BA (Hons) Applied Social Science

Sociology, Social Psychology and Social Policy are the three principle disciplines that provide the knowledge base and academic framework for the programme. Substantive themes explored in the programme are:

• Human Diversity
• Self-identity
• Social Change
• Social Inequality
• Social Interaction
• Construction of Gender
• Psychology of Social Behaviour
• Human Relationships
• Social Welfare
• Knowledge Creation Process

The main aims are:

• To develop a critical and analytic understanding of intra and inter personal aspects of human behaviour, groups and society.
• To develop your intellectual and practical skills in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data.
• To prepare you for a range of occupations in the public, private and voluntary sector.
• To foster an open-minded enquiring attitude which will encourage life-long learning.

The course itself is delivered by a small but dedicated lecturing cohort and you will enjoy both a high level of student support and tutor contact time.

The distinctive features of the Applied Social Science programme are achieved by the fluid and visible links between both our feeder institutions and local employers (educational, social justice, social care and social health providers). Our provision is designed to meet your needs regarding specific employment roles within these industries, for example- embracing difference, working with vulnerable others, disability awareness, diversity of social identity, and active advocacy.

At Levels five and six, you are supported in identifying your individual vocational aspiration and then encouraged to use the optional modules available from the Applied Social Science programme, and from suitable modules identified within other areas (Criminal Justice, Education, Business School and the Relate Institute) to personally profile your degree to optimise your curriculum vitae, life choices and employment aspirations.

Course Content and Structure

Year one (Level 4)

Core Modules:

• Introduction to Psychology
• Introduction to Sociology
• Citizenship and Social Welfare
• Social Science Research 1
• Academic and Professional Development
• Social and Demographic Context

Year two (Level 5)

Core Modules:

• Social Psychology
• Gender, Ethnicity and Social Identity
• Social Welfare and the Life Span
• Social Science Research 2
• People and Organisations

Plus one of the following Optional Modules may be studied:

• Learning at Work 1
• Employability and Business Realities
• Human Rights and Criminal Justice
• Criminology and the Explanation of Crime
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
• International Perspectives on Learning
• Language, Culture and Education

Year three (Level 6)

Core Modules:

• Human Relationships
• Social Justice, Health and Social Policy
• Social Science Research 3

Plus two of the following Optional Modules may be studied:

• Learning at Work 2
• Active Citizenship
• The Rights of the Child
• Current Issues and Contemporary Debates
• Systemic Couple Counselling
• Penology
• Policing and Crime Prevention
• Language and Society

Assessment

You will be assessed by a variety of methods, including essays, peer assessment, examinations, projects, presentations and work based learning. A dissertation must be completed during Level 6. When undertaking work-based learning, you will negotiate an individual learning contract, with suitable support and supervision.

Entry Requirements

One of the following:

• 200 UCAS Tariff Points- from at least 2 GCE A Levels or BTEC National qualifications
• Access to HE Diploma in a related programme with at least 60 credits, 45 at level 3
• Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)

We welcome applications from people of any age who might not meet the standard entry criteria, but we would expect to see evidence of continuing academic and/or professional development and a capacity to pursue the course successfully.

Progression Routes

Employers often seek graduates with skills in data gathering, processing and analysis. With these being linked to an informed and expressive understanding of the social world, this degree pathway has formed the foundation of a wide range of career opportunities. In particular, graduates from this programme will appeal to employers who require a degree of flexibility, problem-solving ability and a broad knowledge base.

A significant proportion of applied social science students progress to postgraduate studies and research at Masters and/or PhD levels, with many attaining valued postgraduate places in some of the UK's finest universities.

If you are unsure which course is the right one for you, please contact us further information and guidance.