BA (Hons) Psychosocial Studies

What can this course lead to?

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Psychosocial Studies are equipped for a wide range of careers in the public, private and third sectors. The combination of psychological insight, sociological analysis, research competence and applied experience makes our graduates highly adaptable.

Alumni have gone on to roles as diverse as UX researchers, mental health nurses, social workers, forensic psychology practitioners, and SENDCos, drawn from real graduate journeys shared at our Social Science Alumni events.

Because the curriculum combines both psychology and sociology, it provides a strong foundation for a wide range of postgraduate programmes. Every graduate who applied to a BPS-accredited MSc conversion course was successful, a 100% success rate. Routes taken by our alumni include:

Who is it for?

Have you ever wondered why people behave the way they do? Why some people struggle while others seem to get every advantage? How the family you grew up in, the area you live in, or the way you look can shape your whole life? If questions like this interest you, this degree is built for you.

The BA (Hons) Psychosocial Studies combines two subjects: psychology (the study of how people think, feel and behave) and sociology (the study of how society, culture and power shape our lives). Together, they give you a fuller picture of the world than either subject could on its own, helping you understand people not just as individuals, but as human beings shaped by the world around them.

You do not need any background in either subject to get started. This course is designed to be accessible to everyone, and your lecturers will guide you through the ideas step by step.

This is a hands-on degree. As well as learning in the classroom, you will carry out real research in Peterborough and the surrounding area and build up practical experience that employers value. You will graduate not just with a degree, but with skills and real-world knowledge you can actually use.

Is This Course Right For You?

This degree is for you if you are drawn to big questions about people and society. Whether you are a school leaver, a mature student returning to education, or a professional looking to develop your knowledge, this course is built around your growth.

You might be asking yourself: 

• Why do people behave the way they do?
• How does society shape who we become?
• What drives inequality, discrimination and social change?
• How can psychology and sociology help us build a better world?
• What does the digital age mean for identity, mental health, and community?

If any of these questions excite you, Psychosocial Studies at UCP could be the degree that changes your life. You do not need to have studied psychology or sociology before, we welcome students from all academic backgrounds.

Our smaller class sizes mean your lecturers will know your name, understand your goals, and support your development throughout the course. Students at UCP consistently rate their experience highly because of the quality of teaching and the sense of community.

What Will You Explore?

Throughout your degree you will encounter fundamental concepts across both psychology and sociology and develop the research and analytical skills of a social scientist. Key themes running through the course include:

You will develop essential skills including critical thinking, research design, academic writing, data analysis, and independent investigation, skills that are highly valued across a wide range of careers.

What Is Covered?

The course has been fully revalidated in 2025-26 and updated with exciting new modules that reflect contemporary debates in psychology, sociology and digital society. Below is the full module structure for the new curriculum.

Year one introduces you to the core ideas, theories and skills underpinning both psychology and sociology. You will develop your academic toolkit and begin to think critically about society and human behaviour.

In year two you develop your research skills and begin to specialise. Alongside mandatory modules, you choose optional modules that match your interests.