BA (Hons) Social Policy and Sociology
University of Lincoln
Key Information
Campus location
Lincoln, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
3 - 6 years
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
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Application deadline
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Earliest start date
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* per level international students | UK students: £9,250 per level
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Introduction
Creating effective social policies is key to tackling the big issues we face in society today such as poverty, health inequality, and unemployment.
Social Policy and Sociology at Lincoln draws on these two key disciplines to offer an insight into the diverse social groups, structures, and practices that make up society.
The degree aims to analyse and critique the different social constructions of everyday life. It offers students the opportunity to engage in key debates about social problems and the welfare of citizens, alongside the study of sociological theory and research methods.
How You Study
The degree provides an opportunity for students to engage in research-led teaching and gain insight into innovative academic theories and practices. There is a distinct range of modules, drawing upon the expertise of academics in the School of Social and Political Sciences and the wider university, in order to offer an academically rigorous and contemporary programme.
In the first year, students can build their knowledge base, by looking at key social science concepts, social issues, and social justice. As the course progresses, specialist modules are designed to enable students to advance their discipline-specific knowledge. The course aims to develop a range of transferable skills relevant to different career paths.
Modules
First Year
- Applying Research (Social Sciences) (Core)
- Key Social Science Concepts (Core)
- Social Issues and Social Justice (Core)
- Sociological Imagination (Core)
Second Year
- (Re)Reading the Sociological Canon I (Core)
- (Re)reading the Sociological Canon II (Core)
- Comparative Politics and Policy (Core)
- Debating Welfare States (Core)
- Ideology into Practice (Core)
- Researching in Social Science (Core)
- Challenges of European Politics (Option)†
- Conceptualising Sex Work (Option)†
- Criminology in the Professions (Option)†
- Model United Nations (Option)†
- Nations and Nationalism (Option)†
- Policing Crime and Deviance (Option)†
- Political Parties (Option)†
- Psychology in the Criminal Justice Process (Option)†
- Social Engagement (Option)†
- Sociology of Education (Option)†
- The Vigilant State: intelligence and national security (Option)†
- Thinking Politics (Option)†
- Understanding Domestic Abuse (Option)†
- Understanding the City (Option)†
- Welfare Policy and Work (Option)†
- Work and Society (Option)†
- Youth Justice (Option)†
- Youth, Culture and Resistance (Option)†
Third Year
- Analysing the Policy Process (Core)
- Contemporary Social Theories and Approaches (Core)
- Independent Study (Core)
- Understanding the Policy Process (Core)
- Body Politics (Option)†
- Care or control? Welfare institutions in Britain before the welfare state (Option)†
- Children, Families and the State (Option)†
- Counter-Terrorism Studies (Option)†
- Crimes of the Powerful (Option)†
- Gender and Violence (Option)†
- Global Civil Society (Option)†
- Global Governance (Option)†
- Human Rights (Social Sciences) (Option)†
- Multiculturalism and Britishness (Option)†
- Parliamentary Studies (Option)†
- Police Studies (Option)†
- Race and Racism (Option)†
- Terrorism and Extremism in the United Kingdom (Option)†
- The Developing World (Option)†
- The Politics of Global Health (Option)†
- The Politics of Masculinity (Option)†
- War Crimes and Genocide (Option)†
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
Facilities
Students also make the most of the University's Great Central Warehouse Library, which is home to more than 260,000 printed books and approximately 750,000 electronic books and journals, alongside databases, and specialist collections. The Library has a range of different spaces for shared and individual learning.
Entry Requirements
United Kingdom
- A Level: BCC (104 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 3 A Levels or equivalent).
- International Baccalaureate: 28 points overall
- BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit or equivalent.
- T Level: Merit
- 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 104 UCAS Tariff points.
- A combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTEC, and EPQ.
- Applicants will also need at least three GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, which must include English. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.
The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry. We will also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.
International
Non-UK Qualifications:
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.
EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element.
Fees and Scholarships
Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships.
How You Are Assessed
The way students are assessed in this course may vary for each module. Examples of assessment methods that may be used include coursework, such as written assignments, reports or dissertations; practical exams, such as presentations, performances or observations; and written exams, such as formal examinations or in-class tests.
The University of Lincoln's policy is to ensure that staff return assessments to students promptly.
Study Abroad
Students on this course are able to apply for a study abroad year at one of our partner institutions in the USA, Sweden, Belgium, Germany, or the Netherlands after the second year of their degree. This enables students to experience their subject from a new perspective and to explore different cultures and societies. A limited number of places are available and are allocated competitively, subject to academic criteria.
During the year abroad students will not pay a tuition fee to either the University of Lincoln or their host university, but they will be expected to cover their travel, accommodation, and general living costs.
"What I enjoy about this course is that it allows me to explore important, relevant and contemporary issues within society. It helps me understand the world we live in and encourages me to think of solutions for social problems."
Danielle Izzard, BA (Hons) Social Policy and Sociology
Gallery
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships.
Several scholarship options are available. Please check the university website for more information.
Curriculum
How You Study
The degree provides an opportunity for students to engage in research-led teaching and gain insight into innovative academic theories and practices. There is a distinct range of modules, drawing upon the expertise of academics in the School of Social and Political Sciences and the wider university, in order to offer an academically rigorous and contemporary programme.
In the first year, students can build their knowledge base, by looking at key social science concepts, social issues, and social justice. As the course progresses, specialist modules are designed to enable students to advance their discipline-specific knowledge. The course aims to develop a range of transferable skills relevant to different career paths.
First Year
- Applying Research (Social Sciences) (Core)
- Key Social Science Concepts (Core)
- Social Issues and Social Justice (Core)
- Sociological Imagination (Core)
Second Year
- (Re)Reading the Sociological Canon I (Core)
- (Re)reading the Sociological Canon II (Core)
- Comparative Politics and Policy (Core)
- Debating Welfare States (Core)
- Ideology into Practice (Core)
- Researching in Social Science (Core)
- Challenges of European Politics (Option)†
- Conceptualising Sex Work (Option)†
- Criminology in the Professions (Option)†
- Model United Nations (Option)†
- Nations and Nationalism (Option)†
- Policing Crime and Deviance (Option)†
- Political Parties (Option)†
- Psychology in the Criminal Justice Process (Option)†
- Social Engagement (Option)†
- Sociology of Education (Option)†
- The Vigilant State: intelligence and national security (Option)†
- Thinking Politics (Option)†
- Understanding Domestic Abuse (Option)†
- Understanding the City (Option)†
- Welfare Policy and Work (Option)†
- Work and Society (Option)†
- Youth Justice (Option)†
- Youth, Culture and Resistance (Option)†
Third Year
- Analysing the Policy Process (Core)
- Contemporary Social Theories and Approaches (Core)
- Independent Study (Core)
- Understanding the Policy Process (Core)
- Body Politics (Option)†
- Care or control? Welfare institutions in Britain before the welfare state (Option)†
- Children, Families and the State (Option)†
- Counter-Terrorism Studies (Option)†
- Crimes of the Powerful (Option)†
- Gender and Violence (Option)†
- Global Civil Society (Option)†
- Global Governance (Option)†
- Human Rights (Social Sciences) (Option)†
- Multiculturalism and Britishness (Option)†
- Parliamentary Studies (Option)†
- Police Studies (Option)†
- Race and Racism (Option)†
- Terrorism and Extremism in the United Kingdom (Option)†
- The Developing World (Option)†
- The Politics of Global Health (Option)†
- The Politics of Masculinity (Option)†
- War Crimes and Genocide (Option)†
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
How You Are Assessed
The way students are assessed in this course may vary for each module. Examples of assessment methods that may be used include coursework, such as written assignments, reports or dissertations; practical exams, such as presentations, performances or observations; and written exams, such as formal examinations or in-class tests.
The University of Lincoln's policy is to ensure that staff return assessments to students promptly.
Program Outcome
How You Study
The degree provides an opportunity for students to engage in research-led teaching and gain an insight into innovative academic theories and practices. There is a distinct range of modules, drawing upon the expertise of academics in the School of Social and Political Sciences and the wider university, in order to offer an academically rigorous and contemporary programe.
In the first year, students can build their knowledge base, looking at key social science concepts, social issues, and social justice. As the course progresses, specialist modules are designed to enable students to advance their discipline-specific knowledge. The course aims to develop a range of transferable skills relevant to different career paths.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
A diverse range of careers are open to Social Policy graduates. They may include roles in local government and the public sector, in policy development within parliament, lobbying or research with think tanks, or in the charity and not-for-profit sectors. Some graduates continue on to postgraduate study or professional training.