BA (Hons) Sociology

Summary 2012/13

• Join a department with innovative and creative learning and teaches approaches and study key issues in society, focusing on 'cutting-edge' areas of the discipline;
• Explore the experiences of living in today’s complex and rapidly changing society;
• Develop the transferable research skills and social knowledge for careers in the private, public and voluntary employment sectors;
• Broaden your horizons with fieldwork opportunities across Europe.

The subject of Sociology is fascinating, compelling and relevant to all our lives. We all share the experience of living in the increasingly complex and rapidly changing society of the early 21st century. This course will introduce you to the study of social life focusing on critical issues and problems that are central to our experience in contemporary societies.

2012 Entry Requirements

280 UCAS tariff points overall.

BA (Hons) Childhood & Youth Studies and Sociology / BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies and Sociology: 260 UCAS tariff points overall.

Details

Who is this course for?

This degree should appeal to anyone who takes interest in and cares about the communities and society we live in today and wants to understand, and question, how and why it works in the way it does.

If you want a high quality, leading edge learning experience, with the opportunity to debate contemporary, topical issues and the chance to develop research and critical skills to enhance your employability.

What will I gain from this programme?

You will gain a thorough understanding of sociological theory and methods and their application to an analysis of social, cultural and political life and change within British, European and Global societies. You will develop skills sought by a wide range of employers, for example, the ability to think and express yourself clearly and constructively, to work both individually and in a team, plus research, IT and data management skills.

What will I study?

This sociology course is distinctive in its philosophy and approach. It focuses not just on providing a general curriculum covering all aspects of social life, but on thinking sociologically, where we encourage students to develop the skills to explore and enquire about any social problem they choose to focus on.

In Year 1 you will study an introduction to social and cultural theory and look at the relationship between self and society. You will also study the sociology of contemporary Britain and of globalisation, states and societies, which will give you a foundation of sociological knowledge and understanding. This first year also focuses on the sociology of childhood and the development of higher education study skills. You will develop an interdisciplinary approach to studying childhood and discover how sociology is complemented by other disciplines in studying social life.

In Year 2 you will study the sociology of identity and difference as well as conflict. You will also delve deeply into contemporary issues in British society and have the opportunity to be credited for experiential learning. You will also look at research methods and be supported in beginning to think about your future career and employment.

During Year 3 you will study more specialised modules which include critical terrorism studies, social mobility and inequality. You will also look at critical issues in current British society as well as desire, identity and difference. Another aspect of this final year is the completion of a long study / dissertation which will develop your project management and independent learning skills.

How will I study?

You will benefit from a range of learning opportunities from conventional lectures and seminars to the more innovative workshops, investigative project work and information retrieval and analysis. You will be encouraged to make full use of the superb student network and computer facilities on campus in order to support your studies.

Field trips are a central component of study, with trips planned both within the UK and Europe - currently the department has long-standing field trips to London, Northern Ireland and Amsterdam, as well as a module focused on an intensive study week in a European city.

Who will be teaching me?

The department has a large number of full time staff and prides itself on the quality of its tutorial support. Staff are engaged in cutting-edge research in a number of crucial areas including themes around issues of conflict, identity and childhood. They have also presented numerous papers at international academic conferences in recent years and published books, book contributions and journal articles.

How will I be assessed?

Your achievements are assessed throughout your programme. Modules use a variety of methods including essays, case studies, portfolios, oral presentations, analysis, completion of directed tasks, enquiry reports, class tests and examinations.

What are my career prospects?

Sociology graduates find employment across the range of private, public and voluntary sectors in such diverse areas as social and health services, general administration and management, media and entertainment industries and the retail and leisure industries. The degree also provides an excellent foundation for further training and development, often at master's level for professional-level entry into a wide range of professions.

A significant number of Sociology graduates choose to continue their studies at either Masters or Doctoral level.

A Great Study Environment

Based in 160 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Ormskirk Campus is a unique and inspirational place to study. Industry standard resources and cutting edge technology combine to make an interactive and highly advanced teaching and learning environment. Everything you could want is on one site with 25 acres of sport and leisure facilities, more than 1,000 rooms in halls of residence and fantastic modern spaces in which you can study and socialise.

The University library gives you access to thousands of books, journals, online resources and extensive PC and media provision. You'll get all the support you need to succeed, reflected in Edge Hill University being ranked in the top two in England for students' personal development, and the top three in the country for assessment and feedback, in the 2011 National Student Survey. The University is also featured in the top four in England for graduate employment.

How do I apply?

Apply online through UCAS at www.ucas.ac.uk.

See our How to Apply pages for more information on the application process and our Admissions criteria.

Fees and Finance

For academic year 2012/13, Edge Hill University will charge £9,000 for full-time BA, BSc and LLB degrees. Eligible students will not have to pay upfront for their tuition. The cost of tuition will be paid by a loan which you will only start to repay once you have finished the course and are earning over £21,000.

Eligible full-time students can also apply for a maintenance grant, subject to household income, and a non-means-tested loan to help with living costs.

Edge Hill University offers a range of scholarships for prospective full-time students. These include £2,000 Entrance Scholarships rewarding determination, commitment and achievement in creative arts, performing arts, sport and volunteering. Eligible entrants with outstanding grades are recognised through the £1,000 High Achievers Scholarship.

The University will also be offering awards, worth £3,000 in cash benefits and fee/accommodation waivers for academic year 2012/13, to eligible prospective full-time students through the National Scholarship Programme.

For more information on scholarships, including eligibility criteria for each award, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships.

To find out more about fees, grants and loans for academic year 2012/13, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradfees2012.

Please note, the above information is for UK and eligible EU students only. International students should check the fees and finance information at www.edgehill.ac.uk/internationalfees2012.

Not got the entry requirements?

Students returning to education may present their previous experience in work (paid or unpaid) to support their application.

Students with relevant study through either a professional body or appropriate academic course can apply to join the programmed at an advanced stage.

For personalised advice based on your circumstances, please contact us or come to an event.

Where can I find out more?

If you would like to receive a copy of our prospectus or be kept updated about forthcoming events, contact the Course Information, Advice and Guidance Team by emailing study@edgehill.ac.uk or calling 01695 657000.

If you want to attend one of our open events held throughout the year, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays to book your place.

You will also find Edge Hill University staff at many national careers fairs and UCAS events.

Still want more?

If you have any questions you would like to ask the programme leader about this course, please contact Paul Reynolds on 01695 584370 or email reynoldp@edgehill.ac.uk.

Overseas students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk for further information.

Combinations

Joint

• BA (Hons) Childhood and Youth Studies and Sociology (LX33)
• BA (Hons) Criminology and Sociology (ML93)
• BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies and Sociology (LL53)

Modules

Year 1

• Introduction to Social and Cultural Theory
• Globalisation, State and Society
• Contemporary Britain : change and continuity
• Self and Society
• The Sociology of Childhood
• Interdisciplinary Childhood Studies

Year 2

• States Conflict and Political Violence
• Identity, Diversity and Difference in Contemporary Societies
• Contemporary Issues in British Society
• Social Research Methods
• Diversity and Equality
• Experiential Learning
• Representations of Childhood and Youth
• Children’s Cultural Worlds

Year 3

• Critical Terrorism Studies
• Broken Britain: Class, Culture and Crisis in Late Modernity
• Social Mobility and Social Inequality
• Desire, Ethics, Difference: Regulating Sexuality
• Dissertation
• European Field Trip (International Perspectives on Childhood and Youth)
• Childhood and Sexuality