Why study this course?
This degree course combines the insights of psychology with those of sociology, enabling you to better understand human behaviour and the different genetic, biological, individual, social and developmental factors that can influence it. You’ll have the opportunity to specialise in areas of interest, such as ethnicity, youth and workplace psychology.
Our psychology courses are ranked eighth in the UK for course satisfaction and ninth in the UK for teaching quality in the Guardian University Guide 2023.
More about this course
This joint honours degree will allow you to look at human behaviour from two different perspectives. Psychology integrates theory and evidence-based knowledge from areas including genetics, biology, individuality and development. Sociology looks at contemporary social issues, practical sociological research and social relations.
Over the course of this degree you’ll develop an understanding of both disciplines and gain the essential research and analytical skills required in both subjects. You’ll look at humans as individuals and communities, while exploring issues that are becoming increasingly relevant in today’s society such as global inequality, gender and sexuality and religion.
This degree offers the best of both worlds. While not a qualifying psychology degree, it opens doors for further study and a career in a wide range of sectors. It will equip you with an understanding of social themes, as well as practical and transferable skills that are applicable within any sphere of your work life. If you’re interested in becoming a qualified psychologist, you’ll be able to complete a conversion degree after graduation.
You’ll have the opportunity to undertake a work placement in your third year, giving you the chance to gain valuable hands-on experience. In the past, our students have completed relevant placements in public and third sector organisations such as the NHS, Notting Hill Genesis and St Mungo’s.
We’re a tight-knit course group, which means we’re able to offer you outstanding support during your studies. You’ll experience support from fellow students on the course and through one-to-one meetings with your academic tutor. As a student of London Met you’ll also gain access to a range of services including career advice.
Assessment
You'll be assessed through essays, critical reviews, multiple choice tests, examinations, experimental reports and presentations. You’ll also complete a psychology and sociology dissertation on a topic of your choice.
Fees and key information
Apply nowEntry requirements
In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:
- a minimum of grades BCC in three A levels or minimum grades BC in at least two A levels in academic or business subjects (or a minimum of 104 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma/Diploma; or Advanced Diploma; or Progression Diploma; or Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits)
- GCSE English at grade C/grade 4 or above (or equivalent)
If you don't have traditional qualifications or can't meet the entry requirements for this undergraduate degree, you may still be able to gain entry by completing our Psychology (including foundation year) BSc.
Applicants with relevant professional qualifications or extensive professional experience will also be considered on a case by case basis.
Entry from appropriate foundation and access courses will also be considered.
Accelerated study
If you have relevant qualifications or credit from a similar course it may be possible to enter this course at an advanced stage rather than beginning in the first year. Please note, advanced entry is only available for September start. See our information for students applying for advanced entry.
Specific qualifications that may make you eligible for advanced entry to this course include a relevant foundation Degree, HND or equivalent.
Accreditation of Prior Learning
Any university-level qualifications or relevant experience you gain prior to starting university could count towards your course at London Met. Find out more about applying for Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL).
English language requirements
To study a degree at London Met, you must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. If you require a Student visa you may need to provide the results of a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. This course requires you to meet our standard requirements
If you need (or wish) to improve your English before starting your degree, the University offers a Pre-sessional Academic English course to help you build your confidence and reach the level of English you require.
Modular structure
The modules listed below are for the academic year 2022/23 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.
Year 1 modules include:
This module aims to introduce students to some of the most influential theories in developmental psychology. You will be introduced to some classic research that will help you to evaluate theories of development and their empirical basis. There will be the opportunity to examine and discuss existing developmental research in its historical and cultural context. The module also aims to provide you with the qualities and transferrable skills necessary for employment, including: written communication skills, digital literacy skills, the ability to contribute to discussions, independent study, time keeping, summation, evaluation skills, an understanding of the scientific method, and consideration of the ethical issues underlying research. The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s framework for Higher Education qualifications.
This module aims introduce students to some of the foundational theories in cognitive psychology, including a prehistory of cognition which considers earlier approaches to human thought and behaviour. Students will be introduced to classic research to help them to understand and evaluate theories of cognition in their historical and cultural context, and to key ethical considerations in this branch of psychology. There will be the opportunity to participate in classic experiments in seminars and workshops. This module provides students with opportunities to acquire key transferrable skills necessary for employment (e.g. written communication skills, digital literacy skills, discussion contribution, independent study and time keeping, summation and evaluation skills, and understanding of the scientific method and ethical research consideration). The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
The aims of this module are to allow students to:
(1) be aware of and understand classic and contemporary theories and models of personality in their historical and cultural context.
(2) understand how theory and research in this domain can help explain individual differences in behaviour in everyday life.
(3) think critically about different theories and assessment methods in personality psychology.
(4) be aware of ethical considerations in research on personality.This knowledge and understanding will help students’ employment skills by enabling them to appreciate the different perspectives that are needed to fully understand individual behaviour in everyday life. The module develops students’ critical understanding of some key principles underlying psychological research (e.g., ethical principles and the historical and cultural specificity of research in personality psychology) that will facilitate progression to modules at levels 5 and 6. The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
- This module currently runs:
- all year (September start) - Tuesday morning
- all year (January start) - Friday morning
This module provides the foundation for an explicit, clear focus on social research throughout Sociology and related degrees in addition to supporting students to acquire understanding of and skills in academic literacy. The methodological principles and perspectives for effective social research are explained and also illustrated through exploration of research case studies. It will additionally provide experience in using the vast array of text, visual and statistical primary documentary sources and their interpretation for research. Research as process will be examined including main research approaches, the formulation and development of research questions and social, ethical and political contexts of research practice.
This module provides students with an introduction to and understanding of key theories and models of social psychology in their historical and cultural context. It will help to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of the social psychological basis of behaviour. In particular, it will focus on different types of social influence and their impact on how individuals think, feel and behave in different contexts and domains. Classic social psychological studies will be discussed in their historical and cultural context to provide students with an understanding of how knowledge in this branch of psychology has evolved. The module also considers ethical issues with many of the classic studies in this branch of psychology and allows students to reflect on experimental procedures and their potential implications for psychological knowledge and society. In this way, the module develops students’ critical understanding of some key historical and contemporary themes and debate in this branch of psychology, which will facilitate progression to modules at level 5 and 6. This will also help students’ progression to employment or post-graduate study by enabling them to appreciate the different perspectives that are needed to fully understand individual behaviour in everyday life. The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
- This module currently runs:
- all year (September start) - Friday afternoon
This module will provide students with an introduction to the discipline of Sociology and some of the basic skills of identifying, applying and evaluating sociological approaches, concepts and debates to everyday situations (LO1; LO2). It will also provide an introduction to constructing sociological arguments, thinking critically and assessing sociological evidence (LO3; LO4).
Year 2 modules include:
The module introduces students to classic and contemporary theories and research in topics related to personality, intelligence, and psychometrics. The aims of this module are to provide students with an understanding of:
• key theories and models of personality, intelligence, and individual differences in their historical and cultural context;
• how these areas can be scientifically and ethically investigated using appropriate research methodologies (psychometrics);
• how knowledge of individual differences can be ethically applied to the ‘real-world’ and their relevance to a range of settings.
This will develop students’ knowledge and understanding of this branch of psychology, which will be beneficial in future work and training. The module also fosters skills in the development of psychological assessment, academic argument and critical evaluation.- This module currently runs:
- all year (September start) - Thursday afternoon
The principal focus of this module is for students to build on prior understanding and learning, exploring philosophical accounts of scientific explanation and the theory and practice of sociological research through the use of work-related interactive methods. The module provides work experience for students by developing research for a real world organisation (employer). Students will learn about doing research methods by conducting research for an employer. The employer will contribute to setting out small-scale research aims and objectives; being available to assess student proposals and bids or assess the analysis/ final presentation. The first part of this module examines the theory and philosophical accounts of research methodology, as well as introducing students to the practical skills of doing interviews, transcribing them, and analysing qualitative data (LO2; LO3). The second part of the module concentrates on quantitative methods, and requires students to design research for the requirements of an employer involved in both the aims and outcomes (assessment) of the research. The module provides work-related understanding and application of research methods by involving employer requirements and needs (LO1; LO4).
- This module currently runs:
- autumn semester - Friday morning
This module introduces students to some of the key sociological approaches used to explore and explain the sociological notion of ‘self’. This will involve an examination of a range of major 20th century sociological thinkers on the nature of the social construction of self - eg. Mead, Goffman - and it’s constrains - e.g. Parsons, Merton and Dahrendorf. The intention is to use some of the major sociological theorists and apply their insights into current concerns with the ‘project’ of self and identity. That is, to examine how much choice we have in becoming who we are.
This module examines social perception and behaviour in terms of how individuals think about and seek to understand their social world through their interactions with others at the group and societal levels. The module will provide students with an understanding of:
• key theories and models of social psychology in their historical and cultural contexts;
• how these areas can be scientifically and ethically investigated using appropriate research methodologies;
• how knowledge of social psychology can be ethically applied to the ‘real-world’ and their relevance to a range of settings.This will develop students’ employability by providing a basis of knowledge and understanding which will be beneficial in future work and training (e.g. understanding the underlying dynamics of interpersonal and intergroup relations) and foster skills in the development of psychological assessment, academic argument and critical evaluation.
- This module currently runs:
- spring semester - Friday morning
To introduce students to sociological understanding and methodology of observing and explaining the everyday life: its routines, rhythms and those aspects of social life that we consider familiar and known.
The aims of this module are to provide students with an understanding of the (1) internal representations and processes underlying cognition; (2) key theories and models of cognitive psychology and related research in their historical and cultural contexts; (3) how these areas can be scientifically and ethically investigated using appropriate methodologies; and (4) how knowledge of cognitive psychology can be ethically applied to the real world and their relevance to a range of settings. This will help develop students’ employability by providing a basis of knowledge and understanding which will be beneficial in future work and training (e.g. understanding reasoning and factors affecting decision making). This module also fosters students’ ability to critically and academically evaluate theoretical arguments.
This module focuses on how human behaviour changes across the lifespan, emphasising changes in thinking and cognition during childhood and beyond. Development across the lifespan will consider historical context, research across the world and emphasise the importance of cross-cultural research in developing universal theories of child development.
- This module currently runs:
- all year (September start) - Monday afternoon
We live in an increasingly unequal world. This module examines the growth in inequalities globally. It also examines some of the key economic and political causes of growing world inequality. In particular, the module critically examines neo-liberal globalisation.
- This module currently runs:
- all year (September start) - Friday afternoon
This module explores theories and conceptions of racism and ethnicity, and the practices of racism in contemporary societies. The historical roots of racism will be examined and its contemporary forms studied comparatively. Racism is specifically explored within the context of social and political conflicts.
Module aims
• To analyse critically key concepts including racism and ethnicity themselves in order to develop an awareness of their contested nature.
• To look at these issues as worldwide problems and in a sociological context that explores the meanings ascribed to these terms, their historical origins and key examples of societies where these issues have been or still are important in shaping the social orders in which people live.
• To consider the impact of racism on specific communities and groups, including national, religious and ethnic groups.
• To examine the links between class, gender and ethnic differences. - This module currently runs:
- autumn semester - Thursday morning
A1. To provide students with a historical, theoretical and comparative understanding of the diverse forms of youth culture and youth social organisation;
A2. To consider the key developments in political mobilisation of young people;
A3. To investigate the concepts and nature of social control in relation to youth;
A4. To develop confidence in use of appropriate learning, analytical and discursive skills when dealing with current youth issues.
Year 3 modules include:
- This module currently runs:
- all year (September start) - Friday morning
This module will provide students with an opportunity to engage with contemporary thinkers and debates in social theory. They will be required to critically examine the ideas of contemporary social theorists and explore the application of their ideas to an ever-changing world (LO1; LO2). The module will explore what it means to be human and examine how different perspectives on this impact upon a range of issues, from state policies to the development of artificial intelligence. Overall, the aim of the module is to develop the students’ capacity to utilise theoretical ideas taken from philosophy and sociological theory by applying them to the social world (LO3; LO4).
- This module currently runs:
- all year (September start) - Tuesday afternoon
The students carry out an in-depth piece of a research and analysis in an area of their choice that is analysed from both sociological and psychological perspective. The students will use theoretical and empirical knowledge, research and analytical skills gained in their programme of study to investigate the topic and formulate a dissertation.
This module introduces students to Clinical Psychology as an applied area within the discipline to allow informed decisions about further education and training in clinical psychology. During this module, students will have an opportunity to critically appraise key perspectives and definitions of ‘abnormality’ and learn how to assess range of mental disorders while considering cultural context, ethical standards and treatment. The module also provides opportunity for students to have an understanding of mood and anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, personality disorders and neuropsychological disorders. In addition, students will learn about service users’ groups and will be given an opportunity to hear patients’ stories in order to understand how the experiences of service users can enhance mental health services and make clinical psychologists better researchers and practitioners.
Students will also gain hands on experience in psychometric assessment and test scoring using tools such as IAPT assessment tools, thus providing additional transferable skills for future employment or post-graduate study. They will be introduced to range of clinical skills such as reflective practice, CBT and sensitive listening and questioning skills. The aims of this module have been developed in accordance with NICE guidelines and the British Psychological Society code of conduct and ethics.
The module aims for you to understand philosophical, behaviourist and cognitive theories of emotion in their historical and cultural contexts. In addition, you will introduced to normal and disordered theories of emotion and how these can be combined into a common framework, capable of explaining both normal and disordered emotions. Additionally, you will build on previous critical reading skills and discussion: some sessions will require prior reading of research papers and discussion of these in class time, thus encouraging active participation from you and thus instilling confidence in communicating your views to others. Confidence in communication will be supported via presentation mechanisms, thus supporting the graduate skills expected of you in the workplace upon graduation.
The PC6054 counselling psychology module is a third year BSc psychology module running in the Autumn semester. This module introduces students to the discipline of counselling psychology as one of the main forms of applied psychological practice accredited by the British Psychological Society in the United Kingdom. The module will cover counselling psychology in theory, clinical practice and research.
Module Aims:
1. To introduce the discipline of counselling psychology, exploring its origins, scope, training, and contexts for practice in the UK;
2. To explore the philosophy, values and ethics of counselling psychology including contemporary debates and issues within the profession;
3. To explore three therapeutic modalities within counselling psychology clinical practice – cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), person-centred/humanistic, and psychodynamic therapy, including theories underpinning these modalities;
4. To explore counselling psychology clinical practice with reference to assessment, formulation, treatment planning, intervention, and the therapeutic relationship;
5. To explore counselling psychology research.The aims of this module are to:
1. Introduce students to the topic of cyberpsychology
2. Understand research methods utilised online and in human-computer interaction
3. Investigate the impact computers have on human behaviour
4. Be able to understand how psychological theories can be applied to the area of human-computer interaction
This module enables students to become familiarised with cyberpsychology and associated topics. These topics include human computer interaction and the psychology of artificial intelligence. This will allow students to undertake future study in the area. The aims of the module align with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. Specifically, this module aims to provide students with a solid basis of knowledge and understanding of the application of empirical research and theory in psychology to the study of contemporary issues and processes within the criminal justice system. This extends to understanding systematic injustices in the criminal justice system while engaging critically with assumptions on who enforcement, offenders and victims might be.
Through engagement with the teaching, learning, and assessment opportunities provided, students will develop skills in the integration, evaluation and critical application of psychological literature, the construction of argument, self-assessment and reflection.
A final aim of the module is to provide students with an insight into and understanding of the potential for the practical application of psychology within forensic settings. This will be of benefit to students in making choices about the possibility of pursuing further study or a career in forensic psychology.- This module currently runs:
- all year (September start) - Thursday afternoon
The module introduces students to the key concepts and theories relating to the social construction of gender and sexuality and their application to a range of social sectors and issues in the UK and abroad. The ways in which gender and sexuality are both constitutive of the social and are constituted through social structures, institutions and interactions are explored, as are the ways in which theories of gender and sexuality have informed the sociological study of the family, work, health, education, crime, the welfare state and politics, media and the body.
Module aims
• To introduce and critically analyse key concepts in the sociological study of gender and sexuality;
• To introduce a range of theoretical approaches to understanding the operation of gender and sexuality at the levels of social structures, social relations and social identities;
• To consider the impact of gender and sexuality across a range of social sectors and social issues;
• To consider the links and intersections between gender, sexuality and other forms of social identity and difference, including class, race, ethnicity, etc.
• To consider the social and political sources of the persistence of discrimination and inequalities on the basis of gender and sexual orientation. This module introduces students to Health Psychology as an applied area within the discipline to allow informed and realistic decisions about further education and training in Health Psychology. The module allows students develop skills to critically appraise key perspectives and approaches to Health Psychology as well as to evaluate assessments, explanations and treatments that are applied to a range of physical issues. Students will have the opportunity to investigate the role played by physiological, psychological, social and cultural mechanisms in the causation and treatment of physical illnesses.
Students will gain experience in constructing a health promotion leaflet and an accompanying written explanation, thus providing additional transferable skills for future employment. The aims of this module have been developed in accordance with NICE guidelines and the British Psychological Society code of conduct and ethics.
- This module currently runs:
- autumn semester - Monday morning
This module will provide students with an opportunity to engage with contemporary debates on the relationship between social science and religion. Students will be required to critically examine the ideas of the classic and contemporary social scientists on religion and explore the application of their ideas to an ever-changing world. Overall, the aim of the module is to develop the students’ capacity to utilise social scientific concepts and perspectives in their analyses of religion in contemporary society. The disciplinary focus of the module will, initially, be the sociology of religion. The application of a range of social scientific approach will also be introduced - historical, political, economic and social psychological approaches.
- This module currently runs:
- spring semester - Tuesday afternoon
- autumn semester - Tuesday afternoon
The module aims to give students the opportunity to:
1. Apply their prior learning in an appropriate work environment
2. Relate specific knowledge and skills – theoretical, methodological, analytical – as appropriate to real-life situations in the work environment
3. Undertake work based activities relevant to their academic subject area and level
4. Show awareness of and delineate the culture, structure and changing services delivery of a working environment
5. Enhance their professional and personal development by developing new capabilities and skills The aims of this module are to (1) provide students with an advanced understanding of developments in theory and research in (a) personality and individual differences and (b) social and cultural psychology; (2) introduce alternative and challenging perspectives on mainstream psychological phenomena; (3) develop and extend students’ understanding of the application of psychological theory to contemporary social issues; (4) facilitate understanding of the historical and cultural specificity of theory and research. The module will enhance students’ employability through knowledge of alternative perspectives on taken-for-granted explanations of psychological phenomena; provide a deeper understanding of how individual, social and cultural factors can influence personal and social wellbeing; provide skills relevant to the application of theoretical knowledge and critical evaluation. The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
This module will introduce students to a range of Specific Learning Differences (also known as Specific Learning Difficulties, Developmental Disorders, Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Neurodiversity). Specific Learning Differences (SLDs) is an umbrella term that covers a range of conditions, including:
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Dyslexia
The module focuses on how these learning differences are diagnosed and how they impact cognition, behaviour and education. You will learn some key theories and research evidence that underly the diagnosis, treatments and interventions of Specific Learning Differences.
We will consider the lived experience of individuals with SLDs and their families and teachers, recognising that an individual’s strengths and difficulties will present differently and may change depending on the task or the environment.You will gain a critical understanding of a range of theories, models, applied research and application within work and organisational contexts. You will work with organisational case studies and problem-based contexts, and thereby develop skills in applying psychological knowledge to the understanding of client needs and learn to provide solutions to address work problems, taking into account aspects of ethics and safety. In covering the five content areas of occupational psychology, as defined by the BPS, you will have an enhanced opportunity to enter related postgraduate studies – e.g., business psychology or occupational psychology.
You will also be invited to reflect on the way that work can entrench or challenge societal power structures through examining domains of work which are traditionally neglected by organisational psychology which has a focus on corporate and office-based work domains. In this way, you will be encouraged to develop a critical stance towards dominant discourses of hierarchical power structures. You will therefore address more marginalized occupational groups and specifically address the role of diversity in the workplace.
To enhance employability skills, you will be presented with formative mini project-based learning opportunities followed by group presentations. Specifically, business related case studies are provided necessitating self-managed problem solving within groups. You are thus given the opportunities to take effective and appropriate action, work effectively with others and develop self-management skills. The end of unit assessment specifically mirrors the report that would be expected from an occupational psychologist.
Where this course can take you
This course opens up job opportunities in the private and public sectors. Examples of our sociology orientated graduates include those now working as a human resources officer at Clarins and a prison custody officer at Sodexo, while our psychology inclined graduates have gone on to become support workers at Creative Support, a special needs teaching assistant at Edustaff and more.
The skills you’ll develop are transferable across an even wider range of sectors, such as advertising, public relations and marketing. It’s also great preparation for postgraduate study.
Additional costs
Please note, in addition to the tuition fee there may be additional costs for things like equipment, materials, printing, textbooks, trips or professional body fees.
Additionally, there may be other activities that are not formally part of your course and not required to complete your course, but which you may find helpful (for example, optional field trips). The costs of these are additional to your tuition fee and the fees set out above and will be notified when the activity is being arranged.
Discover Uni – key statistics about this course
Discover Uni is an official source of information about university and college courses across the UK. The widget below draws data from the corresponding course on the Discover Uni website, which is compiled from national surveys and data collected from universities and colleges. If a course is taught both full-time and part-time, information for each mode of study will be displayed here.
How to apply
If you're a UK applicant wanting to study full-time starting in September, you must apply via UCAS unless otherwise specified. If you're an international applicant wanting to study full-time, you can choose to apply via UCAS or directly to the University.
If you're applying for part-time study, you should apply directly to the University. If you require a Student visa, please be aware that you will not be able to study as a part-time student at undergraduate level.
When to apply
The University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) accepts applications for full-time courses starting in September from one year before the start of the course. Our UCAS institution code is L68.
If you will be applying direct to the University you are advised to apply as early as possible as we will only be able to consider your application if there are places available on the course.
To find out when teaching for this degree will begin, as well as welcome week and any induction activities, view our academic term dates.
