Program Overview

Psychology and Sociology with Foundation Year

Course Overview

The Psychology and Sociology with Foundation Year course at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the scientific nature of psychology and its wider cultural and social impact. The course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and explores the core psychological domains and methods, as well as the application of psychological knowledge to real-world issues.

Why Study This Course

• Learn about the range of core psychological domains and methods, accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS)
• Engage with on-site research projects, exploring contemporary issues such as mindfulness, psychopathy, and the science of dreaming
• Gain a broad skill set by combining sociology theory with research skills and practical application
• Guaranteed free interview for PGCE and free interview training

Course Summary

Through studying a Psychology degree at BGU, you'll gain an in-depth understanding of the scientific nature of the subject and of its wider cultural and social impact. This course will develop your understanding of psychology and its theories of the mind, emotions, and behavior and become familiar with how these theories are applied in our lives, communities, and societies.

BGU's Sociology undergraduate degree provides a comprehensive and exciting introduction to the study of all aspects of the social world. The course takes you on a journey from the 19th-century foundations of the discipline through to the social, cultural, and political changes that are reshaping our globalizing world.

Key Facts

• Award: BA (Hons)
• UCAS code: LC8F
• Duration: 4 years
• Mode of study: Full time
• Start date: September 2025
• Awarding institution: Bishop Grosseteste University
• Institution code: B38

What You Will Study

• Foundation Year
  • Self as Learner
  • Resourcing Learning
  • Critical Engagement
  • Critical Thinking
  • The Digital Learner
  • Effective Communication
  • Reflective Learning
  • Academic Writing
• Year 1
  • Researching Psychology I
  • Introduction to Psychology and Biopsychology
  • Conceptual and Historical Issues in Psychology (CHiP)
  • Writing and Thinking Sociologically
  • Social Research Skills: Texts and Interactions
  • What is (the point of) Sociology?
• Year 2
  • Personality and Individual Differences
  • Social Psychology
  • Researching Psychology II
  • Public Sociology: Religion, Race and Sexuality
  • Sociology of Happiness
• Year 3
  • Sociology of Education
  • Psychological Research Design and Project Preparation
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • BioPsychology
  • Psychology Dissertation
  • Surveillance and Society
  • Contemporary Imprisonment
  • Sociology of Personal Life

Entry Requirements

• Application for this course is via UCAS, although there is no formal requirement for UCAS points to access the course (normally GCSE English or equivalent is desirable).
• As part of your application, you will have the opportunity to speak with a member of BGU Admissions staff to resolve any questions or queries you may have.
• You will also need GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at grade 4 (previously C) or above (or equivalent).

Careers & Further Study

• Psychology
  • Clinical settings
  • Counselling
  • Mental Health services
  • Education and Research
• Sociology
  • Activism and campaigning
  • Advertising
  • Arts
  • Bankers (e.g., investment bankers, analysts)
  • Charity administrators
  • Community and youth workers
  • Curators
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Film makers
  • Financial analysts
  • Journalists
  • Lawyers
  • Lecturers
  • Marketing
  • Police officers
  • Public relations (PR)
  • Researchers
  • School and college teachers
  • Social workers

How You Will Be Taught

• There is no one-size-fits-all method of teaching at BGU – we shape our methods to suit each subject and each group, combining the best aspects of traditional university teaching with innovative techniques to promote student participation and interactivity.

Assessment

• Assessments in Psychology take place at the end of each module in order for you to demonstrate your understanding of the objectives covered.
• A wide range of assessment methods is used to support your learning, including portfolios, presentations, displays, and examinations and laboratory projects.
• Assessments are also designed to enhance your critical thinking and analysis skills – something that psychologists are well known for.
• In Sociology, we see assessment as a powerful driver of student learning and a means for demonstrating what students have learnt.
• We believe it’s a great way to develop the employability skills that employers demand from graduates.
• As a result, the course incorporates a range of assessment methods which will allow you to demonstrate a wide range of skills whilst providing a selection of post-degree career paths.
• These assessment methods include coursework, small group work, report writing, oral presentations, multi-modal presentations (posters, videos, print), examinations, and individual dissertation projects.
• Where appropriate, assessment tasks are designed to mimic the type of challenges faced by employees in graduate-level jobs.

Academic Staff

• Thomasin Nicholds
• Dr. Thomas Dunn
• Dr. Laura Way
• Professor Caroline Horton