Combining two subjects boosts your employability and gives you the opportunity to develop knowledge and expertise in two subject areas, making you a more versatile graduate
The course is accredited by the British Psychological Society if you major in Psychology
Specialist facilities include our observation suite, eye-tracker equipment and Babylab
Learn from lecturers at the forefront of psychological research
You'll have opportunities to contribute to research projects and conduct your own research
We will challenge your thinking about subjects such as race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, class, the cult of celebrity and the spread of conspiracy theories
An opportunity to achieve an additional qualification in youth justice
Top20in the UK for overall student satisfactionThe Complete University Guide 2024
Top20for student satisfaction in PsychologyThe Complete University Guide 2024
Top10for student satisfaction in SociologyThe Complete University Guide 2024
Psychology and Sociology at Derby
Psychology and Sociology are fascinating academic disciplines, opening doors to a wide range of careers after graduation where you can have a real impact on society. You'll be taught by expert staff who are conducting influential studies into areas of psychology such as mental health and wellbeing, compassion and mindfulness, autism and maths anxiety.
Would you like to explore how the modern world has developed, where it’s going, and ways to bring about change for the better? While we all have our own ideas about society, this course helps you build a more accurate picture of the dramatic and diverse changes influencing our lives today.
We encourage you to think critically and ethically about social trends, developments and controversies. You will find yourself discussing highly topical issues such as social inequality, race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, globalisation, the impact of the digital era, the sociology of childhood and youth, the cult of celebrity, social movements and political engagement, marginal beliefs and the influence of conspiracy theories.
Specialist facilities
Our Psychology facilities are used for both teaching and research. They include computing labs with specialist software for designing experiments and research. You'll use a range of psychological recording equipment such as the latest eye-tracker equipment for analysing eye movement and our Babylab for ethical research with babies and young children.
Our Sociology facilities are based at One Friar Gate Square. Offering the perfect environment for innovative and engaging teaching, it includes well-resourced lecture theatres, seminar rooms and social learning spaces.
Accredited course
British Psychological Society accreditation means we're delivering a high standard of psychology education. It shows we've met BPS standards for course content and design, and student development. It also means you can apply for BPS student membership. This provides:
Access to networking opportunities
The BPS student online community
Discounts on books
Events and e-learning
Academic journals
The chance to transfer to graduate membership free of charge after completing your degree
And you will have the opportunity to progress to accredited postgraduate qualifications and training to gain chartered membership of the BPS.
For students to receive the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS), students need to do the following:
Choose a Psychology major pathway with all prescribed modules
Obtain at least a 40% overall for the Independent Study in Psychology
Obtain at least a lower second-class degree
Choose your pathway
Studying a Psychology and Sociology Joint Honours degree allows you to choose whether you major in one subject or study them both equally.
You begin this degree by studying both subjects equally in your first year. By the end of your first year, you will then decide whether you would like to major or minor in a chosen subject or continue to study them both equally.
In this pathway, Psychology is the major subject and includes all prescribed credit bearing modules. Sociology is the minor subject. Students receive BPS accreditation with this pathway. If students majoring in Psychology do not pass all prescribed credit bearing Psychology modules, the title of the degree will alter to say Psychological Studies.
A Joint Honours degree offers students the opportunity to study two subjects.
A Joint Honours degree is a great option if:
You want to study two subjects you’re passionate about
You’ve got a specific career in mind and want to create a tailored degree to prepare you for the future
You want to study a new subject alongside one you’re already familiar with
What you will study
The modules below indicate the range of modules you may study as part of this combination, however prescribed and optional modules will vary depending on whether you choose to study both subjects equally, or choose to major or minor in a subject. To find out exactly which modules you would study as part of your chosen combination please contact jhs@derby.ac.uk.
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
Undergraduate Open Days
The best way to find out if studying at Derby is right for you is to experience an Open Day. Get a feel for the city and campus, tour our first-class facilities and see where you could be living.
For Psychology modules, you will learn from lecturers and tutors who have a wealth of knowledge and experience, and are carrying out research designed to offer fresh perspectives on issues that are significant at every stage of life, from birth to old age, including:
Maternal health and the development of new-borns, to help improve health care during childhood
Mental health and wellbeing such as maths-induced anxiety, eating disorders, addiction and irrational thinking
Compassion and mindfulness, tackling self-esteem issues and fostering sensitive support for others
The psychological aspects of pain
Emotional processing
The positive benefits of engaging with the natural environment
Your lecturers bring their latest thinking to your studies. And, in some cases, you’ll have opportunities to get involved in research projects yourself. Quality inspectors have commended us for being “at the forefront of technology-enhanced learning” in Psychology.
For Sociology modules, you will learn through lectures, seminars, multimedia presentations, online collaboration, guest lectures and class debates.
How you are assessed
For Psychology modules, you’ll be assessed mainly through assignments, via essays, posters, presentations, and reports. You may also have to take some exams. These can include essay questions, multiple choice and short answer questions.
For Sociology modules, you’ll be assessed through essays, case studies, project work, group presentations and discussions.
Who will teach you
You will be taught by our team of engaging, passionate and inspiring subject experts.
Dr Phil Burton-Cartledge Course Director, Business, Law, and Social Sciences
Dr Phil Burton-Cartledge is Course Director for the School of Law and Social Sciences and Programme Lead for Sociology. Prior to joining the University in 2013, he previously had worked for a Member of Parliament. A regular commentator on current affairs, his teaching and research interests reflect these concerns.
Your personal academic tutor will work with you to help you get the most out of your time at university. Having someone to talk to about your academic progress, your university experience and your professional aspirations is hugely valuable. We want you to feel challenged in your studies, stretched but confident to achieve your academic and professional goals.
If you are in Year 13 and applying for a full-time undergraduate course (including our joint honours courses), we recommend that you apply through UCAS.
If you are applying to study part-time, or already have your qualifications, or wish to join at Year 2 or 3, you should apply directly to the University.
Please note direct applications for this course are not currently available. Please check back for further updates.
Careers
Psychology and Sociology opens doors to many different sectors and professions - anywhere an understanding of people is valued - so your career options will be broad.
Our Psychology graduates have gone on to successful roles in sectors such as:
Psychological research
Scientific or clinical research
Charity leadership
Mental health support and management
Health services and therapeutic care
Probation service and police
Human resources
Health psychology
Educational psychology
Occupational psychology
Forensic psychology
Clinical psychology
Teaching
Through our Professional Development Package, you'll gain valuable transferable skills, including:
Written and verbal communication
Research and analytical
Personal motivation, organisation and self-reflection
Numeracy
IT literacy
Critical awareness
If you want to become a Psychologist or progress to Postgraduate study in Psychology, we advise that you major in Psychology including all prescribed credit bearing modules. This means you will receive accreditation from the British Psychological Society.
Studying Sociology offers a broad spectrum of skills and insights, and therefore our Sociology graduates excel in a wide variety of careers where critical thinking, analytical know-how and research abilities are valued.
Our Sociology graduates have used their degree to become:
Probation officers
Civil servants
Social researchers
Marketeers
Counsellors
Teachers and lecturers
Social workers
Community offers
Charity workers
Other roles in public relations, welfare advice, accountancy and systems analysis
A growing number of our Sociology graduates secure competitively funded places on postgraduate courses too, especially in the fields of social work and teaching.
Careers and Employment Service
Our Careers and Employment Service can help you boost your employment skills by connecting you with employers for work placements, part-time jobs, and volunteering. They can also offer guidance on career options, CV writing, or starting your own business.
Contact us
If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.
You will typically study your two subjects equally at stage one, before choosing whether you want to major in one subject at stages two and three.
Teaching hours
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
Additional costs and optional extras
We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.
The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.
Included in your fees
Access to essential software (SPSS and NVivo)
Access to any materials included in taught areas such as biopsychology, research methods and related optional modules
DBS check if you are undertaking a placement facilitated by the course
Visit to the British Psychological Society's Psychology4Graduates national event
Stage appropriate study skills textbook each year
Occasional field trips around Derby
Mandatory costs not included in your fees
Costs associated with travel to and from a year in industry and/or a third year work placement
Optional costs not included in your fees
You may wish to purchase optional textbooks or e-books to support your studies - costs for these are dependent on your choice
Printing costs of course materials if hard copy desired - approximate cost is 5p per sheet
Student membership of the British Psychological Society - approximate cost is £30
Students recommended to purchase textbook 'Making Sense of Society'
Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.
Minimum numbers
Please note that this course is subject to minimum numbers in order to run.
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