Course Overview
An understanding of the multidimensional nature of Health and Social Care in a modern welfare state and the global context through exploring how disability, sexual orientation, age, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex and poverty impact upon future aspirations and attainment. In accordance with Government targets a key aim of the programme is to provide a common grounding for professionals dealing with issues relating to education, employment through considering equality, diversity, social inclusion and exclusion so that all agencies (e.g. health, education, social services, police, and voluntary organisations) are able to understand the contexts and frameworks in which others work; as agencies collaborate far more effectively through shared knowledge and understanding. Thus the programme offers a broad range of disciplines in response to the Government agenda on issues surrounding equality, diversity and social exclusion and its related policy framework.
The main focus of the programme is embedded in a grounding of Sociology and Social Policy, the study of which 'requires the rigorous linking of theoretical analysis with empirical enquiry'. Beyond this the programme aims to develop reflective and reflexive practitioners as 'sociology is a reflexive discipline that aims to develop a critical awareness of the social world'. The programme draws on Sociology to make sense of current Social Policy which frames the way society responds to equality and social exclusion. This programme also engages with 'the intellectual traditions and perspectives of social science disciplines' through exploring 'a wide range of intellectual resources, theoretical perspectives and academic disciplines to illuminate understanding'. The programme encourages enquiry from the students about social processes and links between theory, policy and practice; through developing 'sociological knowledge' this programme 'provides a basis for examining and evaluating social, public, and civic policy? It allows the students to engage in debate about societal issues, and promotes engagement with 'new ideas; 'globalisation . . . social justice, sustainable development, social inclusion..'. It allows students to engage with the concept of 'difference' in society today.
Key Features
The debate around Social Policy and the provision of services has highlighted the need for professionals who are able 'to appreciate how social policies are continuously reconstructed and changed' and 'the contribution to these processes from those who come from different value positions and different social, cultural and economic backgrounds'. This programme has been designed as a sound preparation for students who wish to enter professions working in a diverse range of fields within society (for example: teaching, health and/or social care, educational settings, probation service, voluntary organisations, social enterprise, youth support, community education, police services).
Social Studies graduates gain employment in a variety of settings including community organisations, social care, health, education and related professions. Students on this course will benefit from:
- Student finance funding for all 4 years of the course.
- The opportunity to undertake placements in year 2 and 3
- A range of transferable and highly valued skills useful for employment and further study
Modules
Level 4 (year 1)
- Key Concepts in Social Policy
- The Caring Society
- Mental Health and Well-being in Children and Young People
- Understanding Additional Needs
- The Landscape of Social Inclusion
- Academic Study Skills
Level 5 (year 2)
- The Changing World
- Lifelong Learning: Individual and Community
- Hot Topics: Contemporary Issues in Social Inclusion
- The Reflective Practitioner
- Contemporary Issues: Children and Young People
- Equality and Disability in Education
- Individuals and Groups in Society
Level 6 (year 3)
- Sustainability and Social Inclusion
- Advocacy and Person-Centred Planning
- Research Methods
- Individuals and Families: Living in the Contemporary World
- Contemporary Issues: Old Age
- Dissertation/Project
Level 7 (year 4)
Compulsory
- Researching and Reflection in Social Studies
- Major Project
Optional (One from the following)
- Sustainable Communities
- The Personal and the Political: Influences on Policy, Affecting Individuals and Groups in the UK Today
- Equality and Diversity: Power and Social (Re)Production of Inequality
Course Tutor(s)
- Dr Caroline Lohmann-Hancock
- Dr Nicola Welton
- Phillip Morgan
- Heike Griffiths
- Darrel Williams
- Alana Enoch
Assessment
There are no exams within this programme; the range of assessment tasks has been designed to reflect not only the academic needs of the programme but also transferable skills for the work place. Assessments include:
- Assignments
- Seminar presentations
- Projects
- Promotional Leaflet
- Poster Presentation
- Reflective Diary
- Video Documentary
- Policy Leaflet
- Case study
- Portfolio
Career Opportunities
Evidence indicates that the skills and graduate attributes gained on this programme are highly valued by employers. Although it is not primarily a vocational programme, it prepares students to move in a vocational direction, and graduates of the degree have secured employment in a range of positions including:
- Social Worker (following professional qualification)
- Voluntary organisation or social enterprise worker
- Probation Officer
- Education Officer: Local Education Authority
- Teacher (following PGCE)
- Support Assistant for disabled people
- Support Assistant in Elderly Care Home
- Language and Numeracy Assistant
- Teaching Assistant
- Learning Coach
- Child Care Officer
- Family Aide
- Health Care Assistant
- Fostering Service Project Worker
- Advisor to private business
Related Courses
- BA Social Studies: Additional Needs
- BA Social Studies: Advocacy
- BA Social Studies: Communities, Families and Individuals
- BA Social Studies: Health and Social Care
- Integrated Masters in Social Studies: Additional Needs
- Integrated Masters in Social Studies: Advocacy
- Integrated Masters in Social Studies: Communities, Families and Individuals
- MA Equality and Diversity in Society
- MPhil/ PhD
- MA Youth and Community Work
Additional Costs
Students are responsible for meeting the cost of essential textbooks, and of producing such essays, assignments and dissertations as are required to fulfil the academic requirements for each programme of study.
There will also be further costs for the following, not purchasable from the University:
- Stationery
- Books
- Fieldwork
- Clothing
- Printing and copying
- DBS Check
