Social Science

The BA (Hons) Social Science offers you the chance to study locally for a highly respected degree awarded by the University of Lincoln but by living and studying close to home. Dedicated Higher Education facilities together with good access to learning resources means that you don’t have to travel far to enjoy a high quality education. We offer a structured approach to study, which provides a rigorous yet enjoyable undergraduate experience.

The programme curriculum considers a wide range of contemporary social issues and concerns such as poverty, homelessness, environmental problems and crime, with a good balance between theory and evidence. Using the disciplines of Criminology, Politics, Social Policy, Social Theory/Research and Study Skills the BA (Hons) Social Science offering considers both the causes of such problems and how they may be effectively tackled, drawing from local to global perspectives. Typically, the programme attracts students with a vested interest in people and communities, often those seeking to (or already engaged in) work with vulnerable individuals/populations. Our students frequently share aspirations of becoming “agents for change,” whether that be social, political or economic and, to that end, we expect our students to make active and meaningful contributions to the programme in developing both their academic and personal skill-set. We will provide opportunities to develop your own interests alongside the syllabus and to explore/pose your own questions, all in a relaxed but equally stimulating environment.

The BA (Hons) Social Science programme offers the chance to study locally for a highly respected degree awarded by the University of Lincoln but, by living and studying close to home. Dedicated Higher Education facilities together with good access to learning resources means that you don’t have to travel far to enjoy a high-quality education. We offer a structured approach to study, which provides a rigorous yet enjoyable undergraduate experience.

This course provides a range of skills relevant across a variety of different professions. People who have completed this course have gone on to work in areas including:

• Criminal Justice System, including Probation, Prisons, Police, Youth Justice

• Domestic/sexual abuse

• Social work

• Mental Health

• Social policy development

• Politics

• Immigration

• Welfare provision

• Housing

• Education

• Support Work

• Voluntary sector

If you wish to continue studying beyond this course, it will provide you with a strong academic basis to do so. Course progression routes could include postgraduate Masters study, vocational on-the-job qualification such as the “Step Up to Social Work” graduate scheme or, doctoral research (PhD). Those students seeking to join the education sector tend also to embark upon PGCE programmes in preparation for teaching after receiving their Social Science degree.

Indicative modules include:

Level 4:

• Skills for Social and Political Sciences (15 credits)
• Key Social Science Concepts (15 credits)
• Introduction to the Criminal Justice System (15 credits)
• Crime and the Media (15 credits)
• People, Power and Politics (15 credits)
• Global Issues, Challenges and Justice (15 credits)
• Introduction to Social Policy (15 credits)
• Inequality and Society (15 credits)

Level 5:

• Applying Criminology (30 credits)
• Researching in Social and Political Sciences (30 credits)
• Youth, Deviance and Society (15 credits)
• Media, Culture and Power (15 credits)
• Work and Society (15 credits)
• Education: Inequalities, Immobility and Life Chances (15 credits)

Level 6:

• Independent Study (30 credits)
• Penology and Penal Policy (15 credits)
• Life After Prison: Rehabilitation and Reintegration (15 credits)
• International Human Rights (15 credits)
• Gender and Violence (15 credits)

Level 6 Optional Modules:

Semester A:

• Crimes of the Powerful (15 credits)
  Or
• Masculinity, Gender and Power (15 credits)

Semester B:

• Environmental Justice and Change (15 credits)
  Or
• Challenges of the Global Public Sphere (15 credits)

Occasional changes to modules and course content may take place. Students will be notified when applicable.

The primary way of delivering this course is on campus. On campus teaching includes a combination of lectures, group seminars, workshops, guest lectures and one to one discussions with your tutor.

Both full-time and part-time study on the BA (Hons) Social Science programme is offered in an evening as well as during the day; typically requiring on-campus attendance for two evenings per week. Typically, students can expect to receive 8-hours of teaching per week.

The programme offers a range of assessment strategies aimed at developing key graduate skills, including critical awareness and reflexivity in both academic and personal contexts. Assessment comprises:

• Essays
• Case Studies
• Reports
• Independent study/research project
• Examinations
• Podcasts
• Portfolios
• Reflective reports/journals
• Group work/projects.
• Presentations