Psychology and Sociology

Psychology and sociology is a degree that examines human behaviour and experience from two complementary angles, one focused on the individual and one on the social. Psychology applies scientific methods to understand how people think, feel, perceive, learn, and behave, developing models of cognition, emotion, development, and mental health that are grounded in experimental evidence. Sociology examines how the structures, institutions, and cultures of society shape individual lives and collective experience, asking how class, gender, race, power, and inequality produce the patterns we observe in how people live and what opportunities they have.

Together the two disciplines offer a remarkably complete picture of what it means to be human in a social world.

At Roehampton, this three-year degree with a foundation year combines both subjects to give you a deep understanding of individual and societal behaviour. The foundation year provides a supported entry into higher education before you progress to the main degree, which includes a sandwich year and work placement opportunities that develop your professional experience alongside your academic knowledge. You will study the core areas of psychological science, including cognition, development, social psychology, and research methods, alongside sociological theory, the study of inequality and social structures, and the empirical methods used to understand social life.

Roehampton's strong research culture in both disciplines ensures that your teaching is informed by current research in each field.

Graduates of psychology and sociology degrees are valued across a wide range of careers. Social research, health and social care, education, human resources, public policy, youth work, and the voluntary sector all draw on graduates who combine psychological insight with sociological understanding. Many go on to postgraduate study in psychology, counselling, social work, health psychology, or sociology, while others pursue professional qualifications in teaching, social work, or healthcare.

The research and analytical skills developed in the degree are also valued in market research, data analysis, and any role that requires evidence-based understanding of human behaviour and social context.