BA or BSc single honours or in combination with another subject Sociology 2018/19

Our degree programme is distinctive in its approach to learning and teaching. The course has used its own ‘sociological imagination’ to reflect on how to best deliver the degree, putting emphasis on creating a friendly, supportive and inclusive learning environment. If you have a passion for studying Sociology, and this sounds like a place you would thrive in, then this could be the ideal course for you.

Our Sociology course focuses on a number of broad areas and considers how they inter­relate. These include:

• Key Substantive Sociological Themes, such as: social order, deviance and power, material inequality and social class, gender, sexuality and the family, race and ethnicity, social change, education, citizenship, globalisation
• Classical and Contemporary Sociological Theory: the different ways of conceptualising social relations and social problems which underpin sociological thought
• Research Methods: the various means by which knowledge of societies can be produced
• The relationship between sociology and cognate disciplines such as psychology, history, philosophy, cultural studies and anthropology

The course is built around a number of core modules that engage students with key sociological themes, questions and concepts. In the first year you will receive a grounding in sociological theory and methods which together foster both knowledge and understanding of the social world. The first year offer also explores a number of interesting contemporary questions such as deviance, inequality, social change and identity.

Work experience

Many third year students engage in volunteering as part of their degree, which can enhance their employability. In fact five of the 22 students who took our volunteering module in 2014­/15 were offered employment by the organisation they had volunteered for.

Other information

The Engaging Sociology event series has afforded our students the opportunity to hear leading sociologists such as Anthony Giddens, Mike Savage and Frank Furedi speak on contemporary issues.

Year 1

Sociological Imagination 1 and 2 (core for all students)

Together, these two core modules explore a variety of key substantive sociological topics (such as: order and deviance; material inequality and social class; gender and the family; race and ethnicity), in relation to the research methods that have been used to produce sociological knowledge of these areas. Alongside this, they will also introduce you to classical and contemporary sociological theory. As such, these modules provide the groundwork you will need in order to develop your capacity to think sociologically throughout your degree. Additionally, they will allow you to acquire a range of key undergraduate learning skills, to help you make the transition into Higher Education smoothly and effectively.

Introduction to Social Policy (core for single honours students, optional for combined honours students)

This module will introduce you to the history of social policy, alongside the intellectual approaches that have informed policy developments from the early twentieth century to the present day. You will explore the links between theoretical analysis and empirical enquiry with respect to a range of contemporary issues, such as health and health promotion, education, work and unemployment, housing, ageing, child care, youth, and disability. 

Theorising Citizenship (core for single honours students, optional for combined honours students)

This module explores the notion of citizenship, through reviewing a number of relevant theoretical traditions and related socio-political concepts, and their connections to social policy. 

Being Sociological (core for single honours students*, optional for all students,)

This module is designed to enhance your ability to debate key sociological questions, and through doing so appreciate the contested nature of sociological knowledge. You will also have the opportunity to apply a sociological viewpoint to contemporary cultural phenomena such as films and novels.

Who Am I? (core for single honours students*, optional for all students)

This module draws not only on sociology, but also on cognate academic disciplines, to explore the nature of contemporary identity. It will also help you develop your skills of reflection, through applying insights from the social sciences to your own experiences.

(*single honours students may elect to drop one of these modules in order to take a starred module, when available)

Year 2

Divisions, Diversity and Difference I (core for all students)

This module will develop your knowledge and understanding of a number of key themes first encountered in your first year, such as: the relationships between individuals and institutions; social change; politics and power; and social exclusion, inequality, diversity and difference.

Theory and Methods (core for single honours students, optional for combined honours students)

This module will develop your ability to ask and answer sociological questions, through extending your knowledge and understanding of both contemporary sociological theory and research methods.

Citizenship and Protest (optional)

This module will provide you with an informed understanding of the active practice of citizenship in contemporary Britain, building on relevant concepts and theories. Additionally, it will explore how empowered citizenship relates to structural disadvantage and individual and collective agency. This module also forms part of a ‘citizenship pathway’ in the degree, which is relevant to a future career in teaching.

Crime and Deviance (optional - not available to students combining with Applied Criminology)

This module takes a reflective and critical approach to key perspectives, theories and issues in the field of criminology and social order. It also considers how key axes of inequality such as race and ethnicity, gender and age intersect with crime.

Medicine, Health and Society (optional)

The sociology of medicine is the largest sub-discipline within sociology. This module focuses on two main themes: the history, power and dominance of biomedical knowledge and practice and how this may be interrogated sociologically; and the relationship between social inequalities and health inequalities.

Research Skills: Quantitative and Qualitative Data Analysis (optional - prerequisites apply)

This module has both a conceptual and practical dimension to it. At a conceptual level, it will allow you to develop an in­-depth appreciation of the strengths and limitations of various approaches to social research. At a practical level, you will get the chance to apply basic quantitative and qualitative research methods, often working in conjunction with local community organisations.

Social Psychology of People and Groups (optional - not available to students combining with Psychology)

With a focus on group dynamics, this module will allow you to develop a knowledge and understanding of social psychology, and of how the discipline relates to the other social sciences.

Sociology of Education (optional)

This module explores sociological insights into educational policy and practice in the UK, and how this relates to social stratification, social status and meritocracy. If you are considering teaching as a possible career choice, then this module will be of particular interest.

Sociology of Family Life (optional)

Building on the core year one Sociological Imagination modules, you will explore continuity, change and diversity in intimate relationships, and current transitions in families. This module should be particularly relevant if you are considering entering social work or teaching as a career.

Year 3

Divisions, Diversity and Difference II (core for all students)

This module will extend your understanding of the key sociological themes which were explored in Divisions, Diversity and Difference I. It specifically focuses on the intersections between different axes of social division. It will also help you prepare for life after university and develop your employability skills.

Individual Study (core for single honours students (either 20 or 40 credits), optional for combined honours students – prerequisites apply)

This module aims to consolidate and deepen your sociological knowledge and understanding through autonomous work. Supported by a supervisor you will define, design and execute an in-depth study on a topic of your choice. The 40 credit version may also involve original empirical research. (Both variants of this module are in principle also available to combined honours students, but certain prerequisites apply.)

Citizenship and Community (optional - prerequisites apply)

This module, which is part of the degree’s ‘citizenship pathway’, combines academic study with practical engagement. You will research, identify and negotiate a volunteering placement in a community setting, and then use knowledge gained in class and through independent research to reflect upon your experience. Please note: it is likely that you will need to secure Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearances in order to take up your volunteering position, and you may need to meet any associated costs.

Globalisation and the Environment (optional)

This module will consider contemporary and historical aspects of globalisation, with a focus on the economic, political and cultural dimensions. It will go on to consider how these impact on current environmental concerns, and how such debates can be theorised and conceptualised.

Mind, Body and Society (optional)

This module explores the intersections between key debates in the sociology of mental health, and the sociology of the body. It will allow you to develop a sophisticated understanding of the ways in which social, historical, cultural and political contexts influence notions of mental and physical normality, focusing on topics such as: schizophrenia; anorexia; obesity; ageing.

Race, Ethnicity and Society (optional)

This module will provide you with a firm grounding in the sociology of race and ethnicity, through an in-­depth conceptual, theoretical, and empirical exploration of the roles played by processes of racialisation and othering.

Reading Social Texts (optional)

Designed to help you hone your critical reading and independent research skills, this module will give you the confidence and skill to engage successfully with challenging theoretical primary texts. If you are considering applying for a Master’s degree or a PhD, this module would be a good choice.

Sexuality and Modernity (optional)

This module focuses on the relationship between sexuality and modernity. It problematises naturalistic understandings of sexuality, exploring questions of desire, pleasure, identity, sexual normativity and power in modernity from a broadly social constructionist perspective.

Work, Self and Society (optional)

This module explores the major sociological perspectives on work, and considers how work intersects with a number of key areas of substantive sociological interest, such as class, gender and technology. It will also give you the opportunity to reflect sociologically on any paid work that you have undertaken while at University, or before taking your degree. 

Youth and Popular Culture (optional)

Through reviewing historical, social and economic factors, this module will explore the contingent and dynamic nature of youth social action, within a context of social divisions.

Through studying Sociology with us you will acquire a variety of transferable skills such as critical and analytical thinking, working with others, effective written and spoken communication, research, time and task management, self­-reflection and an appreciation of the impact of social factors on people’s lives. These skills are valued by many employers. Our graduates have entered such occupations as teaching (primary, secondary and further education), social and youth work, probation, local and central government, human resource management, social research, the police force and journalism.

Fees

• Read advice about funding your degree
• See information about the financial support available for undergraduate studies
• If you would like information about paying your fees, please contact finance@canterbury.ac.uk
• For specific fee queries, please contact fees@canterbury.ac.uk

Additional course costs

Although we aim to minimise any additional costs to students over and above the course tuition fee, there will be some additional costs which students are expected to meet.

Costs applicable to all students

Course specific costs

General principle policy

The University’s general principles policy for additional course fees are set out here

Composition of the course

The precise mode of delivery will vary from one module to another. Formal contact time will include lectures, seminars, practical workshops, group and individual tutorials, and guidance and feedback on assessments. You will also be expected to engage self-­directed study alongside each taught module.

Academic input

The Sociology team currently comprises eight full-­time and two part­-time members of academic staff, all of whom are actively engaged in research, across a range of applied contexts. All staff hold higher qualifications and are Fellows of the Higher Education Academy or are working towards Fellowship. The team has an established track record of teaching excellence, expertise in all sociological research methodologies, and experience of working outside academia (e.g. in journalism).

Individual Study

Single honours students are required to take either a 20 or a 40 credit individual study in their third year, but this choice is subject to conditions. Specifically, approval for registration on the 40 credit Individual Study will also be dependent on evidence of good attendance, the ability to meet deadlines, academic achievement (usually in the upper second category) and commitment. All students will require approval of a sound, workable proposal, clearly based on appropriate levels of preparatory reading and thought. Additionally, ethical approval will be required before any student can embark on empirical research.

The team reserves the right to move any student from a 40 credit to a 20 credit Individual Study if they consider that the student has not met these prerequisites.

Although both the 20 credit and 40 credit Individual Studies are available as options for combined honours students, they are subject to certain limitations: those students who will have completed a minimum of 140 credits worth of Sociology modules in years two and three may choose either the 20 credit or 40 credit option; those students who will have completed a minimum of 100 credits worth of Sociology modules in years two and three may only choose the 20 credit option; combined honours students who will have completed less than 100 credits worth of Sociology modules in years two and three may not take an Individual Study.

Beyond these credit requirements, approval for registration on the Individual Study for combined honours students will also be dependent on evidence of good attendance, the ability to meet deadlines, academic progression and commitment. All students will also have to provide a sound, workable proposal, clearly based on appropriate levels of preparatory reading and thought.

The team reserves the right to move any combined honours student from a 20 credit individual study to a taught module, if they consider that a student has not met these prerequisites.

Students Combining with Psychology

Students combining with Psychology are also prevented from selecting Social Psychology of People and Groups in year two.

Students Combining with Applied Criminology

Students combining Sociology with Applied Criminology are prevented from selecting Crime and Deviance in year two.

Research Skills

Students who select Research Skills in year two must also take Theory and Methods.

Citizenship and Community

Students who select Citizenship and Community in year three are also required to undertake a 20 credit individual study.

The Sociology team views assessment as part of the overall learning experience and so places an emphasis on providing frequent, detailed and personalised feedback. We will use a variety of assessment techniques to develop your academic skills and enhance your employability. These include essays (timed, formal and extended), examinations (seen and un­seen, short answer and multiple choice formats), presentations, group work, portfolios, reports, reflective journals, and independent research. The team provides targeted support prior to assessments (including very detailed assessment criteria) and extensive written and verbal feedback.

A typical offer would be 88-112 UCAS Tariff points..

The Sociology team has links with various local community groups and voluntary agencies, and with Thanet District Council, through both curriculum related contexts, and ongoing research by members of the team.

Our local third sector and community contacts will afford you the opportunity to apply your academic knowledge to practical contexts – through, for example, our second year Research Skills module, and our third year Citizenship and Community module. The programme also houses ‘Engaging Sociology’, a vibrant series of public lectures and debates, which you can get involved in.