BA (Honours) Applied Social Science

UCAS code

L000

Attendance

Full-time

Three years full-time

At a glance

Learn how to apply the knowledge and ideas associated with sociology, politics and social policy to contemporary issues nationally and globally, on this multidisciplinary course. It provides opportunities for you to study abroad or go on a work placement in your second year. As part of the course, you also develop key professional skills to enhance your career prospects as a graduate.

Key points
• Study sociology, politics and modules in social policy.
• Apply what you learn to contemporary issues and problems in the real world.
• Specialise in subjects that suit your career aims and ambitions.
• Enhance your career prospects with work placement opportunities.

What is applied social science?
Applied social science draws on a range of disciplines to enable you to understand the contemporary world, to apply knowledge to social issues and problems, and to appreciate how political decisions affect people's lives.

About this course

Gain knowledge of sociology, politics and policy and learn how to use this knowledge to address social problems and issues in the real world on this multi-disciplinary course. As the course progresses, you specialise in specific areas of study that best reflect your career aims and ambitions.

The course includes a strong emphasis on the contemporary, globalised world, and international issues. You acquire the skills necessary to research contemporary issues and to present the results of research in a clear, systematic and confident manner. You also study modules designed to enhance your employability, and opportunities to undertake a work placement or to study abroad.

This degree prepares you for careers in a range of areas including • work with a local authority • work for a charity or voluntary organisation • work with a political party • work with a campaigning organisation • work with a research consultancy organisation • police officer • research officer • or policy officer. Alternatively, it is a good way to prepare for post-graduate study in teaching, social work, probation or research.

You are taught by lecturers who are actively involved in research. Many of the staff who teach you have published in major journals, produced research reports on key issues and published books in their subject area. This commitment to research ensures that the course materials you use are up-to-date and well informed by recent studies.

During the first year, you gain a broad foundation of knowledge and skills in the social sciences.

The second year offers a flexible study programme in which you can choose to study modules focused on work and employability, alongside modules in sociology, politics and social policy.

In year three, you can specialise in subject areas that particularly interest you or are relevant for your future employment, or you can study modules from all three disciplines. You can also choose to complete a final year dissertation in a subject that interests you.

Key areas of study
Topic areas you study include • social issues and policy in a global context • culture, media and consumption • crime and the media • world politics • contemporary security studies.

City University of Hong Kong
This course is offered to students studying at City University of Hong Kong and Sheffield Hallam teaching staff make regular visits to Hong Kong, creating opportunities to make links between students on the two courses. If you are interested in studying this course in Hong Kong, contact City University of Hong Kong partner directly. See www.scope.edu/Home/Programmes/UndergraduateDegree/BAHonsAppliedSocialScience.aspx for more information

Associated careers

You can pursue careers in areas such as • government and local government • political organisations • education • advice work • social work • charities and the voluntary sector • social research • human resources • commercial, industrial and public-sector management • policing.

Course content

Year one modules

• the politics of everyday life • social thinking and reflection • the politics of the USA • shaping societies • introduction to international relations • political ideas and concepts

Year two modules

• personal learning portfolio • research methods in politics • understanding global societies 

You also choose one from • work-related learning and four option modules • project management and two option modules • work placement • study abroad.

Option modules 
May include • divided societies • the politics of social capital • education and schooling • families, kinship and households • the politics of inequality • gangs and subcultures • post war British foreign and defence policy • globalization and politics • health and society • religion, belief and community •  politics, ideology and the media • spin, propaganda and the media • politics of the environment • global issues in welfare • understanding modern societies • research methods

Year three modules

Modules include • dissertation • professional development •comparing social issues and policy in global context • comparative politics • policy making and analysis • anarchism: direct action in theory and practice • British political parties in the modern era • contemporary security studies • failed states and democratisation • gender in political thought and action • terrorism and counter-terrorism • the politics of violence • world politics • policy making and analysis • belief, meaning and culture • crime and the media • culture, media and consumption • drug use in context • families and kinship; a global perspective • global identities • power, sex and the body • work, employment and globalisation • rehabilitation and punishment • advanced research methods • organisation, work and psychology • youth justice systems in international context • individual differences and mental health • welfare rights and legal issues • counselling and psychotherapy • evidence for welfare practice • politics of inequality and social division

Assessment

• essays • projects • individual and group presentations • dissertation • seen and unseen examinations

Entry requirements

2014 entry requirements

Five GCSEs at grade C or above, including mathematics and English language. Plus one of the following

• 260 points including at least 160 points from two GCE/VCE A levels, or BTEC National qualifications, or one AVCE double award. We accept AS levels and general studies but not key skills.

• Access - at least 45 credits at level 3 from a relevant Open College Network accredited course

If English is not your first language you need an IELTS average score of 6.5 or above, with a minimum score of 5.5 in each skill.

We also consider other qualifications from the UCAS tariff. Applicants with alternative qualifications or a combination of qualifications and work experience will also be considered. We welcome applications from people of any age. Please contact us for further advice.

Meeting the qualifications on the entry criteria does not guarantee you a place. You should ensure that you submit a personal statement and reference as these are considered as part of the selection process. Guidelines on personal statements and references can be found on the UCAS website.

Fees

International students

2014/15 academic year

Typically £11,250

How to apply

You apply for this course through UCAS.

Contact details

For more information or to check the progress of your application phone +44 (0)114 225 5555, fax +44 (0)114 225 2167, e-mail admissions@shu.ac.uk