Psychology and sociology courses

Psychology and sociology both involve the study of human behaviour and are closely linked. Psychology focuses on individuals or small groups while sociologists focus on societies and social systems.

Psychologists study how the brain operates, and the mental processes and motivations that shape the behaviour of humans and other animals. Psychology is a part of everyday life, and plays a role in everything we do.

Sociology is the systematic study of society and the world around us. Sociologists seek explanations for why the world is organised and structured the way it is and why social inequalities persist.

Psychology and sociology are broad subjects, and cover a range of topics across the natural and social sciences. Here at Portsmouth, you can study the two subjects individually or in combination with other subjects - so, depending on the course you choose, you'll be able to study topics that interest you the most.

You can also study sociology in combination with social psychology, allowing you to explore the areas of psychology that are most relevant to sociologists as part of your degree. These modules allow you to explore how our thoughts, feelings and behaviours are shaped by society, and also shape society.

What can you do with a degree in psychology?

A psychology degree is ideal preparation for jobs in the fields of psychology, social work, counselling, policing, prison and probation services, and market research.

Studying for a psychology degree can also help you gain valuable transferable skills, like problem-solving and critical thinking.

What can you do with a degree in sociology?

If you study sociology with us, you'll develop a critical understanding of society, contemporary social and cultural issues, and specialist areas of sociological study such as food, happiness, work, the Global South, social class, gender and race.

A degree in sociology develops your knowledge and research skills, preparing you for a career that works towards making the world a fairer place. You’ll become ready to work in the private, public or charity sectors, in roles such as researcher, teacher, social worker, equality and diversity practitioner or human resources manager.

4 reasons to study Psychology with us

• We have specialist psychology equipment and facilities including observation suites and laboratories for psychophysiology, biomarkers and olfaction, eye-tracking, motion capture and virtual reality.
• Our staff actively conduct research in areas such as animal cognition, autism, forensic psychology, health and wellbeing, and contribute the knowledge gained through their research to your course.
• As part of the course, you can choose from different work and study abroad placement options to get valuable experience and develop new skills. We will help you find a placement that matches your career ambitions.
• Our placement and research-based learning options allow you to earn credits towards your degree for the work, volunteer and research placements you do alongside your study.

4 reasons to study Sociology with us

• Your lecturers are research-active and deliver teaching based on their research specialisms. Staff are also involved in thriving research clusters such as the Citizenship, Race and Belonging, Women and Gender Studies and Sociology and Social Theory research groups.
• You can study for a combined degree bringing together sociology with criminology or social psychology, or take a media studies pathway in your second or third year.
• We can help you study abroad at one of our partner institutions, such as the University of Southern Denmark or Charles University in Prague.
• You can do a work placement as an accredited module, or for a full year after your second year, to get valuable work experience before you graduate. Placement destinations include Portsmouth Abuse and Rape Counselling Service, City Year teaching and Why Me? Restorative Justice.

Professional accreditations

Our BSc (Hons) Psychology, BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology, BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Psychology, MSc Forensic Psychology, and MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology courses are accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), the representative body for psychology and psychologists in the UK. 

Taking an accredited course means you'll get up-to-date knowledge and skills, and a qualification that's recognised in the profession.

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