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Social Science BA(Hons)

  • Intro
  • Entry
    criteria
  • Course
    content
  • Careers
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    and costs
  • Location and
    student life
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Intro

Social science is concerned with the study of society and the relationship of individuals within society.

This social science degree course will enable you to explore different perspectives in the social sciences such as criminology, sociology, psychology and social policy. You can tailor the degree to your interests and career aspirations giving you the freedom to specialise in a specific area of social science or to maintain a more general approach to your degree throughout.

You will have the chance to undertake a placement in the local community which will provide you with real, practical and transferable skills as well as theoretical knowledge. You’ll also benefit from visiting guest lecturers who speak on a range of topics.

Key facts

Location Brighton: Moulsecoomb

UCAS code L540

Full-time 3 years

Apply now with UCAS for 2024

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

A-levels or BTEC
Entry requirements are in the range of A-level BBB–BCC (120–104 UCAS Tariff points), or BTEC Extended Diploma DMM–MMM. Our conditional offers typically fall within this range.

International Baccalaureate
26 points with three subjects at Higher level.

Access to HE Diploma
Pass with 60 credits overall. Humanities, history or politics courses preferred. At least 45 credits at level 3.

Foundation degree/HND/HNC
May enable you to start the course in year 2 or 3 provided content is relevant.

Studied before or got relevant experience?
A qualification, HE credits or relevant experience may count towards your course at Brighton, and could mean that you do not have to take some elements of the course or can start in year 2 or 3. 

English language requirements
IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. Find out more about the other English qualifications that we accept.

Other
Relevant professional experience.

International requirements and visas

International requirements by country
Country name
Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belgium
Bermuda
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Bulgaria
Burma (Myanmar)
Cameroon
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Ecuador
Egypt
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Guyana
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kosovo
Kuwait
Latvia
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Libya
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Malaysia
Malawi
Malta
Mexico
Moldova
Montenegro
Morocco
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palestinian National Authority
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russian Federation
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sri Lanka
Syria
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United States
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

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

Visit our language centre

For English language preparation courses.

Visit our International College

For degree preparation courses.

Visas and immigration advice

Applying for a student visa

Check out our step-by-step guidance.

Flexible admissions

When you apply to Brighton we want to hear about who you are. Grades are never the whole picture; we're interested in things like creativity, resourcefulness, persistence and the capacity to think big and find new ways of doing things. And we recognise that not everyone has the same background. That's why we treat everyone who applies as an individual. We recognise many qualifications and we care about all of your achievements and the experiences you've had that set you apart.

Find out more

Graphic with the text 'Potential + possibility'

Course content

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 debates across the social sciences.

Option modules allow you to specialise in areas that reflect your personal interests and aspirations. You can focus on a particular area, such as criminology, social policy, psychology and sociology, or you can follow modules across the social sciences.

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 Student View.

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 go on placement with a voluntary or community organisation in your second year. 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.

You’ll learn through a variety of methods including lectures, seminars, workshops, student presentations, group work, independent activities, individual and group tutorials, and through research and personal development activities.

Year 1

Year 1 will introduce you to sociology and its application, social policy, social welfare and social inequalities. 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 Researching Social and Cultural Life

    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.

  • 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.

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.

  • 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.

  • Comparative Political Systems

    On this module you will be introduced to some of the key features of politics including institutions, political actors and political processes. You'll identify the most important political hallmarks, for example: the legislature, the executive, political parties, and electoral processes, in at least two contemporary states that illustrate democratic, partially democratic, or/and authoritarian political systems. You'll also be introduced to political concepts, such as power and the state, in order to analyse and compare those political systems.

  • Political Ideas

    This module gives a broad overview of the academic study of politics. You'll focus on core concepts of political science and political theory, and then apply those to political processes, institutions, ideologies and the nature of political change. You'll cover the core conceptual material needed for more advanced study in politics, and also be introduced to ideas and approaches that can be applied in other social sciences.

*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

  • Researching Social and Cultural Life
  • Theorising the Social World

Options*

  • Community Engagement: Theory into Practice OR Critical Analysis OR (if undertaking study abroad) Sociology Skills Plus
  • Sociology and the Life Course
  • Global Cultures
  • Critical Perspectives on Criminal Justice
  • Policing and Society
  • Mobilisation, Movements and Protest
  • Psychology, Mental Health and Distress
  • Punishment, Power and the State
  • Authorities, Justice and Democracy
  • Nations and Nationalism
  • UK Politics
  • International Institutions

*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.

Core modules

  • Dissertation
  • Global Social Policy

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).


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
  • Psychology of Poverty
  • Sexualities
  • Society and Outer Space 
  • Class and Power
  • Sociology of Globalisation
  • Death and Society
  • Race and Equality
  • Childhood and Society
  • Utopian Theory and Practice
  • Human Rights 
  • Education and Society 
  • Race and Immigration 
  • Sociology of Parenting 
  • Class and Conflict in Contemporary Britain 
  • Sex and Society
  • Radical Political Economy and Anarchist Politics
  • Politics of the Middle East
  • Politics of the Right
  • Race and International Relations

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

Lab facilities

Mithras House is home to all our School of Humanities and Social Science courses. It has a series of ‘labs’, which may be used for teaching on your course or in your independent research work.

Life lab
A comfortable space with lounge furniture intended for qualitative research with larger groups. Due to its relaxed layout and naturalistic environment, the space is suited to research using focus groups, research using observation-based methods and child research.

The space is also used for teaching on some social science courses, as well as for dissertation research for projects.
 
City lab
A space designed for collaborative student learning. It is used by students and staff involved in the university’s Global Challenges programme, our collective mission to contribute towards solutions to tackling the pressing issues facing our world.

Design lab
A space housing our extensive collection of historic dress and textiles, which are used in some teaching on our History of Art and Design courses. It has the space and equipment to work on textile projects. Displays created by students on these programmes are on view in the social spaces of the building.

Stats lab
A specialist workspace with computing equipment for statistical analysis and projects involving video and audio editing software. The lab is accessible as a study space to students on psychology courses. 

It is also available to students studying courses involving video and audio recording and editing, such as politics degrees and our creative writing programmes. The stats lab contains eight soundproof booths for recording or transcribing interviews undertaken as part of dissertation research.  

VR and eye tracking lab
This lab is used for psychological research, specifically eye-tracking research and virtual reality research. Equipment includes an electroencephalography (EEG) headset and Electrodermal Activity (EDA) equipment.

 

Placements

In your second year the Community Engagement option module offers the opportunity to engage with a local not-for-profit organisation and gain valuable hands-on experience. It is a great opportunity to develop your vocational skills and gain practical work experience while contributing to the wider community. 

You will spend around 50 hours volunteering with an organisation, often working with vulnerable people, in sometimes challenging situations. This will be supported and underpinned by organisational training, tutor support and by in-class teaching covering theories of community engagement, organisational structure and culture, and reflective learning.  

We will help you find a placement that is right for you from the range of local organisations who choose to work with our students. 

You will benefit from guest lectures delivered by external speakers drawn from the wider community. You will also produce a portfolio where you will reflect on your experiences and learning, with reference to practice examples and reflective theory. 

 

The module includes CV design, working on applications and interviews, developing reflective learning skills and time management. Making an active contribution to the local community during your course will not only help you to better society but will also improve your knowledge and look great on your CV.

During the placement you could be carrying out a piece of consultancy or gaining practical experience in a specific context relating to an area of possible future work.    

Previous students have had placements with organisations including:

  • CCHF All About Kids
  • Centre for Ecotherapy
  • Connect
  • Samaritans
  • MS Society
  • Fresh Start
  • Alzheimer's Society
  • Sussex Prisoners’ Families
  • Age UK
  • YMCA
  • MindOut
  • Trust for Developing Communities
  • Healthwatch Brighton & Hove

Meet the team

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."

Other members of the teaching team include:

  • Dr Steven Brown, sociologist
  • Dr Kyla Ellis-Sloan, sociologist
  • Dr Hannah Thurston, criminologist
  • Dr Kerry Fox, psychologist

More about this subject at Brighton

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Two former Psychology students visited the university last week to chat to current forensic students about their roles in Thames Valley police and at  global media agency Mindshare.

Exhibition at University of Brighton highlights gender-based violence in UK and Mexico

Trans-sensory stories of gender-based violence: I feel, therefore I resist is at Grand Parade (14 – 18 Nov) and features artwork, sometimes provocative and disturbing, and includes illustration, fine art painting, comic stories, zines, performance, poetry, film, video, sculpture, light art and creative writing.

Brighton secures national Silver Award for teaching excellence

The University of Brighton has been recognised for the quality of its teaching and student outcomes in a UK-wide evaluation of higher education institutions.

Welcome to the School of Humanities and Social Science!

Professor Stephen Maddison welcomes you to your new academic home.

Read more from our blog

Top 30% in the UK for graduate earnings in sociology, social policy and anthropology, three years after graduating

Longitudinal Education Outcomes, 2022

Careers

Prepare for your career 

In your career you’ll need a combination of knowledge, skills, personal qualities and relevant experiences – and you’ll get all of this from your degree.

  • The optional placement will give you hands-on experience and help you stand out to potential employers.
  • Option modules from a wide range of subject areas offer the flexibility to tailor the degree to your interests and career aspirations.
  • Guest speakers will add to your learning and provide networking opportunities.
Counsellor working with a client

Work-related experience 

Many of our modules include visiting guest speakers who present on a range of topics and give insight into their organisations. Speakers have come from organisations including:   

  • Eastbourne Foodbank  
  • St Mungo’s  
  • Troubled Families Programme   
  • Boing Boing   
  • Trust for Developing Communities.

We also run a Sociology of Brighton lecture series which brings in a range of speakers who deliver lectures in different locations around Brighton such as the Palace Pier. Content has included:  

  • sociology of the seaside  
  • LGBTQ spaces   
  • crime  
  • gentrification.  

We also work with MindOut, a local LGBT mental health project, to bring a Living Library to the campus. The library is designed to challenge prejudice and stigma. Trained volunteers act as ‘books’ to help you explore social issues.

What can I do with a social science degree?

Our BA Social Science degree opens doors to wide range of career opportunities due to the flexibility of the subject areas you can choose to specialise in.

Potential areas of work include:

  • educational psychology
  • crime prevention
  • health psychology
  • community development
  • occupational psychology
  • public services
  • social care
  • central or local government
  • management
  • social research.

This degree opens up a range of postgraduate study options at Brighton. Postgraduate courses include: 

  • Community Psychology MA 
  • Social Research Methods MSc 

There are also opportunities to join our team of world-leading researchers and complete your PhD in subjects including Sociology and Criminology. 

Supporting your employability 

Outside of your course, our Careers Service is here to support you as you discover (and re-discover) your strengths and what matters to you. We are here for you throughout your university journey as you work towards a fulfilling and rewarding career.

Connect with our careers team

  • Find part-time work that you can combine with your studies.
  • Find, or be, a mentor or get involved with our peer-to-peer support scheme.
  • Develop your business ideas through our entrepreneurial support network.
  • Get professional advice and support with career planning, CV writing and interview top tips.
  • Meet potential employers at our careers fairs.
  • Find rewarding volunteering opportunities to help you discover more about what makes you tick, and build your CV.

Whatever your career needs, we are here to help. And that's not just while you are a student, our support carries on after you've graduated.

Find out more...

Coloured background with the words Be More, Connected, Skilled, Employable

Fees and costs

Course fees

UK (full-time) 9,250 GBP

International (full-time) 15,900 GBP

The fees listed here are for the first year of full-time study if you start your course in the academic year 2024–25.

You will pay fees for each year of your course. Some fees may increase each year.

UK undergraduate and some postgraduate fees are regulated by the UK government and increases will not be more than the maximum amount allowed. Course fees that are not regulated may increase each year by up to 5% or RPI (whichever is higher).

If you are studying part-time your fee will usually be calculated based on the number of modules that you take.

Find out more

  • Fees, bursaries, scholarships and government funding info for UK and international undergraduate and postgraduate students
  • Student finance and budgeting while studying
  • About the university’s fees by checking our student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf).

What's included

You may have to pay additional costs during your studies. 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. A summary of the costs that you may be expected to pay, and what is included in your fees, while studying a course in the School of Humanities and Social Science in the 2022–23 academic year are listed here.

  • For some assessments you may be required to print large format posters for presentations at a cost of £5–£10 per poster.
  • Most coursework submissions are electronic but you may wish to print notes and should budget up to £100 for printing.
  • Course books are available from the university but you may wish to budget up to £200 to buy your own copies.
  • Some courses include an optional placement module for which students will need to cover the costs of travel to and from the placement and DBS checks as required.
  • For the Humanistic Psychotherapeutic Counselling PGDip and Psychotherapeutic Psychodynamic Counselling PGDip, the following course-related costs are not included in the tuition fee:
    • Supervision fees: £1,170 for each full year. Estimated based on £45 per hour with fortnightly meetings. In some agencies, supervision will be provided at no cost. Where students have to pay, the cost will only begin when supervision begins.
    • Personal counselling/therapy: £2,000–£2,800 over the course. Estimated based on £40 per hour.
  • For a number of courses you will have the opportunity to attend field trips and off-site visits. These are optional and are not required to pass your course but under normal circumstances we would expect a budget of approximately £150 per year will cover the costs of particular trips. The amount spent would be based on location and number of trips taken.
  • You will have access to computers and necessary software, however many students choose to buy their own hardware, software and accessories. The amount spent will depend on your individual choices but this expenditure is not essential to pass any of our courses.

You can chat with our enquiries team if you have a question or need more information. Or check our finance pages for advice about funding and scholarships as well as more information about fees and advice on international and island fee-paying status.

Location and student life

Campus where this course is taught

Moulsecoomb campus

Two miles north of Brighton seafront, Moulsecoomb is our largest campus and student village. Moulsecoomb has been transformed by a recent development of our estate. On campus you'll find new Students' Union, events venue, and sports and fitness facilities, alongside the library and student centre.

Over 900 students live here in our halls, Moulsecoomb Place and the new Mithras halls – Brunswick, Goldstone, Hanover, Preston and Regency.

Moulsecoomb has easy access to buses and trains and to all the exciting things happening in our home city.

Two people walking past Mithras halls

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of a place in halls of residence to all eligible students. So if you applied for halls by the deadline you are guaranteed a room in our halls of residence.

Brighton: Moulsecoomb

Halls of residence
We have self-catered halls on all our campuses, within minutes of your classes, and other options that are very nearby.

You can apply for any of our halls, but the options closest to your study location are:

  • Mithras Halls are stylish new high-rises in the heart of the student village at our revitalised Moulsecoomb campus with ensuite rooms for more than 800 students.
  • Varley Park is a popular dedicated halls site, offering a mix of rooms and bathroom options at different prices. It is around two miles from Moulsecoomb campus and four miles from the city centre, and is easy to get to by bus.

Want to live independently?
We can help – find out more about private renting.

Relaxing in halls

Modern accommodation at Moulsecoomb

Mithras halls room with a view

Relaxing in halls near the campus

Student Union social space

Student Union social space at Moulsecoomb

Local area

About Brighton

The city of Brighton & Hove is a forward-thinking place which leads the way in the arts, technology, sustainability and creativity. You'll find living here plays a key role in your learning experience.

Brighton is a leading centre for creative media technology, recently named the startup capital of the UK.

The city is home to a national 5G testbed and over 1,000 tech businesses. The digital sector is worth over £1bn a year to the local economy - as much as tourism.

All of our full-time undergraduate courses involve work-based learning - this could be through placements, live briefs and guest lectures. Many of these opportunities are provided by local businesses and organisations.

It's only 50 minutes by train from Brighton to central London and less than 40 minutes to Eastbourne. There are also daily direct trains to Bristol, Bedford, Cambridge, Gatwick Airport, Portsmouth and Southampton.

Map showing distance to London from Brighton
Brighton Beach sunset

Maps

Moulsecoomb campus map

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Support and wellbeing

Your course team

Your personal academic tutor, course leader and other tutors are all there to help you with your personal and academic progress. You'll also have a student support and guidance tutor (SSGT) who can help with everything from homesickness, managing stress or accommodation issues.

Your academic skills

Our Brighton Student Skills Hub gives you extra support and resources to develop the skills you'll need for university study, whatever your level of experience so far.

Your mental health and wellbeing

As well as being supported to succeed, we want you to feel good too. You'll be part of a community that builds you up, with lots of ways to connect with one another, as well having access to dedicated experts if you need them. Find out more.

Sport at Brighton

Sport Brighton

Sport Brighton brings together our sport and recreation services. As a Brighton student you'll have use of sport and fitness facilities across all our campuses and there are opportunities to play for fun, fitness or take part in serious competition. 

Find out more about Sport Brighton.

Sports scholarships

Our sports scholarship scheme is designed to help students develop their full sporting potential to train and compete at the highest level. We offer scholarships for elite athletes, elite disabled athletes and talented sports performers.

Find out more about sport scholarships.

Students playing frisbee

Student views  

Rozelin Yilmaz 

"My favourite aspect must be the multifaceted nature of the course. Studying social science here resembles choosing your own toppings for a pizza instead of choosing from the menu. In this case, it is possible to create your own way of studying social science, by giving weight to the modules of your choice.

"Teaching and administrative staff have been really influential on finding my true potential. I believe it is because the support and encouragement I've been given always felt genuine. I feel genuinely supported and encouraged all the time, for issues of any kind and scope, and more importantly I know the efforts of the staff are solely for my own future. 

"I would recommend the University of Brighton as a place to study social science. Strengths of the course and of the teaching staff are coming from the university's genuinely harboured libertarian student and student benefits-focused values. With this mentality, you don't only learn what has been out there, but you also create your answers by analysing those critically."

Rozelin Yilmaz

Kamala Sandrapragas-Bryant 

"As someone who was never sure which route they wanted to go down, I thought this course was perfect.

"When I began university I wasn't entirely sure what I wanted to specialise in, so social science was a really good option as it gave me the opportunity to pick and choose different modules across the degrees in the School of Humanities and Social Science, tailoring the degree to my interests. Throughout the years I began to realise which disciplines were my favourite and that I could focus more on those. It made me feel more confident in my choices as I had tried and tested them all.

"There have been some really inspirational lectures and teaching sessions. Towards the end of second year and in third years, there were more intimate classes, and positive encouraging lecturers that helped us to nurture our ideas and confidence.

"As I have always been interested in people, society, individuals, this course really enabled me to explore all these aspects. I am confident that when I leave university I can impress future employers with the diverse, tangible skills and perspectives this course has allowed me to develop. It means that I am not just a one trick pony."

Robin Corker

"I loved the course; I can unashamedly say it has changed my life and future for the better. There were many positive aspects, including some exceptional teaching, inspiring modules, wonderful administrative support and tutor guidance.

"Now that I have completed my degree with first class honours, I am going to do the Masters in Public Administration at the University of Brighton. Having spoken to my forthcoming masters tutor, I am also beginning to plan my future PhD application to ultimately become a lecturer in social policy."

Robin Corker

Sam Mallender

Sam took the Community Engagement module in year 2 and speaks below about her experience.

“My placement was in a private household working with a four-year-old autistic girl. She was non-verbal and I ran one-to-one sessions with her, encouraging her to talk.

“I went to her parents’ house for two hours a week between October and May, which added up to the 50 hours required to complete the module. It was fantastic to see the progress she made from being completely non-verbal to acknowledging me by the time we finished. I had not done anything like that before. I really loved it and have learnt a lot from the experience.

“I’m still in contact with the family. I had been thinking of entering teaching when I complete my degree but because of the experience on my placement I am now considering specialising in special needs teaching.”

Sam Mallender

Virginia Silberberg

"The best part of the course is that it covers such a wide range of subjects. I especially enjoyed the applied psychology module I completed last term, which demonstrated how psychological theory is implemented in everyday life.

"I also liked doing my research project earlier this year. We had the freedom to choose which area we wanted to look at, and I chose to focus on body image. I know it sounds geeky but I really did enjoy reading lots of journals and strengthening my knowledge in that area."

Virginia Silberberg

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Find out more about how the academic year and degree courses are organised, and about learning and assessment activities you might get to grips with at Brighton. More specific information about this course is detailed in the programme specification (linked below). You can find out also about the support we offer to help you adjust to university life.

Course and module descriptions on this page were accurate when first published and are the basis of the course. Detailed information on any changes we make to modules and learning and assessment activities will be sent to all students by email before enrolment, so that you have all the information before you come to Brighton.

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Programme specification

The programme specification is the approved description of each course. They give a detailed breakdown of the content and structure of the course, and are updated following course changes.

Programme specification

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