Bath Spa University

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Sociology

Sociology is an exciting, challenging, relevant and increasingly important subject. Sociology is the study of society: how it's structured and how it works. If you're interested in people or the way people behave together, then Sociology could be for you.

Sociology at Bath Spa University is taught in an exciting and supportive way that begins with real everyday concerns - thinking about identity and who we are. You will study contemporary issues such as why do so many young people in Britain and the USA buy trainers and what are the consequences of their actions for people thousands of miles away, who they will probably never meet? There are also opportunities to develop a range of skills and abilities that will improve your university grades as well as your job prospects. Throughout the degree you will be offered a mix of compulsory and optional modules that give you a grounding in sociological ideas and an opportunity to explore more specific areas in detail. Our options list is extensive because it also includes modules from related subjects in other departments such as business and management, health studies, psychology, education, cultural and media studies. You can shape your learning to suit your own interests and the list of available choices increases as you progress.

Course Structure and Content

In the first year, no prior knowledge of sociology is expected - we provide a range of assessments and support to suit your level of skill. The second and third years are then designed to build on the knowledge that you have already gained.

Year 1 (level 4)

• Discovering Sociology: this compulsory module enables you to make sense of what's going on in the world and also find out more about who you are. You will also learn that what are often taken to be individual or personal problems are in fact public issues that are shared by others. There are four themes - identity and individuality; culture and beliefs; crime and social control; and social change. At the end of the module you should be able to think more clearly, develop and defend an argument and be considerably more knowledgeable about yourself and the world around you.
• Health Education and Welfare in Britain: is an optional module that examines the development of health, education, housing and other welfare services such as pensions and benefits in Britain during the last 200 years. You will become better informed about contemporary debates about such things as schools, work, pensions, health services and housing.
• Exploring Childhood: this optional module explores the meaning of childhood at different times and in different cultures; you will examine the physical and emotional development of children within the changing nature of the family; look at the different ways that each of us learns about our identity as children and understand more about recent legislation that concerns childhood, such child protection.

Year 2 (level 5)

• Compulsory modules:
  • Sociology: Perspectives and Debates;
  • Social Science Research Methods.
• Optional modules:
  • Criminology and Criminal Justice;
  • Families and Family Relationships;
  • Pupils, Teachers and Schools: the Sociology of Education;
  • Issues in Mental Health and Illness.

Year 3 (level 6)

• Compulsory modules:
  • Dissertation.
• Optional modules:
  • Globalisations: Crises and Opportunities;
  • Ethnic Diversity and Racism in Britain;
  • Community Engagement;
  • Sociology of Health and Illness;
  • Disability - A Life Course Approach;
  • Religions and Spirituality in Society.

Teaching Methods and Resources

Sociology is taught by a small, enthusiastic team who will get to know you and be able to provide appropriate support. Students often comment on how much they enjoy studying sociology at Bath Spa, we work hard to foster a friendly atmosphere where everyone can feel welcomed and valued. We use a range of teaching and learning strategies: lectures, classes, workshops, group work and individual study.

The department has a range of resources available to sociology students. We make a large part of our lecture notes and supporting material available on-line and we also have a film club that provides an opportunity to explore issues raised in your learning in a more informal setting.

Assessment Methods

Assessment methods vary and we work constantly to help you improve your performance. As well as learning more about sociology, you will find that we use a range of assessments that are designed to enable you to reflect on your own strengths and abilities. This will be of value in helping you to develop the sort of skills that employers need; for example communication, analysis, evaluating evidence and decision-making.

Entry Requirements

220-260 UCAS Tariff points (eg BCD; BB+AS c).

Alternative qualifications welcome.