Psychology and Sociology

Course overview

Psychology is a fascinating science concerned with the study of the mind and behaviour. It has links with a variety of disciplines such as the biological, computer and forensic sciences, as well as with the humanities such as sociology, philosophy and literature. The common factor linking people who study Psychology is curiosity and the search for knowledge.

There are a number of reasons why you may wish to study Psychology. Psychology is exciting: for example, is there a relationship between psychological disorders and brain biochemistry? Psychology is challenging: for example, does psychotherapy help people overcome psychological problems such as depression and anxiety? Psychology is useful: Psychology has a broad range of real-world applications in everyday life, ranging from stress, health, mental illness, artificial intelligence and human-machine interaction, and in combination with Sociology: personal development, social interaction and the environment, to name but a few. Psychology offers good career prospects.

Due to its natural affinity with Sociology this degree of Psychology and Sociology is the ideal combination. Sociology explores the social worlds in which humans live and encourages us to look beneath the surface of what we most take for granted about life, giving us new ways of making sense of human existence.

The main topics will include social, cognitive, developmental and individual differences psychology as well as relevant research methods. You will be encouraged to evaluate theories and research methodologies critically and to be aware of the philosophical debates, issues and controversies inherent in the discipline.

Year one core modules

• Fundamentals of Cognitive Psychology
• Key Skills for Psychology
• Social and Developmental Psychology
• Researching Social Issues
• Social Science and Modern Society

Year two core modules

• Research Techniques for Psychology
• Individual and Society
• Social Research Methods

Year three core modules

• Major Project on Psychology or Sociology
• Professional and Historical Issues

Year one optional modules

• Conflicts and Contradictions in Crime - Comparative Histories of Crime, Law and Punishment
• Comparing Social Lives
• Media and Crime
• Introduction to Psychosocial Studies
• Psychoanalysis and the Self 1
• Contemporary Sociological Issues
• Anglia Language Programme

Year two optional modules

• Social Divisions
• Knowledge and Belief
• Theories of Crime, Deviance & Social Control Part
• Applied Ethics
• Violent Crime: Body and Mind
• Independent Learning Module
• Anglia Language Programme
• Biopsychology
• Contemporary Social Psychology
• Essential Health Psychology
• Learning, Memory and Perception
• Lifespan Development
• Personality, Intelligence and Psychometrics

Year three optional modules

• Terrorism in Context - Political Violence, Society and the State
• Psychoanalysis and the Self 2
• Gender Relations
• Sexuality and Social Control
• 'Race', Racism and Cultural Identity
• Diaspora and Migration
• Contemporary Work and Organisational Life
• Concepts of Good and Evil
• Clinical and Cognitive Neuropsychology
• Consumer Psychology
• Critical Issues in Health, Illness and Disability
• Developmental Disorders
• Emotion and Consciousness
• Forensic Psychology
• Language and Thought
• Clinical Psychology: Behavioural and Biological Approaches
• Abnormal Psychology
• Stress and Health
• Preparing for Work
• Special Subject
• Nature and Society
• Independent Learning Module
• Anglia Language Programme

Assessment

Assessment is via a mix of examination, essays, research reports, presentations, lab reports and dissertation.