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Applied Social Science
BA(Hons)

  • Course summary and entry requirements

    Course duration Help

    Full-time: 3 years

    Part-time: 6 years (max 8 years)

    UCAS code L541 (campus code U)

    About the course

    How do societies develop? Why are societies across the world so varied? Can we identify catalysts for change and predict future developments? As social scientists, we are passionate about exploring patterns of social relationships, challenging existing social structures and exposing exploitation.

    This degree, taught at our Hastings campus, provides a foundation of knowledge and understanding of intellectual traditions, theoretical perspectives and debates in social science. In the first two years you'll study criminology, social policy, sociology and psychology. In the final year you will have opportunities to investigate personal interests in these and further areas, such as environmental issues and addiction studies.

    You'll also have scope to apply your knowledge to real-world situations. You'll have plenty of support from the lecturers, especially in the first year. You'll develop independence and transferable skills including reading, writing and debating, skills of research, analysis and critical and creative thinking.

    Typical entry requirements Help

    The entry requirements listed here are for students starting their course in 2013. 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.

    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.

  • Course content

    Course structure

    The course is delivered through seminars and lectures. Assessment is through both coursework and exams. You will have the opportunity to undertake work placements, as appropriate, in either in the UK or abroad.

    Areas of study

    In the first two years you'll gain an understanding of core social science disciplines including criminology, psychology, sociology, social policy, health studies and research. In the third year you will be able to investigate an area of your own interest in greater depth.

    Syllabus

    Year 1:
    Sociological Imaginations
    Introduction to Applied Psychology
    Introduction to Social Policy
    Foundations of Sociology
    Theories of Crime
    Social Science Research Methods

    Year 2:
    Theorising the Social World
    Social and Developmental Psychology
    Community Participation and Development
    Sociology and the Life Course
    Social Policy, Welfare and Control
    Research project

    Year 3 :
    Sociological Analysis: critical methodologies
    Sociological Analysis: special topic
    Dissertation

    Options:
    Critical Criminology and Criminal Justice
    Health Policy in the UK
    Ecopsychology
    Global Social Policy
    Policy Analysis
    Critical Psychology
    Contemporary Studies in Crime and Justice
    Organisation and Management of Health and Social Care
    Critical Addiction Studies
    Developing Therapeutic Relationships
    Community Psychology

    You can view the programme specification for this course as a PDF file by clicking on the link below:

    Programme Specification

  • 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 and may be subject to small increases, in line with inflation.

    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.

    What's included in the fee?

    When costs such as health or criminal record checks, field trips or use of specialist materials are incurred as a mandatory requirement of the course they are included in your tuition fee.

    You may incur additional costs depending on the optional modules or activities you choose. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. Before you apply please check with the school that provides your course using the contact details on the left of this page for advice about what is included and what optional costs you could face so you can budget accordingly.

    Our website www.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) Applied Social Science  [L1EA015]
    UK/EU (Full Time)9,000 GBP
    Island Students (Full Time)9,000 GBP
    International (Full Time)12,500 GBP

  • Location

    Location Help Hastings

    Our Hastings campus is in the city centre, just three minutes south of the station and about the same distance from the seafront and the shopping district. It is a small and friendly campus of about 700 students.

    Living in Hastings

    The historic town of Hastings has been described as the south coast’s best kept secret. The town combines natural beauty with an exciting cultural centre and close knit student community.

    Social scene

    The up-and-coming social scene has seen a rise in pubs and bars opening in the town centre. From the quaint taverns in the old town to the slick town centre bars, there is something to suit every taste.

    Arts

    Hastings has a long established thriving art community with a large number of small galleries and art groups. The Electric Palace cinema in the Old Town is a small, independent cinema that also runs the annual ’Shot by the Sea’ film festival.

    Sports

    Alongside the university-run sports clubs, Hastings offers local sports clubs you can join, including football, rugby and netball. Or make the most of the location and take part in rowing, sailing and wind-surfing.

  • Career opportunities

    Applied Social Science graduates have a varied choice of career opportunities including government, social services and voluntary sectors; youth work, the probation service, prison service, the police (via the fast track graduate scheme); human resources, advertising, marketing, public relations, research and development and many others. You?ll also be qualified to apply for a masters degree in social work or a PGCE course for a career in teaching.

    Visit the careers service website.

Application process
Book your open day place
Find out more

08456 020607
Email hastingsinfo@brighton.ac.uk

Visit the school that delivers this course