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Sociology and Psychology

The module introduces students to the key concepts within the study of sociology and psychology. By studying this module students will be able to transition easily to studying for a degree in a social science related subject. Within psychology students will study the key psychological approaches including social psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology and biological psychology. Within sociology, students will study key concepts in sociology such as Marxism, Functionalism and Feminism. Students will develop knowledge and understanding of these key concepts by being taught key themes that sociologists study such as family, education and crime. Students will also be exposed to the research methods that social scientists use and the scientific approach to data gathering and analysis within the field of psychology, learning about the interaction and separation between the fields in terms of methodology, analysis and application.

Learning Aims (include but are not limited to)

Students will be able to:
  • Acquire knowledge and a critical understanding of contemporary social processes and social changes;
  • Appreciate the significance of theoretical and conceptual issues in sociological debate;
  • Understand and evaluate sociological methodology and a range of research methods;
  • Understand and evaluate a range of psychological theories and research methods;
  • Develop skills that enable individuals to focus on their personal identity, roles and responsibilities within society;
  • Develop essential knowledge and critical understanding of different areas of the subjects and how they relate to each other;
  • Develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of contemporary social processes, changes and scientific methods of analysis and evaluation;
  • Understand how society makes decisions about social and scientific issues and how those decisions contribute to the success of the economy and society.

Assessment Objectives

The overall aims are assessed through AOs drawn from those in use for UK A-Level Sociology and Psychology.

 

The assessment tasks will measure how students have achieved the following assessment objectives.

 

AO 1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

  • Sociological and psychological theories, concepts and evidence;
  • Sociological research methods;
  • Scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures.

 

AO 2: Apply sociological, psychological and scientific theories, concepts, evidence and research methods:

  • To a range of issues;
  • In a theoretical context;
  • In a practical context;
  • When handling qualitative data;
  • When handling quantitative data.

 

AO 3: Analyse, interpret and evaluate sociological, psychological and scientific theories, concepts, evidence and research methods in order to:

  • Present arguments;
  • Make judgements;
  • Draw conclusions.

Assessment Tasks

These are designed to reflect content that can be assessed across both papers to allow all AOs to be measured; with additional AO 2 content in the presentation:

Assessment Indicative weighting Indicative length
1. Presentation & Viva (students select one question from a choice of 5 questions and prepare a presentation answering the question)
All AOs 		10 credits Topic released 2 weeks before assessment; choice of topics drawn from the learning outcomes and designed to complement exam papers, not replicate.
Students must deliver 15 minutes presentation and take part in 15 minutes Viva in which the assessor will discuss the content.
2. Paper 1 – Sociology
All AOs 		10 credits 2 hours
3. Paper 2 – Psychology
All AOs 		10 credits 2 hours

The module is designed so that the presentation & Viva takes place before the Exam papers; exam papers do not need to be taken at the same time.