The course is designed to connect social sciences to the lived world of policy and practice. Through studying key social and political issues of contemporary relevance you will learn about the most influential social science traditions and perspectives and the contributions they can make to understanding and shaping society. There is a strong emphasis throughout on problem solving and policy formulation, creativity, interpersonal co-operation and active citizenship.
Teaching
Teaching on the course is underpinned by a philosophy of active and collaborative learning. You will be expected, and supported, to take responsibility for your own learning and to work collectively with your teachers and peers to help co-create the curriculum. A range of learning techniques are used to offer students variety and flexibility in their study and significant scope for group work, interaction and projects aligned with participants’ own interests and commitments.
Teaching methods include: seminars, lectures and supervision; reading and extensive use of library resources; use of digital resources, including videos, annotated power point presentations and online discussion fora; policy analysis, formulation and communication tasks done individually and collaboratively; case studies; work-placement or work-related study; data collection and analysis; coursework assignments and their associated formative feedback. We will also give you a personal tutor to support you through your studies.
The following will give you an idea of what a typical academic work load might look like:
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Module
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Lectures, seminars & supervision
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Self and group study
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Per 30-credit module
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Typically four hours per week over a 10 week term. This can be split into a two-hour lecture and two-hour seminar or organised in another way.
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260 hours
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Per 15-credit module
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Typically two hours per week over a 10 week term. This can be split into one lecture and one seminar or organised in another way.
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130 hours
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Dissertation module
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8.5 hours of supervision (individual + group).
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291.5 hours
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Typically 1 credit equals 10 hours of work.
Assessment
The course uses a progressive model of assessment that helps you to build up your knowledge and skills in a systematic way as you progress through the course. A variety of modes of assessment are used to support and test academic rigour and to help you develop capabilities that are valued in work and civic life. Alongside traditional academic essays, these include report writing, podcasting, writing articles for press and media outlets, writing policy briefings, oral, video and poster presentations, personal learning diaries, project proposals and CV writing. In your final year you will write a dissertation. High quality formative assessment and feedback is used across the course to reinforce your learning and development.
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