Psychology, Sociology and Criminology graduate destinations

87.1%

of Psychology graduates are in work or further study after 15 months*

*The structure and coverage of this survey are determined by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) employment indicator 2021/22, published in March 2024.

Great graduate careers

Many of our Psychology, Sociology and Criminology graduates go into jobs related to their degree specialism. Thanks to the transferable skills and experiences they develop through our courses, they also find careers in business, human resources, law, the charitable sector, or media. Some graduates may also develop varied portfolio careers or become self-employed. Jobs include:

  • Alcohol Support Worker
  • Assistant Psychologist
  • Housing Support Officer
  • Legal Assistant
  • Police Officer
  • Probation Officer
  • Psychology Teacher
  • Reporting Specialist
  • Victim Support Worker.

Top graduate employers

Graduates work with leading public and private sector organisations across the country, as well as small to medium sized enterprises. We have employer partners who shape our courses, advise students on careers and provide internships or work experience. Graduates find jobs with our partners as well as these leading employers:

  • Avon and Somerset Constabulary
  • Bristol City Council
  • Ministry of Defence
  • Ministry of Justice
  • Office for National Statistics
  • Priory Group
  • Victim Support.

Further study

Around a third of graduates go on to postgraduate study in areas such as academic research, counselling, social work, law or teaching. Examples include:

  • Graduate Diploma in Law
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Education
  • MSc Marketing
  • MSc Occupational Psychology
  • MSc Health Psychology
  • MA International Relations
  • MA Philosophy
  • MSc Public Health
  • MSc Events Management
  • MSc Criminology
  • MSc Sociology
  • MRes Social Sciences. 

View our Psychology, Sociology and Criminology courses 

Please note: The Department of Health and Social Sciences is now called the Department of Social Sciences, and the health element is now part of the School of Health and Social Wellbeing.

See more information about UWE Bristol's excellent university rankings and reputation.

Career support throughout your degree

From the moment our students start, they get careers information, advice and guidance – from employers, our careers team, and their tutors. So, by the time they graduate, they will be equipped with the experience, contacts and skills to succeed in their chosen careers.

Community and social engagement opportunities

Our staff are active researchers and have connections with a range of community, social and public sector organisations. Working with these, they arrange opportunities for students to apply knowledge, network, and develop vital employer relationships. This is through presentations from guest speakers, live briefs, events and community engagement activities.

Also, students take advantage of a work-based learning module. Combining work experience and self-reflection, they apply new knowledge to work and community engagement. This helps them develop the necessary skills and professionalism for employment and active citizenship.

Placements and work experience

Work experience is vital in today’s crowded jobs market. While they’re here, we give students one-to-one support to help them find experience that fits their career plans.

They are prepared for work through a series of placements throughout their course including a placement year. Placement students are more likely to go into high-level graduate jobs and have a higher average starting salary. The placement year helps them work out where they want to work. And, if they already know, our careers service helps find placements that fit the brief.

Students can get valuable experience on internships or part-time work. And our volunteering service helps them find opportunities in the community or with charities.

Specialist careers support

Sector-specific careers advice is available for each department and one-to-ones are available with our dedicated team. And students can come to weekly careers panels, seminars and workshops to find out more about the different sectors they can work in.

And it doesn't end when our students graduate. Alumni can access our careers services up until three years after graduation.

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