Most people feel strongly about one issue or another, few have the opportunity to influence the decisions which affect that issue.
This course looks at the way society meets or fails to meet the needs of people and their families. This course will equip you for jobs that require an informed approach to creative thinking, planning and decision-making in areas of social need and social justice.
We aim to provide you with a hands-on, stimulating approach to learning, which uses and draws upon the vibrant local environment
You will focus on the factors which influence the development of social policy and the provision of social care. You will explore a variety of issues including poverty, ethnicity, health, gender, community care, family policy and ageing, from the perspectives of policy formulation and implementation.
Structure
Year one
In your first year you will take a series of modules which will offer a general introduction to the study of social policy.
Introduction to Social Policy 1
Students explore the history of British social policy and the forces and pressures which have shaped its development.
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Introduction to Social Policy 2
This module builds upon Social Policy 1, taking a more contemporary perspective. For example, it looks at the way ‘fatherhood’ has become an increasingly significant issue in the making of social policy.
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Introduction to Sociology
In this module we use sociological concepts and theories to explore the changing nature of British society. You will examine issues such as ‘race’, gender, social class, childhood, the family.
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Introduction to Public Health
This module develops an historical and contemporary examination of ‘public health’, exploring issues such as obesity, alcohol abuse and smoking.
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Introduction to Research Methods
An introduction to the basic principles of research, including report writing and data presentation.
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Study Skills for Higher Education
This module will help you develop or fine tune a range of study skills, including essay writing, time management, presentations, and critical thinking.
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Understanding Mental Health
You will examine the causes and impact of some of the more common mental health problems, for example, depression, schizophrenia and anorexia.
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Year Two
With a wide range of optional modules you will have the opportunity to tailor your degree to suit your particular interests and career aspirations.
Ideological Approaches to Welfare
This module explores key concepts and ideological and theoretical debates about welfare in Britain.
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Citizenship and Social Policy
You will gain an understanding of the concept of citizenship in relation to the UK, EU, and global welfare institutions. Issues examined include disability and citizenship; poverty and citizenship; immigration and asylum.
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Further Research Methods
This module builds on the Introduction to Research Methods module. It will, for example, develop your understanding of the use of surveys and observation in social research.
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Comparing Welfare Regimes
Here you will compare the development of social policy globally, including personal social services, health, and housing
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Choose two from these optional modules:
Sociology of Health and Illness
Issues explored include ‘race’ and mental illness; chronic illness; attention deficit disorder; ageism and health care.
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Gender Issues
You will be introduced to the growing literature on gender relations and explore key areas of contemporary debate, including the changing position and status of women and masculinity today.
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Disability Studies (Critical Perspectives)
This module ‘unpacks’ the meaning of ‘disability’ assessing its impact on the individual and society. Among the themes examined is the rise of the Disability Rights Movement
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Young People and Social Policies
This module examines social policies directed at young people and explores issues such as teenage parents; sexuality; youth crime and the transition to adulthood.
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Social Policy and Differentiation
This module explores the development of social policy and the ways in which this development has been influenced by ideas and beliefs about ‘race’, gender, disability and sexuality. There is a particular focus on education policy.
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Year Three
In your final year, a distinctive feature of this degree is the option to undertake a traditional undergraduate dissertation or a Community Placement instead.
Choose four modules from:-
Social Exclusion
The term ‘social exclusion’ is a relatively new arrival in terms of social policy. We explore the origins and value of this concept. The experience of a number of excluded groups will be examined, including sexual minorities, travellers and gypsies and people with mental health problems.
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Community Care
This module aims to evaluate historical and contemporary issues in the development of community care, including, for example, the privatisation of services.
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Health Policy
This module looks at the development of health policy in Britain and the pressures that have shaped that development
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Families and Social Policy
Today the family is very much at the centre of the political and social policy agenda. This module explores the connection between families, politics and social policies. You will look at issues such as poverty, child support, domestic violence and divorce.
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Gender and Health
You will explore the ways in which gender shapes the experience of health and health care. Issues examined include eating disorders, post-natal depression, male suicide and the menopause.
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Dissertation
A supervised research project of 10,000 words.
Community placement
The Placement will offer you an opportunity to gain first-hand experience working in a ‘social policy related’ setting, and to develop key work based skills such as team work, time management and communication skills.
