Social Policy

Course overview

This degree addresses some of the big questions and social issues currently being debated by the media, the public and the Government. For example, it examines reasons behind, and responses to, social problems such as poverty and social exclusion, antisocial behaviour, racism and homelessness. It is an area of study of great contemporary relevance.

Formal lectures and seminars will provide you with the theory necessary to develop a real understanding of current social issues. Workshops will give you the opportunity to get to grips with the theory in an exciting and challenging environment, and to develop your practical skills.

The opportunity to take part in an internship (work experience placement) will allow you to put these skills to test in a 'real world' situation.

When you graduate you will be able to:

• Research and analyse a range of social policies and problems.
• Explore and evaluate how social policies respond to social problems.
• Participate effectively in the process of both policymaking and policy implementation.

This degree will give you the opportunity to get right to the heart of some of the most hotly debated issues of our time, giving you the skills and confidence to approach policy issues in a rational, analytical way. Crucially, it will also provide you with the kind of knowledge and skills much valued by employers in this sector.

MODULE GUIDE

Your course content will vary depending on your choice of options. As a guide, Social Policy modules will include:

Core modules

• Level 1:
  • Living in Contemporary Society
  • Controversies in Criminal Justice
  • Comparing Welfare Systems
  • Research Appreciation and Methods in Health and Social Studies
  • Social Problems, Policy and Politics
• Level 2:
  • Sexuality, Family and Childhood
  • Youth Offending
  • Policies and Practice
  • Health and Social Care
  • Communities, Housing and Neighbourhoods
  • Citizenship, Migration and Belonging
  • Review of Research Processes in Health and Social Studies
  • Social Policy Internship
• Level 3:
  • Crime and Community Safety
  • People and Policies at the Margins
  • Violence and Harm
  • Working with Groups and Communities
  • Health, Illness and the Body
  • Preparing for Employment in Youth Work and Social Policy
  • Major Undergraduate Project/ Dissertation

Assessment

Assessment is via a mix of essays, project reports, individual and group presentations, portfolios, mind maps, case studies, debates, policy reports, seminar papers, examination and observation reports.

Dedication: full-time.