UDSCLOGY - BSc Sociology

Sociology as a discipline, lends itself to a variety of teaching and learning styles and these are, in turn, reflected in the delivery and assessment methods used through the course. Traditional lectures, seminars and presentations are supplemented by group work and case-study approaches. 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. 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. The course integrates face-to-face with online learning at all levels. All modules also use Weblearn to provide key information and learning resources, assessment guidance and submission platforms, discussions, and feedback. The course also has a range of employment focussed or work-related learning activities built into the course.

The overall aims of the Sociology course are to:

• (A1) develop the social experience, interests and understanding of students coming from a diversity of educational, ethnic and social backgrounds.
• (A2) fulfil the role of providing for those who choose to study the discipline for their own intellectual and personal development.
• (A3) 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.
• A4) equip and prepare students with practical and transferable skills for research in the ‘real world’ by providing modules which address multi-disciplinary concerns and are directly relevant to a variety of public issues.

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

1. deploy accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within Sociology;

2. devise and sustain arguments, and/or to solve problems, using ideas and techniques, some of which are at the forefront of Sociology;

3. describe and comment upon particular aspects of current research, or equivalent advanced scholarship, in Sociology, recognising the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge;

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 Sociology;

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;

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;

7. communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences;

8. exercise initiative and personal responsibility, including decision-making in complex and unpredictable contexts;

9. undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature

SS4004
SS4017
SS4008
SS5003
SS5006
SS5066
SS6003
SS6063
SS6P02
SS5053
SS6002
SS4007
SS5014
SS5005
SS6052
SS6054
SS6W53

Learning outcomes cover LO1-LO9

Sociology http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/SBS-Sociology-16.pdf

Sociology lends itself 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.

SS6W53 The Sociology and Social Policy Work 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.
SS5003 Interactive Research Methods - involves the completion of work tasks for an external organisation.

The Sociology course progresses from general introductory level to the development of more specialist concerns/areas, building upon the knowledge, practical skills and experience gained at each stage. Progression is reflected in different learning outcomes (LOs) at each level. For example, students are helped to move from basic skills of description and information gathering at Level 4, through to interpretation and data manipulation at Level 5, and finally at Level 6 being able to critically appraise and synthesise evidence.

Level 4 modules provide students with a broad appreciation of the discipline, issues and debates relating to the social structure, and an introduction to some of the basic academic and transferable skills involved in studying sociology at degree level. Students therefore begin the processes of personal development planning in theses core modules and start to build up a record of achievements at this level.

At Level 5 students build on the Level 4 core modules and develop their problem-solving, critical thinking and conceptual skills. In particular, Interactive Research Methods is a module designed to facilitate a thorough grounding in research techniques and related methodological issues. Level 5 modules also provide an opportunity for students reflect upon their practice as social researchers, its ethical dimensions and the ways in which this practice may be applied to solving problems in the context of volunteering activity and/or employment.

At Level 6 the core modules enable students to reflect on the sociological traditions that have informed their study. They also require students to reflect on the current condition of the discipline in terms of the application of sociological research to issues of current public concern. Their individual dissertation at Level 6 provides an opportunity for students to consolidate this reflection, bringing together particular substantive areas of interest with methodological issues and considering how this might provide a basis for their further self and career development and contribution to the wider social world in the future.

All students are counselled on their choice of their module options and are encouraged to develop academically coherent and personally relevant programmes. Their choices are subject to approval by the Course Leader in consultation with the Personal Academic Adviser.

Successful completion of this course offers improved career opportunities in a range of public and private sector organisations, including jobs in: social research; NGOs and charity organisations; teaching; social work; social policy, and other public and private services. The programme is also excellent preparation for further research or study.

Successful completion of this course offers improved career opportunities in social research and the public services, as well as a multitude of private sector jobs. Previous graduates have secured roles in human resources, prison services, medical research and events management.

A sociology degree is also a strong foundation for future postgraduate study in social work, social policy or early years teaching.

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

• a minimum of grades BBC in three A levels (or a minimum of 112 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg Advanced Diploma)
• GCSE English Language at grade C/grade 4 or above, or Higher Diploma (or equivalent)

If you do not have traditional qualifications or cannot meet the entry requirements for this undergraduate degree, you may still be able to gain entry by completing the Social Work Extended degree.

Applications are welcome from mature students who have passed appropriate Access or other preparatory courses or have appropriate work experience.

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.