Course specification and structure
Undergraduate Course Structures Postgraduate Course Structures

UDPSYSCG - BSc Psychology and Sociology

Course Specification


Validation status Validated
Highest award Bachelor of Science Level Honours
Possible interim awards Bachelor of Science, Diploma of Higher Education, Certificate of Higher Education, Bachelor of Science
Total credits for course 360
Awarding institution London Metropolitan University
Teaching institutions London Metropolitan University
School School of Social Sciences
Subject Area Psychology
Attendance options
Option Minimum duration Maximum duration
Full-time 3 YEARS  
Part-time 4 YEARS  
Course leader  

About the course and its strategy towards teaching and learning and towards blended learning/e-learning

The BSc Psychology and Sociology course provides a specialist programme which enables students to acquire and develop knowledge in each of the core areas of the respective disciplines, along with a wide range of academic and transferable skills.

The teaching and learning strategies employed across the programme are designed to:

  • further stimulate students’ interest in all aspects of human social behaviour
  • provide an appropriate intellectual challenge at BSc level whilst enabling students to gain the relevant knowledge and skills across the disciplines of Psychology& Sociology
  • promote students’ self management of the learning process with a view to future training and continuing professional development.

Factors influencing the choice of teaching and learning strategy include:

  • enhancing students’ communications and IT skills relevant to studying social behaviour
  • developing students’ research skills and their ethical awareness
  • developing students’ problem solving skills
  • facilitating variation in students’ learning styles and preferences
  • facilitating learning for students in both full-time and part-time mode.

Module teams will ensure opportunities for students to:

  • be actively involved in their own learning
  • pose and test psychology/sociology related hypotheses
  • work to deadlines and balance conflicting pressures
  • use appropriate resources and technology available
  • review, evaluate and reflect on their work
  • work with others and develop team-working skills.

As well as access to the University wide learning facilities students will also have access to dedicated psychological research laboratories and specialised project support equipment (such as psychometric tests, psycho-physiological measuring equipment etc), supplemented by guided learning and workbooks with exercises are used – available through the VLE. The course integrates face-to-face with online learning at all levels. All modules also use Weblearn to provide key information and learning resources. Advanced use of VLE on the course includes online tests and assessment, discussions, and feedback.

Course aims

This course aims to provide students with an understanding of psychology and sociology with particular reference to social behaviour and social interaction. It will develop students’ analytical skills through consideration of the relationship between self and society and between theory and practice. It aims to make students aware of the conceptual and historical context for current theory and knowledge within psychology and sociology, and provide an opportunity for them to choose from a range of different areas of advanced study in relation to social behaviour and interaction.The teaching, learning and assessment strategy is designed to enable students to develop, and demonstrate competency in, a wide range of academic and transferable skills within the context of the disciplines which will also be invaluable in future employment or training.

Course learning outcomes

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

  • deploy accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within psychology and sociology;

  • devise and sustain arguments, and/or to solve problems, using ideas and techniques, some of which are at the forefront of psychology and sociology;

  • describe and comment upon particular aspects of current research, or equivalent advanced scholarship, in [the subject], recognising the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge;

  • manage their own learning, and to make use of scholarly reviews and primary sources (for example, refereed research articles and/or original materials appropriate to psychology and sociology);

  • apply the methods and techniques that they have learned to review, consolidate, extend and apply their knowledge and understanding, and to initiate and carry out projects;

  • critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data (that may be incomplete), to make judgements, and to frame appropriate questions to achieve a solution - or identify a range of solutions - to a problem;

  • communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences;

  • exercise initiative and personal responsibility, including decision-making in complex and unpredictable contexts;

  • undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature.

Course learning outcomes / Module cross reference

- Deploy accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within psychology and sociology:

SS4008 Sociological imagination (I)
SS5003 Interactive Research Methods (P)
SS5006 Racism and Ethnicity (P)
SS5008 Self & Society (P)
SS6003 Global Cities (P)
SS6051 Religion and Social Science (A)
SS6P02 Sociology Dissertation (A)
PC4002 Individual Differences and Social Psychology 1 (I)
PC4003 Cognitive and Developmental Psychology 1 (I)
PC5002 Individual Differences and Social Psychology 2 (P)
PC5003 Cognitive and Developmental Psychology 2 (P)
PC6002 Counselling, Health and Abnormal Psychology (A)
PC6003 Work Psychology and Applied Decision Making (P)
PC6P53 Psychology Joint Project (A)
PC6003 Applied Social and Developmental Psychology (A)
PC6051 Forensic Psychology (A)

- Devise and sustain arguments, and/or to solve problems, using ideas and techniques, some of which are at the forefront of psychology and sociology:

SS4008 Sociological Imagination (I)
SS5003 Interactive Research Methods (P)
SS5008 Self & Society (P)
SS6002 Living Theory (A)
SS6053 Visual Sociology (A)
SS6P02 Sociology Dissertation (A)
PC4002 Individual Differences and Social Psychology 1 (I)
PC4003 Cognitive and Developmental Psychology 1 (I)
PC5002 Individual Differences and Social Psychology 2 (P)
PC5003 Cognitive and Developmental Psychology 2 (P)
PC6002 Counselling, Health and Abnormal Psychology (A)
PC6003 Work Psychology and Applied Decision Making (P)
PC6P53 Psychology Joint Project (A)
PC6003 Applied Social and Developmental Psychology (A)
PC6051 Forensic Psychology (A)

- Describe and comment upon particular aspects of current research, or equivalent advanced scholarship, in [the subject], recognising the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge:

SS4007 Social Problems & Social Issues (I)

SS4008 Sociological imagination (I)
SS5003 Interactive Research Methods (P)
SS5008 Self & Society (P)
SS6002 Living Theory (A)
SS6055 Political Sociology (P)
SS6P02 Sociology Dissertation (A)
PC4002 Individual Differences and Social Psychology 1 (I)
PC4003 Cognitive and Developmental Psychology 1 (I)
PC5002 Individual Differences and Social Psychology 2 (P)
PC5003 Cognitive and Developmental Psychology 2 (P)
PC6002 Counselling, Health and Abnormal Psychology (A)
PC6003 Work Psychology and Applied Decision Making (P)
PC6P53 Psychology Joint Project (A)
PC6003 Applied Social and Developmental Psychology (A)
PC6051 Forensic Psychology (A)


- Manage their own learning, and to make use of scholarly reviews and primary sources (for example, refereed research articles and/or original materials appropriate to psychology and sociology):

SS4007 Social Problems & Social Issues (I)
SS5003 Interactive Research Methods (P)
SS5008 Self & Society (P)
SS6002 Living Theory (A)
SS6P02 Sociology Dissertation (A)
PC6P53 Psychology Joint Project (A)

- Apply the methods and techniques that they have learned to review, consolidate, extend and apply their knowledge and understanding, and to initiate and carry out projects:

SS5003 Interactive Research Methods (P)
SS5008 Self & Society (P)
SS6002 Living Theory (A)
SS6052 Research Analysis Strategies Using IT (A)
SS6054 Human Rights and Conflict (P)
SS6P02 Sociology Dissertation (P)
PC5002 Individual Differences and Social Psychology 2 (P)
PC5003 Cognitive and Developmental Psychology 2 (P)
PC6002 Counselling, Health and Abnormal Psychology (P)
PC6003 Work Psychology and Applied Decision Making (P)
PC6P53 Psychology Joint Project (A)
PC6003 Applied Social and Developmental Psychology (A)
PC6051 Forensic Psychology (A)

- Critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data (that may be incomplete), to make judgements, and to frame appropriate questions to achieve a solution - or identify a range of solutions - to a problem:

SS4007 Social Problems & Social Issues (I)
SS5003 Interactive Research Methods (P)
SS5008 Self & Society (P)
SS6002 Living Theory (A)
SS6P02 Sociology Dissertation (A)
PC5002 Individual Differences and Social Psychology 2 (P)
PC5003 Cognitive and Developmental Psychology 2 (P)
PC6002 Counselling, Health and Abnormal Psychology (A)
PC6003 Work Psychology and Applied Decision Making (P)
PC6P53 Psychology Joint Project (A)
PC6003 Applied Social and Developmental Psychology (A)
PC6051 Forensic Psychology (A)

- Communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences:

SS4007 Social Problems & Social Issues (I)
SS5008 Self & Society (P)
SS6P02 Sociology Dissertation (A)
PC6P53 Psychology Joint Project (A)

- Exercise initiative and personal responsibility, including decision-making in complex and unpredictable contexts:

SS5003 Interactive Research Methods (I, P)
SS5008 Self & Society (P)
SS6002 Living Theory (A)
PC6P53 Psychology Joint Project (A)

- Undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature:

SS4007 Social Problems & Social Issues (I)
SS5003 Interactive Research Methods (P)
SS6002 Living Theory (I)
SS6W52 Sociology Placement (A)
SS6P02 Sociology Dissertation (A)
PC6002 Counselling, Health and Abnormal Psychology (A)
PC6003 Work Psychology and Applied Decision Making (P)
PC6051 Forensic Psychology (A)
PC6P53 Psychology Joint Project (A)

Principle QAA benchmark statements

Assessment strategy

A range of assessment methods will be used, with the choice of assessment instrument chosen to test the specified learning outcomes. Overall the strategy is to promote students written, oral and research skills within the context of their understanding of psychological and sociological theory. At Level 4 assessments seek to encourage students to assimilate and describe theory. At Level 5 assessments require students to critically evaluate the knowledge and theories they have encountered. At Level 6 assessments test the students’ critical knowledge of applied areas of psychology and sociology and their ability to be independent researchers.

Assessment is the responsibility of the academic staff delivering the module. Assessment is part of the learning process and confirms the outcomes of the learning process. As such, the assessment process is used to provide an insight into learning problems and to thus trigger remedial action. It also provides feedback on curriculum design and delivery and, via the ongoing iterative process of module monitoring, makes a significant contribution to the continued development and improvement of the courses.

A variety of assessment methods will be used (see syllabi) including unseen written examinations, individual and group assignments. Laboratory and computer based investigations, poster and oral presentations and a level 6 project.

Organised work experience, work based learning, sandwich year or year abroad

The Sociology Placement is a subject option modules that available to students entering their 3rd year. This is usually undertaken over the summer period – between 2nd and 3rd year.

There will also be opportunities for students to study for part of their degree in another European country. ERASMUS is part of the European Union SOCRATES programme for cooperation in the field of education. Under ERASMUS the University has student exchange agreements with 16 different European countries.

Course specific regulations

If attendance falls below 75% on a module, reassessment opportunities will not be available and instead the module will have to be retaken the following year with attendance and payment of fees. Mitigating circumstances cannot be claimed for missed classes; however Module Leaders will take account of absences that are a consequence of recorded disability or otherwise recorded as 'Authorised Absence' when applying the 75% threshold.

Modules required for interim awards

The following modules are core-compulsory to gain a BSc Psychology and Sociology:

PC4002 Individual Differences & Social Psychology 1

PC4003 Cognitive & Developmental Psychology 1

SS4007 Social Problems and Social Issues

SS4008 Sociological Imagination

SS5003 Interactive Research Methods

PC5002 Individual Differences & Social Psychology 2

SS5008 Self and Society

PC6003 Applied Social and Developmental Psychology

PC6P53 Psychology Joint Project or SS6P04 Psychology and Sociology Dissertation or SS6P51 Sociology Project

SS6002 Living Theory

Career opportunities

This course opens up job opportunities in both the private and public sectors. Examples of our Sociology orientated graduates include those now working as Human Resources Officer at Clarins and Prison Custody Officer at Sodexo, while our Psychology inclined graduates have gone on to become Support Workers at Creative Support, Special Needs Teaching Assistant at Edustaff and more.

The skills you’ll develop are transferable across an even wider range of sectors, such as advertising, human resources and marketing. It’s also great preparation for postgraduate study.

Entry requirements

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:

  • GCSE English language at grade C or above (or equivalent)
  • a minimum of 260 or more UCAS points from three A levels (or equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg BTEC Extended Diploma in a relevant subject area with DMM)

Entry from appropriate foundation and access courses will also be considered.

Applicants with relevant professional qualifications or extensive professional experience will be considered on a case by case basis.

All applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Applicants who require a Tier 4 student visa may need to provide a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.

Official use and codes

Approved to run from 2013/14 Specification version 1 Specification status Validated
Original validation date 01 Sep 2013 Last validation date 01 Sep 2013  
Sources of funding HE FUNDING COUNCIL FOR ENGLAND
JACS codes C800 (Psychology): 50% , L300 (Sociology): 50%
Route code PSYSCG

Course Structure

Stage 1 Level 04 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
PC4006 Personality and Social Psychology Core 30        
PC4007 Cognitive and Developmental Psychology Core 30        
SS4007 Social Problems and Social Issues Core 30        
SS4008 Sociological Imagination Core 30        

Stage 2 Level 05 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
PC5005 Individual Differences and Social Psychology Core 30        
SS5003 Interactive Research Methods Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR THU PM
SS5008 Self and Society Core 30        
PC5006 Developmental Psychology and Cognition Option 30        
SS5005 Youth, Resistance and Social Control Option 30        
SS5006 Racism and Ethnicity Option 30 NORTH AUT+SPR FRI PM
SS5014 Global Inequalities in the 21st Century Option 30 NORTH AUT+SPR MON PM

Stage 3 Level 06 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
SS6002 Living Theory Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR FRI AM
SS6P04 Psychology and Sociology Dissertation Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR TUE PM
PC6006 Clinical and Health Psychology Option 30        
PC6051 Forensic Psychology Option 15 NORTH SPR MON PM
PC6053 Judgement and Decision Making Option 15        
PC6054 Counseling Psychology Option 15 NORTH AUT WED AM
PC6055 Psychology of Learning and Education Option 15        
PC6056 Work Psychology Option 15 NORTH AUT THU AM
PC6057 Cultural and Social Psychology Option 15        
SS6006 Gender and Sexuality Option 30 NORTH AUT+SPR THU PM
SS6033 Inclusion and Special Educational Needs Option 30        
SS6063 Religion and the State Option 15 NORTH AUT MON AM
SS6W53 Sociology and Social Policy Work Placement Option 15 NORTH AUT TUE PM
          NORTH SPR TUE PM