Course summary
Who are we, and how do we shape our world? On this course you will explore the nature of the individual and society. You will learn the critical thinking skills that discerning employers are looking for in a variety of fields including business, health, media, education, social care and management. Why QMU?
- We offer a stimulating environment in which students can develop the intellectual and professional edge needed for working with 21st century society, and in which our staff work on outward-facing, innovative and cross-disciplinary research.
- Our course is student-focused and research-informed. It offers students the opportunity to work closely with staff on current, real-world projects and collaborations.
- Our class sizes are smaller compared with some universities, so you have closer and more personal support and guidance from our staff.
- We came top amongst UK universities for 'overall student satisfaction in social sciences' in the National Student Survey 2021.
- Through the unique integration of sociology and psychology teaching through combined ‘hybrid’ modules, we have developed a highly innovative and unique joint degree which is aligned to QMU’s strategic goal to provide distinctive, accessible and high quality education.
- Learn to use social scientific methods and evidence to make sense of human behaviour.
- Learn how to think and write critically, giving you skills that can be valuable in many fields.
- Have opportunities to go into communities and apply your skills and knowledge in a real-world context and reflect upon the ways that psychological and sociological knowledge can effect real change in people’s everyday lives.
Modules
Year One Introduction to Psychology 1 Foundations of Psychology: Core Concepts and Practices Introduction to Academia The Sociological Imagination 1 – Classical and Contemporary Sociological Theories and Concepts Introduction to Psychology 2 The Sociological Imagination 2 – Diversity, Identity and Wellbeing Year Two Current Debates in Sociology Material Culture Exploring Research Self & Identity Individual Difference, Wellbeing and Ethical Practice Biological and Cognitive Psychology Year Three Interaction & Social Order Sociology of Knowledge & Science Cognitive Psychology Developmental Psychology Sociological and Psychological Approaches to Social Movements Research Skills Year Four Dissertation (in Psychology, Sociology or both) two Sociology option modules two psychology option modules Sociology option modules: Sociology of Liberation European Policy and Politics Queer Theory, Gender and Sexual Politics Gender Justice and Violence Feminist Approaches Psychology option modules: Eyewitness Testimony Evolutionary Psychology Volunteering and Community Engagement Psychology of Pain The modules listed here are correct at time of posting (Feb 2024) but may differ slightly to those offered in 2025. Please check back here for any updates.
Assessment method
You will be taught in lectures, seminars, practical workshops and laboratories. Outside these timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning through self-study. Your work will be assessed using a number of techniques, including essay writing, presentations, report writing, critical reflections and examinations.
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
29Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- CL83
- Institution code:
- Q25
- Campus name:
- Queen Margaret University
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)
We can consider applications to level 2 or 3 with suitable qualifications. Agreed articulation routes from Scottish HNC and HND programmes can be found here: https://www.qmu.ac.uk/study-here/access-to-higher-education/college-leavers-and-mature-students/
Entry requirements
Standard Qualification Requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - BCC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMM
Access to HE Diploma
Scottish Higher - BBBB
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 28 points
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H2, H3, H3
Scottish HNC - Pass
Scottish HND - Pass
We accept many different qualifications, but cannot list them all here. Please contact the Admissions Team for further information or advice if you are thinking of taking a course of study. We welcome applications from international and EU applicants and you can find information on specific entry requirements by country here: https://www.qmu.ac.uk/study-here/international-students/information-for-your-country/. We also welcome applications from mature students, or people holding qualifications such as Access courses or OU modules. The Scottish Wider Access Partnership (SWAP) offers a range of local Access courses and those that are accepted for entry are listed here: https://www.qmu.ac.uk/college-qualifications
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Scottish Higher - BCCC
English language requirements
IELTS with an overall score equivalent to 6.0 and with no individual component less than 5.5.
QMU English Language Requirements
https://www.qmu.ac.uk/study-here/international-students/english-language-requirements/
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Scotland | £1820 | Year 1 |
| England | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| International | £9250 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Students from England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Republic of Ireland: full-time Rest of UK fees will be charged for the first three years of study. The fourth year is free.
Provider information
Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh
Queen Margaret University Drive
Musselburgh
Edinburgh
EH21 6UU