Programme Specification for the 2021/2 academic year
BA (Hons) Sociology and Criminology
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | BA (Hons) Sociology and Criminology | Programme code | UFA3HPSHPS34 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Full Time |
Academic year | 2021/2 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
Programme start date | 09/2020 |
| NQF Level | 6 (Honours) |
2. Description of the Programme
The BA in Sociology and Criminology at Exeter offers those with an interest in studying crime, criminal justice, and society to pursue their concerns in a supportive environment. The inter-disciplinary make up of the programme is rooted in sociological approaches, but also offers the potential to combine these perspectives for understanding and responding to crime and deviance with those from historical, political, and psychological studies. You will explore theoretical, empirical and methodological issues associated with these fields of social research. The emphasis will be on developing analytical and communication skills.
As a discipline, Sociology provides a critical understanding of society by examining a wide range of social activities from intimate personal relations to the operation of political and economic institutions. Students will examine cultural and economic issues such as identity, employment, inequality, deviance and health. Our sociology modules cover diverse subjects including music, media, cyborg studies, technology, terrorism, addiction, sexuality, ethnicity and immigration, and other subjects.
Criminology aims to provide systematic understanding of the historical patterning of crime, the causes of criminal behaviour and its consequences, as well as policy response. Through Criminology at Exeter you will learn to understand the multi-perspectival nature of crime, to explore terrains that are often contested, and to develop a critical appreciation of disciplinary perspectives. Throughout, attention will be given to the methodological issues and substantive challenges of the study of crime.
Studying Sociology and Criminology together will provide you with a full range of social science research skills that will enable you to engage with the nature and complexity of social life, deviance, and crime.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
The programme will:
- Provide an excellent Honours-level education in Sociology and Criminology, which meets the criteria for Honours level awards as set out in the FHEQ and the University’s statement of Levels and Awards, and which meets the standards set in the national Subject Benchmarking statements for both subject areas.
- Facilitate graduates to become useful, productive and questioning members of society.
- Provide a stimulating and supportive environment for students that is informed by research where deemed appropriate.
- Work in partnership with students to produce graduates who are grounded in the main themes of Sociology through a combination of modules which develops a good understanding of how societies, institutions and practices of all kinds came into being, how they are currently organised around matters of identity, deviance, and crime, and how they might change in the future.
- Work in partnership with students to produce graduates who are grounded in the main themes of Sociology and Criminology through a combination of modules offered across the university which develop a deep understanding of methodology and method in social research.
- Offer a structured framework of study which ensures that within the time span of the programme every student follows a balanced and complementary range of modules, whilst allowing sufficient choice to ensure that students are able to follow individual areas of learning.
- Develop students’ competence in the subject-specific skills required in Sociology and in Criminology through practical engagement with primary and empirical data.
- Expose students to different teaching and assessment methods within an appropriate learning environment, supported by feedback, monitoring and pastoral care.
- Provide a range of academic and personal skills which will prepare students from varied educational backgrounds for employment or further study, which will foster mental agility and adaptability, and which will enable them to deploy their knowledge, abilities and skills in their entirety, displaying balance and judgement in a variety of circumstances.
4. Programme Structure
The programme is studied over three years full-time. Study is undertaken in three stages, with each stage comprising 120 credits made up of either 15 or 30-credit modules, which contribute towards the degree. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload and one credit is nominally equivalent to ten hours of work. The ‘level’ of a module (designated by the first number in the module code) indicates its position in the progressive development of academic abilities and/or practical skills.
This degree programme contains compulsory and optional modules and as part of the degree programme students may take up to 30 credits a year in another discipline outside their main degree subjects, after they have met the compulsory requirements of their main subjects (specified below).
In each year students will take core modules in Sociology and Criminology with approved options from Sociology, Criminology and elsewhere. Students may drop 30 credits under modularity as directed below.
Modules and other study components can be taken only with the approval of the College (normally given by the student’s personal tutor); options are offered each year at the discretion of the Colleges. A module may be taken only if the necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, if the timetable allows and if the module or an equivalent module has not been taken previously.
Assessment at stage one does not contribute to the summative classification of the award which is based on a degree mark formed from the credit weighted average marks for stages 2 and 3, combined in the ratio 1:2.
In exceptional circumstances you may exit this award with a Certificate of Higher Education in Sociology and Criminology where you have achieved 120 credits at Stage 1 or a Diploma of Higher Education in Sociology and Criminology where you have achieved 240 credits across Stages 1 and 2, with at least 90 credits of these from Stage 2.
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.
The BA Sociology and Criminology 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 and criminological theory and concepts. You will also gain important analytical techniques that will be useful across a range of subjects and research tasks.
90 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules.
Compulsory Modules
Your first year will give you an excellent grounding in the theories and application of Sociology with a particular focus on the issues facing the contemporary world such as social inequality, crime, deviance, migration and globalisation.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOC1019 | Contemporary Society: Themes and Perspectives | 15 | No |
| SOC1020 | Contemporary Society: Field and Case Studies | 15 | No |
| SOC1039 | Social Issues: Part I - Introducing Crime and Deviance | 15 | No |
| SOC1040 | Social Issues: Part II - Themes in Criminology | 15 | No |
| SOC1047 | Imagining Social Worlds: Qualitative Research | 15 | No |
| SOC1048 | Social Analysis I | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
Plus 30 credits from level 1 SOC options. You may elect to take a maximum of 30 credit options outside of Sociology and Criminology, for example to develop skills attractive to employers such as language proficiency; to examine an issue you’ve covered in one of your Sociology modules from a different disciplinary perspective; or to widen your horizons and challenge yourself intellectually SSI1005 and SSI1006 are recommended optional modules that will provide a basis for being able take modules in later stages to add the Q-Step ‘Proficiency in Applied Data Analysis’ to your degree title.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSI1005 | Introduction to Social Data Recommended Option | 15 | No |
| SSI1006 | Data Analysis in Social Science 1 Recommended Option | 15 | No |
| Total Credits for Stage 1 |
|---|
Stage 2
In the second year you will advance your grasp of sociological and criminological 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
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOC2004 | Into the Field | 15 | No |
| SOC2005 | Theoretical Sociology | 30 | No |
| SOC2050 | Knowing the Social World | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
You will be able to choose 60 credits from a wide range of Sociology and Criminology options covering topics as diverse as counter cultures, health, media, forensic science, war crimes, ethics, addiction and human rights. 30 credits should come from level 2 Sociology options below and 30 credits of level 2 approved Criminology options.
Sociology
View optional 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
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminology S2 opt 2019-20 | |||
| SOC2092 | Introduction to Terrorism Studies | 15 | No |
| SOC2046 | The Holocaust and Society | 15 | No |
| SSI2002 | Data Analysis in the Workplace | 15 | No |
| POL2071 | Experimental Research in the Social Sciences | 15 | No |
| ARA2132 | Islamic Law and Society | 15 | No |
| BIO2068 | Forensic Science | 30 | No |
| PHL2012 | Social Philosophy | 15 | No |
| SOC2035 | International Criminal Justice: Comparative Criminology | 15 | No |
| SOC2036 | International Criminal Justice: Application of Theory to Transnational and International Crime | 15 | No |
| POL2057 | Security Studies | 15 | No |
| ANT2086 | Addiction | 30 | No |
| ANT2009 | Living Cities: Migration, Place and the Politics of Identities | 15 | No |
| SOC2038 | On Violence | 15 | No |
| SOC2098 | Sociology of Imprisonment | 15 | No |
| SOC2101 | Police and Policing | 15 | No |
| SOC2104 | Victimology | 15 | No |
| HIH2203A | Crime and Society in England, 1500-1800 | 30 | No |
| HIH2018A | The 'Savage Continent'? Everyday Violence in 1940s Europe | 30 | No |
| POL2097 | Behavioural Public Policy and the Nudge Agenda | 15 | No |
| POL2099 | The Politics of Social Justice | 15 | No |
| THE2185 | Incarnation: Topics in Philosophical Theology | 30 | No |
| PHL2061 | Philosophy of Law | 15 | No |
| SOC2061 | Media in Society | 30 | No |
| SOC2115 | Deception | 15 | No |
| SSI2006 | Immigration in Western Societies | 15 | No |
| Total Credits for Stage 2 |
|---|
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 module
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOC3040 | Dissertation | 30 | No |
Optional Modules
You can choose 90 credits from a long list of modules reflecting the research expertise of academic staff:
Sociology
View optional 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
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminology S3 opt 2019-20 | |||
| SOC3095 | On Violence | 30 | No |
| SOC3034 | International Criminal Justice: Comparative Criminology | 15 | No |
| SOC3036 | International Criminal Justice: Application of Theory to Transnational and International Crime | 15 | No |
| HIH3619 | Sexualities | 30 | No |
| ANT3086 | Addiction | 30 | No |
| ANT3004 | Living Cities: Migration, Place and the Politics of Identities | 15 | No |
| SOC3092 | Introduction to Terrorism Studies | 15 | No |
| PHL2012 | Social Philosophy | 15 | No |
| HIH3632 | Violence | 30 | No |
| PHL3061 | Philosophy of Law | 15 | No |
| SOC3002 | On Violence | 15 | No |
| SOC3104 | Victimology | 15 | No |
| SOC3098 | Sociology of Imprisonment | 15 | No |
| POL3193 | Women in the Criminal Justice System: Law, Policy and Institutions | 30 | No |
| SOC3028 | Media in Society | 15 | No |
| THE3185 | Incarnation: Topics in Philosophical Theology | 30 | No |
| SOC3115 | Deception | 15 | No |
| Total Credits for Stage 3 |
|---|
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
| 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 | Sociology 1. This skill is developed on all sociology modules through lectures, tutorials and guided independent study, and is a core aim of the sociology side of the programme, especially on SOC1048, SOC1049, SOC2004 and SOC2005. 2-4. These skills are developed initially through lectures, seminars and essay work for SOC1019, SOC1020, SOC2004 and SOC2005 and are developed on subsequent modules. 5-6 These skills are developed through similar methods on SOC1019, and further developed on subsequent modules. 7. This skill is developed through the optional modules taken. The level of competence expected of students intensifies at each stage of the programme. 8. These skills will be developed some of the foundational modules (SOC2004 and SOC2005) and expanded on in optional modules such as SOC3085 and others 9.-10. These skills will be practised through coursework and examination and seminar work in all modules, and consolidated specifically in modules at 2nd year and 3rd year level (SOC2004, SOC3040) Criminology 11-13. These skills are developed in the approved criminology modules, and are a core aim of SOC1035 Social Issues: Crime & Deviance. 14-16. These skills are developed through core and modules SOC1035 Social Issues: Crime & Deviance, HIH2107, PHL2012, and SOC3086. 17-19. These skills will be practised through coursework and examination and seminar work in all modules, and consolidated specifically in modules at 2nd year and 3 rd year level (SOC2005, SOC2004 and SOC3040) | Exams (1,2,4,5,6, 7, 8-15, 18-19) Essays (1,2,3, 5,6,7, 8-15, 18-19) Other coursework (e.g. written analytical reflections, posters, research proposals) (3, 6, 8, 17, 18) Presentations (1,2,5,6,7, 11-17) Dissertation (1-19) |
| 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: | |
20. Draw thematic comparisons between material from different sources. | 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 (including essays, reports, research outlines, dissertation), and oral work (both presentation and class discussion). | Exams (21-25, 29, 31) Essays and other written assignments (20-29, 32) Presentations (20-27, 30, 31) Dissertation (20-30, 32) Criminology-specific skills (32) will be assessed through exams, written assignments, presentations, and the dissertation |
| 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: | |
33. Undertake independent study and work to deadlines. | 33. This skill is an essential part of the successful completion of the programme and will be developed through regular assignments such as essays and presentations towards vigorously monitored and enforced deadlines. 34. This skill is developed through the requirement that all written work be word-processed, and through the requirement on students to use the WWW for bibliographical searches. 35. This skill is developed through essay and presentation work throughout the programme. 36. This skill is encouraged and developed throughout, and is aided by the student Self-Appraisal system which takes place in the inter-semester week of Spring Term. 37. This skill is developed through practice: at all stages, students are partly assessed by timed, unseen examinations. 38. This skill is developed through seminars, which form the whole or part basis of all modules. Skills 39-43 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. 44. This skill is developed through the through the Dissertation, which has a single end of year deadline. | Exams (37, 42, 43) Essays (33 -35, 42, 43) Team Reports (36, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43) Individual Presentations (32, 35, 36, 38, 42, 43) Group Presentations (33, 35, 36, 38-43) Dissertation (33-36, 40, 42-44) |
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 and Criminology
19. UCAS Code
LM39
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 | 23/09/2019 |
Date of last revision | 27/05/2021 |
|---|