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Programme Specification for the 2023/4 academic year

BA (Hons) Sociology

1. Programme Details

Programme nameBA (Hons) Sociology Programme codeUFA3HPSHPS06
Study mode(s)Full Time
Academic year2023/4
Campus(es)Streatham (Exeter)
Programme start date

09/2014

NQF Level6 (Honours)

2. Description of the Programme

This degree is designed to introduce you to the sociological ways of thinking, seeing and investigating the social, cultural and political world we live in. The core modules in Years 1 and 2 concentrate on the skills, methods and theories of sociological inquiry, leading to increasing specialisation through optional modules in Years 2 and 3 and the dissertation in Year 3.

Theoretical modules cover the history and development of sociological theory, from Durkheim and Weber to Goffman, Garfinkel and Baudrillard, including contemporary debates on individualism, functionalism and interactionism and post-modern theories. Other core modules concentrate on the subject matter of sociology and encourage you to develop a critical understanding of the rise and transformation of modern societies from the 18th century to the present day, with a particular focus on the last three decades.

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

1. To provide you with a teaching and learning programme informed by a vibrant research culture.
2. To provide you with excellent learning opportunities for undergraduates in Sociology.
3. To enable you to develop into graduates who will be useful, productive and questioning members of society.
4. To enable you to develop into graduates who are grounded in the main themes of Sociology through a combination of modules which develop a deep understanding of how societies, institutions and practices of all kinds came into being, how they are currently organised, and how they might change in the future.
5. To enable you to develop into graduates who are competent in the specific skills required in Sociology.
6. To enable you to develop into graduates who are competent in core academic skills.
7. To enable you to develop into graduates with a wide range of generic and transferable skills.
8. To offer you a wide range of choice within the programme of study, insofar as this choice is consistent with the coherence and intellectual rigour of the degree.

The programme aims: 

4. Programme Structure

This Single Honours degree programme is usually studied over three years and is Streatham-based throughout that time. Study is undertaken in three stages, usually one for each year of study. The programme is divided into units called modules. Modules have a credit rating of either 15 or 30 credits; 15-credit modules last for one term and 30-credit ones for two. Each stage comprises 120 credits, 1 credit being normally equivalent to 10 hours of work.

Further information on the weighting of your programme for calculating your degree can be found at:-

https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/socialsciences/student/undergraduate/collegehandbook/assessmentandfeedback/

Under the University's rules on modularity the degree programme contains compulsory and optional modules. As part of this degree programme, you may take up to 30 credits a year outside their main degree subject; however, this is subject to availability, fulfilling pre-requisites and compatibility within the timetable.  

Assessment at stage one does not contribute towards the summative classification of the award. Procedures for the final assessment of the degree programme can be found at: hhttps://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/socialsciences/student/undergraduate/collegehandbook/assessmentandfeedback/

 

5. Programme Modules

The full list of modules is available (with module descriptions) at https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/socialsciences/moduledescriptions/

The Sociology degree programme is made up of compulsory (core) and optional modules, which are worth 15 or 30 credits each. Full-time undergraduate students need to complete modules worth a total of 120 credits each year.

Depending on your programme you can take up to 30 credits each year in another subject, for instance a language or business module, to develop career-related skills or just widen your intellectual horizons.

Please note that modules offered are subject to change, depending on staff availability, timetabling, and demand.

Stage 1


The first year gives you a foundational knowledge of sociological theory and concepts. You will also gain important analytical techniques that will be useful across a range of subjects and research tasks.

Compulsory Modules

90 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules.

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
SOC1003 Imagining Social Worlds: Texts 15No
SOC1019 Contemporary Society: Themes and Perspectives 15No
SOC1020 Contemporary Society: Field and Case Studies 15No
SOC1048 Social Analysis I 15No
SOC1049 Social Analysis II 15No
SOC1047 Imagining Social Worlds: Qualitative Research 15No

Optional Modules

 

 

Sociology

View option modules here.

 

Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability

 

Total Credits for Stage 1

120

Stage 2


In the second year you will advance your grasp of sociological knowledge and methods through a set of compulsory modules. Optional modules enable you to develop specialist knowledge on a range of topics.

60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules.

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
SOC2004 Into the Field 15No
SOC2005 Theoretical Sociology 30No
SOC2050 Knowing the Social World 15No

Optional Modules

 

 

 

Sociology (60 credits)

View option modules here.

 

Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability

 

Total Credits for Stage 2

120

Stage 3


The centre-point of the final year is the dissertation. This provides you with the opportunity to explore an area of interest and to demonstrate what you have learned over the previous years of your degree. You will also take up to three other specialist modules to create a programme of work fully reflecting your interests.

30 credits of compulsory modules, 90 credits of optional modules.

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
SOC3040 Dissertation 30No

Optional Modules

 

Sociology (90 credits)

View option modules here.

 

Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability

 

Total Credits for Stage 3

120


6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

1. Demonstrate an analytical understanding of Sociology, taking into account different sociological perspectives, modes of social analysis and their concomitant theoretical and conceptual frameworks (benchmark 6.1.1).
2. Identify the social, political, historical, and economic origins of Sociology.
3. Show knowledge of a variety of methods of social investigation, including ethnographic and survey methods, questionnaire and interview design (benchmark 6.3.3).
4. Exemplify and explain social, psychological and personal issues in a specifically sociological manner (benchmark 6.1.8).
5. Demonstrate knowledge of the social organisation, economy and cosmology of a range of societies (benchmark 6.2.1).
6. Show knowledge of some of the main challenges in obtaining and conveying information about a range of societies (benchmark 6.2.2).
7. Demonstrate understanding (at increasing depth, according to level) of issues (increasingly complex, according to level) arising from the subject matter of the elective modules taken.

Teaching/learning methods and strategies
1. Is developed on all modules, and is a core aim of the whole programme.
2.-4. are developed initially through lectures, seminars and essay work for SOC1048, SOC1049, ANT1005, SOC1003, and are developed on subsequent modules.
5-6 is developed through similar methods on ANT1005, and SOC1047, and further developed on subsequent modules.
7. Is developed through the optional modules taken. The level of competence expected of students intensifies at each stage of the programme.

The assessment of these skills is through a combination of:
Term-time essays,1-7
oral presentations, 1-7
examinations (and, where applicable, Research Methods Project and Dissertation work). 1-7

The criteria of assessment pay full recognition to the importance of the various skills outlined.

Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

8. Draw thematic comparisons between material from different sources (benchmark 6.1.3).
9. Show awareness of contrasting approaches to research (benchmark 6.1.1).
10. Understand and demonstrate the different uses of qualitative and quantitative data, and evaluate their relative advantages and disadvantages ((benchmark 6.2.3).
11. Show awareness of the basic philosophical questions arising from academic research.
12. Develop and deploy argument, grounded in theoretical frameworks and empirical
13. Identify problems of reliability and bias in, and more generally evaluate, empirical evidence ((benchmark 6.2.3).
14. Produce accurate reference to sources in written work.
15. Answer questions concisely and persuasively in written work (benchmark 6.3.6).
16. Present work and answer questions orally
17. Deploy complex terminology in a comprehensible manner (benchmark 6.3.6).
18. Focus on and comprehend complex texts

These skills are developed throughout the degree programme, but the emphasis becomes more complex as students move from stage to stage. They are developed through lectures and seminars, written work, and oral work (both presentation and class discussion). 

The assessment of these skills is through a combination of:

Term-time essays, 8-18
oral presentations, 8-18
examinations (and, where applicable, Research Methods Project and Dissertation work). 8-18

Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

19. Undertake independent research and ability to work to deadlines. Present an argument orally in a clear, organized and effective manner (Phil. 26.8).
20. Word process and access the world-wide web gain familiarity with IT packages.
21. Digest, select and organise material for written work and oral presentations, and write to varying word lengths
22. Evaluate own work.
23. Participate in oral discussions; present and evaluate complex arguments and ideas orally; digest, select and organise material for oral presentations
24. Work with others as part of a team.
25. Group work, including the presentation and discussion of material in groups.
26. Plan the execution of work over a long time scale.
27. Think and write broadly about large themes
28. Use library and the world-wide web to find appropriate and relevant information.
29. Collate data from a range of sources (benchmark 6.2.2).

19 is an essential part of the successful completion of the programme but is addressed especially via SOC2004 and in the dissertation.
20 is developed through the requirement that all written work be word-processed, and through work for example in SOC1047 and SOC2004
21 is developed through essay and presentation work throughout the programme.
22 is developed throughout but especially in SOC2004 and the dissertation (and through the self-appraisal in the inter-semester week).
23 is developed through seminars, which form part of all modules.
The skills in 24 and 25 are developed to some extent in all modules, through interaction in seminars and in discussion with tutors about essay work, and in response to criticism both collective and individual. However, there is particular emphasis on
25 (and 26) in SOC2004 where students work partly as members of a team in designing and conducting a piece of sociological research.
27 is developed through the Dissertation at stage 3, which has a single end of year deadline, and also in SOC2004.
28 and 29 are developed through all modules.

The skills in 19, 20 and 21 are assessed in all modules. 21 is covered by the fact that students write essays, which are formatively and summatively assessed, of differing lengths and in the Dissertation. 22 Is assessed implicitly throughout, and aided through the student self-appraisal system that takes place in the inter-semester week of Spring Term. 23 24, 25 and 26 are formally assessed in SOC2004. 27 Is covered by the Dissertation. 28 and 29 by all modules.

7. Programme Regulations

University Regulations on the number of credits to be taken and at what level for each stage of the programme can be found in the Credit and Qualifications Framework.

Progression

Condonement is the process that allows you to be awarded credit (and so progress to the next stage or, in the final stage, receive an award), despite failing to achieve a pass mark at a first attempt. You are not entitled to reassessment in condoned credit. Regulations on condonement can be found in the Handbook for Assessment, Progression and Awarding for Taught Programmes.

Assessment and Awards

For undergraduate degrees assessment at stage one does not contribute to the summative classification of the award. Details of the weightings for each year of all programme lengths can be found in the Handbook for Assessment, Progression and Awarding for Taught Programmes.

Classification

Full details of assessment regulations for undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes and the classification of awards can be found in the Handbook for Assessment, Progression and Awarding for Taught Programmes.

You can also read details of Generic Marking Criteria.

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

Personal and Academic Tutoring

It is University policy that all Colleges should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you with individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support fo the duration of your programme, and this support extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.

Information on the College Personal Tutoring system, library provision, ELE resources and access to College support services can be found on the College webpages for current students.

Student Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC)

SSLCs enable students and staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

Learning Resources

The University Library maintains its principal collections in the main library buildings on the Streatham and St Luke's campuses, together with a number of specialist collections in certain Colleges. The total Library collection comprises over a million volumes and 3000 current periodical subscriptions.

IT Services

A wide range of IT services are provided throughout the Exeter campuses, including open-access computer rooms, some of which are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Helpdesks are maintained on the Streatham and St Luke's campuses, while most study bedrooms in halls and flats are linked to the University's campus network.

Student Support Services

The University provides many support services including health and wellbeing, multifaith chaplaincy, family support, the Students' Guild and international student support.

10. Admissions Criteria

All applications are considered individually on merit. The University is committed to an equal opportunities policy with respect to gender, age, race, sexual orientation and/or disability when dealing with applications. It is also committed to widening access to higher education to students from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience.

Candidates for undergraduate programmes must satisfy the undergraduate admissions requirements of the University of Exeter.

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.

12. Indicators of Quality and Standards

Certain programmes are subject to accreditation and/or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).

13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards

The University and its constituent Colleges draw on a range of data to review the quality of education provision. The College documents the performance in each of its tuaght programmes, against a range of criteria on an annual basis through the Annual Student Experience Review (ASER).

Subject areas are reviewed every five years through a College Academic Audit scheme that includes external contributions.

14. Awarding Institution

University of Exeter

15. Lead College / Teaching Institution

College of Social Sciences and International Studies (CSSIS)

16. Partner College / Institution

Partner College(s)

Not applicable to this programme

Partner Institution

Not applicable to this programme.

17. Programme Accredited / Validated by

0

18. Final Award

BA (Hons) Sociology

19. UCAS Code

L300

20. NQF Level of Final Award

6 (Honours)

21. Credit

CATS credits

360

ECTS credits

180

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

[Honours] Sociology

23. Dates

Origin Date

01/10/1995

Date of last revision

25/07/2019