Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology Careers
Key information
Employability skills from this degree
- Handling of data and statistics
- Thinking critically and solving problems
- Working in teams
- Analytical research
- Written and verbal communication, including report writing and presentations
- IT skills
Further study option
- MSc Clinical and Community Psychology
- MSc in Psychological Science
- Master of Erasmus Mundus in the Psychology of Global Mobility, Inclusion and Diversity in Society (Global-MINDS)
- MSc in Work and Organisational Psychology
- Structured PhD in Psychology
- Clinical Psychology Doctorate
- MA Sociology
- MSc in Occupational Therapy
- MSc in Speech and Language Therapy
Job titles for graduates with this degree
Careers open to graduates of the BA in Psychology and Sociology include psychologist, social worker, primary teacher, third level lecturer, community worker, speech and language therapist, social researcher, or occupational therapist. Psychology graduates can also pursue careers in research in universities, the public service, and the voluntary sector. As an accredited undergraduate Psychology course, this degree allows graduates progress to a range of further study in Psychology as well as professional courses in Clinical, Educational, Forensic, or Work and Organisational Psychology.
Graduates progressing directly into employment take up a wide variety of roles. The following provides a sample of initial roles listed on the Graduate Outcomes Survey by graduates approximately one year after graduation:
- ABA Tutor
- Assistant Psychologist
- Business Analyst
- Customer Care Agent
- Employment Facilitator
- Family Activities Worker
- Learning Support
- Recruitment Consultant
- Rehabilitation Assistant
- Research Assistant
- Research Psychologist
- Researcher
- Youth Worker
Student profile
Caoilfhionn Timmons
A Day in the Life Of… an Assistant Psychologist
I currently work as an Assistant Psychologist in a forensic hospital with the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK. No two days are ever the same! My role involves assessment and intervention for people with severe mental health problems who, as a result of their mental health difficulties, have come into contact with the law. I used many different assessment tools to help get a picture of what the person’s strengths, difficulties, and current needs are. Then comes the intervention bit, where I do both group and one-to-one work using a variety of approaches.
Because this degree is accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland, I can go on to train as a Clinical Psychologist - I have just gained a place on a doctoral course starting this autumn in London. The doctoral places are fees paid and fully salaried (as it’s a job as well as a course), so while it takes a while to get enough experience to get on the doctorate, it’s well worth the wait in my opinion - especially when the career is so interesting!
Caoilfhionn’s tip:
Before you choose a course, talk to people who previously studied it but are now finished and carving a career out of the degree; inquire about realistic career opportunities and salary, what the day-to-day duties are, and how you go about qualifying, as some degrees require further study in order for you to be qualified.
Martin Stackpoole
As a mature student, I had a slightly different journey to this course. My curiosity about the human mind and human behaviour led me to do a level 5 course, then I found the BA Psychology and Sociology, which ticked all the right boxes for me.
It’s an engaging programme; lecturers are approachable and passionate, our classes are interactive, and you are encouraged to ask questions. We do a lot of group work which reflects the real world and the combination of psychology and sociology is a powerful one.
In terms of skills, it is very hands-on in that we carry out our own research and analyse the results. People can sometimes overlook the statistical analysis involved. You can also explore topics you have a particular interest in. I’m in recovery myself from addiction, so my final year project is on emotions and gambling behaviour.
Looking back, I’m so glad to have picked this course. It has broadened my perspective about the careers open to me and I’ve grown in confidence.
