Psychology with Social Sciences Foundation Year

Want to explore the areas of psychology or sociology but not quite ready to study at degree level? The social sciences foundation year provides the perfect introduction to studying this fascinating subject, and will equip you with the knowledge and skills required to progress on to a related full undergraduate degree.

Students will study a range of topics that are central or highly relevant to the study of the social sciences. You’ll explore areas such as mental health and wellbeing, contemporary issues in social sciences, and professional practice to help prepare for undergraduate study.

The course has an applied focus – students are encouraged and enabled to apply their theoretical knowledge to real world problems, such as mental health, psychological wellbeing and everyday problem-solving.

On successful completion of the foundation year, students will be eligible to progress onto one of our psychology undergraduate degrees, which are accredited by the British Psychology Society, or our sociology programme. Students interested in social work can apply and be interviewed for our social work degree.

During this foundation year, you’ll begin to develop the academic writing and independent learning skills necessary to study a scientific discipline. You’ll also begin to learn the basics of thinking and writing in social sciences.

You’ll be taught by an experienced team who are accessible and approachable, and ultimately dedicated to providing an inclusive learning environment.

The course offers an introduction to a range of topics within psychology and sociology and other social science disciplines.

What does this course lead to?
Studying this foundation degree can help you on to the path of studying a full psychology, sociology or social work undergraduate degree.

Who is this course for?
The course is specifically designed for those wanting to study social sciences but who do not meet the entry requirements. It is also suitable for those who wish to refresh their academic skills and subject specific knowledge before starting an undergraduate degree.

FOUNDATION MODULES
Professional Practice
Contemporary Issues in Social Sciences
Crime and Risk in Society
Media Project in Social Sciences
Investigating in the Social Sciences
Psychological Approaches to Mental Health

If you successfully complete the foundation year, you will automatically progress onto the BSc (Hons) Psychology degree course. Please note that some of the modules below may change.

YEAR 1 - CORE MODULES
Thinking and Writing Psychologically
Beginning as a Researcher
Perspectives within Psychology
Developing as a Researcher
Current Issues in Psychology
Psychology and Social Change

YEAR 2 - CORE MODULES
Behaviour and the Brain
Individual Differences and Social Psychology
Psychological Research Training
A Flourishing Life
Psychological Research in Action
Community Psychology

YEAR 3 - CORE MODULES
Applying Psychology to Professional Practice
Applied Psychology Research Project

YEAR 3 OPTIONS (please note that not all options are guaranteed to run each academic year)
Cognition and Consciousness
Conceptualising Psychopathology
Quality Stats: An Assortment of Advanced Analytical Methods
Behaviour Change
Cyberpsychology
Animal Behaviour
Mindfulness-Based Practice and Approaches
Issues in Educational Psychology
Critical Psychology
Issues in Forensic

Students are assessed by a combination of presentations (individual and group), essays, practical reports, portfolios (i.e. non-essay written assignments consisting of a variety of written pieces based on independent learning), and in-class electronic tests.