Psychology and Sociology

Psychology and Sociology at the University of Suffolk offers students an in-depth exploration of human behavior and social structures, preparing them for a wide range of careers in psychology, social work, research, education, and public services. This interdisciplinary programme provides a comprehensive understanding of psychological theories, research methods, and social dynamics, equipping graduates with critical thinking, analytical skills, and a nuanced understanding of individual and collective human behavior. Through engaging lectures, practical workshops, and hands-on research projects, students gain valuable experience in qualitative and quantitative methods, enabling them to investigate complex social and psychological issues effectively. The curriculum covers core areas such as developmental psychology, social psychology, clinical psychology, and sociological theories, while also addressing contemporary topics like mental health, social justice, diversity, and digital society. The programme emphasizes applied learning and encourages students to undertake fieldwork, internships, and collaborative projects with community organizations, providing real-world insights and professional development opportunities. With a strong focus on employability, the course prepares students to work in various sectors, including healthcare, education, social services, non-governmental organizations, and research institutions. The faculty comprises experienced researchers and practitioners dedicated to supporting students' academic progression and career ambitions. State-of-the-art facilities include dedicated laboratories, modern library resources, and access to extensive online databases. Graduates from the Psychology and Sociology programme at the University of Suffolk emerge as informed, socially responsible individuals ready to make meaningful contributions in their chosen fields, equipped with the skills and knowledge to understand and influence the complex social world. Whether pursuing further study or entering the workforce directly, students are well-prepared to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing society with confidence and competence.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 9240 Year (EEA)
• EUR 10360 Year (Non-EEA)

Students starting at UCS in September 2013 will be charged £8,000 for a full-time Bachelor degree.

Tuition fees for full-time undergraduate overseas fee payers for the academic year 2013-2014 are:

• Classroom-based 9,000 GBP (£)
• Laboratory-based 10,500* GBP (£)

• English

Course Content

First year modules:

Psychology - Foundations of Biological-Cognitive Psychology, Foundations of Social-Developmental Psychology, Social Science Research Skills.

Sociology - Sociology and the Modern World, Understanding Social Change, Social Inequalities, Social Science Research Skills.

Second year modules:

Psychology - Biological and Cognitive Psychology, Social and Developmental Psychology, Quantitative Data in Social Science, Qualitative Data in Social Science (Compulsory for Psychology Major students and joint honours students intending to do a Psychology dissertation)

Sociology - Sociology of Health and Illness, Globalisation, Exploring Family Lives, Understanding Deviance, Quantitative Data for Social Scientists, Social Theory, Qualitative Data in Social Science (Compulsory for Sociology Major students and joint honours students intending to do a Sociology Dissertation)

Third year modules:

Psychology - Abnormal Psychology, Emotions, Personality and Intelligence, Lifespan Developmental Psychology.

Sociology - Gender, Sexuality and Culture, Changing Education, Media, Culture and Society,

Undergraduate Dissertation - 40 credits.

UCS Ipswich

First year modules

• Social Science Research Skills (Core)
• Foundations of Biological and Cognitive Psychology
• Foundations of Social and Developmental Psychology
• Sociology and the Modern World
• Media, Crime and Deviance
• Understanding Social Change

Second year modules

• Quantitative Data in Social Science (Core)
• Qualitative Data in Social Science (Core)
• Biological and Cognitive Psychology
• Social and Developmental Psychology
• Social Theory

With a choice of 1 module from:

• Sociology of Health and Illness
• Globalisation

Third year modules

• Research Dissertation (Core)
• Applied Studies (Core)

With a choice of 1 or 2 modules from:

• Personality and Intelligence
• Cognition
• Psychology and Technology
• Contemporary Issues in Psychology
• Abnormal Psychology
• Forensic Psychology
• Gender, Sexuality and Culture
• Technology and Society
• Sociology of Sport
• Sociology of Law

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 TOEFL iBT® test : 87

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

All students are expected to be able to understand and express themselves fully in English in order to succeed on the course. Applicants whose first language is not English are welcome to apply but expected to undertake one of the Secure English Language Test (SELT) specified by the UKBA before joining the course. Non-EU applicants are required to submit SELT scores before a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued. Depending on your choice of course you are required to secure a minimum of CEFR B2 or C1 level.
Typically the following test scores are acceptable:

Undergraduate Courses:

• IELTS (academic): 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
• TOEFL: IBT (Internet Based Test) 87 overall
  (a minimum of 17 in listening 17 in writing; 18 in reading; and 20 in the speaking component) or equivalent Computer based/Paper based test
• Pearson PTE: 51 overall
• Diagnostic Radiography, Radiotherapy and Oncology, ODP and all Pre-Registration Nursing and Midwifery courses require IELTS 7.0 overall or CEFR C1 equivalent (minimum 5.5 in all components)
• Cambridge ESOL at CEFR B2 level

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University Campus Suffolk.

Funding

UCS Financial Support

UCS Bursary 2013 Entry

From September 2013, UCS is introducing a new bursary scheme for students living away from the parental home, to help with accommodation costs while studying.

Successful applicants will receive a £1,000 bursary in their first year of study and a £500 bursary in both their second and third years of study.

National Scholarship Programme

The National Scholarship Programme (NSP) has been created to offer support to students from lower income backgrounds. The Government has awarded a number of Scholarships to UCS for students starting an undergraduate degree in September 2013. UCS has committed to matching these Scholarships, providing fee waivers to a larger number of students.

Successful full-time applicants will receive a total fee waiver of £6,000; £3,000 in their first year of study and £3,000 in their second year of study.

Successful part-time applicants will receive a fee waiver on a pro rata basis for their first and second years of study. For example part-time students studying 50% of the full time equivalent course in their first year will receive a fee waiver of £1,500.

Suffolk Access Champion Scheme

The Suffolk Access Champion Scheme is open to students who have studied in Suffolk and are applying to study a full-time undergraduate degree programme at UCS in 2013/14.

Successful applicants will become Suffolk Access Champions and will work over two years mentoring Year 10 and 11 students to encourage progression on to higher education.

In return for their participation in the scheme, Access Champions will receive a total fee waiver of £8,000; £5,000 in their first year of study and £3,000 in their second year of study.

UCS Science Fee Waiver

UCS is introducing a new Science fee waiver for students starting one of the four year science programmes in 2013. This scheme entitles successful applicants to a fee waiver of up to £1,500 across years two and three of their degree.

Ipswich Borough Council and UCS Bursary

Ipswich Borough Council (IBC) is working in conjunction with UCS to offer a non-repayable bursary scheme to selected full and part-time students from lower income backgrounds to help with costs associated with their course of study.

A total of four IBC and UCS bursaries are available in 2013/14. Successful applicants will receive £1,000 in their first year of study. Awards are expected to continue into Year 2 of study on the condition that household income remains within the scheme threshold

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology at the University of Suffolk is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of human behavior, social structures, and societal issues. This interdisciplinary degree aims to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and empirical research competencies essential for careers in social services, mental health, community development, and research roles. The curriculum covers core areas such as social psychology, developmental psychology, criminology, sociology of family, social inequality, and research methods. Students engage in interactive lectures, seminars, and practical workshops to apply theoretical concepts to real-world contexts.

Throughout the course, learners have opportunities to undertake fieldwork, engage in community projects, and utilize qualitative and quantitative research techniques. The program emphasizes the development of employability skills, including communication, teamwork, and ethical considerations in research. Assessment methods include essays, presentations, research projects, and exams, providing a balanced approach to knowledge evaluation.

The course is structured over three years, with opportunities for optional modules in areas such as health psychology, youth and community work, and media studies to tailor the degree to specific interests and career aspirations. The university provides excellent support services, including academic advising, career guidance, and access to modern learning facilities and resources. Graduates of this program are well-prepared for employment in a wide range of sectors or to proceed to postgraduate study in psychology, sociology, social work, or related fields. Overall, the program combines academic rigor with practical application, ensuring students acquire a broad understanding of social sciences essential for addressing contemporary societal challenges.