Overview
BA (Hons) Sociology with Social Psychology at the University of Essex examines how individuals, groups and societies influence one another. The course brings sociological and psychological perspectives together to explore human behaviour, social relationships, identity and major issues affecting contemporary societies, while developing the research skills needed to investigate social life critically.
What You'll Learn
Sociological perspectives on inequality, poverty, racism, religion, consumption, migration and social change.
Social psychology and the relationships between individuals, groups and wider social structures.
Psychological and psychosocial approaches to identity, behavior, emotions and collective experiences.
Classical and contemporary sociological theories, including perspectives on power, modernity, feminism and capitalism.
Research methods, including qualitative and quantitative approaches, data collection and critical evaluation of social research.
Social and forensic psychology, with attention to the self, social norms, behavior and group dynamics.
Contemporary topics including psychiatry, mental illness, trauma and the social dimensions of modern conflicts.
Academic development, critical thinking, problem-solving and effective communication.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to examine social and psychological issues using complementary disciplinary perspectives and explain how individual behaviour is shaped by social environments. They will be able to critically assess sociological and psychosocial theories, compare different explanations of social phenomena, and apply these ideas to contemporary issues. Students will also develop the ability to plan and conduct social research using appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods, interpret evidence and communicate findings clearly. The course further supports independent thinking, reflective learning and the ability to connect academic knowledge with real-world social challenges.
University of Essex