The programme is comprised of intellectually stimulating modules that provide an emphasis on theory, and especially practice, and the significance of applying sociological knowledge with respect to the understanding of contemporary social problem issues and questions surrounding what might be done to overcome them.
Why study Sociology at Chester?
The Sociology programme encourages students to adopt a critical and reflexive attitude towards claims to understanding the social world and human behaviour, and particularly towards what might be termed as 'the dominant understanding'. Students are especially encouraged to relate the themes and issues of the programme to their own everyday experiences and understandings of the world. Perhaps even more important is the potential that exists for sociological knoweldge to contribute towards social change for the better. Studying Sociology provides a thorough grounding from which to develop a critical and analytical understanding of contemporary social problems.
Features:
- The Conference module allows students the unique experience of being involved in the organisation of a full academic conference focusing on a sociologically relevant issue.
- The Work-Based Learning module provides the opportunity to gain appropriate work experience in an area relevant to the subject and the individual student.
- Finally, the Sociology programme endeavours above all to promote excellence in research and teaching to the benefit of all our students, with the primary aim to enhance the student experience.
Programme Structure:
Level 4 (Year 1) introduces a range of ways in which the relationship between the individual and society is understood through developing a sociological understanding of this relationship and how sociological knowledge relates to the contemporary experience through the modules The Sociological Imagination, and Self and Society. This impetus is sustained by establishing notions of 'social inequality', 'poverty issues' and 'political process' in the modules Welfare Politics, Sex Scandal and Society, Deviance, Crime and Society. An introduction to the global nature of contemporary capitalism is also incorporated (Introduction to World Development). At Level 4, there is an attempt to produce and assimilate key ideas and theoretical perspectives that relate to the study of contemporary society.
Level 5 (Year 2) brings in a distinctly applied emphasis that allows for the development of ideas and perspectives already introduced. The Research Methods module contributes additional strength in this respect by fully acknowledging the importance of practical skills being thoroughly embedded within the Sociology programme. The module builds upon the themes developed at Level 4 and facilitates the acquisition of tools to put theoretical skills into practice. Focussing on quantitative and qualitative methods, the module is dedicated towards developing knowledge of the practical skills necessary to enable independent empirical enquiry. It therefore provides a significant linkage to the Dissertation double module at Level 6 (Year 3) (Research Methods, or equivalent is pre-requisite for an empirically based dissertation study). The Shaping of Society continues a defining social theoretical theme, developing classical theory introduced at Level 4 to connect through to contemporary social theories at Level 6. This module also accommodates a 'politics theme' pursued from Level 4, helping to emphasise the relevance of politics and political power to the contemporary social reality. The Conference module continues in its important role to help establish a refreshing and academically stimulating learning environment, and with Work Based Learning, applies a further emphasis on practice. The Sociology of Health, Disease and Medicine is a new module dedicated to the single honours route, designed to contribute towards the ‘richer diet' that those students opting for a single focus on Sociology have a right to expect. The Celebrities and Realities and State Power and Civil Liberties modules provide an element of choice and flexibility, and help to extend theoretical frameworks and perspectives to establish the basis for developing critical analytical skills.
The application of the theoretical and/or methodological skills so far acquired is the primary intent at Level 6 (Year 3). Modules at this level develop perspectives that engage the student with areas of academic challenge and uncertainty. In short, there is an attempt at this level to highlight the nature of reflexivity, as a central feature of Sociology, and relate this to everyday experience and social reality more broadly. Students are encouraged to discover for themselves where these theories might lead and what they may suggest regarding possible futures. Advanced Social Theory examines a range of current philosophical debates and disputed positions in Sociology and the implications of these in relation to the generation of knowledge and the ability of Sociology to adequately grasp the social reality. The connections between meta-theory, theory and practical analysis, including issues surrounding the 'possibility of naturalism' are identified and explored. Also incorporated within this module, the theories of a selection of key sociological thinkers are examined with a view to testing knowledge claims and understandings of the current social reality.
Questions and doubts revolving around notions of globalisation, multiculturalism and contemporary global processes of social change are the focus of the Globalisation in Question, Contexts of Communication and Social Change and Social Movements modules. Debates in Sociology charts a range of current 'hot topics' and examines the unresolved debates surrounding these.
The modules at Level 6 each develop a specific perspective or aspect of the social world. All are academically challenging and encourage the student to utilise their intellectual resources. Students are especially encouraged to demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and sociological skills in the Dissertation double module under the guidance of an appropriate supervisor from within the Department of Social and Communication Studies.
The range of assessment methods utilised by the programme include coursework essay, written report, 'unseen' and 'seen paper' examination, presentation and interview. There is an attempt to balance formal examinations with coursework and presentations. All modules incorporate an element of formative assessment.
Sociology is a diverse discipline which has a number of professional and vocational applications, students completing the degree will exit with a range of attributes that they can apply in a vocational context. The Sociology degree emphasises the skills of critical analysis, synthesis and the generation of a reflexive capacity. These are skills demanded by industry that can enable graduates to function effectively in the world of employment, and to play a positive and effective role in the wider community.
It is anticipated that many students who complete this programme will gain employment in a field that will have a relationship to social process and enquiry. Sociology provides a pathway towards many possible career choices, ranging from the caring professions, through teaching to business, management, the media, local government and the voluntary sector.
UCAS points:
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A minimum of 240-280 UCAS points from GCE A Levels or equivalent
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BTEC:
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BTEC National Diploma/Certificate: merit/distinction profile
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Irish/Scottish:
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Irish Highers/Scottish Highers: B in 4 subjects
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International Baccalaureate:
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26 points
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QAA:
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QAA recognised Access to HE Diploma, Open College Units or Open University Credits
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| OCR: |
OCR National Extended/Diploma: merit/distinction profile |
| Extra Information: |
Welsh Baccalaureate (core) will be recognised in our tariff offer.
The Advanced Diploma: acceptable on its own.
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Consistent with the University of Chester's commitment to widen access and participation, the Department of Social and Communication Studies has a flexible admissions policy, and encourages applications from mature students and from groups normally under-represented in higher education. The general policy is to look for a good level of literacy, together with proven interest and/or experience in an appropriate subject. A definitive version of the admissions criteria may be found in the Undergraduate Prospectus, and on the UCAS website.
