Psychology and Sociology BSc (Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Aston University

Program Overview

The BSc Psychology and Sociology at Aston University is designed for students who want to understand both individual human behaviour and the wider social forces that shape society. It is a strong choice if you are interested in real-world issues like identity, inequality, mental health, and how societies change over time, while also building solid research and analytical skills.

Curriculum structure

Year 1

In your first year, you build a solid foundation in both psychology and sociology through core modules such as Key Skills in Psychology, Developmental and Social Psychology, Biological and Cognitive Psychology, and Introduction to Social Theory. These modules help you understand how individuals think and behave, while also introducing you to how societies are structured and how social forces influence everyday life. Alongside this, you develop essential academic skills in research and critical thinking.

Year 2

In your second year, you move into more advanced study with modules including Research Methods and Data Analysis, Individual Differences and Personality, Cognition and Cognitive Neuropsychology, Applied Psychology and Professional Skills, and Social Theory for a Changing World. You also choose optional sociology modules such as Global Society, Media and Society, Racisms, or Embodiment and Feminist Theory, allowing you to explore topics like inequality, identity, culture, and global issues in greater depth.

Placement year (optional)

If you take the placement year, you gain valuable real-world experience in settings such as healthcare, government, research organisations, or private sector roles. This year helps you apply what you have learned in both psychology and sociology while building confidence, professional skills, and industry awareness.

Final year

In your final year, you complete an independent research project and study advanced modules such as Critical Social Psychology, Child Development, and Bodies, Power and Resistance, along with further optional sociology topics. This gives you the chance to specialise in areas that interest you most while strengthening your ability to analyse complex social and psychological issues.

Focus areas (in a string)

Psychology, sociology, social theory, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social inequality, identity and culture, research methods, data analysis, behavioural science, global society, media and communication, critical social psychology

Learning outcomes (in a string)

Understanding of human behaviour and society, application of psychological and sociological theories, strong research and analytical skills, ability to interpret data, critical thinking about social issues, academic writing and communication, awareness of diversity and inequality, independent research skills, problem-solving ability, employability-focused skills development

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The psychology component of this degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society, giving eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, which is an essential step towards becoming a professional psychologist.

Reputation (employability rankings)

Aston University is known for strong graduate employability, with graduates progressing into roles across healthcare, government, research, consultancy, and business sectors. The university consistently performs well in UK graduate outcomes data, reflecting strong career prospects for its students.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Aston University, Psychology and Sociology are taught through a strongly practical and research-focused approach, so you are regularly applying theories to real human behaviour and real social issues. From the beginning of the degree, you develop hands-on experience in designing studies, collecting and analysing data, and interpreting both psychological and sociological evidence using professional research methods. You also learn in specialist environments that support real research practice, helping you connect academic knowledge with real-world social and behavioural understanding.

Experiential learning is built into the programme through access to specialist facilities, active research participation, and applied learning opportunities:

Specialist psychology laboratories for cognitive and behavioural experiments, including studies on memory, perception, and decision-making
Observation suites with audio-visual recording equipment used to analyse behaviour in controlled research settings
Eye-tracking and motion analysis tools for studying attention, responses, and human behaviour in detail
Dedicated spaces for group discussions, focus groups, and social research activities
Training in both qualitative and quantitative research methods, including data collection and statistical analysis
Use of professional research and statistical software for psychological and sociological data analysis
Opportunities to take part in staff-led research projects and real academic studies
Group-based projects that develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills
Optional placement year in settings such as the NHS, government organisations, research institutes, and private sector companies
Access to university learning resources, study support, and academic development services for independent research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the BSc Psychology and Sociology at Aston University typically progress into careers that involve understanding people, behaviour, organisations, and wider society. Many move into roles such as assistant psychologist, HR officer, social researcher, policy officer, or community and wellbeing support worker. This combination of psychology and sociology gives you a flexible skill set that is valued across both public and private sector roles:

At Aston, your employability is supported throughout your degree, helping you build real career direction alongside academic learning:

Aston Careers and Placements Service offers personalised career coaching, CV and interview support, and access to employer networking events and graduate recruitment opportunities
Optional placement year opportunities with organisations such as the NHS, Civil Service, local government, research organisations, and multinational companies, giving you valuable real-world experience before graduation
Strong graduate outcomes, with Aston graduates achieving competitive employment levels and strong salary progression after completing their studies
Established links with employers across healthcare, government, consultancy, finance, and research sectors, helping students connect directly with industry opportunities
British Psychological Society accreditation for the psychology element, giving eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, which is essential for progressing into professional psychology training routes
Development of transferable skills such as research, data analysis, communication, teamwork, and critical thinking, which are highly valued by employers across many industries

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the degree, many students choose to continue into postgraduate study to specialise further. Common routes include Master’s programmes in Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, Occupational Psychology, Sociology, or Social Research. Some students also progress to research-focused degrees such as MRes or PhD programmes, especially if they are interested in academic, policy, or advanced research careers.