Social Science

The programme curriculum considers a wide range of contemporary social issues and concerns such as poverty, homelessness, environmental problems and crime, with a good balance between theory and evidence. Using the disciplines of Criminology, Politics, Social Policy, Social Theory/Research and Study Skills. The BA (Hons) Social Science offering considers both the causes of such problems and how they may be effectively tackled, drawing from local to global perspectives. Typically, the programme attracts students with a vested interest in people and communities, often those seeking to (or already engaged in) work with vulnerable individuals/populations. Our students frequently share aspirations of becoming “agents for change,” whether that be social, political or economic and, to that end, we expect our students to make active and meaningful contributions to the programme in developing both their academic and personal skill-set. We will provide opportunities to develop your own interests alongside the syllabus and to explore/pose your own questions, all in a relaxed but equally stimulating environment.

The BA (Hons) Social Science programme offers the chance to study locally for a highly respected degree awarded by the University of Lincoln but, by living and studying close to home. Dedicated Higher Education facilities together with good access to learning resources means that you don’t have to travel far to enjoy a high-quality education. We offer a structured approach to study, which provides a rigorous yet enjoyable undergraduate experience.

This course provides a range of skills relevant across a variety of different professions. People who have completed this course have gone on to work in areas including:

• Criminal Justice System, including Probation, Prisons, Police, Youth Justice

• Domestic/sexual abuse

• Social work

• Mental Health

• Social policy development

• Politics

• Immigration

• Welfare provision

• Housing

• Education

• Support Work

• Voluntary sector

If you wish to continue studying beyond this course, it will provide you with a strong academic basis to do so. Course progression routes could include postgraduate Masters study, vocational on-the-job qualification such as the “Step Up to Social Work” graduate scheme or, doctoral research (PhD). Those students seeking to join the education sector tend also to embark upon PGCE programmes in preparation for teaching after receiving their Social Science degree.

Full-time Study: 3 years (full-time study equating to no more than a 3-day campus attendance requirement per week in term-time)
Part-time Study: 4-6 years (as above in terms of expected campus attendance requirement)

This course includes the following core modules that all students complete:

Level 4 (Year 1):

• Who Runs Britain – 30 credits
• Social Issues & Social Justice – 30 credits
• Images of Crime – 30 credits
• Applying Research – 30 credits

Level 5 (Year 2):

• Applying Criminology – 30 credits
• Ideology Into Practice – 15 credits
• Re-reading the Sociological Canon I – 15 credits
• Re-reading the Sociological Canon II – 15 credits
• Social Science in the Professions – 15 credits
• Diversity, Difference & Exclusion – 15 credits
• Researching in Social Science – 15 credits

Level 6 (Year 3):

• Penology & Penal Policy – 30 credits
• Independent Study – 30 credits
• Human Rights – 15 credits
• Body Politics – 15 credits

The following modules are options that students can choose from: (list)
Level 6 (Year 3) only:

• Contemporary Social Theory – 30CATS
• New Social Movements – 15CATS
• Global Civil Society – 15CATS

Occasional changes to modules and course content may take place. Students will be notified when applicable.

The primary way of delivering this course is on campus. On campus teaching includes a combination of lectures, small group seminars, workshops, guest lectures and one to one discussions with your tutor.

Both full-time and part-time study on the BA (Hons) Social Science programme is offered in an evening as well as during the day; typically requiring on-campus attendance for two evenings per week. Typically, students can expect to receive 8-hours of teaching per week if choosing to study during the day, reducing to 6-hours for evening-based study. The difference of 30-minutes per module between daytime and evening study is consistent across all three years and reflects a traditionally smaller class size in an evening.

The programme offers a range of assessment strategies aimed at developing key graduate skills, including critical awareness and reflexivity in both academic and personal contexts. Assessment comprises:

Written assignments (Essays, Literature Reviews, Case Studies, Independent study/research project)
Examinations –Both written and oral
Podcasts
Portfolio
Presentations/Seminar delivery (including group work)