

Psychology options include:

• Cognitive Science of Belief
• Community Engagement
• Critical Engagement with the History of Psychology
• The Psychology of Pain
• Psychology for Contemporary Issues
• Peer relations in Childhood and Adolescence
• Memory: Origins and Structures

NB The modules listed here are correct at time of posting (Feb 2023) but may differ slightly to those offered in 2024. Please check back here for any updates.

You’ll graduate with a wide range of skills, knowledge and aptitudes. You’ll be ready to step out into a wide range of careers, to develop yourself in even greater ways. Our alumni are pursuing careers in social and community work, consumer and social research, public policy development, teaching, academia, marketing and human resource management.

Entry requirements

Scottish Higher: Standard - BBCC, Minimum - BCCC

A Level: CCD

Irish Leaving Certificate: H3 H3 H3 H3

International Baccalaureate: 26 points

International: IELTS of 6.0 with no element lower than 5.5

Required subjects: English required at Nat 5/ GCSE

Am I a Widening Access student?: We apply the minimum entry criteria to applicants who meet one or more contextual factor. To see if this would apply to you, please refer to the access and application page.

Mature/Access: We welcome applications from mature students with relevant qualifications and/or experience. Visit our College Leavers and Mature Students Advice page for more information. 

Direct Entry:

Year Two

• HNC in a related subject with B in the graded unit
• Scottish Higher: BC at Advanced Higher in relevant subjects plus BB at Higher
• A Level: BBB in relevant subjects

Year Three

• HND in a related subject with CB in the graded units

For details of related HNC and HND courses, visit our College Leavers and Mature Students Advice page. 

Disability/health conditions

If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or learning disability, it should not stand in the way of your studying at QMU. However, if you are not sure whether your disability might be a barrier in your studies or in relation to the professional standards, please contact the disability service who will be able to have a conversation with you about reasonable adjustments and supports available to you.

Terms and Conditions

The delivery of this course is subject to the terms and conditions set out in our 2024/25 Entry Terms and Conditions (Undergraduate).

You can study this course as an associate student, completing the first year at Newbattle Abbey College or West Lothian College.

Read more about the Associate Student Scheme. 

QMU