Programme Specification
BSc (Hons) Sociology (entry prior to 2020)
Academic Year: 2020/21
This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if full advantage is taken of the learning opportunities that are provided.
This specification applies to delivery of the programme in the Academic Year indicated above. Prospective students reviewing this information for a later year of study should be aware that these details are subject to change as outlined in our .
This specification should be read in conjunction with:
- Reg. XX (Undergraduate Awards) (see
- Module Specifications
- Summary
- Aims
- Learning outcomes
- Structure
- Progression & weighting
Programme summary
Awarding body/institution | 蚂蚁福利导航 University |
Teaching institution (if different) | N/A |
Owning school/department | School of Social Sciences and Humanities |
Details of accreditation by a professional/statutory body | N/A |
Final award | BSc / BSc+DIntS / BSc+DPS |
Programme title | Sociology |
Programme code | SSUB01 |
Length of programme | BSc (Hons): 3 years full-time, BSc (Hons) DPS/DInts: 4 years full-time (including a one-year placement) |
UCAS code | L300, L301 |
Admissions criteria | BSc - BSc+DIntS /DPS - |
Date at which the programme specification was published | Fri, 22 Jan 2021 19:32:01 GMT |
1. Programme Aims
- To provide an intellectually stimulating environment in which students can develop the critical and practical skills of a sociologist.
- To provide students with the opportunity to study sociology in a multidisciplinary context where the value of interdisciplinary analysis is explored.
- To enable students to gain a broad knowledge and understanding of sociology, especially concerning the relations between personal troubles of milieu and public issues of social structure.
- To enable students to gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of issues in sociology through specialist study and research.
- To enable students to learn about the key concepts, theories and methods of sociology.
- To enable students to interpret and analyse social processes and structures.
- To enable students to compare different social arrangements.
- To enable students to address key issues in sociological analysis and in society, including social inequality and cultural diversity.
- To enable students to appreciate alternative perspectives in social science.
- To enable students to appreciate the value of sociological approaches in non-academic contexts.
- To enhance students’ career and employment opportunities on graduating.
2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:
- The Benchmark Statement for Sociology
- Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (2008)
- University Learning and Teaching Strategy
- External Examiners’ Reports for BSc Sociology
3. Programme Learning Outcomes
3.1 Knowledge and Understanding
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the following areas:
- Understand basic sociological concepts, such as identity, inequality, social structure and social change.
- Describe and examine classical and contemporary social theories.
- Evaluate contemporary social issues from a sociological perspective.
- Apply a variety of qualitative and quantitative research methods.
- Analyse social diversity and inequality.
- Analyse the relationship between individuals, groups and society.
- Discuss the role of culture, media and representation in social life.
- Explain social change, including from an historical and global perspective.
3.2 Skills and other attributes
a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:
- Assess the merits of varied social theories and explanations.
- Formulate sociological research questions and select appropriate research methods to answer them.
- Evaluate and interpret research evidence on social life.
- Synthesize and critically reflect on sociological theories and empirical studies.
b. Subject-specific practical skills:
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:
- Communicate sociological knowledge in oral presentations.
- Communicate sociological knowledge in advanced formats, e.g. posters, video, oral debates.
- Interpret and analyse sociologically relevant statistical data.
- Design and execute practical sociological research.
- Apply ethical principles in sociological research.
- Use sociological knowledge to find solutions to public and social policy and private enterprise.
c. Key transferable skills:
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:
- Master basic study skills e.g. referencing, use of databases.
- Locate and evaluate sources of information, synthesize information and deploy it in reasoned argument.
- Communicate and present information e.g. construct written arguments, contribute to group discussions
- Communicate and present information using more advanced formats e.g. prepare posters, write reports, oral presentations using powerpoint, preparation of videos.
- Design and execute research projects.
- Work in teams.
- Use statistical and other quantitative skills, including use of statistical software.
- Manage time and work: plan time and resources independently in the light of deadlines.
4. Programme structure
Programme Code: SSUB01
This is a three-year long full-time degree programme. In each of the three parts (years) of the degree (A, B and C), students take modules amounting to 120 credits. In addition, students have the opportunity to undertake a Placement Year (Part I) after Part B.
Important Note: No module may be taken and passed more than once. Optional module availability is subject to timetabling constraints and optional modules may be subject to change.
Part A - Introductory Modules
COMPULSORY MODULES (90 credits)
Semester 1
Code |
Module Title |
Credit |
SSA001 |
Identities and Inequalities |
10 |
SSA003 |
Sociological Imagination |
10 |
CXA305 |
Foundations in Social Sciences |
10 |
CXA156 |
Self and Identity |
10 |
Semester 2
Code |
Module Title |
Credit |
SSA002 |
Global, Social and Cultural Change |
10 |
SSA158 |
Ideas and Controversies in Psychology |
10 |
Semester 1 and 2
Code |
Module Title |
Credit |
SSA009 |
Introduction to Research Methods |
30 |
OPTIONAL MODULES
Student must choose THREE 10 credit options from the following:
Semester 1
Code |
Module Title |
Credit |
GYA004 |
Geographies of Global Economic Change |
10 |
SSA201 |
Introducing Criminology |
10 |
CXA301 |
Introduction to Communication and Media Studies: Contemporary Trends and Issues |
10 |
Semester 2
Code |
Module Title |
Credit |
GYA104 |
Geographies of Identity |
10 |
SSA202 |
Understanding Social Policy |
10 |
CXA302 |
Introduction to Communication and Media Studies: Historical Themes and Perspectives |
10 |
Semesters 1 and 2
Students can also choose other modules from the University’s Module Catalogue, approved by the School of Social Sciences for inclusion in the programme, including languages in French, German, Spanish and Mandarin.
Part B - Degree Modules
COMPULSORY MODULES (80 credits)
Semester 1
Code |
Module Title |
Credit |
SSB004 |
Advanced Research Methods A |
10 |
SSB010 |
Social Theories |
20 |
Semester 2
Code |
Module Title |
Credit |
SSB005 |
Advanced Research Methods B |
20 |
SSB026 |
Globalisation and its consequences |
20 |
SSB036 |
Digital Lives and Society |
10 |
OPTIONAL MODULES
Students take 40 credits worth of options across two semesters. A selection will be offered from the following list, plus language modules:
Semester 1
Code |
Module Title |
Credit |
SSB025 |
Intoxication and Society |
10 |
CXB128 |
Political Psychology |
10 |
SSB216 |
Women and Crime: Victims, Offenders and Survivors |
10 |
CXB360 |
The Media in Global Context |
10 |
Semester 2
Code |
Module Title |
Credit |
CXB234 |
Media, Culture and Crime |
10 |
CXB175 |
Psychological Disorders in Society |
10 |
SSB021 |
Inequalities across the Life Course |
10 |
SSB023 |
Religion and Society |
10 |
Semesters 1 and 2
Language Options: Students may choose to take a language option in either semester, however this must carry on from a language in Part A. |
10 |
Part I
Candidates will undertake one of the following approved study and/or work placements leading to the Diploma in International Studies (IntS) or Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS) in accordance with Regulation XI.
Code |
Module Title |
SSI001 |
Diploma in Professional Studies (work placement |
SSI002 |
Diploma in International Studies (study abroad) |
LAN900 |
Diploma in International Studies (overseas work placement in a foreign language) |
GYI100 |
Year in Enterprise (DPS) |
GYI200 |
Professional Training Placement and Overseas Study (DIntS) |
Part C
COMPULSORY MODULES (80 credits)
Semester 1
Code |
Module Title |
Credit |
SSC032 |
The Individual and Society |
10 |
SSC024 |
Gender, Sex and Society |
20 |
Semester 2
Code |
Module Title |
Credit |
SSC035 |
Consumption, Culture and Everyday Life |
10 |
Semester 1 and 2
Code |
Module Title |
Weight |
SSC099 |
Sociology Project Dissertation |
40 |
OPTIONAL MODULES
Students take 40 credits worth of options across two semesters. A selection will be offered from the list below, plus language modules:
Semester 1
Code |
Module Title |
Credit |
SSC238 |
Youth Justice |
20 |
SSC020 |
Race and Racism |
20 |
CXC130 |
Social Psychology of Everyday Life |
20 |
Semester 2
Code |
Module Title |
Credit |
SSC212 |
Poverty, Pay and Living Standards |
20 |
CXC357 |
Producing the News |
20 |
CXC138 |
Forensic Psychology |
20 |
SSC237 |
Sex Work and Sex Industries |
20 |
Semesters 1 and 2
Language Options: Students may choose to take a language option in either semester, however this must carry on from a language in Part B. |
10 |
5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award
In order to progress from Part A to Part B, from Part B to C, and to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XX.
6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification
Candidates' final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level Module Assessments in Parts B and C. The percentage mark for each Part will be combined in the ratio Part B 40% : Part C 60% to determine the final programme percentage mark.