Sociology and Psychology

At a glance

Course Details

Overview

The Department of Social Sciences and Humanities has a long and successful tradition of teaching and research.

Special Features

• Our courses are taught by social scientists and humanities lecturers from a range of academic disciplines. The courses synthesise theory and practice to produce social science and humanities graduates with strong analytical and practical skills
• The Department was awarded the highest score possible (24 out of 24) in a recent subject review for Interdisciplinary Human Studies conducted by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.  The Department also received the highest commendation possible for social work and social policy courses in a recent QAA Developmental Discipline Level Engagement. In the latest Research Assessment Exercise, 2008, 95% of our research was recognised as of international quality, with 10% being world-leading

Aims

The Sociology and Psychology course studies society from a range of perspectives.  Psychology concentrates on the perceptions of individuals and groups within society, and how these reflect and contribute to the maintenance or alteration of social structures.  Sociology begins with social structures, forces and processes and considers how these shape the experiences of individuals and social groups.  The course integrates the disciplines of sociology and psychology, so that you can develop an understanding of human behaviour in its social and cultural context.  The aim is to develop an understanding of contemporary social and cultural trends and the ways in which the individual self is formed.

Although the Sociology and Psychology degree is not accredited by the British Psychological Society, if you decide at the end of the course that you want to pursue a career in psychology, this course gives you the foundation to apply for the Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology or the MSc in Psychology, both of which are run at Bradford. Passing either of these postgraduate courses with a final average mark of 50% or above would give you the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the BPS.

Sociology, Psychology and Philosophy can be studied in our Interdisciplinary Human Studies degree course.  You can also study Psychology on its own or in combination with other subjects, Psychology, Sociology or Social Policy jointly with Economics, Psychology with ICT.

Career Outcome

We have an excellent graduate employment record, with 89% of our 2008 graduates in the Department of Social Sciences and Humanities in employment or further study six months after graduating.

An ability to examine issues in depth and to make constructive judgements on them is required in any number of careers, as is the capacity to work in groups to resolve problems, or research issues.  Both are important aspects of our courses, and both are highly valued by employers.

There are a wide range of opportunities available in local authorities, social service departments, voluntary sector organisations, advice centres, health and housing, the civil and public services and private organisations, as well as graduates going on to further study, teaching and research.

Entrance Requirements

240 UCAS points (e.g. C,C,C) including 2 full A-levels.  Your grades must include evidence of in-depth study.  Also, all candidates must demonstrate an adequate level of English (this would normally be GCSE grade C or equivalent).

Enquiries from mature candidates who may not necessarily meet these criteria are encouraged.  Please contact us for further information.

Full-time Study

All applications, including Foundation Degrees, must be submitted via UCAS's (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) online facility.

Your school or college will be able to advise you about making your application. Alternatively, full instructions can be found at: www.ucas.com

UCAS also provides a comprehensive guide called Applying Online which can be downloaded from the same web address.

If you are not currently at school or college, or have difficulty obtaining relevant literature, UCAS can be contacted directly:

• Tel: 0871 468 0468
• Email: enquiries@ucas.ac.uk
• Website: www.ucas.com