Skip to content Accessibility statement
Undergraduate
HomeStudy at YorkUndergraduateCourses 2027/28Social Psychology (BA)

BA (Hons) Social Psychology

Understand the complex relationship between the individual and society.

Year of entry: 2027/28

  1. Overview
  2. Course content
  3. Fees and funding
  4. Teaching and assessment
  5. Careers
  6. Entry requirements
UCAS code
L393
Institution code
Y50
Start date
September 2027
View semester dates
Length
3 years full-time
Typical offer
ABB
Full entry requirements
School/department
Department of Sociology
UK (home) fees
£9,790
International and EU fees
£26,900

Apply for this course

Undergraduate Open Days

Book your place for our Open Days on Saturday 12 September and Sunday 13 September 2026.

Book now

Explore how the individual and the social environment influence each other. 

Why choose Social Psychology at York?

Explore behaviour, sense of self and relationships from a social psychology perspective. You'll uncover how society, culture and interactions with other people influence our identities, choices and actions. You'll have the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of key social psychological issues. In communicating these complex ideas through a range of written and verbal formats, you'll develop a transferrable skill set well suited to a range of careers.

Benefit from teaching that's research-led and covers real-world issues. You'll become a creative problem solver by examining modern day inequality and discrimination. You'll learn how we can challenge these issues through language, social interaction, media representations and lived experience. In turn, you'll develop your critical thinking and discover how to work ethically.

Study the subjects you're most passionate about. Our wide range of option modules allow you to tailor your degree to suit your interests. You'll also develop a highly flexible skill set and gain knowledge that's relevant across industries.

Prepare for your future. During your studies, you'll have access to careers support, events and opportunities. You'll also have the option of adding a placement year or year abroad to your degree. This allows you to gain invaluable experience working or studying in another country before you graduate.

12th in the UK for Sociology
The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026.
1st in the UK for Sociology research impact
Times Higher Education’s ranking of the Research Excellence Framework 2021.
World Top 100
for Sociology in the QS World Ranking by subject 2026.

Course content

  • Year 1 - six core modules
  • Year 2 - four core modules and two option modules
  • Year 3 - two core modules, including a 40-credit dissertation or creative project, and three option modules

This course progresses from broad to specialist topics. As you progress you'll focus your studies, choosing option modules to develop your expertise. In your final year you'll undertake independent research leading to your dissertation or creative project.

Year 1

In the first year you'll learn about the foundations of social psychology through your core modules.

Core modules

Academic integrity module

In addition to the above you will also need to complete our online Academic Integrity module.

This module covers some of the essential skills and knowledge which will help you to study independently and produce work of a high academic standard which is vital for success at York.

This module will:

  • define academic integrity and academic misconduct
  • explain why and when you should reference source material and other people's work
  • provide interactive exercises to help you to assess whether you've understood the concepts
  • provide answers to FAQs and links to useful resources.

Year 2

Core modules

Option modules

You will also study two option modules. Examples can be found below. Some option module combinations may not be possible. The options available to you will be confirmed after you begin your course.

 

Elective modules

You may be able to replace one option module with an elective module, studying a complementary subject, a language or an interdisciplinary topic.

Year 3

Core modules

This course offers the choice between a creative project that focuses on producing a media artefact, such as a podcast or a webpage, and a more traditional 8000 word dissertation. Past dissertations have covered:

  • looking at care homes recreating communities through activities
  • navigating racial stereotypes in the workplace
  • mother-daughter relationships and their impact on identity in adulthood
  • media consumption and mental health.

Option modules

You will also study three option modules. Examples can be found below. Some option module combinations may not be possible. The options available to you will be confirmed after you begin your course.

Elective modules

You may be able to replace one option module with an elective module, studying a complementary subject, a language or an interdisciplinary topic.

Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff, and in line with Department/School academic planning.

Study abroad

There are opportunities for you to spend time abroad during your course:

Real-world experiences

Find your edge by gaining practical experience that boosts your employability. Explore diverse opportunities to apply your knowledge and build vital professional skills, such as placements, internships and part-time jobs.

Learning outcomes

Every course at York has been designed to provide clear and ambitious learning outcomes. These learning outcomes give you an understanding of what you will be able to do at the end of the course. We develop each course by designing modules that grow your abilities towards the learning outcomes and help you to explain what you can offer to employers. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.

Learning outcomes for this course
  • Confront and analyse real-world social challenges, using sociological and social psychological approaches to interrogate understandings about individuals, communities and global society.
  • Develop, evaluate and refine complex and critical arguments and evidence based claims on social issues, drawing on social psychological and sociological theories and approaches.
  • Critically synthesise and communicate complex theoretical and empirical arguments about social psychological phenomena in appropriate formats and via a range of media and digital technologies.
  • Work effectively and creatively both independently and as part of team, in a manner which is respectful of diverse views, values and cultural perspectives.
  • Design and undertake ethically responsible research which draws upon appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative skills to produce empirically rigorous analysis of social issues using a social psychological framework.
  • Identify and plan future learning requirements by reflecting critically on personal learning and transferable skills in relation to a range of graduate careers.

Studying social psychology has changed the way I interpret the world by encouraging me to look beyond surface-level explanations of behaviour. It has helped me to appreciate the importance of exploring contrasting perspectives and critically evaluating arguments rather than accepting them at face value.

Amy, BA Sociology with Social Psychology

Fees and funding

The fees and funding information here is for students starting in the 2026/27 academic year.

If you take a year abroad or year in industry you'll pay a reduced rate of fees for that year.

Annual tuition fees

UK (home) International and EU
£9,790 £26,900

The UK government has announced its intention to increase tuition fees from £9,790 to £10,050 for the 2027/8 academic year. We expect this to apply to new UK (home) undergraduate students starting their studies in September 2027.

UK (home) or international fees?

The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status.

Fees for subsequent years

  • UK (home) fees may increase within the government fee cap in subsequent academic years. We will notify you of any increase as soon as we can.
  • International fees are subject to increase in subsequent years in line with the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate (up to a maximum of 10%).

More information

For more information about tuition fees, any reduced fees for study abroad and work placement years, scholarships, tuition fee loans, maintenance loans and living costs see undergraduate fees and funding.

Funding

We'll confirm more funding opportunities for students joining us in 2026/27 throughout the year.

Living costs

You can use our living costs guide to help plan your budget. It covers additional costs that are not included in your tuition fee such as expenses for accommodation and study materials.

York, Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial

Just four UK universities are rated Gold for teaching and top ten for research* in the latest national assessment exercises.

* Awarded joint 10th in the Times Higher Education ranking of the Research Excellence Framework 2021.

Teaching and assessment

You’ll study and learn with academics who are active researchers, experts in their field and have a passion for their subjects. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.

Teaching format

Our courses consist of a mixture of classroom-based lectures, seminars, and supervisor meetings.

Our research-informed curriculum will provide you with the ability to think critically, develop effective solutions to various work-based problems, and work both independently and as part of a team.

You’ll be taught in a range of specialist subject areas, allowing you to delve deeply into complex topics, explore a whole spectrum of social issues, and develop a resilient, adaptable and challenging mindset that will aid you both within and beyond your study. 

In the UK, full-time students are expected to spend 1,200 hours a year learning. That's about 40 hours of classes and independent study each week during semesters. Everyone learns at a different rate, so the number of hours you spend on independent study will be different to other students on your course.

Teaching location

You will be based in the Department of Sociology on Campus East. Most of your teaching will take place at various locations across Campus East.

About our campus

Our beautiful green campus offers a student-friendly setting in which to live and study, within easy reach of the action in the city centre. It's easy to get around - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can use the fast and frequent bus service. Take a campus tour.

Assessment and feedback

As you progress, you'll complete a range of assessments designed to help you develop the skills needed to be an effective scholar. Assessments take a variety of forms and could include:

  • essays
  • reports
  • podcasts
  • book reviews
  • posters
  • personal refelctions
  • training workshop designs
  • zines
  • visual analysis
  • photo essays

What assessments you complete will depend on what modules you take. You’ll submit summative work, which counts towards your final degree score, and formative work, which doesn’t count towards your final grade but gives you the chance to practice techniques and identify areas to improve. We’ll provide detailed feedback on the work you submit, supporting you to develop your academic skills.

At the end of my first year I got the opportunity to travel to New York City, making fabulous new friends and getting to study a great course at Mount Holyoke College over the summer.
Kate, BA Sociology with Social Psychology graduate

Careers and skills

We’ll help you focus your career goals, gain valuable experience, and meet the right employers. You’ll also have the opportunity to undergo internships, take part in volunteering, and even pursue a year away from York, either as a placement year or studying abroad.

Career opportunities

  • Criminal justice, policing and law
  • Social research
  • Education
  • Media and creative industries
  • Health and cultural services
  • Charity sector

Transferable skills

  • Problem-solving
  • Evaluating evidence
  • Forming reasoned arguments
  • Thinking creatively
  • Considering different viewpoints

Careers and employability

Turn ambition into achievement with our expert guidance and connections. From your first day here to life after graduation, we'll help you find your career advantage.

Entry requirements

Qualification Typical offer
A levels

ABB
Access to Higher Education Diploma 30 credits at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher
BTEC National Extended Diploma DDM

We consider a range of BTEC qualifications equivalent to 3 A Levels, or in combination with A Levels or other qualifications. For example:

Distinction, Distinction in BTEC Level 3 National Diploma plus B at A Level

Distinction in BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate plus AB at A level

Distinction, Distinction in 2 BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificates plus B at A level
European Baccalaureate 75% overall
International Baccalaureate 34 points
T levels Distinction overall including grade A in the Core in T Level in Education and Early Years

Distinction overall in following T Level subjects:
Accounting; Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing; Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction; Digital Business Services; Digital Production, Design and Development; Digital Support and Services; Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control; Finance; Health; Healthcare Science; Legal Services; Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing; Management and Administration; Marketing; Science
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers Scottish Highers - ABBBB

Advanced Highers - not required for entry

We may also be able to consider three Advanced Highers or a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers, where an applicant does not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone. Please contact us to discuss your qualifications.
Other international qualifications Equivalent qualifications from your country

Alternative offers

Meeting the following additional criteria may qualify you for an alternative offer.

Criteria Adjustment
Widening participation BBC
This is conditional upon successful completion of the WP programme including the YorJourney module (Black Access Programme, Next Step York) or successful completion of Realising Opportunities More about widening participation.
Contextual offer BBB
EPQ If you achieve C or higher in the EPQ, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer.
Core Maths If you achieve B or higher in Core Maths, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer.
MOOCs If you successfully complete our online course Imagining York: Discovering the everyday , you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer. Details about how to evidence completion of the MOOC will be sent in your offer letter. Please note: you do not need to pay for the certificate. More about MOOCs.

English language

If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:

Qualification Minimum requirement
IELTS (Academic) 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
IB English A score of 4 in English A or 5 in English B (Higher Level or Standard Level)
Cambridge CEFR 176, with a minimum of 169 in each component
Oxford ELLT 7, with a minimum of 6 in each component
Oxford Test of English Advanced 136, with a minimum of 126 in each component
Duolingo Integrated subscores: 120 overall, with a minimum of 105 in each component
GCSE/IGCSE/O level English Language (as a first or second language) Grade C / Grade 4
LanguageCert SELT B2 with a minimum score of 33/50 in each component
LanguageCert Academic B2 with a minimum score of 33/50 in each component
Kaplan Test of English Language 478 Main Flight score with 444 in each component
Skills for English B2: Merit overall, with Pass with Merit in each component
PTE Academic 61, with a minimum of 55 in each component
TOEFL 87 overall, with a minimum of 21 in each component (taken before January 2026)
4.5 with 5 in Listening and 4.5 in each other component (taken after January 2026)
Trinity ISE III Merit in all components
Other English language qualifications We also accept other English Language qualifications, including various school-leaving certificates.

For more information see our undergraduate English language requirements.

If you haven't met our English language requirements

You may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language courses. These courses will provide you with the level of English needed to meet the conditions of your offer.

The length of course you need to take depends on your current English language test scores and how much you need to improve to reach our English language requirements.

After you've accepted your offer to study at York, we'll confirm which pre-sessional course you should apply to via You@York.

Applying

To apply to York, you'll need to complete an online application via UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).

Mature students are welcomed and applications will be considered individually.

Next steps

Contact us

Get in touch if you have any questions

Dr Darren Reed

Dr Darren Reed

darren.reed@york.ac.uk

Discover York

Accommodation

We offer a range of campus accommodation to suit you and your budget, from economy to premium.

Student life

Explore campus and city life and hear what our current students have to say about living here.

The city

Lively, full of culture and beautiful, York is regularly voted one of the best places to live and visit in the UK.

Meet us

Find out more about York. Chat to staff and students and take the tour, on campus or online.