Programme summary for BA (Hons) Psychosocial Studies
Examples of Work
For examples of recent work from a third level Psychosocial Studies module, 'HIV in the World,' please see below
Erin Flynn
Evelyn Armstrong
Joanne Mammone
Maire Quetant
Richard Forsythe
This programme offers an opportunity to gain an understanding of identity and how it is constructed in specific social and cultural contexts. It draws upon a wide range of ideas and research findings from social and cultural theory, sociology, social and developmental psychology, psychoanalysis and biography.
This programme is concerned with understanding the problematic areas of human behaviour and experience (connected to mental illness and crime, for example), but also covers ordinary aspects of everyday life (for example, shopping, television, the body and food).
You have a choice of following three- or four-year degrees. The first two levels of study are the same for both routes, but the four-year degree, with the professional studies option, includes a one-year placement with a relevant organisation (usually in the welfare sector, though some students have also completed research-based placements in local government or commercial companies).
About the programme
This programme offers new ways of exploring the relationships between individuals and their society. It encompasses both the individual focus of psychology and the broader concerns
of the social sciences with society, history and culture. It provides a unique opportunity to study a socially aware psychology, alongside an individual-sensitive sociology, in an interdisciplinary framework.
2-subject degrees
You can combine this programme with a range of other subjects as part of a 2-subject degree. Popular combinations include Psychosocial Studies with English Language, and History and Psychosocial Studies.
Professional studies option
You can choose to take the BA (Hons) Psychosocial Studies with Professional Studies. This is a four-year programme and includes a professional placement between Levels 2 and 3.
Programme structure
The University divides the academic year into 2 semesters (September-January, and February-June). Psychosocial Studies is a 3 year degree, in which students study 3 modules per semester.
The programme typically has a three year duration (when taken full-time). Psychosocial studies can also be taken in combination with many other subjects offered in the undergraduate modular degree scheme, either as major/minor or as joint honours.
For all routes (save minor) there are three core modules in the first year - Psychology in Context, Key Concepts and Debates in Psychosocial Studies, and a Sociology module, usually Thinking Sociologically. Students on the single honours programme must also take the Knowledge, Skill and Experience module. In the second year, there are two core modules, Individual Development and Qualitative Research Methods, which all students except save minor route must take. Students on the minor route take the two core first year modules, then any three psychosocial studies modules in Part 2. In the third year single honours students must take a dissertation module.
The programme may be taken full-time (five or more modules each academic year) or part-time (up to four modules). It can also be taken mixed-mode, spending part of the programme as a full-time student and some as part-time. This is especially useful for students, who for one reason or another, fall behind with their work and need to catch up.
Students who do not pass all 120 credits at a level will be required to resit those modules the following year. This means however that they must resit (and pass) these incomplete modules whilst they are studying for their other modules, and this is a burden to be avoided if at all possible. Students will not be able to progress to level 3 if they have not passed all 120 credits at level 1.
Finally, students who do not wish or are unable to complete the whole programme can be awarded qualifications for the standard they have achieved. After the first year, students with six module passes (120 credits) may be awarded the Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) and those with twelve module passes (240 credits) the Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE). Students with a total of sixteen module passes (320 credits) may be awarded an ordinary (unclassified) degree.
Career opportunities
Many graduates go on to work in the welfare sector (especially with agencies in areas such as mental illness, learning difficulties, drug abuse and homelessness). Others have entered teaching or local government, or work in research, communications or marketing. Career opportunities include counselling, research, PR and marketing, psychotherapy, welfare work, university administration, IT, family therapy, educational psychology and youth work.
Support
Our students come from a wide range of backgrounds, and we aim to help each student reach their own unique potential. On arrival, students are allocated a personal tutor who will be their first point of call for academic guidance and pastoral care throughout their time with us. Personal tutors may be consulted during their office hours, or contacted by phone or email. Staff in the area also run a 'helpdesk' system whereby at least one member of academic staff is available for consultation if help or advice is needed and the personal tutor is not available. Students may also consult the year tutors on matters relating to their year or programme of study. The year tutors also run regular sessions, such as Year Meetings, Careers Days, Module Choices days.
Admission
The minimum requirements for entry for Level 1 entry is 240 UCAS tariff points from: A/AS level (Including 2 A2 passes), GNVQ, AVCE, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate. European Baccalaureate, BTEC / SCOTEC Diploma, Relevant Access Course or successful completion of the Level 0. Other qualifications, including overseas, may be considered.
Applicants who do not fulfill the admission requirements for Level 1 may be considered for entry into Level 0. Applicants should have 120 UCAS tariff points from GCE A2 or equivalent.
We also welcome applicants from mature students who do not have formal qualifications but may have relevant experience. Students applying to this programme will be expected to demonstrate a specific interest in this area of study and should have a commitment to engaging with the subject. Applicants may be invited for interview.
Overseas Qualifications
The number of overseas qualifications which are accepted for entry are too numerous to list, but you can get advice from the British Council or our admissions unit on 020 8223 2835. You must be able to understand and express yourself in both written and spoken English and some evidence e.g. For level 1 entry a TOEFL score of 550 or an IELTS score of 6.0 (no skill level below 5) and for Level 0 entry an IELTS score of 5.5 (no skill level below 5) would be required.
Key facts
You can start many programmes in either September or February and applications are simple to make. Click below to:
Apply online Psychosocial Studies (BA (Hons))
