Loughborough University
Leicestershire, UK
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Programme Specifications

Programme Specification

BSc (Hons) Sociology (2020 entry)

Academic Year: 2020/21

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 and Humanities
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, 15 Jul 2020 17:01:37 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 (2020 INTAKE) - SOCIOLOGY The programme lasts three years full-time, with the opportunity to undertake a placement year (Part I – between second and final years). Candidates must take a total modular weight of 120 in each Part (Year) with a minimum modular weight of 50 in each semester, taking into account both compulsory and optional modules. Important note: No modules may be taken and passed more than once. Optional module availability is subject to timetabling constraints and optional modules may also be subject to change. Part A - Introductory Modules COMPULSORY MODULES (80 credits) Semester 1 Code Module Title Credit SSA001 Identities and Inequalities 10 SSA003 Sociological Imagination 10 SSA004 Principles of Social Research Methods 10 CXA305 Foundations in Social Sciences 10 CXA156 Self and Identity 10 Semester 2 Code Module Title Credit SSA002 Global, Social and Cultural Change 10 SSA005 Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods 10 SSA006 Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods 10 OPTIONAL MODULES Student must choose FOUR 10 credit options from the following: Semester 1 Code Module Title Credit SSA201 Introducing Criminology 10 CXA301 Introduction to Communication and Media Studies: Contemporary Trends and Issues 10 Languages One 10-credit module from a list supplied by the Language Centre, levels dependent on candidates’ previous qualifications. Languages offered are: French, German, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish 10 Semester 2 Code Module Title Credit SSA202 Understanding Social Policy 10 CXA302 Introduction to Communication and Media Studies: Theories, Approaches and Practices 10 Languages One 10-credit module from a list supplied by the Language Centre, levels dependent on candidates’ previous qualifications. Languages offered are: French, German, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish 10 Semesters 1 and 2 Students can also choose other modules from the University’s Module Catalogue, approved by the School of Social Sciences and Humanities. Part B - Degree Modules COMPULSORY MODULES (80 credits) Semester 1 Code Module Title Credit SSB004 Advanced Research Methods A 10 SSB010 Social Theories 20 Semester 2 Code Module Title Credit SSB005 Advanced Research Methods B 20 SSB026 Globalisation and its consequences 20 SSB036 Digital Lives and Society 10 OPTIONAL MODULES Students take 40 credits worth of options across two semesters from the following list: Semester 1 Code Module Title Credit SSB025 Intoxication and Society 10 CXB128 Political Psychology 10 SSB216 Women and Crime: Victims, Offenders and Survivors 10 CXB360 The Media in Global Context 10 Languages One 10-credit module from a list supplied by the Language Centre, levels dependent on candidates’ previous qualifications. Languages offered are: French, German, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish and must carry on from a language in Part A 10 Semester 2 Code Module Title Credit CXB234 Media, Culture and Crime 10 CXB175 Psychological Disorders in Society 10 SSB021 Inequalities across the Life Course 10 SSB023 Religion and Society 10 Languages One 10-credit module from a list supplied by the Language Centre, levels dependent on candidates’ previous qualifications. Languages offered are: French, German, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish and must carry on from a language at Part A 10 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 CXC130 Social Psychology of Everyday Life 20 Semester 2 Code Module Title Credit SSC212 Poverty, Pay and Living Standards 20 CXC357 Producing the News 20 CXC138 Forensic Psychology 20 SSC237 Sex Work and Sex Industries 20 Semesters 1 and 2 Languages Two 10-credit modules (one per semester) from a list supplied by the Language Centre, levels dependent on candidates’ previous qualifications. Languages offered are: French, German, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish and must carry on from a language at Part B 20 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
SSA004	Principles of Social Research Methods	10
CXA305	Foundations in Social Sciences	10
CXA156	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