What role can you play as a social scientist beyond the University? This module explores our public responsibilities as social scientists to share our knowledge beyond university walls and contribute to social change locally, nationally and globally. You will consider how ideas, theories and practice from your studies can impact the real-world causing real change. Together, we'll discuss the major social challenges that public social scientists encounter today and what can be done about them. The module also encourages you to think about life after university, considering the responsibilities and opportunities you have as a social science graduate to bring your insight and expertise to the world.

You will develop as a social researcher, equipped to undertake your own research projects. You will learn how to design research plans, manage ethical issues, undertake data analysis, and present your findings. You will develop skills in both qualitative and quantitative research methods, and practice methods in small group settings. You will apply your learning to a research topic of your choice, developing and generating knowledge on real-world phenomena relevant to your intended future career. You will be supported one-to-one by a supervisor with research expertise who can advise throughout your project. You will develop investigative, analytical and presentation skills that will be of value throughout your career.

Education has long been established as a means of achieving greater equality for all, with educational policy positioned as egalitarian. This module critically explores education’s identity within contemporary contexts of neoliberalism, capitalism and postmodernity. It includes an exploration of the possibilities and barriers to emancipatory education, including globalisation, technological advancements, and contemporary educational improvement agendas.  

The module invites students to consider how their personal biographies relate to both contemporary and legacy educational policy agendas. The module utilises critical social theory to debate the impact of educational reform, and the social and structural forces that drive it. The module also considers the social conditions required for education to deliver greater equality, and the impact that curriculum design has upon social mobility.

You will critically analyse justifications of punishment over history to the present day, nationally and internationally. You will examine different types of punishment and their use in penal policy. You will develop knowledge of the role of punishment practitioners and their practices. You will study the impact of gender, race, religion, age, class, sex, and disability on the delivery and experience of punishment, with case studies on current social issues such as transgender prisoner policy, and the challenges of young and aging prison populations. You will critically assess the ethics of imprisonment and other punishment, and a range of perspectives on criminal justice reform, including arguments for rehabilitation outside prisons and abolitionist perspectives.