Loughborough University
Leicestershire, UK
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Programme Specifications

Programme Specification

BSc (Hons) Sociology

Academic Year: 2019/20

This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if full advantage is taken of the learning opportunities that are provided.

This specification applies to delivery of the programme in the Academic Year indicated above. Prospective students reviewing this information for a later year of study should be aware that these details are subject to change as outlined in our Terms and Conditions of Study.

This specification should be read in conjunction with:

Reg. XX (Undergraduate Awards) (see University Regulations)
Module Specifications

Summary
Aims
Learning outcomes
Structure
Progression & weighting

Programme summary

Awarding body/institution	Loughborough University
Teaching institution (if different)	N/A
Owning school/department	School of Social Sciences - pre 2019
Details of accreditation by a professional/statutory body	N/A
Final award	BSc / BSc+DIntS / BSc+DPS
Programme title	Sociology
Programme code	SSUB01
Length of programme	BSc (Hons): 3 years full-time, BSc (Hons) DPS/DInts: 4 years full-time (including a one-year placement)
UCAS code	L300, L301
Admissions criteria	BSc - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/l300 BSc+DIntS /DPS - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/l301
Date at which the programme specification was published	Wed, 24 Jul 2019 10:02:23 BST

1. Programme Aims

To provide an intellectually stimulating environment in which students can develop the critical and practical skills of a sociologist.
To provide students with the opportunity to study sociology in a multidisciplinary context where the value of interdisciplinary analysis is explored.
To enable students to gain a broad knowledge and understanding of sociology, especially concerning the relations between personal troubles of milieu and public issues of social structure.
To enable students to gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of issues in sociology through specialist study and research.
To enable students to learn about the key concepts, theories and methods of sociology.
To enable students to interpret and analyse social processes and structures.
To enable students to compare different social arrangements.
To enable students to address key issues in sociological analysis and in society, including social inequality and cultural diversity.
To enable students to appreciate alternative perspectives in social science.
To enable students to appreciate the value of sociological approaches in non-academic contexts.
To enhance students’ career and employment opportunities on graduating.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

The Benchmark Statement for Sociology
Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (2008)
University Learning and Teaching Strategy
External Examiners’ Reports for BSc Sociology

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the following areas:

Understand basic sociological concepts, such as identity, inequality, social structure and social change.
Describe and examine classical and contemporary social theories.
Evaluate contemporary social issues from a sociological perspective.
Apply a variety of qualitative and quantitative research methods.
Analyse social diversity and inequality.
Analyse the relationship between individuals, groups and society.
Discuss the role of culture, media and representation in social life.
Explain social change, including from an historical and global perspective.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

Assess the merits of varied social theories and explanations.
Formulate sociological research questions and select appropriate research methods to answer them.
Evaluate and interpret research evidence on social life.
Synthesize and critically reflect on sociological theories and empirical studies.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

Communicate sociological knowledge in oral presentations.
Communicate sociological knowledge in advanced formats, e.g. posters, video, oral debates.
Interpret and analyse sociologically relevant statistical data.
Design and execute practical sociological research.
Apply ethical principles in sociological research.
Use sociological knowledge to find solutions to public and social policy and private enterprise.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

Master basic study skills e.g. referencing, use of databases.
Locate and evaluate sources of information, synthesize information and deploy it in reasoned argument.
Communicate and present information e.g. construct written arguments, contribute to group discussions
Communicate and present information using more advanced formats e.g. prepare posters, write reports, oral presentations using powerpoint, preparation of videos.
Design and execute research projects.
Work in teams.
Use statistical and other quantitative skills, including use of statistical software.
Manage time and work: plan time and resources independently in the light of deadlines.

4. Programme structure Programme Code: SSUB01 This is a three-year long full-time degree programme. In each of the three parts (years) of the degree (A, B and C), students take modules amounting to 120 credits. In addition, students have the opportunity to undertake a Placement Year (Part I) after Part B. Important Note: No module may be taken and passed more than once. Optional module availability is subject to timetabling constraints and optional modules may be subject to change. Part A - Introductory Modules COMPULSORY MODULES (90 credits) Semester 1 Code Module Title Credit SSA001 Identities and Inequalities 10 SSA003 Sociological Imagination 10 SSA305 Foundations in Social Sciences 10 SSA156 Self and Identity 10 Semester 2 Code Module Title Credit SSA002 Global, Social and Cultural Change 10 SSA158 Ideas and Controversies in Psychology 10 Semester 1 and 2 Code Module Title Credit SSA009 Introduction to Research Methods 30 OPTIONAL MODULES Student must choose THREE 10 credit options from the following: Semester 1 Code Module Title Credit GYA004 Geographies of Global Economic Change 10 SSA201 Introducing Criminology 10 SSA301 Introduction to Communication and Media Studies: Contemporary Trends and Issues 10 Semester 2 Code Module Title Credit GYA104 Geographies of Identity 10 SSA202 Understanding Social Policy 10 SSA302 Introduction to Communication and Media Studies: Historical Themes and Perspectives 10 Semesters 1 and 2 Students can also choose other modules from the University’s Module Catalogue, approved by the School of Social Sciences for inclusion in the programme, including languages in French, German, Spanish and Mandarin. Part B - Degree Modules COMPULSORY MODULES (80 credits) Semester 1 Code Module Title Credit SSB010 Social Theories 20 Semester 2 Code Module Title Credit SSB026 Globalisation and its consequences 20 SSB036 Digital Lives and Society 10 Semesters 1 and 2 Code Module Title Credit SSB009 Advanced Research Methods 30 OPTIONAL MODULES Students take 40 credits worth of options across two semesters. A selection will be offered from the following list, plus language modules: Semester 1 Code Module Title Credit SSB023 Religion and Society 10 SSB128 Political Psychology 10 SSB216 Women and Crime: Victims, Offenders and Survivors 10 SSB360 The Media in Global Context 10 Semester 2 Code Module Title Credit SSB234 Media, Culture and Crime 10 SSB175 Psychological Disorders in Society 10 SSB352 Political Communication 10 SSB021 Inequalities across the Life Course 20 Semesters 1 and 2 Language Options: Students may choose to take a language option in either semester, however this must carry on from a language in Part A. 10 Information for students wishing to take a Study Abroad or Placement Year Study Abroad: Candidates have the opportunity to apply for permission to undertake an approved course of study at either a European university which is a member of the EU approved Erasmus Exchange programmes in the School of Social Sciences or any other University with which the University has exchange study arrangements. Such a course of study must be undertaken in place of one Semester at Part B. For students opting to take the Study Abroad scheme in Semester 2 Semester 1 Compulsory Modules total modular weight 40 credits: Code Module Title Credit SSB010 Social Theories 20 SSB393 Advanced Research Methods A (Erasmus) 20 In addition, depending on the credit gained through the Semester Abroad, students are enrolled on one of the following modules: Code Module Title Credit SSB097 Study Abroad Module 50 SSB098 Study Abroad Module 60 SSB099 Study Abroad Module 70 Optional modules: Depending on the credit gained through the Study Abroad semester, students take either 10, 20 or 30 credits worth of options in Semester 1. A selection of optional modules will be offered every year from the Part B list provided above. For students opting to take the Study Abroad scheme in Semester 1 Semester 2 Compulsory modules total modular weight 50 credits: Code Module Title Credit SSB026 Globalisation and its consequences 20 SSB394 Advanced Research Methods B (Erasmus) 20 SSB036 Digital Lives and Society 10 In addition, depending on the credit gained through the Semester Abroad, students are enrolled on one of the following modules: Code Module Title Credit SSB097 Study Abroad Module 50 SSB098 Study Abroad Module 60 SSB099 Study Abroad Module 70 Optional modules: Depending on the credit gained through the Study Abroad semester, students take either 10, 20 or 30 credits worth of options in Semester 2. A selection of optional modules will be offered every year from the Part B list provided above. Part I Candidates will undertake one of the following approved study and/or work placements leading to the Diploma in International Studies (IntS) or Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS) in accordance with Regulation XI. Code Module Title SSI001 Diploma in Professional Studies (work placement SSI002 Diploma in International Studies (study abroad) LAN900 Diploma in International Studies (overseas work placement in a foreign language) GYI100 Year in Enterprise (DPS) GYI200 Professional Training Placement and Overseas Study (DIntS) Part C COMPULSORY MODULES (80 credits) Semester 1 Code Module Title Credit SSC032 The Individual and Society 10 SSC024 Gender, Sex and Society 20 Semester 2 Code Module Title Credit SSC035 Consumption, Culture and Everyday Life 10 Semester 1 and 2 Code Module Title Weight SSC099 Sociology Project Dissertation 40 OPTIONAL MODULES Students take 40 credits worth of options across two semesters. A selection will be offered from the list below, plus language modules: Semester 1 Code Module Title Credit SSC238 Youth Justice 20 SSC020 Race and Racism 20 SSC130 Social Psychology of Everyday Life 20 SSC316 Media, Memory and History 20 Semester 2 Code Module Title Credit SSC212 Poverty, Pay and Living Standards 20 SSC357 Producing the News 20 SSC022 Health, the Body and Culture 20 SSC138 Forensic Psychology 20 SSC239 Green Criminology: Environmental Crimes and Harms 20 Semesters 1 and 2 Language Options: Students may choose to take a language option in either semester, however this must carry on from a language in Part B. 10 5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award In order to progress from Part A to Part B, from Part B to C, and to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XX. 6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification Candidates' final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level Module Assessments in Parts B and C. The percentage mark for each Part will be combined in the ratio Part B 40% : Part C 60% to determine the final programme percentage mark.

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Code	Module Title	Credit
SSA001	Identities and Inequalities	10
SSA003	Sociological Imagination	10
SSA305	Foundations in Social Sciences	10
SSA156	Self and Identity	10

Code	Module Title
SSI001	Diploma in Professional Studies (work placement
SSI002	Diploma in International Studies (study abroad)
LAN900	Diploma in International Studies (overseas work placement in a foreign language)
GYI100	Year in Enterprise (DPS)
GYI200	Professional Training Placement and Overseas Study (DIntS)

Code	Module Title	Weight
SSC099	Sociology Project Dissertation	40