Sociology, Philosophy and Anthropology
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Programme Specification for the 2021/2 academic year

MA Society and Culture: Meaning, Making, Consumption

1. Programme Details

Programme nameMA Society and Culture: Meaning, Making, Consumption Programme codePTA1HPSHPS82
Study mode(s)Full Time
 Academic year2021/2
Campus(es)Streatham (Exeter)
 Programme start date
NQF Level7 (Masters)

2. Description of the Programme

This degree captures the distinctive approach to sociology and anthropology at Exeter, taking an interdisciplinary perspective on the some of the biggest issues and questions facing contemporary societies. Students who wish to specialise can choose specific pathways focusing on each of these fields.

  • You will be equipped with traditional and cutting-edge research tools and methods for studying society and culture
  • You will question taken-for-granted assumptions regarding contemporary modes of life as well as developing new ways of critically apprehending and evaluating them
  • You will examine the nature and organisation of individuals’ experiences and the relationship of these to their social and cultural environment

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

The programme will draw on the department’s research strengths and interdisciplinary outlook to provide students with a sound foundation in sociology and anthropology at postgraduate level. In addition to taking optional modules from the department’s core disciplines – sociology, anthropology and philosophy – you will explore a range of different social research methods and theoretical and conceptual tools, learning to use and apply them in your own research into the social world. Those who decide to specialise by taking a particular pathway option will receive a thorough grounding in their chosen area of study.

More specifically, the programme aims comprise the following:

  • To provide a critical understanding of key issues and problematics facing contemporary societies, locating them in relation to wider theoretical and methodological debates within sociology and anthropology
  • To equip you with the conceptual and methodological tools to research the social world
  • To provide you with the requisite intellectual skills and knowledge to be a creative and critical thinker and problem solver, capable of questioning the taken-for-granted assumptions underpinning a wide range of contemporary modes of life
  • To equip you with a range of core academic and transferrable skills appropriate to Masters level study within the disciplines of sociology and anthropology

4. Programme Structure

This is a one-year full-time programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). The programme is studied over 12 months (full time) or 24 months (part time) and is University-based throughout the period. The programme comprises 180 credits in total: taught modules worth 120 credits in total and a supervised dissertation worth 60 credits. Teaching takes place over two terms (October to May), followed by completion of the dissertation over the summer (June to September). Each taught module spans one term and is normally taught through seminars, underpinned by reading and essay assignments.

5. Programme Modules

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.

You may take optional modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module. 

 
You may take elective modules up to 30 credits outside of the programme as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module. 
 
This programme is made up of 120 credits of compulsory modules, plus 60 credits of modules selected from a list of options offered in the Department of Philosophy, Sociology and Anthropology. 

Stage 1

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
SOCM027 Social Theory 30Yes
SOCM904 Dissertation 60Yes
SOCM046 Meaning, Making Consuming 30Yes

Optional Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
SOCM020 Research Methods in the Social Sciences 30No
SOCM016 Cultures of the Life Sciences 30No
SOCM002B Philosophy of the Social Sciences 30No
SOCM945 Philosophy of Science 30No
SOCM030 Gender at Work 30No
SOCM029 Data Visualisation 15No
SOCM022 Food, Body and Society 30No
Total Credits for Stage 1

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 advanced understanding and critical awareness of contemporary social and cultural issues
2. Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of theories and methodologies in sociology and anthropology
3. Read critically and contribute to the literature on research in sociology and anthropology
4. Demonstrate competency in a wide range of skills in the selection and use of differing research methods

  • Reading (SOCM904, SOCM027, SOCM037)
  • Lectures (SOCM904, SOCM027, SOCM037)
  • Seminar discussions (SOCM904, SOCM027, SOCM037)
  • In-class group work (SOCM904, SOCM027, SOCM037)
  • Verbal feedback on seminar contributions (1 – 3)
  • Written assignments, e.g. essay work (1 – 3)
  • Dissertation (3 – 4)
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:

5. Analyse and synthesise different types of sociological and anthropological material, modes of reasoning and evidence
6. Understand complex sociological and anthropological terminology and discourses
7. Present independent interpretations
8. Demonstrate competency in applying concepts and methodologies to a wide range of social and cultural forms, processes and phenomena

  • Class-based Lectures (SOCM904, SOCM027, SOCM037)
  • Class-based Seminars (SOCM904, SOCM027, SOCM037)
  • Verbal feedback in seminars (5 – 7)
  • Written assignments, e.g. essay work (5 – 7)
  • Dissertation (5 – 8)
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:

9. Think independently and at an advanced level
10. Construct and defend a rigorous argument, both in written form and orally, using primary and secondary materials and data
11. Plan work efficiently to achieve realistic goals within constrained time frames
12. Plan, execute, and write up research through individual initiative

  • Lectures(SOCM904, SOCM027, SOCM037)
  • Seminars (SOCM904, SOCM027, SOCM037)
  • In-class group work (SOCM904, SOCM027, SOCM037)
  • Verbal feedback in seminars (9 – 10)
  • Written assignments ( 9 – 12)
  • Dissertation (9 – 12)

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

MA Society and Culture: Meaning, Making, Consumption

19. UCAS Code

Not applicable to this programme.

20. NQF Level of Final Award

7 (Masters)

21. Credit

CATS credits

180

 ECTS credits

90

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

[Honours] Sociology

23. Dates

Origin Date Date of last revision