FdSc Psychology and Sociology

We consider a variety of qualifications and relevant experience, and each application is assessed on its own merit.

Applicants must have level 2 English and Maths (GCSE Grade C, Adult Literacy / Numeracy or Key Skills).

Applicants will usually be required to have a minimum of 48 UCAS points, from at least one of the following: A Levels, BTEC Nationals, Access to Higher Education Diploma, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent qualifications.

Candidates with non-standard entry qualifications will be considered on the basis of relevant work experience and attainment of skills, which demonstrate an ability to study at this level. Students with non-standard qualifications may be asked to complete a written piece of work on a relevant subject and/or a learning needs assessment.

A DBS check will be required for many of the placement opportunities available to students and for many future employment opportunities related to this programme. DBS is not a mandatory requirement for entry to the course, but applicants must acknowledge that their opportunities may be limited if they refuse to complete a DBS application or if they have a criminal record.

If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 7.0 with a minimum score of 6.5 in each component (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking or an equivalent English Language qualification).

Each module is worth a specified number of credits: you take a combination of compulsory (and if available optional modules) enabling you to cover key subject knowledge while developing your own interests. For full time students a total of 120 credits will be studied in each academic year. In the majority of cases this will consist of six modules. For part time students it will depend on the intensity of your studies.

Year 1 Modules

• Clinical Psychology
• Psychology of Aggression
• Individual Differences & Quantitative Research Method
• Introduction to Sociological Theory
• Social Change
• Sociological Applications: Social Policy

Year 2 Modules

• Forensic Psychology: Offending Behaviour & Rehabilitation
• Applied Psychology: Theories of Gender & Memory
• Positive Psychology & Qualitative Research
• Crime, Media & Psychology
• Youth & Deviant Identities
• Professional Practice

Timetables are normally available one month before the commencement of your studies. As a guide, last year the first year of this programme was timetabled on: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Part time study on FdSc Psychology with Sociology means studying four modules per year for three years, instead of the full time option of studying six modules per year for two years. This gives students more time to learn the content and to complete the assessments, but it does not necessarily change the amount of days students are required to attend. We endeavour to timetable part time students for 1.5 days per week, but this is dependent on room and staff availability. There is a chance that part time students will sometimes be required to join the full time students for three days per week in some semesters and only one day per week in other semesters.

The Psychology and Sociology team engage with local employers and volunteering agencies to help our students identify and organise valuable work experience opportunities during their second year mandatory placement module. Students are supported to undertake a mandatory work placement in order to identify potential career opportunities and to achieve module credit. Students are also offered the chance to enrol on additional short courses that can enhance their employability. In recent years, some of our students completed courses in Counselling, Forest School and Safeguarding. Associated costs relating to your placement are your responsibility and can be supported by your first year bursary.

There are two formal or summative assessed pieces of work for each module. Assessment methods can include written examinations and a range of coursework assessments such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations and projects. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark. In addition to formal assessments throughout modules of study there will be developmental (formative) assessments to support you with developing greater understanding of your progress.

The balance of assessment by examination/test, coursework and practical depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by coursework is as follows:

Year 1 – 70% coursework 30% practical
Year 2 – 70% coursework, 30% practical

We recognise feedback as an essential component of your learning and progression. We adopt a feed-forward approach whereby feedback is given in a developmental manner to support your continued progression. You will receive feedback on all assessments within 20 working days.

The FdSc Psychology and Sociology teaching team is diverse, as is our student population. We have all studied at postgraduate level and we have a wide range of specialist knowledge between us, but we also come from a range of backgrounds and disciplines and we all have different approaches to teaching. This diversity works in favour of our students, as they can experience a range of teaching styles and forms of assessment, allowing everyone an opportunity to play to their strengths in some modules and to develop new skills in others.

A more formal teaching style will be adopted in lessons, which usually involve a combination of lectures, group activities, independent reading and seminar discussions. Research and evidence based practice will underpin most of the lessons in psychology and sociology modules.

The greatest strength of the team is the support that we offer our students. When anonymous feedback is requested, our students regularly comment on the excellent support provided by our team, which reflects our shared commitment to inclusivity. This support has been crucial to the success of many past students who may not come from a traditional education pathway.

You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. The team includes academic staff, professional practitioners with industry experience, and where relevant, technicians. Postgraduate students undertaking teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader. Our teaching is informed by research, professional practice and industry experience to provide you with the most up to date and relevant learning opportunities.

When not attending lectures, seminars or practicals you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations where applicable. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities, including the library, the University Centre South Devon Research Centre, and our course specific environments.

Your overall workload at Level 4 consists of class contact hours, of approximately 15 hours’ per week, plus independent learning, and assessment activity. Together, this equates to approximately 36 hours per week. While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.

Level 4: 43% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity. 57% is spent on independent learning and assessment related activity.
Level 5: 43% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity. 57% is spent on independent learning and assessment related activity.

A key feature of our university level programmes is the exceptional support we provide for students. We are passionate about providing dedicated and bespoke support services to help you make the most of your time here and to maximise your potential. We have an experienced team who offer a range of services, and regular 1:1 contact time with your personal tutor guarantees your professional and personal development. We can provide help with study skills, written English, academic writing, research skills, critical thinking, and revision. We hold the principles of equality and opportunity for all in the highest regard. That’s why our degrees are designed to be accessible for anyone, regardless of your personal circumstances. We endeavour to make reasonable adjustments and remove any barriers to your learning. We also offer more flexible timetables than other institutions to minimise the impact studying has on your personal life and responsibilities.

Upon successful completion of the Foundation Degree you may progress to the final year of the BSc (Hons) Psychological Studies degree at the University of Plymouth or the BSc (Hons) Social and Therapeutic Interventions at the University Centre South Devon.

Please note that there is a deadline for progression applications and places may be subject to availability.

Alternatively, you will be able to immediately seek employment. Employers in the following fields are likely to welcome applications from psychology and sociology graduates: human resources, early years education, family support, pastoral support in schools, youth work, victim support, youth offending, offender rehabilitation, probation, drugs and alcohol support services, mentor schemes, police, court staff, sales, marketing, customer services, charities, support agencies for vulnerable people and research posts.

You will need to undertake postgraduate study to work as a professional in one of the following fields:

• Clinical Psychology
• Educational Psychology
• Forensic Psychology
• Sports Psychology
• Counselling
• Lecturing
• Teaching
• Social Work

Funding is available to help you with living costs during your studies via Student Finance England. We are committed to supporting our students with a number of bursary packages, which you will receive if you meet particular criteria, and does not need to be repaid. Bursaries are awarded in addition to any funding received from Student Finance England.

Equipment to support practical sessions related to your programme of learning
Compulsory visits related to your programme of learning
Annual £10 printing allowance
Access to e-books and e-journals relating to your programme of study

Additional printing over the initial allowance
Optional overseas and UK based field trips
The cost of books you may wish to purchase
An annual parking fee or bus pass for travel to University Centre South Devon