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Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Social Sciences - UBAH3SSSO
Academic year modifications to take effect
Further information
Programme Modification / Re-approval Implementation Year 2018/
Section 1: Programme Development and Approval Committee approval to proceed read only
Programme proposal form
Date of approval
20/Sep/
Programme start date
Programme start month
Section 2: Core Programme Information
Programme name Social Sciences
Reason(s) if name different from the one approved by PDAC
First character of the code obtained from your Faculty/Institute/School
S
Remaining characters of the code
SO
Lead Faculty/Institute/School
Faculty of Social Science and Public Policy
Lead department School of Education, Communication and Society
Campus Waterloo Campus
Other academic units involved?
Yes
Which other Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Faculties/Institutes/Schools
Programme organiser ALAN CRIBB
Programme level 6
Programme length in years: 3
Normal qualification: full- time
Bachelor of Arts (Hons)
More than one pathway? Yes
Pathway(s) Pathway title
Sociology and Social Policy
Children, Youth and Society
Available exclusively/specifically designed for a specific group of people?
No
Teacher training course? No
What type of teacher training is this course?
Not a teacher training course
Exclusively for incoming study abroad/exchange students
No
Section 3: Award details
Awarding body King's College London
Teaching institution (HESA) Student is taught wholly at reporting institution
Joint teaching institution
Final award Social Sciences
Credit value 360
ECTS credit value 180
Special criteria
Nested awards within this programme? No
Will the main programme include the standard exit awards for its award type? Standard exit awards
Rationale for there being either non-standard or no exit awards for this programme
Date variation to the Regulations agreed by the College Assessment Board (CAB)
Evidence of CAB approval
Section 4: Collaborative provision, partnerships and placements
Programme involved in any collaborative activity?
Yes
Does the collaboration involve one of the
None of these
validation/accreditation
Date of most recent validation/accreditation
Date of next validation/accreditation
Section 5: Modes of attendance and length of study
Course Code UBAH3SSSO
Mode of attendance Full Time
Units of length YEARS
Min number of years/months/weeks 3
Max number of years/months/weeks 10
Section 6: Programme Duration read only
When will the programme run? Standard undergraduate year
Further details if other
Any other entry points? No
What other entry points
Details of any years of the programme that are longer than standard
Section 7: Educational Aims
Education aims
- To develop an appreciation of the diversity and complexity of social science perspectives and issues and the contribution that social science perspectives can make to understanding and shaping society.
- To develop an appreciation of interdisciplinarity in social sciences and capabilities relating to reading and writing across disciplinary boundaries.
- To develop an understanding of how different perspectives and a range of theoretical and methodological approaches within the social sciences can be applied in the workplace and to the analysis of policy and society.
- To develop reflexivity and critical thinking in students both for academic purposes and with respect to the demands of effective practical action and positive social change.
- To develop an understanding of key quantitative and qualitative research methodologies used in the social sciences, and to understand the appropriate applications, and the strengths, limitations and theoretical commitments of different methodologies.
- To develop an understanding of and a critical engagement with key concepts mobilised in policy and professional debate and decision making across a range of domains such as education, health and social care, youth justice, media and the environment and in a range of international settings.
- To develop a focused and in depth understanding of issues within, and scholarly capabilities relating to, either Sociology and Social Policy or Child and Youth Studies (with other substantive areas of social sciences scholarship to be added as and when new pathways are added to the programme).
- To develop a range of transferable skills which will be of use across academic and professional environments, including: group work skills; written and oral presentation skills; time management skills; information retrieval skills; the ability to construct and present reasoned arguments; the ability to gather, evaluate and contextualise evidence; and the ability to formulate, communicate and critique policy.
Section 8: Educational Objectives
The programme provides knowledge and understanding of the following
- key conceptual, theoretical and methodological approaches in the social sciences
- the quantitative and qualitative research methods required for conducting empirical research in the social sciences
- the range of uses to which social science perspectives are put by actors in policy and practice contexts
- the role of social science in shaping, understanding and evaluating contemporary policy discourses and trends
- competing analyses of the emergence of key contemporary policy discourses and trends in a variety of domains (e.g. health and social care, education, etc.) and international settings
- debates about the handling of value judgements in social sciences and the relationship between descriptive and normative questions
- contemporary patterns of power and inequality, competing explanations for political, economic and social inequalities, and some of the key social movements and political approaches aimed at challenging them
- the multidimensionality of justice, the conflicts between different dimensions of justice and the challenges of realising justice in practice
- the in-depth application of interdisciplinary social science perspectives to substantive themes relevant to the core concerns of Sociology and Social Policy or Child and Youth Studies (with other substantive areas of social sciences scholarship to be added as and when new pathways are added to the programme).
Seminars, lectures and supervision; directed reading and extensive use of the library resources; digital resources, including videos, annotated power point presentations and online discussion fora; policy analysis, formulation and communication tasks done individually and collaboratively; case studies; work-placement or work-related study; empirical observation; data collection and analysis; coursework assignments and their associated formative feedback. Where appropriate, the programme will use online and blended learning techniques to enable a 'flipped classroom' approach to provide variety, depth and flexibility for students' self-directed learning and to offer significant scope for interactive and collaborative group work during contact time.
The assessment model is both integrated and varied and will include the following methods: written essays, a range of styles of written articles (e.g. for press and media outlets, policy briefings), podcasts, data analysis tasks, essay plans, case studies, oral, video and poster presentations, annotated bibliographies, annotated policy documents, annotated research articles, personal learning diaries, project proposals, a dissertation and written reports (based on individual research projects). These assessment activities will be supported by the College's online and e-learning resources, in particular the Mahara e-portfolio platform and the online marking and feedback tools within Turnitin. Informal assessment will also occur by means of feedback from oral presentations and discussions in tutorials and seminars.
All means of assessment will allow students to receive formative feedback on their submitted work. This will focus on the student's ability to communicate ideas clearly orally and in writing, relate understanding of the literature to particular contexts, apply analytical frameworks to textual data, formulate, communicate and critique policy and design and carry out different types of research. The assessment criteria employed and formative feedback given for assessed coursework will reflect the integrated nature of the assessment of knowledge, skills and understanding.
What intellectual skills are provided by the programme?
Students will be able to:
i. Assess the relative merits of contrasting theories, explanations, analyses and policies
ii. Conceptualise problems and identify possible methods for their solution
iii. Think analytically, critically and independently with regard to both theoretical arguments and empirical data and evidence
iv. Carry out the abstracting and synthesis of information (of multiple sources and types, e.g. empirical and theoretical, etc.)
v. Take responsibility for their own learning and reflect upon their learning processes.
Seminars, lectures and supervision; directed reading and extensive use of the library and online resources; policy analysis, formulation and communication tasks done individually and collaboratively; case studies; work placement and work-related learning; empirical observation; data collection and analysis; coursework assignments and their associated formative feedback. The development of intellectual skills is embedded in the teaching and learning methods and strategies employed across the range of compulsory and optional modules.
The assessment of intellectual skills is designed around a cumulative model which begins by assessing students' ability to exercise fundamental skills (e.g. by demonstrating an ability to engage critically with readings, analyse data, plan essays, identify and construct valid arguments) before assessing more complex skills (e.g. being involved in synthesising different sorts of literature, writing critical literature reviews and producing a dissertation based on original research).
What practical skills are provided by the programme?
Students will be able to:
- Make effective use of a range of techniques for collecting empirical data
- Apply analytical frameworks to critically evaluate data, texts and policy problems
Present findings, analysis and arguments in a professional manner, both orally and in writing and using a range of media including social media
- Use appropriate information technology
Specifically through the Principles and Methods of Social Research module in year two, and the Advanced Methods for Social Research in year 3 and, more generally, through the seminars, lectures, tutorials and range of assessment methods included across the programme.
Practical skills are formally assessed by coursework and formal and informal presentations, using IT as an adjunct to oral delivery, assignments such as work-based learning reports, policy blogs etc. as well as by essays and the research dissertation.
What generic/transferable skills are provided by the programme?
Students will be supported to:
- Communicate effectively and fluently in speech and writing
- Tackle problems in a rigorous and open-minded fashion
- Use information and communications technology
New Library resources needed for the delivery of this programme No
New Information Technology resources needed for the delivery of this programme No
Other new resources needed for the delivery of this programme No
Section 12: Student numbers and fees read only
Estimated intake of Home/EU students per year
MOA Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
Full-time 28 32 35
Part-time
Estimated intake of Overseas students per year
MOA Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
Full-time 2 3 5
Major source of funding
FUNDED ENTIRELY BY STUDENT TUITION FEES
Tuition fees at the standard level detailed in the College's fee schedule?
Yes
Programme eligible for NHS bursary?
No
Fees billed at the programme or unit (module) level?
Programme
Section 13: Programme Structure and curriculum
Credits taken in each year of the programme
Year Full-time Part-time
Year 1 120
Year 2 120
Year 3 120
Year 4
Year 5
Pattern of study
Year 1 Compulsory: Understanding the social world (30 credits) Introduction to Social Theory (30 credits) Power, Inequality and Social Change (30 credits) Social Justice and Policy Analysis (30 credits) Year 2 From Year 2 students specialise by taking one of two study pathways. In Year 2 all students take the compulsory modules, The Uses of Theory and Principles, Methods of Social Research, and Work Placement or Social Sciences at Work, plus 60 optional credits to include at least 45 credits of optional modules from their chosen pathway. They may take 15 of their optional credits from the other pathway or from approved modules from other SSPP/AandH programmes or the Modern Language Centre. Sociology and Social Policy Compulsory: The Uses of Theory (15 credits) Principles and Methods of Social Research (30 credits) Work Placement (15 credits) OR Social Sciences at Work (15 credits) Optional: Gender and Sexual Politics (15 credits) Race, Ethnicity and Society (15 credits) Culture, Media and Society (15 credits) Environment, Policy and Society (15 credits) A 15-credit module from the Children, Youth and Society pathway or approved module from other programmes/the Modern Language Centre. Children, Youth and Society Compulsory: The Uses of Theory (15 credits) Principles and Methods of Social Research (30 credits) Work Placement (15 credits) OR Social Sciences at Work (15 credits) Optional: Global Childhoods and Youth: past and present (15 credits) Philosophical Perspectives on Childhood and Youth (15 Credits) Children, Families and the State (
credits) Children and International Development (15 credits) A 15-credit module from the Sociology and Social Policy pathway or approved module from other programmes/the Modern Language Centre. Student will have the option to study abroad in semester 2 of year 2. If they choose to study abroad they will be required to take the Social Sciences at Work modules as compulsory and will not have the option to take the Work Placement module in year 2 (although they will be able to choose it as an option in Year 3). Year 3 In Year 3 all students take the Advanced Methods for Social Research module and the Dissertation module plus 75 optional credits to include at least 45 credits worth of optional modules from their chosen pathway. They may take up to 30 credits of their optional modules from the other pathway or from approved modules from other SSPP/AandH programmes or the Modern Language Centre. Sociology and Social Policy Compulsory: Advanced Methods for Social Research (15 credits) Dissertation (30 credits) Optional: Work Placement (15 credits) (if not taken in year 2) Social Sciences at Work (15 credits) (if not taken in year 2) Education for the 21st Century: a global perspective (15 credits) Analysing Health and Social Care (15 credits) Civil and Political Rights (15 credits) Political Activism and Social Change ( credits) Culture, Media and Society (15 credits) Up to 30-credits worth of modules from the Children, Youth and Society pathway or approved modules from other programmes/the Modern Language Centre. Children, Youth and Society Compulsory: Advanced Methods for Social Research (15 credits) Dissertation (30 credits) Optional: Work Placement (15 credits) (if not taken in year 2) Social Sciences at Work (15 credits) (if not taken in year 2) International and Comparative Youth Justice (15 credits) Transition to Adulthood: a multi- disciplinary perspective (15 credits) Childhood and Youth in Troubled Times (15 credits) Learning Out of School: play, youth work and social pedagogy (15 credits) Children, Families and the State (15 credits) Up to 30-credits worth of modules from the Sociology and Social Policy pathway or approved modules from other programmes/the Modern Language Centre. Y2 Students may take 15 of their optional credits from the other pathway/approved modules from other SSPP/AandH programmes or the Modern Language Centre. Y3: Students may take up to 30 of their optional credits from the other pathway/from approved modules from other SSPP/AandH programmes or the MLC. Y2 Students may take 15 of their optional credits from the other pathway/approved modules from other SSPP/AandH programmes or the Modern Language Centre. Y3: Students may take up to 30 of their optional credits from the other pathway/from approved modules from other SSPP/AandH programmes or the MLC. Y2 Students may take 15 of their optional credits from the other pathway/approved modules from other SSPP/AandH programmes or the Modern Language Centre. Y3: Students may take up to 30 of their optional credits from the other pathway/from approved modules from other SSPP/AandH programmes or the MLC.
Module list Year Module code
Module title Credit level
Credit value
Status Pre-req module(s)
Co-req module(s)
Assess
1 Understanding the Social World
4 30 Compulsory Coursework
1 Introduction to Social Theory
4 30 Compulsory Coursework
1 Power, Inequality and Social Change
4 30 Compulsory Coursework
1 Social Justice and Policy Analysis
4 30 Compulsory Coursework
2 The Uses of Theory 5 15 Compulsory Coursework
2 Principles and Methods of Social Research
5 30 Compulsory Coursework
2 Work Placement 5 15 Compulsory Coursework
2 Social Sciences at Work
5 15 Compulsory Coursework
2 Gender and Sexual Politics
5 15 Optional Coursework
2 Race, Ethnicity and Society
5 15 Optional Coursework
2 Culture, Media and Society
5 15 Optional Coursework
2 Environment, Policy and Society
5 15 Optional Coursework
2 Global Childhoods and Youth: Past and Present
5 15 Optional Coursework
2 Philosophical Perspectives on Childhood and Youth
5 15 Optional Coursework
2 Children, Families and the State
5 15 Optional Coursework
2 Children and International Development
5 15 Optional Coursework
3 Dissertation 6 30 Compulsory Coursework
3 Advanced Methods for Social Research
6 30 Compulsory Coursework
3 Work Placement 5 15 Optional Coursework
Section 15: Inclusivity
Inclusivity KCL regulations ensure equal access for all students to every education opportunity. The programme has been designed to follow College Regulations and diversity and inclusion guidance in everyday practice to meet the diverse needs of all students, from admission to graduation. Requests from students with learning disabilities or other conditions will be assessed against the King's Inclusion Plan and support provided where necessary. This might include the recording of lectures, class discussions, early access to lecture and seminar materials. Feedback on the programme and each module will be regularly collected. The information will be used to inform the on-going development and improvement of the programme and modules. Responses to evaluations will be provided in various ways, including Student-Staff Liaison Committees. Monitoring of performance by age, gender, ethnic background and widening participation, is part of the regular reporting procedure carried out in programme reviews. Student dashboards are made available to staff and this information will be incorporated into the annual reporting procedure. Guidelines from the College's Diversity and Inclusion unit will be followed.
Section 17: External Specialist Advice read only
Report from external specialist
Departmental response
Please see attached.
Section 18: Additional Information
Additional information
All students will enrol on 'BA Social Sciences' and their award title will be this. There are two pathways planned within the programme: 'Sociology and Social Policy' and 'Children, Youth and Society'. 'Social Sciences' is not a separate, 3rd pathway, despite OPAMA listing it as one.
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