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Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Undergraduate BA (Hons)
Sociology and Psychological Studies
Blend psychology with the broader themes of sociology to answer questions about who we are and what makes us human.
Course Overview
-
L308 -
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
3 Years -
20 Sep 2021
Add a social psychological insight to questions traditionally associated with sociology.
As part of this course you’ll:
- Discover how we develop as individuals and learn how institutions and social structures influence how we act
- Explore a wide range of sociological themes, touching on the theories of classical and contemporary sociologists
- Study psychological topics, including how different environments shape human behaviour, the inter-relationship between the individual and broader social and cultural phenomena
- Understand how psychology can be used for the benefit of society
- Shape your course to the career you want by selecting from a range of option modules in the final year
As part of your studies you’ll undertake a wide variety of assessments. In your second year you could participate in a day-long conference where you’ll have the opportunity to present your own research findings. You could also publish your essay in our university's highly regarded sociology journal.
You’ll gain practical experience in research, as you conduct observational exercises within the city of Leeds, gleaning insights into people's behaviour. Leeds is the perfect place to study as it is packed with organisations that can offer chances for work experience and job opportunities upon graduation.
Unlike other joint degree programmes, this course will allow you to focus equally on sociology and psychology. You’ll be encouraged to determine your own line of enquiry. There’ll be plenty of opportunities to develop your practical experience through live projects and observational research trips.
You’ll learn from our team of expert academics, all of whom are research-active and specialists in their field.
Why study Sociology and Psychological Studies at Leeds Beckett University...
- Research-led teaching
- Gain practical experience in conducting research
- Guest lectures
BA (Hons) Sociology BA (Hons) Sociology student Joelle talks about his experiences at Leeds Beckett.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
112
points required
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
We have now welcomed students from over 140 countries across the globe. If you are interested in studying with us you can find your country and get all the information you'll need about entry requirements and how to apply.
Entry requirements
112
points required
UCAS Tariff Points: 112 points required.
(Minimum 72 from two A Levels or equivalent, excluding General Studies).
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
GCSEs:
GCSE English Language at Grade C or above (Grade 4 for those sitting their GCSE from 2017 onwards) or equivalent. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy are accepted in place of GCSEs.Access to HE Diploma:
Pass overall with a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points.Scottish Awards:
Minimum of 5 subjects at Grade B at Higher Level.Irish Leaving Certificate:
Minimum of 5 subjects at Grade C1 or above at Higher Level of which at least 3 must be at B2.Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
International Baccalaureate: 25
International baccalaureate
25 Points
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Our commitment to help every student succeed:
Leeds Beckett University is committed to ensuring that every student with the potential to succeed at our University is able to do so regardless of their background. For this reason we operate a contextual admissions policy, which means we take into account a range of additional factors when we assess a student’s application. Applicants who meet at least one of our contextual admissions criteria will be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points than our published tariff (above).
Our contextual admissions criteria are:
- Home postcode is in an area where few people go to University (POLAR4 quintile 1 or 2 area. This can be checked on the Office for Students website)
- Declared disability on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part time applicants)
- Over the age of 21 on the 1st of September before the course starts
- Declared as a care leaver on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part time applicants)
Our place as an Anchor Institution:
Leeds Beckett University is in the top 10 universities nationwide for being representative of our local community. To further strengthen our position as a key provider of education and training for West Yorkshire we apply an Anchor Institution Policy in our admissions process. Students who apply to us from any of the five Local Authority areas in West Yorkshire (BD, HD, HX, LS, WF) will be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points.
Mature applicants:
Our university welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. All students will be considered through the contextual admissions policy described above. If you do not meet the requirements through the contextual admissions policy, we may still be able to make you an offer if you have recent relevant work experience through our ‘Recognition of Prior Learning’ policy. Please ensure that you list both your qualifications and any relevant work experience in your application so that we can consider you under both schemes where applicable..
All applicants should meet our standard entry requirements of GCSE grade C in English language and, where specified, Maths. Alternative qualifications such as functional skills are accepted in lieu of GCSEs for most courses.
We have now welcomed students from over 140 countries across the globe. If you are interested in studying with us you can find your country and get all the information you'll need about entry requirements and how to apply.
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
International Baccalaureate: 25
International baccalaureate
25 Points
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Additional entry requirements:
Verify your qualifications
If you are an international student, we can help you to compare and verify your qualifications. Please contact our International Office on +44 (0)113 812 1111 09.00 to 17.00 Mon-Thurs / 09.00 to 16.30 Fri GMT or email internationaloffice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.Need to improve your English Language skills?
Don't worry if you don't have the level of English required for your chosen course. We offer a wide range of courses which have been designed to help you to improve your qualifications and English language ability, most of which are accredited by the British Council. Check your English and find out more about our English courses.More questions?
No matter what your questions, we are here to answer them, visit our International website to get more information and find out about our online open days.Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Our silver status in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework, reflects our commitment to deliver high-quality teaching, learning and outcomes for our students.
Teaching & Learning
Engage with both sociology and psychology to discover how we develop as individuals, and learn how institutions and social structures influence how we act. You will explore the key concepts and theoretical approaches within the discipline of sociology, as well as the interconnections between gender, sexuality, 'race', and class. With the psychology element you will focus on themes such as how different environments shape human behaviour, the interrelationship between the individual and broader social and cultural phenomena, and how psychology can be used for the benefit of society. The tabs below detail what and how you will study in each year of your course. The balance of assessments and overall workload will be informed by your core modules and the option modules you choose to study; the information provided is an indication of what you can expect and may be subject to change. The option modules listed are also an indication of what will be available to you. Their availability is subject to demand and you will be advised which option modules you can choose at the beginning of each year of study.
Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic we are currently unable to advise on the mode of teaching for September 2021, however we will keep you updated and provide more information as soon as we can. We continue to follow government guidance and your teaching and learning will reflect the restrictions in place at the time of delivery. We currently anticipate that you may experience a blended approach – this is a mix of face-to-face, on campus and online teaching and learning. You can keep up to date with teaching and learning at Leeds Beckett via our Covid-19 website. Updated course specifications will be available in August 2021. In the meantime, our existing course specifications are available.
What you'll learn
You will gain an understanding of both epistemological and methodological aspects of research process. The first part of the module introduces you to fundamental epistemological questions for the social and socio-psychological sciences. In the second part of the module you will focus on discussing key methods and techniques used in social scientific research, such as ethnographic method, semiotic and discourse analyses, and causal analysis.
Using an applied approach to sociological inquiries of and towards the city and urban contexts, you will develop your study skills, and focus in particular critical reading and thinking skills and both written and spoken communication skills.
Consider how individuals develop and change throughout their lives. This involves not only the exploration of theories concerning psychological development, but also considering the social and cultural context in which this development takes place. You will explore the entire lifespan from birth, through infancy, childhood, adolescence and adulthood, into old age.
What is 'Culture'? There are many answers to this question, which might refer to forms of behaviour, to the cultural heritage of a group of people, to belief systems, or to art and literature. This module focusses on how psychologists investigate culture, and on how it shapes (and is shaped by) mind, self and consciousness. We will also draw on approaches from related disciplines - sociology, philosophy, comparative theology, and anthropology. Themes explored on the module include; myths and legends, ritual and tradition, collective memory, sacred spaces, 'virtual worlds', and language, signs and symbols. You will also be introduced to a number of techniques used to investigate culture and its meanings, including participant observation, interpretation, reflexivity and 'auto-ethnography'.
The aim of this module is to provide students with an accessible historical account of the growth and changes to psychology over the last two hundred years and how this connects to older philosophical trends. Students will also be introduced to the main body of interdisciplinary psychological perspectives and their application.
Focus on sociological theories engaged with the emergence and development of capitalism and modernity.
What you'll learn
We are constantly being culturally inundated with, and surrounded by, commercials, jingles, and logos almost every moment of every day. In this module you will explore, and become familiar with, the various dynamics and mechanisms of persuasion within society.
Study classical and contemporary social theory. You will focus on some important classical modern theorists such as Marx and Weber and then show how these theories have been developed by social theorists in the 20th and 21st century.
Explore the interrelationship between the individual and broader social and cultural phenomena. You will consider this relationship as a complex, ongoing, constraining and facilitating mutual interaction between a psychological individual, on the one hand, and a variety of interpersonal, political, cultural and historical forces and relations on the other.
One cannot meaningfully claim to be studying a 'social' psychology without an awareness of, and an appreciation of how, environments affect and shape human consciousness and human behaviour. You will study how individuals and groups both produce and are produced by their environments.
Gain a deeper insight into and training in a variety of social research methods. You will first consider the impact of values, politics and ethics on sociological research before moving on to examine a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods through in-depth examinations of specific pieces of sociological research.
Investigate major topics and areas of debate in the sociology of gender. This will be achieved by considering feminist theories and theories of gender as well as by looking at key issues and debates around gender and work such as gender at work and family and work.
What you'll learn
Conduct an independent piece of research in which you demonstrate the ability to search and evaluate relevant academic literature and data, to apply the necessary and appropriate research skills for the production of a scholarly empirical or conceptual piece of work.
Radical psychology examines the dominance of scientific approaches in current thinking about how the psychological individual is constructed and theorised. Mainstream psychological thinking is part of the way we understand ourselves and is therefore a very powerful set of ideas. Radical psychology recognises the political dimension of the scientific search for objective and universal knowledge about the self and how this promotes and replicates unfair relations between individuals in Western society. This module critically assesses the project of mainstream psychology, by examining its uses and abuses, and theorising alternative and more socially beneficial approaches to psychology. Many of these alternative frameworks derive from the experiences of individuals and groups excluded or negatively conceived by orthodox psychological models.
You will be encouraged to critically interrogate current social theory regarding the key features and characteristics of contemporary societies and their meaning and consequences. You will examine whether key social theories and models adequately describe contemporary societies or enhance our understanding of ongoing processes of social change.
Option modules may include
Gain practical and experiential approaches to consciousness studies, as you explore complexities and possibilities of the mind-body relationship.
Explore how our identities, so often presented as a natural and eternal condition, are constructed for us by powerful forces of reproduction and representation, ones that blur the lines between fabricated and real, object and subject, outside and inside, in a process which at once helps to maintain social hierarchy and is largely beyond individual control.
Explore the development of the British welfare state and examine it in terms of the divisions between public and private provision and the conflicting moral judgements that are applied. The ways in which these State interventions build upon and entrench class divisions are studied.
Social psychologists remain greatly interested in human relations and our various ways/modes of relating. Most of us will attempt to live our lives and relate to one another in ways that minimise our exposure to conflict and confrontation; yet we will almost certainly be unable to completely avoid it at either the intrapersonal (the way we understand and relate to ourselves) or interpersonal (the way we understand and relate to others) level. You begin to explore both where and how is peace made.
Develop your understanding of the nature of work and organisations in the contemporary global economy. You will build the critical skills needed to understand key theoretical debates regarding new organisational and work-management techniques, new and emerging forms of labour and employment, and the complex and changing relationship between production, consumption and identity in an increasingly globalised economy.
You will explore and critically reflect on the idea of madness. Situating psychiatric explanation as the dominant model in the construction and treatment of insanity you will examine the theoretical appropriateness and practical consequences of this narrow medical approach and suggest alternative perspectives for the study and treatment of the mad.
Fees & Funding
£9,250
Home / EU 2021
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2021/22 is £9250. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
£13,000
International 2021
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2021/22 is £13000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Fees & Funding
£9,250
For students entering in 2021
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2021/22 is £9250. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Clinical skills suite with specialist equipment in purpose-built rooms enabling a variety of sessions to be carried out in a suitable and safe environment.
Optional Costs
- Educational visits; the details and location will vary but the costs you will need to pay could include travel, accommodation and subsistence.
- A research methods book to use across multiple modules.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Additional information
For further information on financing your studies or information about whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships, follow the links below:
£13,000
For students entering in 2021
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2021/22 is £13000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Clinical skills suite with specialist equipment in purpose-built rooms enabling a variety of sessions to be carried out in a suitable and safe environment.
Optional Costs
- Educational visits; the details and location will vary but the costs you will need to pay could include travel, accommodation and subsistence.
- A research methods book to use across multiple modules.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Additional information
For further information on financing your studies or information about whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships, follow the links below:
Your future in our hands
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
The course itself enables you to study things that you'd have never even thought possible, and it really prepares you for the future
Amelia Gunn
Leeds City Council, BA (Hons) Sociology
Dr Natalia Gerodetti
Course Director / Leeds School Of Social Sciences
Dr Natalia Gerodetti is the Course Director for Sociology and has carried out funded research on gender and sexuality, as well as the social and political context of eugenics. She has published in the area of feminist theory and the regulation of sexualities. Further interests include migrants' identities in relation to food cultivation and allotment gardening. In relation to teaching and pedagogy she is particularly interested in developing and engaging students with games based learning.
Career Prospects
You will develop an impressive set of critical communication and research skills that will enable you to pursue a wide range of roles including in the charitable sector and in local government. You could choose to continue your studies on the MSc Psychology course, accredited by the British Psychological Society, and pursue a career as a psychologist or counsellor.
- Social worker
- Civil servant
- Police officer
- Probation officer
Scholarships and bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that the opportunity to experience an education here at Leeds Beckett University is open to all. If you're thinking of joining us to study for your undergraduate degree, you may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary.
Bursaries are usually awarded depending on household income, whilst scholarships are available for a number of areas, and are based on sporting or academic excellence. For more information visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
Beckett Careers Team
Our Beckett Careers Team will support you with all aspects of your career planning, throughout university and beyond. Whether you’re looking for a part-time job or want to gain experience alongside your studies, need help preparing an application or exploring graduate job options, we can provide expert support every step of the way!
Throughout your university journey and up to five years after you graduate you'll have access to a broad range of support and tools to help you with:
- Getting ready to apply for jobs
- Working on your CV
- Preparing for an interview
- Applying for a graduate vacancies or placements
- Connecting with employers and organisations
Your Beckett experience
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
The thing I most enjoy about my course is the freedom we are given with research and where we take our research
Charlotte
BA (Hons) Sociology
Student blog, Sociology student Lucy MacDonald student Lucy talks about her experience of studying within the sociology subject group
Experience Leeds Beckett
Explore our specialist teaching facilities and premium accommodation that you’ll be proud to call your second home.
Still thinking about your uni choices? Discover Uni has official information to help you decide. They provide statistics for courses taken from national surveys and data collected from universities about their students.
