Course specification and structure
Undergraduate Course Structures Postgraduate Course Structures

UDEDSCPL - BA Education and Social Policy

Course Specification


Validation status Validated
Highest award Bachelor of Arts Level Honours
Possible interim awards Bachelor of Arts, Diploma of Higher Education, Certificate of Higher Education, Bachelor of Arts
Total credits for course 360
Awarding institution London Metropolitan University
Teaching institutions London Metropolitan University
School School of Social Professions
Subject Area Education
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

Teaching and learning strategies
Education 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. Key information will also be available through the virtual learning environment (VLE) – in conjunction with online test and assessment, discussions, and feedback. All this is to develop informed, confident and responsible learners, equipped with the knowledge, skills, understanding and critical instincts to take on the challenges of working in education, social policy and welfare.

Course aims

The overall aims of the Education and Social Policy course are

  • To educate students for employment as critical professionals within education and social policy settings;
  • To provide students with substantive education and social policy knowledge in modules that address multi-disciplinary concerns and are directly relevant to a variety of public issues and professional debates;
  • To develop students’ ability to critically assess and evaluate relevant theories and concepts, and being able to communicate their ideas while also devising and sustaining their arguments;
  • To enable students to gain practical experiences to apply, review, consolidate, and extend their knowledge and understanding;
  • To encourage students to exercise initiative and responsibility for their own learning;
  • To offer students a foundation for further training and post-graduate scholarship.

The above aims are met by

  • Encouraging students to develop a critical appreciation of education and social policy knowledge;
  • Providing a varied range of teaching and learning experiences;
  • Adopting effective formative and summative assessment methods;
  • Arranging appropriate learning resources and student support.

Course learning outcomes

The following learning outcomes incorporate and depend on systematic understanding of the key aspects of the knowledge base of Education 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

  • deploy accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within Education and Social Policy (LO1);
  • devise and sustain arguments, and/or to solve problems, using ideas and techniques, some of which are at the forefront of Education and Social Policy (LO2);
  • describe and comment upon particular aspects of current research, or equivalent advanced scholarship, in Education and Social Policy recognising the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge (LO3);
  • 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 Education 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 (LO5);
  • 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 (LO6);
  • communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences (LO7);
  • exercise initiative and personal responsibility, including decision-making in complex and unpredictable contexts (LO8);
  • undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature (LO9).

Course learning outcomes / Module cross reference

Mapping matrix of modules delivering the course learning outcomes
Course learning outcome (list all) Met by module aim/learning outcome (list all relevant module titles)

1. deploy accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within Education and Social Policy (LO1);
SS4006 Social Policy and Society
SS4030 Becoming an Educationist
SS4033 Making Sense of Education
SS5009 Social Policy in Theory and Practice
SS5030 Knowledge, Ideologies and Curricula
SS5034 Education Policy in Historical and Cultural Contexts
SS5078 Multilingualism and Learning Languages
SS5080 Gender and Education
SS5081 Education: Experiential learning
SS6033 Inclusion and Special Educational Needs
SS6072 Philosophy, Enlightenment and Education
SS6073 Sport, Education and Society
SS6074 ‘Race’, Empire and Education
SS6P03 Social Policy Dissertation

2. devise and sustain arguments, and/or to solve problems, using ideas and techniques, some of which are at the forefront of Education and Social Policy (LO2);
SS4006 Social Policy and Society
SS4007 Social Problems and Social Issues
SS4030 Becoming an Educationist
SS5009 Social Policy in Theory and Practice
SS5034 Education Policy in Historical and Cultural Contexts
SS5078 Multilingualism and Learning Languages
SS5073 Peer Mentoring in Practice
SS5077 Religion and Education in Contemporary Society
SS6000 Comparative and Global Social Policy
SS6072 Philosophy, Enlightenment and Education
SS6074 ‘Race’, Empire and Education
SS6075 Science Education and Public Understanding
SS6P03 Social Policy Dissertation

3. describe and comment upon particular aspects of current research, or equivalent advanced scholarship, in Education and Social Policy, recognising the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge (LO3);
SS5005 Youth, Resistance and Social Control
SS5006 Racism and Ethnicity
SS5009 Social Policy in Theory and Practice
SS5034 Education Policy in Historical and Cultural Contexts
SS5073 Peer Mentoring in Practice
SS5080 Gender and Education
SS6000 Comparative and Global Social Policy
SS6033 Inclusion and Special Educational Needs
SS6055 Political Sociology
SS6057 Homelessness and Housing Policy
SS6075 Science Education and Public Understanding
SS6P03 Social Policy Dissertation

4. 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 Education and Social Policy) (LO4);
SS4030 Becoming an Educationist
SS5034 Education Policy in Historical and Cultural Contexts
SS5081 Education: Experiential learning
SS6P03 Social Policy Dissertation
SS6W51 Social Policy Work Placement

5. 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 (LO5);
SS4006 Social Policy and Society
SS4007 Social Problems and Social Issues
SS4030 Becoming an Educationist
SS5009 Social Policy in Theory and Practice
SS5073 Peer Mentoring in Practice
SS5081 Education: Experiential learning
SS6000 Comparative and Global Social Policy
SS6P03 Social Policy Dissertation

6. 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 (LO6);
SS4007 Social Problems and Social Issues
SS4033 Making Sense of Education
SS5009 Social Policy in Theory and Practice
SS5030 Knowledge, Ideologies and Curricula
SS6000 Comparative and Global Social Policy
SS6033 Inclusion and Special Educational Needs
SS6074 ‘Race’, Empire and Education
SS6P03 Social Policy Dissertation

7. communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences (LO7);
SS4006 Social Policy and Society
SS4030 Becoming an Educationist
SS5005 Youth, Resistance and Social Control
SS5006 Racism and Ethnicity
SS5073 Peer Mentoring in Practice
SS6000 Comparative and Global Social Policy
SS6055 Political Sociology
SS6057 Homelessness and Housing Policy
SS6075 Science Education and Public Understanding

8. exercise initiative and personal responsibility, including decision-making in complex and unpredictable contexts (LO8);
SS4030 Becoming an Educationist
SS5073 Peer Mentoring in Practice
SS5081 Education: Experiential learning
SS6P03 Social Policy Dissertation
SS6W51 Social Policy Work Placement

9. undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature (LO9).
SS5073 Peer Mentoring in Practice
SS5081 Education: Experiential learning
SS6033 Inclusion and Special Educational Needs
SS6P03 Social Policy Dissertation
SS6W51 Social Policy Work Placement

Principle QAA benchmark statements

Education Studies
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Pages/Subject-benchmark-statement-Education-studies.aspx

Social Policy and Administration
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Pages/Subject-benchmark-statement-Social-policy-and-administration.aspx

Assessment strategy

The variety of modules and teaching styles used throughout the course is reflected in the variety of assessment tools employed – seen examinations, essays, reflections, evaluations, reports, reviews, case studies, presentations and blended learning exercises. In each of these, transferrable skills are embedded. Formative feedback is provided at key stages of each module to facilitate students’ progression over the year. Oral feedback is given in groups and in one-to-one sessions with students. Supportive and guiding written commentary is also provided. Assessment guidelines and criteria are posted on the VLE in good time for students to complete their tasks.

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

Work experience
At Level 5, students have the opportunity to take a 15-credit year-long module (SS5081 Education: Experiential Learning) that enables them to undertake a period of work-based learning within an appropriate organisation, and to gain credit for that learning. Students are encouraged to apply, test and extend the knowledge that they have gained through their programme to enhance and extend their understanding of professional educational practice. On successful competition of the module, students will be able to illustrate how the work-based learning experience has strengthened, altered or provided an enhanced way of understanding educational practice/policy.

Level 6, SS6W51 Social Policy Placement. This 15-credit module places students with an appropriate community partner who will enable them to apply their learning to a relevant work-based setting. Using a model of Accredited Work-Based Learning (AWBL), students will draw up a learning contract with the employer and have specific tasks that are substantive and joined to their university studies. Social policy has a number of established partnerships, which guarantee substantive engagement in a practical way with the issues that students have been studying. These organisations include, the CPAG, The Selby Trust, Citizens Advice, LEAP, Jump Programmes and many more similar organisations where the links have already been made and the criterion for the work placements agreed.

Mentoring
The module SS5073 Peer Mentoring in Practice, option at Level 5, offers students an introduction to mentoring, coaching and supervision together with opportunities to apply their learning to support new students (Level 4) on the course. This represents an important first step for interested students to build mentoring processes as a component into their subsequent professional lives and/or to open up a specific career path.

Career opportunities

An Education and Social Policy degree equips you with the skills, knowledge and understanding to take on a rewarding careers such as youth and community work, mentoring, coaching and local authority administration and development.

Typical roles for a graduate might be as a special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) or within a pupil referral units (PRUs).

Some graduates may wish to pursue teaching as a career and endeavour to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Support from our staff and careful selection of modules can facilitate moving in this direction.

Entry requirements

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

  • At least 260 UCAS points from three or more A levels (eg BBC) or 320 UCAS points from a BTEC National (eg DDM)
  • English language GSCE at grade C or above

We also welcome applicants who through experience and/or personal qualities, expressed through interview or personal statement, demonstrate that they will be able to succeed on this course and to meet the requirements for employment in a professional role.

All applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Applicants who require a Tier 4 student visa may need to provide a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.

Official use and codes

Approved to run from 2014/15 Specification version 1 Specification status Validated
Original validation date 13 Jun 2014 Last validation date 13 Jun 2014  
Sources of funding HE FUNDING COUNCIL FOR ENGLAND
JACS codes X300 (Academic Studies in Education): 50% , L400 (Social Policy): 50%
Route code EDSCPL

Course Structure

Stage 1 Level 04 September start Not currently offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
SH4000 Communicating with Different Client Groups Core 30        
SS4000 Cultures, Identity and Difference Core 30        
SS4006 Social Policy and Society Core 30        
SS4007 Social Problems and Social Issues Core 30        
SS4008 Sociological Imagination Core 30        
SS4030 Becoming an Educationist: Reading, Writing and ... Core 30        
SS4033 Making Sense of Education Core 30        

Stage 1 Level 04 January start Not currently offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
SH4000 Communicating with Different Client Groups Core 30        
SS4000 Cultures, Identity and Difference Core 30        
SS4006 Social Policy and Society Core 30        
SS4007 Social Problems and Social Issues Core 30        
SS4008 Sociological Imagination Core 30        
SS4030 Becoming an Educationist: Reading, Writing and ... Core 30        
SS4033 Making Sense of Education Core 30        

Stage 2 Level 05 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
SS5015 Social Problems and Social Policy Core 30        
SS5034 Education Policy in Historical and Social Contexts Core 30        
SS5073 Peer Mentoring in Practice Alt Core 15        
SS5081 Education: Experiential Learning Alt Core 15 NORTH AUT+SPR THU AM
SS5005 Youth, Resistance and Social Control Option 30        
SS5006 Racism and Ethnicity Option 30 NORTH AUT+SPR FRI PM
SS5030 Knowledge, Ideologies and Curricula Option 30        
SS5078 Multilingualism and Learning Languages Option 15        
SS5082 Personal Wellbeing and Educational Outcomes 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        
SS6010 Philosophy of Education Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR THU AM
SS6P03 Social Policy Dissertation Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR TUE PM
SS6011 Inclusion, Education and Equalities Option 30 NORTH AUT+SPR MON AM
SS6057 Homelessness and Housing Policy Option 15 NORTH AUT THU AM
          NORTH SUM MON AM
SS6073 Sport, Education and Society Option 15        
SS6080 Gender and Education Option 15 NORTH AUT MON PM
SS6W53 Sociology and Social Policy Work Placement Option 15 NORTH AUT TUE PM
          NORTH SPR TUE PM
XK0000 Extension of Knowledge Module Option 15 NORTH SPR NA  
          NORTH AUT NA