Modules

This module allows students to build a more in-depth understanding of the complexities of social life, by learning a range of social theories, and building the capacity to critically approach social issues and their theorisations.

Within the module, students learn about the fundaments of sociological theories and the main schools of thought within Sociology, as well as how social theory applies to different social domains, such as class, gender and power. Further, students learn about social theory as a practice. This includes developing a critical capacity to examine the advantages and disadvantages of different social theories, and how they can help us to understand the real world. It also includes approaching theories not for their own sake, but as tools that can be used to understand social situations, from establishing formal sociological research projects, to translating social theory to approach practical issues. In particular, attention is given to how social theory can aid an understanding of how social issues can affect people differently according to their social position, background and needs.

Over the course of the module, students will both work on specific academic readings, and learn to develop theoretical frameworks to inform research projects.

You will develop an understanding of the social and legal consequences of the social constructions of, and interactions between, race, ethnicity and migration in the contemporary governance of global injustice, You will analyse arguments about migration, both as a range of practices and relations that people enact, and as a system of governance that manages security as well as inequality in the freedom to move, and in life opportunities. You will examine the challenges and harms of border controls, the attribution or denial of citizen rights, and migrant detention. You will also develop understanding of how systemic inequities in race and ethnicity intersect with criminal justice practices, influencing outcomes such as policing, sentencing, and incarceration. Through exploration of individual biographies and case studies, you will come to recognise the core issues of concern in race, ethnicity, migration and justice. 

Experiential Learning - Social Impact Leadership on Action (40 Credits) Option
This experiential module is designed to provide students with hands-on learning experiences that complement their academic studies. This module aims to bridge the gap between personal social missions, theory and practice, equipping students with critical awareness, essential skills and experiences for their future plans, including employment, further study and other ventures. The module is enriched through partnership working between academics and others working in a range of organisations promoting social impact. Students will have opportunities to foster their own social missions, develop and apply academic understanding and key skills through working on real-world projects. Key components of teaching and learning include:

  • Real-World Projects: Students engage in projects that address actual challenges faced by organisations, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge and key skills in practical settings.
  • Service Learning: Initiatives that combine community service with learning objectives, promoting social responsibility and civic engagement.
  • Reflective Practices: Encouraging students to reflect on their experiences through journals, discussions, and skills analyses to enhance critical thinking and personal growth.
  • Networking Opportunities: A range of networking opportunities will be shared that students can engage in during independent study to build sector insights and develop their networks.
  • Skills workshops: Experts will deliver Social Impact Leadership workshops giving insight into personal success and challenges in their paths and teaching key skills towards success.
  • Career Guidance workshops: Knowledge from Career Experts will underpin career guidance to support students to develop personalised plans for actioning towards aspirations, including employment, further study and other aspirations.

This module aims to empower students with the tools and resources necessary to secure meaningful employment and embark on successful careers.

You will explore the contribution of medical and scientific expertise in society’s management of mental illness. You will examine experiences of people with mental ill health in the criminal justice system, analysing laws, policy, and practice in the areas of public protection and offender assessment and management. You will analyse the themes of power and control in the context of the development of psychiatry and the medicalisation process. You will learn how historical treatments of mental illness have created false identities of mental illness being connected to crime and concepts of risk and dangerousness. You will develop a critically informed viewpoint on the ethical, practical, and legal complexities of treating, assessing, and managing offenders with a mental health disorder in the criminal justice and psychiatric systems. You will develop an understanding of the complexities of assessing and managing so-called ‘dangerous’ or ‘high-risk’ offenders in practice.

Choose one of the following:

1. Professional Placement (40 Credits) Optional

This module provides a structured, university-level work placement for 4, 5 or 7 weeks as one continuous block / period with a placement provider (i.e. a local employer from the private, public, or charitable sector). It is designed to enhance your professional skills in a real-world job setting.

The placement can either be organised by you or with support from university staff.

All work placements within this module must be university-level; this means:

  • Undertaking high-skilled work commensurate with level 5 study (e.g. report writing, attending meetings, delivering presentations, producing spreadsheets, writing content on webpages, social media, marketing services/products etc)
  • Physically placed (albeit part of it can be hybrid) within an employer setting in one continuous block / period for 4, 5 or 7 weeks for a minimum of 140-147 hours over the course of the entire work placement
  • Where applicable, your existing part-time employer can be approached/used as the placement provider, if the high-skilled work criterion above is fulfilled for the full duration of the placement.
  • All quality assurances/agreements provided by the University are adhered to, by you and the employer.

The work placement context may not necessarily, reflect your degree discipline per se, but rather, it will give you an enriched experience to enhance your professional skills in a real-world job setting.

2. Term abroad (40 Credits) Optional

3. One of the following Language options:

 

 

 

 

Advanced Language Development and Global Sustainability (40 Credits) Optional

The module will provide the opportunity to further develop your language skills, building on your previous learning at advanced level. The second half of the module includes a placement abroad or, alternatively, a project on a sustainability issue in a target language country. The first half of the module will prepare you for placements abroad where appropriate as well as a deeper understanding of sustainability in target language contexts.

Developing Intercultural Literacy and Cross-Cultural Skills (40 Credits) Optional

  • The multiple facets of global citizenship
  • Ethical engagement and practice
  • The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
  • Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
  • Intercultural communication
  • Culture shock
  • Cultural adjustment
  • Self- assessment of needs: identification of the range of transferable skills, competencies and attitudes employees need and employers expect graduates to possess-with a strong focus on understanding the intercultural competencies (ICC) needed to live and work abroad.
  • Critical analysis/evaluation of individual requirements in relation to culture/cultural adjustment/culture shock/visas/medical.
  • Critical analysis/evaluation of skills already acquired in relation to key skills related to ICC.
  • Devising strategies to improve one’s own prospects of working abroad in the future.
  • Devising an action plan to address gaps in transferable skills based on organisational analysis and sector opportunities.

Experiential Overseas Learning (40 Credits) Optional

Preparation for Experiential Overseas Learning will take place at the University of Chester during level 5 and will include:  

  • The multiple facets of Global citizenship
  • Ethical engagement and practice
  • Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
  • Intercultural communication
  • Theories, models and strategies of learning

Theories and models Intercultural competence

  • Theories and models of Integration and Multiculturalism
  • Critical thinking skills and models of Reflection
  • Experiential learning models
  • Self-directed experiential learning

Personal and placement-related skills

  • Enhanced independence
  • Improved command of multicultural behaviour
  • Increased knowledge and confidence in their individual facets of personal identity
  • Effective time management and organisational skills
  • Project management – working away from University and independent study
  • Self-management and personal development
  • Team building and team work

Part B: Overseas

Students will engage in experiential learning activities overseas for at least 150 hours.

Post Beginner Language Development and Global Cultures (40 Credits) Optional

The module will provide the opportunity to further develop your language skills, building on your previous learning at beginner level. The first half of the module includes intensive taught sessions in interactive workshop mode which will prepare you for placements abroad or self-directed language development. The second half of the module includes a placement abroad or, alternatively, a project on a cultural issue in a target language country. 

Upper Intermediate Language Development and Global Employability (40 Credits) Optional

The module will provide the opportunity to further develop your language skills, building on your previous learning at intermediate level. The first half of the module includes intensive taught sessions in interactive workshop mode which will prepare you for placements abroad or self-directed language development. The second half of the module includes a placement abroad or, alternatively, a project on a business or tourism issue in a target language country. 

 

Or you can choose ONE of the following:

  • University Placement Year Optional
  • Subject Placement Year Optional
  • International University Placement Year Optional