UDSSLPLY - BSc Sociology and Social Policy
Course Specification
Validation status | Validated | |||||||||||
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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 | School of Social Sciences | |||||||||||
Subject Area | Criminology and Sociology | |||||||||||
Attendance options |
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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)
Principle QAA benchmark statements
Sociology -http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Documents/Sociology07.pdf
Social Policy and Administrationhttp://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Documents/SocialPolicy07.pdf
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. Our previous graduates have gone on to work at companies such as Friends of the Earth.
This course is also excellent preparation for further study or research.
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 (eg BBC) or 320 UCAS points from a BTEC National (eg DDM).
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.
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 |
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 | |||||
SS5015 | Social Problems and Social Policy | Core | 30 | |||||
SC5050 | Crime, Media and Technology | Option | 15 | NORTH | AUT | FRI | PM | |
SC5051 | Youth, Crime and Violence | Option | 15 | NORTH | SPR | FRI | PM | |
SS5005 | Youth, Resistance and Social Control | Option | 30 | |||||
SS5006 | Racism and Ethnicity | Option | 30 | NORTH | AUT+SPR | FRI | PM | |
SS5014 | Global Inequalities in the 21st Century | Option | 30 | NORTH | AUT+SPR | MON | PM | |
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 | |||||
SS6P02 | Sociology Dissertation | Alt Core | 30 | NORTH | AUT+SPR | TUE | PM | |
SS6P03 | Social Policy Dissertation | Alt Core | 30 | NORTH | AUT+SPR | TUE | PM | |
SS6002 | Living Theory | Alt Core B | 30 | NORTH | AUT+SPR | FRI | AM | |
SS6006 | Gender and Sexuality | Alt Core B | 30 | NORTH | AUT+SPR | THU | PM | |
SS6033 | Inclusion and Special Educational Needs | Option | 30 | |||||
SS6054 | Human Rights and Conflict | Option | 15 | NORTH | SPR | THU | AM | |
SS6057 | Homelessness and Housing Policy | Option | 15 | NORTH | AUT | THU | AM | |
NORTH | SUM | MON | AM | |||||
SS6063 | Religion and the State | Option | 15 | NORTH | AUT | MON | AM | |
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 |