Sociology and Social Policy BA(Hons)

Overview

This course provides the opportunity to understand social problems from a sociological perspective. Students explore how social needs are met and investigate how individuals, groups and societies can tackle social problems such as social exclusion, poverty, drug misuse and homelessness.

Course duration
Full-time: 3 years
Part-time: 6 years (max 8 years)

UCAS code LL43
Course content

Course structure

The course may be taken in full- or part-time mode. In year 2 there is an option of studying in Sweden, Spain, France or the USA for part of the year. There is also a placement option in year 2.

Areas of study

Year 1 introduces key sociological theories, concepts and social policy debates, and helps students to understand social change. It also provides a foundation of knowledge in a range of social science disciplines.
Year 2 examines different perspectives in social theory and social policy. Current problems, policy debates and controversies are explored from a sociological perspective. Theoretical and ideological frameworks for the analysis of social policies are examined.
In year 3 students research an applied sociology issue of their choice for the dissertation. Core modules examine the policy process and the relationship between social theory and social research. Two optional modules enable students to apply their specialist knowledge to areas of particular interest.

Syllabus

Year 1
Sociological Imaginations
Foundations of Sociology
Social Problems and Human Needs
Social Policy
Contemporary Social Inequalities
Social Science Research Methods
Year 2
Theorising the Social World
Sociology of the Life Course
History and Social Policy
Social Justice, Welfare and Well-being
Research Project
Analysis and Review or Placement
Year 3
Sociological Analysis: critical methodologies
Sociological Analysis: concepts and theories
Policy Analysis or Global Social Policy
Critical Addiction Studies or Transport, Environment and Policy
Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements
individual offers may vary
A-levels:
BBB. Applicants with only two full A-levels or a double award will be considered on an individual basis.
International Baccalaureate:
32 points.
QAA-approved access course:
acceptable.
GCSE (minimum grade C):
at least three subjects including English language and mathematics or a science.
Foundation degree/HND
/HNC direct to year 2 or 3.
For non-native speakers of English:
IELTS 6.0 overall, with 6.0 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in the other elements.
Location

Location Falmer
Career opportunities

Relevant career opportunities include policy research and development, youth work, criminal justice administration, health service management, advice work, housing and many others.

Visit the careers centre website.
Fees and costs

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2012-13. Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study.

The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full- or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take. Different rules apply to research degrees - please contact the Doctoral College for advice.

To help you plan for your time here we will be providing further information about what is included in your tuition fee, and any optional costs you may need to budget for, later in the autumn.

Our website wwww.brighton.ac.uk/money provides advice about funding and scholarships as well as further information about fees and advice on international and island fee paying status.

BA(Hons) Sociology and Social Policy [L1EA009]

UK/EU (Full Time) 9,000 GBP
Island Students (Full Time) 9,000 GBP
International (Full Time) 12,500 GBP
More details

Excellent Facilities

The School of Applied Social Science is located on the attractive Falmer campus of the university, only four miles from central Brighton. Facilities at Falmer include a state of the art computer centre, extensive library and a media resources centre for student use.

Other student support services include the universitys careers centre, welfare service, a counselling service, chaplaincy and childcare provision.

Research

Our lecturers in sociology and social policy lecturers are all involved in national and international research cultures, publishing and speaking to national and international audiences, and are frequently reported in local, national and international media.

Ongoing research work informs our teaching, making it contemporary, innovative and dynamic.

Our degrees enable students to acquire the essential research skills needed for investigating experience and behaviour, supporting students to develop the ability to conduct research independently.

Community participation and development

Teaching and research within the School of Applied Social Science is supported by our links with local communities.

The Schools close working relationship with the universitys Community University Partnership project (Cupp) allows us to offer our undergraduate students the opportunity to combine practical experience within a community or voluntary organisation with academic study.

The Community Participation and Development (CPD) module offers the opportunity to explore some of your personal values and aspirations while working for 30 to 50 hours on a relevant placement. Staff and students provide their skills and expertise, working alongside community organisations to help them achieve their aims. For example students on criminology courses may wish to work with a crime prevention organisation while sociology students may wish to work in a homeless shelter or a local pressure group.

It is offered in 10- and20-credit modules at levels 2 and 3, andassessment is based on reflective as well as analytical assignments which encourage you to look at your own personal journey as well as the policy and practice of the organisation in which your placement is based.
Student views

Alex Rennie, Sociology and Social Policy BA(Hons)

Studying Social Policy and Sociology at the University of Brighton was both a challenge and a pleasure. The multitude of topics covered in all the modules I took were richly interesting and enabled me to further my knowledge of two subjects which continue to fascinate me.

It is difficult for me to isolate one aspect of my degree which I favour over others, however, Brighton offered me the opportunity to fulfil my own potential and develop the skills I believe are necessary to succeed both in academia and the wider working world.

Having completed my degree this year, I am now hoping to begin an MA in Public Policy at Kings College. I believe that, had I not studiedt Brighton, I would not have discovered the desire to excel in my academic work and strive for a career within the realms of policy.

Steve Allen, Sociology and Social Policy BA(Hons)

On completing a degree in Sociology and Social Policy, I feel much more aware of global issues both political, social and to an extent economical.

During my second year, I took part in a voluntary placement at a local club which was an extremely eye opening experience. It offered me a first-hand perspective pressures and difficulties which people from an underprivileged background

The third year of my degree saw my attention turn to the aspect of global social policy and was the overriding influence towards my dissertation choice. Studying the topic on a global scale really invigorated my interest in global social issues.

As a result of studying Sociology and Social policy, I am looking to work within an NGO (non-governmental organisation); however, there are many opportunities for a variety of career paths.

Find out more

01273 643988
sassenquiries@brighton.ac.uk

The study of society and culture

Sociology is an exciting and challenging discipline which studies society, culture and institutions and helps us to make sense of global and social change. Social Policy is concerned with the promotion of human wellbeing, all those things that enhance our lives and make them worth living.

Visit our sociology and social policy pages for more information.

Visit the school or college site

More about this course

Open Days

Our open days provide an excellent opportunity to learn more about our courses.

Criminology and Sociology BA(Hons)

Criminology and Social Policy BA(Hons)

Politics and Sociology BA(Hons)

Applied Social Science BA(Hons)

Politics and Social Policy BA(Hons)