Course specification and structure
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UDSSLPLY - BSc Sociology and Social Policy

Course Specification


Validation status Validated
Highest award Bachelor of Science Level Honours
Possible interim awards Bachelor of Science, Diploma of Higher Education, Certificate of Higher Education, Bachelor of Science
Total credits for course 360
Awarding institution London Metropolitan University
Teaching institutions London Metropolitan University
School Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities
Subject Area School of Social Sciences
Attendance options
Option Minimum duration Maximum duration
Full-time 3 YEARS  
Part-time 4 YEARS  
Course leader  

About the course and its strategy towards teaching and learning and towards blended learning/e-learning

Sociology and Social Policy, as disciplines, lend themselves to a variety of teaching and learning styles and these are reflected in the variety of delivery and assessment tools employed throughout the course. Traditional lectures, seminars and presentations are supplemented by group work and case-study approaches. Seminars and workshops are the main vehicle for cognitive development. Seminar work involves a large element of student choice and self-management. Active learning involves students in making decisions about what they explore (within the parameters of the module) and how they do it.

Teaching methods are tailored to key aspects of the learning situation such as content, task and learner characteristics. In common with the ethos and practice of the faculty, the teaching and learning methods used to deliver the course aims are varied. There is an emphasis upon the link between teaching and research so that staff research provides the basis for teaching on a range of modules.

Supplemented by guided learning and workbooks with exercises are used – available through the VLE.

The course integrates face-to-face with online learning at all levels. All modules also use Weblearn to provide key information and learning resources. Advanced use of VLE on the course includes online tests and assessment, discussions, and feedback.

Course aims

The overall aims of the Sociology and Social Policy course are to:

  • A1. offer a course that provide students with substantive sociological and social policy knowledge in modules that address multi-disciplinary concerns and are directly relevant to a variety of public issues.
  • A2. develop the intellectual and practical skills which will enable students to understand, produce and present sociological and social policy related evidence
  • A3. develop the ability to read critically, think independently and effectively communicate their ideas about sociological and social policy issues.
  • A4. offer a contemporary course relevant to a career in a range of welfare agencies both public and private through students investigating the effect that welfare policy has on our everyday lives in a domestic and international context.
  • A5. provide an appropriate education and training for students wishing to pursue careers in social and public policy-related fields in the private, public and voluntary sectors.

The above aims are to be met by:

  • encouraging students to develop a critical appreciation of sociological and social policy knowledge,
  • developing a varied range of teaching and learning experiences,
  • adopting effective formative and summative assessment methods,

providing appropriate learning resources and student support.

Course learning outcomes

The following learning outcomes (LO) incorporate and depend on systematic understanding of the key aspects of the knowledge base of both Sociology and Social Policy, including a coherent and detailed knowledge of some specialist areas in depth.

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

(LO1) deploy accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within Sociology and Social Policy;

(LO2) devise and sustain arguments, and/or to solve problems, using ideas and techniques, some of which are at the forefront of Sociology and Social Policy;

(LO3) describe and comment upon particular aspects of current research, or equivalent advanced scholarship, in Sociology and Social Policy

(LO4) manage their own learning, and to make use of scholarly reviews and primary sources (for example, refereed research articles and/or original materials appropriate to Sociology and Social Policy;

(LO4) apply the methods and techniques that they have learned to review, consolidate, extend and apply their knowledge and understanding, and to initiate and carry out projects;

(LO6) critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data (that may be incomplete), to make judgements, and to frame appropriate questions to achieve a solution - or identify a range of solutions - to a problem;

(LO7) communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences;

(LO8) exercise initiative and personal responsibility, including decision-making in complex and unpredictable contexts;

(LO9) undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature.

Course learning outcomes / Module cross reference

(LO1) deploy accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within Sociology and Social Policy:

SS4004 Researching Social Life (I)
SS4006 Social Policy & Society (I)
SS4008 Sociological Imagination (I)
SS5006 Racism and Ethnicity (P)
SS5008 Self & Society (P)
SS5009 Social Policy in Theory and Practice
(P)
SS5054 Social Networking and Virtual Worlds
(P)
SS6051 Religion and Social Science (A)
SS6056 Education Issues, Inequalities and
Futures (A)
SS6P02 Sociology Dissertation (A) or
SS6P03 Social Policy Dissertation (A)

(LO2) devise and sustain arguments, and/or to solve problems, using ideas and techniques, some of which are at the forefront of Sociology and Social Policy:

SS4004 Researching Social Life (I)
SS4008 Sociological Imagination (I)
SS5003 Interactive Research Methods (P)
SS5008 Self & Society (P)
SS6002 Living Theory (A)
SS6055 Political Sociology (P)
SS6P02 Sociology Dissertation (A) or
SS6P03 Social Policy Dissertation (A)

(LO3) describe and comment upon particular aspects of current research, or equivalent
advanced scholarship, in Sociology and Social Policy:

SS4006 Social Policy & Society (I)
SS5008 Self & Society (P)
SS5009 Social Policy in Theory and Practice
(P)
SS5056 Crisis and Conflict (P)
SS6000 Comparative & Global Social Policy (A)
SS6P02 Sociology Dissertation (A) or
SS6P03 Social Policy Dissertation (A)

(LO4) manage their own learning, and to make use of scholarly reviews and primary sources (for example, refereed research articles and/or original materials appropriate to Sociology and Social Policy:

SS4004 Researching Social Life (I)
SS5003 Interactive Research Methods (P)
SS6000 Comparative & Global Social Policy (A)
SS6P02 Sociology Dissertation (A) or
SS6P03 Social Policy Dissertation (A)

(LO5) apply the methods and techniques that they have learned to review, consolidate, extend and apply their knowledge and understanding, and to initiate and carry out projects:

SS4004 Researching Social Life (I)
SS5003 Interactive Research Methods (P)
SS5005 Youth, Resistance and Social Control
(P)
SS6000 Comparative & Global Social Policy (A)
SS6052 Research Analysis Strategies Using IT
(A)
SS6057 Homelessness and Housing Policy (P)
SS6P02 Sociology Dissertation (A) or
SS6P03 Social Policy Dissertation (A)

(LO6) critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data (that may be incomplete), to make judgements, and to frame appropriate questions to achieve a solution - or identify a range of solutions - to a problem:

SS4006 Social Policy & Society (I)
SS4008 Sociological Imagination (I)
SS5008 Self & Society (P)
SS5009 Social Policy in Theory and Practice
(P)
SS5052 Environmental Policy (P)
SS6000 Comparative & Global Social Policy (A)
SS6002 Living Theory (A)
SS6057 Homelessness and Housing Policy (A)

(LO7) communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences:

SS4004 Researching Social Life (I)
SS5003 Interactive Research Methods (P)
SS6000 Comparative & Global Social Policy (A)
SS6P02 Sociology Dissertation (A) or
SS6P03 Social Policy Dissertation (A)

(LO8) exercise initiative and personal responsibility, including decision-making in
complex and unpredictable contexts:

SS4008 Sociological Imagination (I)
SS5003 Interactive Research Methods (P)
SS6P02 Sociology Dissertation (A) or
SS6P03 Social Policy Dissertation (A)

(LO9) undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature:

SS4004 Researching Social Life (I)
SS5003 Interactive Research Methods (P)
SS5009 Social Policy in Theory and Practice
(P)
SS6W51 Social Policy Placement (A)
SS6W51 Social Policy Placement (A)
SS6P02 Sociology Dissertation (A) or
SS6P03 Social Policy Dissertation (A)

Assessment strategy

Sociology and Social Policy, as disciplines, lend themselves to a variety of teaching and learning styles and these are, in turn, reflected in the variety of assessment tools employed throughout the course. Within the general principle of mixed mode assessment can be found a diversity of instruments: seen and unseen examinations, short answer papers, practical reports and reviews, case studies, group assessment projects, seminar presentations and essays. Transferable skills have been embedded in the learning outcomes of the core modules. They have been mapped to ensure that they are assessed at every level.

Organised work experience, work based learning, sandwich year or year abroad

Sociology or Social Policy Placement – is a designate module available to students entering their 3rd year. It is usually undertaken over the summer period – between 2nd and 3rd year.

There will be opportunities for students to study for part of their degree in another European country. ERASMUS is part of the European Union SOCRATES programme for cooperation in the field of education. Under ERASMUS the University has student exchange agreements with 16 different European countries.

Modules required for interim awards

B.Sc. Sociology and Social Policy (Hons.) students must take and complete:

Level 4: SS4006 Social Policy and Society; SS4007 Social Problems& Social Issues; SS4008 Sociological Imagination; SS4004 Researching Social Life

Level 5 SS5008 Self & Society; SS5003 Interactive Research Methods; SS5009 Social Policy in Theory and Practice

Level 6 SS6002 Living Theory; SS6000 Comparative & Global Social Policy; either SS6P02 Sociology Dissertation or SS6P03 Social Policy Dissertation or SS6P51 Sociology Project.

Career opportunities

Successful completion of this course offers improved career opportunities in central and local government, voluntary, charity and care agencies, pressure groups, research institutes and private companies. Some students continue to Masters degrees. This course is also excellent preparation for further research or study.

Entry requirements

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:

  • GCSE English and Mathematics at grade C or above, or Higher Diploma (or equivalent)
  • 280 UCAS points from three or more A levels. (e.g. BBC) or 320 UCAS points from a BTEC National (e.g. DDM).

These requirements may be varied in individual cases. Applications are welcome from mature students who have passed appropriate Access or other preparatory courses or have appropriate work experience.

Official use and codes

Approved to run from 2013/14 Specification version 1 Specification status Validated
Original validation date 01 Sep 2013 Last validation date 01 Sep 2013  
Sources of funding HE FUNDING COUNCIL FOR ENGLAND
JACS codes L400 (Social Policy): 100%
Route code SSLPLY

Course Structure

Stage 1 Level 04 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
SS4004 Researching Social Life Core 30        
SS4006 Social Policy and Society Core 30        
SS4007 Social Problems and Social Issues Core 30        
SS4008 Sociological Imagination Core 30        

Stage 2 Level 05 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
SS5003 Interactive Research Methods Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR THU PM
SS5008 Self and Society Core 30        
SS5009 Social Policy in Theory and Practice Core 30        
SS5005 Youth, Resistance and Social Control Option 30        
SS5006 Racism and Ethnicity Option 30 NORTH AUT+SPR FRI PM
SS5012 Work and Working Life Option 30        
SS5052 Environmental Policy Option 15        
SS5056 Crisis and Conflict Option 15        
XK0000 Extension of Knowledge Module Option 15 NORTH SPR NA  
          NORTH AUT NA  

Stage 3 Level 06 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
SS6000 Comparative and Global Social Policy Core 30        
SS6002 Living Theory Alt Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR FRI AM
SS6006 Gender and Sexuality Alt Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR THU PM
SS6P02 Sociology Dissertation Alt Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR TUE PM
SS6P03 Social Policy Dissertation Alt Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR TUE PM
SS6052 Research Analysis Strategies using IT Option 15        
SS6055 Political Sociology Option 15        
SS6056 Education: Issues, Inequalities and Futures Option 15        
SS6057 Homelessness and Housing Policy Option 15 NORTH AUT THU AM
          NORTH SUM MON AM
SS6058 Housing Issues and Housing Solutions Option 15 NORTH SPR THU AM
SS6063 Religion and the State Option 15 NORTH AUT MON AM
SS6W51 Social Policy Placement Option 15        
SS6W52 Sociology Placement Option 15