What Can You Do with a Sociology and Psychology Degree?.

There is something fascinating about learning the reasons why the world functions in the way that it does. Societies continue to develop, adapt, and grow, and if you are interested in learning the intricacies of societal structures, then you can become an expert in this field through academic learning.  

What’s more, you can also delve into the minds of the people who make up these societies by studying a sociology and psychology degree. You will explore cognitive psychology and apply this to poverty, health, crime, and discrimination. This is an interesting avenue to pursue as it can lead to an array of exciting career paths. 

There are a variety of psychology and sociology degree career options, of which we explain below. We also touch on the qualifications you need to enrol on a degree course and what is involved when studying a psychology and sociology combined degree. 

What is the Relationship Between Sociology and Psychology? 

While the two subjects can be studied independently, a combination gives a more well-rounded view and impression of the world. Let’s face it, a society does not exist without the people in it, and humans are navigated by their brains, so understanding both sociology and psychology is hugely beneficial. 

The main similarity between the two subjects is that they both involve people. When studying sociology or psychology, you will be studying humans. Both subjects also have the same goal of improving lives. It is important to know, though, that there are some fundamental differences, of which you will cover when studying a psychology and sociology combined degree. 

A psychologist: 

• Studies the mind of an individual or a group of people 
• Focuses on human behaviour 
• Delves into emotional and social reactions 

A sociologist: 

• Studies society as a whole 
• Examines family dynamics, race, religion etc 
• Uses findings to understand current issues 

What Do You Learn While Studying a Sociology and Psychology Degree? 

Before you can begin considering sociology and psychology degree jobs, you need to obtain your Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree. There are many universities that you can apply to that carry this combined degree, but it is best to choose one that is accredited by the British Psychological Society.  

By doing this, you will receive full training in psychology alongside your learning of social systems and structures. Generally, a sociology and psychology degree takes three years to complete, but you may want to opt for a course that offers a year-long placement, which will increase your degree to four years. 

The structure of the psychology and sociology combined degree may differ slightly depending on the university, but your studies are likely to include: 

• An introduction to psychology, covering the developmental, social, cognitive, and biological elements of psychology 
• Training and understanding of research methods 
• Taking a sociological approach to covering classical sociological theory, as well as social structure and social life 
• Undertaking of a research project in psychology 
• Potential option to study additional modules 

What Qualifications Do I Need to Study a Sociology and Psychology Degree? 

To put yourself in the best position to study a psychology and sociology combined degree, you will need to gain prior qualifications. Below, we have outlined the qualifications you need. 

GCSEs 

Each university sets its own entry requirements, but it is likely that you will need GCSEs in English and Maths in grade C/4 or above. If you don’t currently possess these qualifications, you can gain these nationally recognised qualifications online with Stonebridge Associated Colleges.  

We offer a range of online GCSE courses and Functional Skills, both of whom represent Level 2 qualifications. 

A Levels 

You will need at least two A Levels, with some universities specifying subjects. Like GCSEs, we offer online A Level courses, including Psychology and Sociology. Rather than go down this route, you may want to consider Access to Higher Education Diplomas, which are the equivalent of 3 A Levels.  

Most universities accept diplomas from applicants, but please check with your chosen establishment before applying. 

Access to Higher Education Diplomas 

If you decide to go down this avenue of study, then you should consider enrolling on our Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science) – Psychology and Sociology Pathway. This Level 3 online course will allow you to explore the relationship between society and the way people function. You will also learn about prejudice and discrimination, as well as the reasons why we act the way we do. 

In addition to gaining a solid foundation of knowledge, you will also be prepared to study a sociology and psychology degree. This is because your Access to HE Diploma will contain various study skills and advice on how to write assignments. 

One of the many great things about studying for our Access to Higher Education Diploma is that you can learn online in your own time. The knowledge gained from this course will go a long way to helping you pass your psychology and sociology combined degree. There are a few things you need to know about this form of study, such as: 

• You will receive an Individual Learning Plan, which outlines your deadline submissions to help keep you on track 
• There are no exams! You will be assessed through a series of assignments based on the units covered during your course 
• Your Access to Higher Education Diploma can be completed within one year

What are Your Psychology and Sociology Degree Career Options? 

Once you have achieved the aforementioned qualifications and your degree, you will instantly begin thinking about the sociology and psychology degree jobs that you can pursue. One of the many great things about studying these subjects is that you have a wealth of options available to you. 

Whether you want to work for the government, in the public sector, or in education, you can utilise the skills and knowledge you have developed to succeed in a range of roles. Among the psychology and sociology degree career options are: 

• Counselling 
• Health and Social Care 
• Community Development 
• Government 
• Teaching 
• Social Work 

You may also consider moving into the following sectors: 

• Charity Work 
• Business Administration 
• Personnel Management 
• Human Resources 
• Advertising 

Please note that for some of the careers above, you may need to undertake additional qualifications and training alongside your sociology and psychology degree. 

Where Can I Work if I Study Sociology? 

For those of you who are considering focusing on sociology as an independent subject as opposed to a psychology and sociology combined degree, you have a range of career options. Most of these options come in the welfare, government, social research, and education sectors. Some of the jobs you may want to consider include: 

• Policy Officer 
• Housing Manager 
• Higher Education Lecturer 
• Police Officer 
• Social Researcher 
• Youth Worker 

You may need to undergo additional training and study more qualifications to achieve some of the roles listed above. 

What are Careers in Psychology? 

If you opt to study a psychology degree on its own, then you can pursue careers in the science and arts sectors, such as: 

• Clinical Psychologist 
• Counselling Psychologist 
• Educational Psychologist 
• Forensic Psychologist 
• Health Psychologist 
• Occupational Psychologist 

You need to be aware that some of the above job roles may need additional qualifications and training, so do your research before pursuing them. 

Take Charge of Your Career Today! 

There are various psychology and sociology degree career options available to you, and if you need help in focusing your path, we can help! Stonebridge Associated Colleges provides a range of regulated and accredited courses that can help you on your academic path towards studying a sociology and psychology degree. 

To find out more information about our course options, give us a call on 0121 392 8288 or contact us online. Take control of your future today!