Single Module Making Change Happen (30 credits)

Introduction

In a nutshell

Please note that this module is currently undergoing updates to its content, structure, or assessment methods. While we aim to keep all information accurate and up to date, some details may be subject to change. Finalised module specifications will be confirmed prior to the start of the academic term.)

This module will encourage you to develop an understanding of how to enable social change. Through engagement with a variety of social change agents (from local communities, organisations, and politics) this module will support you to understand how change is made or enabled at an individual, family, community, organisational, regional, and national policy level.

Through engagement with key stakeholders, you will develop an appreciation of how change happens and what you need to do to enable change. Workshops sessions will focus on engaging with case studies, developing typologies, and responding to live briefs and challenges from organisations and individuals. In the latter part of the module, you will pick up on key social policy areas and will develop approaches and mechanisms of directing, enabling, or advocating for significant change in society. The assessment for this module will be in response to a genuine live brief from a local organisation.

This is for you if you

1.

Excited to explore ‘how change happened’ previously and reflect on ‘how change can/will happen’ in the future.

2.

Interested in understanding the development of historic and contemporary Social Policies, addressing how we arrived at today’s policy positions through social movements.

3.

Wanting to develop your knowledge and understanding of social change and the role of policy ahead of considering further postgraduate study.

Course details

All about the course

This module will support you to:

Critically consider the drivers of social change, through engagement with live examples.
Explore the role of individuals and organisations in developing, influencing, and driving social change.
Develop an appreciation of the mechanism’s organisations use to enable change.
Become confident in proposing plans and pathways to change, as well as working with others to propose change strategies.
Engage with social change-focused practitioners and materials.

Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.

What will I be doing?

We will deliver the module via weekly three-hour workshops. These immersive, interactive sessions will be conducted face-to-face and will provide space for a range of activities including briefings and instruction, mini-lectures, reflective practice activities, small group work, scenario/stimulus activities, live brief response, and informal presentations. There will be pre-session preparation work as well as follow-up work.

In addition, the module team will support you to develop your own approach to learning through (a) guided independent study in which you are encouraged to select your own learning materials and methods, (b) the online virtual environments created for the module in Blackboard, and (c) through access to library resources in person and online.

Tutorials are available throughout to support your learning.

Assessment

Assessments for this module are applied and focused on supporting you to develop and demonstrate the skills needed to enable change in a planned and thoughtful. Here the focus will be on developing a theory of change in relation to a contemporary-issue focused brief and working with others to develop a strategy to enable change.

Employment and stats

What about after uni?

This module will allow you to develop an appreciation of how to seek to make change happen. It equips you with the knowledge and skills to engage with drivers of change in a range of sectors - including public, voluntary, and related organisations - by developing the knowledge and skills to understand how to make change happen and communicate this to a variety of audiences.

Further Study

This is a core module for the MSc Enabling Social Change. For more information, please contact the Programme Leader Dr Dave Beck.

Requirements

What you need to know

Entry Requirements

Previous study or experience

Previous experience of undergraduate study in any subject or significant professional engagement with research activities.

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)

We positively welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to successfully pursue a programme of study in higher education. Students who do not have the traditional entry requirements may be able to apply through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme. Support in preparing for the written assessment is available from the University.

How much?

Type of study	Year	Fees
Part-time	2025/26	£1,530
Part-time	2026/27	£1,570

Additional costs

You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.

Apply now

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Enrolment dates

January 2026

Student information

Terms and conditions

How to apply