Programme Specification for the 2021/2 academic year
BSc (Hons) Sociology
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | BSc (Hons) Sociology | Programme code | UFS3HPSHPS01 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Full Time |
Academic year | 2021/2 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
Programme start date | 09/2014 |
| NQF Level | 6 (Honours) |
2. Description of the Programme
By studying for a BSc in Sociology you will gain a thorough analytical understanding of broader developments in a globalised world down to everyday interactions in a wide variety of social settings. In addition to this, you will get a rigorous training in research design in the social sciences and statistical data analysis with R, a software environment for statistical computing and data science. This will equip you for careers in professional and academic fields in which research skills are key, from applied social sciences to marketing, organisational studies and consultancy work. 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. You will also benefit from our strengths in the sociology of health and illness and our cross-disciplinary provision in criminology, areas where evidence based sociological expertise is particularly relevant. Studying Sociology at Exeter will equip you with a full range of critical analytical perspectives as well as research methods to start your own exploration of the nature and complexity of human social life.
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 will:
Provide an excellent Honours-level education in Sociology, 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 Sociology.
Facilitate graduates to become useful, productive and questioning members of society.
Provide a stimulating and supportive environment for students that is informed by research and scholarship.
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, and how they might change in the future.
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.
Work in partnership with students to produce graduates who understand the various methods which Sociologists use to study human societies; and who can analyse the organisation and development of societies and gain competence in dealing with the various types of evidence and the methodological problems associated with studying historical and contemporary cultures.
Develop students’ competence in the subject-specific skills required in Sociology 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 subject, after they have met the compulsory requirements (specified below).
All students must study the specified core modules and the specified amount of optional modules.
In each year students will normally take modules worth 120 credits in Sociology, in second and third years they may drop up to 30 credits of Sociology options (with the exception of core modules) to take modules that are not listed in the programme specification under the University’s modularity rule.
Modules and other study components can be taken only with the approval of the College; 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 1 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 where you have achieved 120 credits at Stage 1 or a Diploma of Higher Education in Sociology where you have achieved 240 credits across Stages 1 and 2, with at least 90 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 BSc 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 in years 2 and 3 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, methods 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.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOC1019 | Contemporary Society: Themes and Perspectives | 15 | No |
| SOC1020 | Contemporary Society: Field and Case Studies | 15 | No |
| SOC1048 | Social Analysis I | 15 | No |
| SOC1049 | Social Analysis II | 15 | No |
| SSI1005 | Introduction to Social Data | 15 | Yes |
| SSI1006 | Data Analysis in Social Science 1 | 15 | Yes |
Optional Modules
30 credits of optional modules.
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
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOC2005 | Theoretical Sociology | 30 | No |
| SSI2004 | Research Design in the Social Sciences | 15 | Yes |
| SSI2005 | Data Analysis in Social Science 2 | 15 | Yes |
Optional Modules
60 credits of 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
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSI2002 | Data Analysis in the Workplace | 15 | No |
| Total Credits for Stage 2 | 120 |
|---|
Stage 3
The centre-point of the final year is the 30 credit Dissertation module. 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. In terms of optional modules, you must choose 90 credits worth of optional modules.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSI3019 | Quantitative Dissertation | 30 | Yes |
Optional Modules
90 credits of optional modules.
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 (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). | Teaching/learning methods and strategies | The assessment of these skills is through a combination of: The criteria of assessment pay full recognition to the importance of the various skills outlined. |
| 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). | 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 |
| 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 | 19 is an essential part of the successful completion of the programme but is addressed in the dissertation. 21 is developed through essay and presentation work throughout the programme. 26 and 27 are developed through the Dissertation at stage 3, which has a single end of year deadline. 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. 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
BSc (Hons) Sociology
19. UCAS Code
L303
20. NQF Level of Final Award
6 (Honours)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 360 |
ECTS credits | 180 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
[Honours] Anthropology
[Honours] Sociology
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 01/10/1995 |
Date of last revision | 09/10/2019 |
|---|