Psychology and Sociology

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 

What is a Joint Honours degree?

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

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.

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. 

2025 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2025 entry.

Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 (with at least 6.0 in each skills area)

2025/26

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.

Additional costs and optional extras

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. 

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.

Additional information about your studies

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.

Course updates

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.

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.

Other courses you might like

• Psychology BSc (Hons)
• Forensic Psychology BSc (Hons)
• Sociology BA (Hons)
• Psychology and Criminology BSc (Hons)
• Psychology and Education Studies BA/BSc (Hons)