Social Science BA(Hons)

Course structure

The syllabus consists of core modules which teach you a pragmatist approach to social science including the foundations of sociological theory, linking social policy theory from practice and research, and focusing on core debates across the social sciences. In addition, option modules allow you to specialise in areas of your choice in order to better understand the social context. Your options can focus on a particular area, for example criminology, social policy, psychology and sociology or you can follow modules across the social sciences. This means that you can choose module options that reflect your personal interests and aspirations so that you can develop knowledge from a combination of social sciences.

You'll develop new ways of thinking about the social world by exploring diverse perspectives on the relationship between the individual and society. You will be encouraged to ask questions about social situations, challenge assumptions and base decisions on evidence. You have the opportunity to volunteer in a voluntary or community organisation in your second year and give a practical context to your studies.

You will learn to link theoretical and practical approaches to question the social world. Key areas of study include social policy and welfare, contemporary social inequalities, foundations of sociology, theorising the social world, global social policy, introduction to research methods, researching social and cultural life and the dissertation module.

Making sure that what you learn with us is relevant, up-to-date and what employers are looking for is our priority, so courses are reviewed and enhanced on an ongoing basis. When you have applied to us, you will be told about any new developments through our applicant portal.

Year 1

Year 1 will introduce you to the theoretical background of sociology, which is at the heart of the social sciences. You will also learn about how social scientists conduct their research and further the knowledge base of their respective disciplines.

Modules

Core modules

• Introduction to Research Methods

  The module introduces you to the range of research methods used in the social sciences and will enable you to develop the skills necessary to collect and analyse both quantitative and qualitative data.

• Contemporary Social Inequalities

  This module will provide you with the theoretical and conceptual tools to confront normative/normalising explanations of difference and inequality. You'll understand the ways that ‘differences’ and inequalities are formed and their consequences for everyday lived realities.

• Social Policy and Social Welfare

  This module introduces you to the study of social policy and to main components of the welfare state. Focusing on service provision, it broadens an understanding of the complexity of the formation and implementation of social policy within the UK, noting and discussing the policy divergences which have occurred since devolution.

  The module will embrace a wide and inclusive understanding of the subject in a way that will engage and challenge your thinking.

Options*

• Developmental Psychology

  The module will introduce you to key theories and topics in child development and lifespan development. You'll examine issues from infancy through middle-childhood to adulthood to explore how people develop through time. The module provides an historical, biological, social and cultural context for studying child development, and life-span development to help you frame the theoretical perspectives presented.

• Sociological Imaginations

  This module will introduce you to contemporary ‘sociological imaginations’ of the social world and will give you the opportunity to apply sociological theories and concepts to contemporary topics. You'll develop your ability to think sociologically, by first understanding key sociological concepts and then exploring how these are applied in contemporary sociological research examples.

• Foundations of Sociology

  This module will equip you with an understanding of traditional sociological theory and its applications today. You'll be introduced to the foundations of sociology including key thinkers, key debates, and main theoretical perspectives.

  The module will examine the development of classical ideas and the continued relevance for different sociological perspectives throughout the twentieth century. Recent challenges to traditional sociological theory will also be examined and assessed.

• Introduction to Applied Psychology

  You will be introduced to the basic approaches and theories within psychology and consider issues of application in the field.

• Criminal Justice Matters

  This module will introduce you to the criminal justice system in England and Wales by exploring its main institutions and agencies: eg. police, courts, prison and probation. You'll explore some of the key debates and policies in relation to sentencing, victims and crime prevention. You will gain an understanding of the politics and controversies in criminal justice and develop your skills in identifying, analysing information and presenting coherent arguments.

• Theories of Crime

  On this module you will examine criminological theories from an historical perspective, and gain an understanding of the political, social and cultural context in which different theories were developed, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of their current application.

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Year 2

In your second year you'll be able to choose the subjects that interest you most through option modules.

Community Engagement: Theory into Practice gives you the chance to do a voluntary work placement with a local organisation. It is an opportunity to put your knowledge and skills into practice and to gain insight into working life.

Core modules

• Social Justice, Welfare and Wellbeing
• Researching Social and Cultural Life

Options*

• Community Engagement: Theory into Practice OR Critical Analysis OR (if undertaking study abroad) Sociology Skills Plus
• Sociology and the Life Course
• Theorising the Social World
• Global Cultures
• Critical Perspectives on Criminal Justice
• Policing and Society
• Mobilisation, Movements and Protest
• Psychology, Mental Health and Distress
• Nations and Nationalism

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Final year

The final year dissertation is your opportunity to analyse a topic of interest at length. The rest of the curriculum consists largely of option modules allowing you further room to specialise.

Global Social Policy is designed to help you learn about contemporary developments and challenges for human wellbeing on a global level. Drawing on concepts and theories from across the social sciences, it covers three main themes: globalisation and welfare; globalisation and social problems; and governance and solutions.

Sociology Topic 1 and 2 allow you to choose from the final year options of the Sociology BA(Hons).

Core modules

• Dissertation
• Global Social Policy

Options*

• Sociology Topic 1
• Critical Community Psychology
• Sociology Topic 2
• Contemporary Studies in Crime and Justice
• Violence and Society
• Care Ethics and Social Policy
• Ecopsychology
• Cyberpsychology
• Mental Disorder and Anthropology
• Sexualities
• Psychology of Poverty

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Volunteering

Volunteering is a great opportunity to develop your vocational skills and gain practical work experience while contributing to the wider community. Our award-winning Community University Partnership Programme (CUPP) can pair you up with a local organisation and find a volunteering placement that is right for you.

The optional Community Engagement module in year 2 allows you to incorporate volunteering in your degree programme. It involves 30 to 50 hours of work with a not-for-profit or community organisation that reflects your academic interests and career aspirations.

Previous students have had volunteering roles including:

• activity volunteer for CCHF All About Kids
• centre volunteer for the Centre for Ecotherapy
• communication supporter for Connect
• listening and support volunteer for the Samaritans
• support volunteer for the MS Society
• volunteer for Fresh Start
• volunteer befriender for the Alzheimer's Society.

CUPP is an award-winning project that aims to tackle disadvantage and promote sustainable development through partnership with local organisations

Staff profile

Stephanie Fleischer, course leader

"I am a great believer in bridging the gaps between subjects, and in the social sciences we refer to various disciplines, theories and perspectives which highlight the complexity of social issues.

"I have been teaching research methods for many years, which are a central part of the social science degree: findings not only provide answers to phenomena in society but also raise new questions about the world we live in."

International requirements

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

Course fees

Info

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2019–20.

Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and are subject to an annual increase of no more than 5% or RPI (whichever is the greater). The annual increase for UK/EU students, who are subject to regulated fees, will increase no more than the statutory maximum fee.

You can find out more about our fees in the university's student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf).

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-time 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 DBS checks, 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 check with us for advice about what is included and what optional costs you could face so you can budget accordingly. You can chat with our enquiries team through the Stay in touch panel at the end of this page.

See our finance pages for advice about funding and scholarships as well as further information about fees and advice on international and island fee-paying status.

Local area

Campus where this course is taught

Accommodation

Maps

Accommodation

University building

Falmer campus