Psychology and Sociology - BSc (Hons)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Queen Margaret University

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Psychology and Sociology at Queen Margaret University is designed for students who want to understand both how individuals think and behave, and how wider society shapes those behaviours. It is a strong fit if you are interested in people, social issues, inequality, culture, and how psychological and sociological ideas connect in real life.

This degree gives you a broad social science foundation, making it especially useful if you want flexible career options in areas like social research, education, public services, and community-focused roles.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In your first year, you are introduced to the core ideas of both psychology and sociology, helping you understand how individuals and society are studied scientifically. You study modules such as Foundations of Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, and Methods of Social Enquiry, which give you essential grounding in key theories and research approaches.
Alongside this, Developing your Academic Voice and Psychology in Practice help you build confidence in academic writing, communication, and applying psychological concepts to real-world situations.

Year 2

In Year 2, you start exploring more applied topics and develop stronger research skills. Modules such as Exploring Research, Responding to the World, and Culture and Society help you analyse contemporary social issues and understand how societies function.
You also take Professional Challenge, which focuses on practical problem-solving, while continuing psychology study through areas like Biological and Cognitive Psychology or Developmental and Social Psychology, alongside deeper sociological perspectives.

Year 3

In the third year, your studies become more advanced and analytical, focusing on key social structures and research methods. You study modules such as Class, Poverty and Inequality, Current Debates in Sociology, and Interaction and Social Order, which examine how society is organised and how inequality shapes everyday life.
At the same time, you develop stronger research capabilities through Qualitative Research Skills, learning how to collect and interpret data in meaningful ways.

Year 4

In your final year, you complete independent and specialised study. A major Dissertation allows you to research a topic of your choice in either psychology or sociology, applying everything you have learned throughout the degree.
You also study advanced modules such as Sociology of Scotland, Social Policy in Comparative Practice, and The Organic Intellectual, where you explore how social theory connects to real-world policy and change.

Focus Areas

Human behaviour, social inequality, culture, identity, mental processes, social structures, research methods, public policy, community development, applied social science, interdisciplinary analysis

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, you will be able to understand human behaviour from both psychological and sociological perspectives, carry out and evaluate research, analyse complex social issues using evidence, and apply theory to real-world contexts. You will also develop strong skills in communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and data analysis that are valued in many careers and postgraduate pathways.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This degree is not accredited by the British Psychological Society, so it does not provide eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership. However, it still offers a strong academic foundation for careers in social sciences and for further postgraduate study.

Reputation (Employability & Recognition)

Queen Margaret University focuses strongly on employability, with teaching that connects academic theory to real-world social issues and professional practice. Students develop highly transferable skills that are useful across public, private, and third-sector organisations.
Graduates typically go on to roles in social research, community development, public policy, education, journalism, human resources, and marketing, or continue their studies at postgraduate level to specialise further.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Queen Margaret University, the BSc (Hons) Psychology and Sociology degree is designed to give you real, hands-on experience alongside academic learning. You won’t just study theories about people and society — you’ll actively apply them through research projects, group work, and practical investigations that connect directly to real social issues. The course also encourages you to think like a social scientist from an early stage, using real data, case studies, and applied learning activities that mirror professional practice.

You will also learn in a research-informed environment where teaching is closely linked to current academic work and real-world applications. Workshops, seminars, and applied sessions help you build confidence in analysing behaviour and society, while developing strong skills in research, communication, and critical thinking that are essential for future careers or postgraduate study.

Experiential learning includes access to specialist tools, research facilities, and applied opportunities:

Psychology laboratories used for experimental and behavioural research, allowing you to take part in real scientific investigations
Research software such as SPSS, RStudio, PsychoPy, E-Prime, MediaLab, DirectRT, and Pavlovia for designing, running, and analysing studies
Specialist equipment including eye-tracking technology and physiological measurement tools used in behavioural and cognitive research
Video and audio recording facilities for observing and analysing human behaviour in research settings
Opportunities to participate in staff-led research projects, giving early exposure to real academic research practice
Work-based and applied learning projects, including consultancy-style activities with external organisations to solve real social issues
Group projects, seminars, and workshops that develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills
Training in qualitative and quantitative research methods using real-world data and analytical approaches
Optional placement and international study opportunities (subject to availability), helping you gain broader professional experience
Access to extensive learning resources, including academic journals, digital databases, and dedicated study spaces within the university

These experiences are designed to make your learning practical and career-focused, ensuring you graduate with strong research skills and the ability to apply psychology and sociology in real-world settings.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A BSc (Hons) Psychology and Sociology at Queen Margaret University prepares you for careers where understanding people, behaviour, and society really matters. Graduates often go into roles in social research, public services, education, community development, human resources, marketing, media, and policy-related work. It’s a flexible degree that supports a wide range of directions depending on your interests and strengths.

From graduation onwards, your development is supported through strong career-focused learning and university support:

Dedicated careers and employability support including CV writing help, interview preparation, one-to-one guidance, and employer engagement opportunities
Work-based learning built into the course, including consultancy-style projects and applied assignments linked to real organisations and social issues
Strong development of transferable skills such as research, critical thinking, communication, teamwork, data analysis, and problem-solving, all highly valued by employers
Emphasis on applied and experiential learning throughout the degree, helping you gain confidence in real-world professional settings
Opportunities for optional placements and study abroad experiences (depending on availability), giving you broader experience and global awareness
Strong graduate outcomes, with students progressing into roles across social care, education, research, marketing, HR, media, and public sector organisations, as well as postgraduate study

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, many students choose to continue into postgraduate study. Common routes include Master’s degrees in Social Research, Psychology, Sociology, Public Policy, Criminology, Education, Counselling, or Human Resource Management. You can also move into research degrees such as an MSc by Research or MRes, and eventually a PhD if you want to pursue academic or advanced research careers.