Social Science

The first year of this programme acts as a ‘Level 0’ foundation year. In a friendly and supportive environment, you’ll develop the research and academic skills you need to study the social sciences at university level and apply them to the key areas of law, crime and politics. You’ll look at basic theories and concepts within the criminal justice and political system, both in the UK and worldwide.

Alongside these studies, you’ll be introduced to ideas in sociology, social policy and politics. You’ll explore inequalities associated with gender, class, race, disability and health, using different theories to understand social change and how societies try to address inequalities and discrimination. In addition, you’ll look at key ideas in political and social thought, discussing ideas of citizenship and democracy and learning about the development of public policy.

If you complete this year successfully, you would be expected to progress onto one of our undergraduate degrees. The list of approved degrees you could choose is below:

Sociology and Social Policy

• BA Sociology (requires a pass at 40)
• BA Social Policy (requires a pass at 40)
• BA Social Policy and Sociology (requires a pass at 40)
• BA Sociology and International Relations (requires a pass at an average 60)
• BA Social Policy and Crime (requires a pass at 40)
• BA Social Policy with Enterprise (requires a pass at 40)

Politics

• BA Politics and Social Policy (requires a pass at an average 60)
• BA International Development (requires a pass at average 60)
• BA International Relations (requires a pass at average 60)
• BA Politics (requires a pass at average 60)
• BA Politics and Sociology (requires a pass at an average 60)

Law

• LLB Law (requires a pass at average 70)
• BA Criminal Justice and Criminology (requires a pass at average 65)

Education

• BA Childhood Studies (requires a pass)
• BA Education (requires a pass)

Geography

• BA Geography and Sociology (requires a pass at 60)

Health Care

• BA Social Work (requires a pass at average 65 and successful interview)
• BSc Nursing (Adult) (requires a pass at average 65 and successful interview)
• BSc Nursing (Child) (requires a pass at average 65 and successful interview)
• BSc Nursing (Mental Health) (requires a pass at average 65 and successful interview)

Lifelong Learning

• BA Child Welfare and Social Studies (requires a pass at 40)
• BA Integrated Social Studies (requires a pass at 40)
• HE Cert Child Welfare and Social Studies (requires a pass at 40)
• BA Professional Studies (requires a pass at 40 and interview)

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Researching and Studying the Social Sciences 40 credits
• Social Inequalities in Contemporary Society 40 credits
• Understanding Social Welfare 40 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Social Science BA in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

We use a range of teaching and learning methods to help you gain diverse skills. These will include seminars and workshops where you can discuss in more depth the topics set out in traditional lectures. However, independent study is also a vital element of the course, as it allows you to develop your research and critical skills while preparing for taught sessions.

You’ll also have a personal tutor – one of our academics – who will be on hand to offer you guidance and support on academic issues, such as module choices, as well as career and personal matters.

Assessment

Modules will use a variety of assessment methods. As well as traditional exams and essays, there is also an assessed group presentation.