Sociology BSc (Hons) - 2023/4

Awarding body

University of Surrey

Teaching institute

University of Surrey

Framework

FHEQ Level 6

Final award and programme/pathway title

BSc (Hons) Sociology

Subsidiary award(s)

Award Title
Ord Sociology
DipHE Sociology
CertHE Sociology

Modes of study

Route code Credits and ECTS Credits
Full-time ULE10001 360 credits and 180 ECTS credits
Full-time with PTY ULE10001 480 credits and 240 ECTS credits

QAA Subject benchmark statement (if applicable)

Sociology

Other internal and / or external reference points

N/A

Faculty and Department / School

Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences - Sociology

Programme Leader

HEMMING Peter (Sociology)

Date of production/revision of spec

26/09/2024

Educational aims of the programme

  • To provide students with a well-founded education in the concepts, theories and principles of sociology, and their application across a range of relevant substantive areas.
  • To enable students to use a range of analytical tools in order to evaluate and conduct sociological research on contemporary society and culture.
  • To develop students' understanding of the relationship between social systems, social institutions, and social processes, and the quantitative and qualitative means of investigating them.
  • To encourage critical, inquisitive and independent thought among students in their examination of social issues.
  • To develop in students a broad range of communicative, analytical and organisational skills, and the confidence and knowledge to apply these skills in their careers after graduation.

Programme learning outcomes

Attributes Developed Awards Ref.
Have a critical understanding of the elements of sociology relevant to an understanding of the contemporary world K CertHE
Be familiar with the main theoretical perspectives and debates of sociology and their application in the study of substantive sociological phenomena K BSc (Hons)
Be able to identify, summarise and apply key concepts in sociology to a range of relevant substantive areas K BSc (Hons)
Be able to distinguish between and evaluate different methodological approaches to the study of society K BSc (Hons)
Be familiar with the range and role of research methods used to generate data in sociological research K BSc (Hons)
Be able to design and execute sociological research studies, and be competent in the collection, management and analysis of research data K BSc (Hons)
Be able to synthesise and evaluate data from a variety of sources, and evaluate the relationship between sociological arguments and evidence K BSc (Hons)
Familiarity with and critical appreciation of the key elements of Sociology necessary for understanding of the contemporary social world. K Ord
Familiarity with and critical appreciation of the main theoretical perspectives and debates in Sociology and their application to the study of substantive social phenomena. K Ord
Familiarity with and understanding of the range and application of qualitative and quantitative methods used to produce data in sociological research. K Ord
A critical understanding of the most recent developments in sociological theory, methodology and methods. K Ord
Have acquired sufficient knowledge of sociological concepts and theory to be able to challenge received opinion, evaluate their own work and report effectively K DipHE
Have acquired basic knowledge of sociological concepts and theories K CertHE
To be able to understand standard sociological text books K CertHE
Identify, summarise and apply key concepts in sociology to a range of relevant substantive areas C BSc (Hons)
Distinguish between and evaluate different methodological approaches to the study of society C BSc (Hons)
Synthesise and evaluate data from a variety of sources. C BSc (Hons)
Evaluate the relationship between sociological arguments and evidence C BSc (Hons)
Critically compare and contrast different theoretical approaches within the discipline C BSc (Hons)
Plan, conduct and report an individual sociological study C BSc (Hons)
Identify, critically assess and apply key concepts in Sociology to a range of relevant substantive areas. C Ord
Distinguish between and evaluate different methodological approaches to the study of society. C Ord
Synthesise and evaluate data from a variety of primary and secondary sources. C Ord
Evaluate the relationship between sociological theories and concepts and empirical evidence. C Ord
Critically evaluate, contrast and challenge different theoretical approaches within the discipline of Sociology. C Ord
Have acquired further social research skills to enable them, with autonomy, to perform straightforward research tasks C DipHE
Have acquired a basic foundation of social research skills to enable them to perform simple research tasks with guidance C CertHE
Locate, organise and use appropriate theories and concepts in order to inform social research P BSc (Hons)
Design and carry out social research using a variety of methods P BSc (Hons)
Plan for, collect and analyse quantitative and qualitative data competently P BSc (Hons)
Work individually and as part of a group to elaborate upon key issues and debates relating to sociology and its relevant substantive areas of study P BSc (Hons)
Use information and computing technology to collect, analyse and report on sociological research P BSc (Hons)
Collect, evaluate and utilise relevant primary and secondary sources in order to inform and resolve sociological questions. P BSc (Hons)
Produce a curriculum vitae P BSc (Hons)
Design and execute independent research using a variety of methods. P Ord
Produce, manage and analyse quantitative and qualitative data. P Ord
Locate, evaluate and apply appropriate sociological theories and concepts to inform both data production and analysis. P Ord
Identify, collect and apply relevant primary and secondary sources to inform and resolve sociological issues. P Ord
Work individually and as part of a group to critically reflect upon key debates in sociology and substantive social matters. P Ord
Have demonstrated an ability to utilise library and electronic learning material in self-directed learning P DipHE
Be able to access learning materials from library and electronic resources P CertHE
Communicate ideas, principles and theories by oral, written and visual means T BSc (Hons)
Formulate and solve problems, both individually and as part of a team T BSc (Hons)
Work towards targets and deadlines under pressure through discipline and careful organisation T BSc (Hons)
Use information and communication technologies for a variety of generic and subject-specific purposes T BSc (Hons)
Apply and present numerical and statistical data in an appropriate way BSc (Hons)
Carry out a set of responsibilities in a work environment (for those who undertake a professional placement year only) T BSc (Hons)
Communicate ideas, principles and theories by oral, written and visual means. T Ord
Formulate and solve problems, both individually and as part of a team. T Ord
Work towards targets under pressure through discipline and careful organisation T Ord
Use information technologies for a variety of generic and subject specific purposes. T Ord
Apply and present basic statistical and numerical data in an appropriate way. T Ord
Carry out a set of responsibilities in a work environment (for those who undertake a professional placement year only). T Ord
Be ready to develop professional working relationships T DipHE
Have attained a reasonable level of computer literacy and study skills T CertHE

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Programme structure

Full-time

This Bachelor's Degree (Honours) programme is studied full-time over three academic years, consisting of 360 credits (120 credits at FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6). All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Bachelor's Degree (Ordinary) (300 credits)
- Diploma of Higher Education (240 credits)
- Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits)

Full-time with PTY

This Bachelor's Degree (Honours) programme is studied full-time over four academic years, consisting of 480 credits (120 credits at FHEQ levels 4, 5, 6 and the optional professional training year). All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Bachelor's Degree (Ordinary) (300 credits)
- Diploma of Higher Education (240 credits)
- Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits)

Programme Adjustments (if applicable)

N/A

Modules

Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
SOC1037 CURRENT SOCIOLOGY: TOPICS AND ISSUES Compulsory 15 2
SOC1038 MAKING SENSE OF EVERYDAY LIFE Compulsory 15 2
SOC1049 SOCIAL DIVISIONS AND SOCIAL IDENTITIES Compulsory 15 1
SOC1047 POPULAR CULTURE IN MEDIATED SOCIETIES Compulsory 15 2
SOC1050 MEASURING THE SOCIAL WORLD: QUANTITATIVE METHODS Compulsory 15 2
SOC1051 RESEARCHING THE SOCIAL WORLD: QUALITATIVE METHODS Compulsory 15 1
SOC1052 CONCEPTUALISING THE SOCIAL WORLD Compulsory 15 1
SOC1053 LIVING SOCIOLOGY Compulsory 15 1

Module Selection for Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4

N/A

Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
SOC2043 POVERTY, WELFARE AND THE STATE Optional 15 1
SOC2046 MIGRATION AND THE POLITICS OF IDENTITY Optional 15 1
SOC2051 INTERNET AND SOCIETY Optional 15 1
SOC2068 EVERYDAY CONSUMPTION AND ITS CONSEQUENCES Optional 15 2
SOC2071 CRITICAL SOCIOLOGICAL THINKING Compulsory 15 2
SOC2076 USING RESEARCH FOR POLICY, PRACTICE AND IMPACT Compulsory 15 1
SOC2093 ADVANCED QUANTITATIVE METHODS Compulsory 15 1
SOC2094 ADVANCED QUALITATIVE METHODS Compulsory 15 2
SOC2095 DE/CONSTRUCTING GENDER Optional 15 2
SOC2089 COMMUNICATING CULTURE: CONCEPTS AND FRAMEWORKS Optional 15 2
SOC2078 DRUGS AND SOCIETY Optional 15 1
SOC2097 WORK, EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIETY IN GLOBAL CONTEXT Optional 15 2

Module Selection for Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5

Students take two options from each semester, four in total.

Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
SOC3028 DISSERTATION Compulsory 45 Year-long
SOC3033 CULTURES OF RACE AND RACISM Optional 15 2
SOC3034 FAMILIES AND SOCIETY Optional 15 1
SOC3040 SOCIOLOGY OF MENTAL HEALTH Optional 15 2
SOC3063 HATE CRIME Optional 15 1
SOC3078 DATA AND THE DIGITAL IN PLATFORM SOCIETIES Optional 15 1
SOC3083 UNDERSTANDING SEXUALITIES Optional 15 2
SOC3084 TRAVEL AND TOURISM Optional 15 1
SOC3068 CRIMINOLOGY OF PLEASURE Optional 15 1
SOC3080 YOUTH, CULTURE AND MEDIA Optional 15 2
SOC3079 MUSIC, MEDIA AND SOCIETY Optional 15 1

Module Selection for Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6

Students take the dissertation (45 credits) across the whole year plus THREE options from Semester 1 and TWO from Semester 2.

Year 1 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 4

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
SOC1037 CURRENT SOCIOLOGY: TOPICS AND ISSUES Compulsory 15 2
SOC1038 MAKING SENSE OF EVERYDAY LIFE Compulsory 15 2
SOC1049 SOCIAL DIVISIONS AND SOCIAL IDENTITIES Compulsory 15 1
SOC1047 POPULAR CULTURE IN MEDIATED SOCIETIES Compulsory 15 2
SOC1050 MEASURING THE SOCIAL WORLD: QUANTITATIVE METHODS Compulsory 15 2
SOC1051 RESEARCHING THE SOCIAL WORLD: QUALITATIVE METHODS Compulsory 15 1
SOC1052 CONCEPTUALISING THE SOCIAL WORLD Compulsory 15 1
SOC1053 LIVING SOCIOLOGY Compulsory 15 1

Module Selection for Year 1 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 4

N/A

Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
SOC2043 POVERTY, WELFARE AND THE STATE Optional 15 1
SOC2046 MIGRATION AND THE POLITICS OF IDENTITY Optional 15 1
SOC2051 INTERNET AND SOCIETY Optional 15 1
SOC2068 EVERYDAY CONSUMPTION AND ITS CONSEQUENCES Optional 15 2
SOC2071 CRITICAL SOCIOLOGICAL THINKING Compulsory 15 2
SOC2076 USING RESEARCH FOR POLICY, PRACTICE AND IMPACT Compulsory 15 1
SOC2093 ADVANCED QUANTITATIVE METHODS Compulsory 15 1
SOC2094 ADVANCED QUALITATIVE METHODS Compulsory 15 2
SOC2095 DE/CONSTRUCTING GENDER Optional 15 2
SOC2089 COMMUNICATING CULTURE: CONCEPTS AND FRAMEWORKS Optional 15 2
SOC2078 DRUGS AND SOCIETY Optional 15 1
SOC2097 WORK, EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIETY IN GLOBAL CONTEXT Optional 15 2

Module Selection for Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5

Students take two options from each semester, four in total.

Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
SOC3028 DISSERTATION Compulsory 45 Year-long
SOC3033 CULTURES OF RACE AND RACISM Optional 15 2
SOC3034 FAMILIES AND SOCIETY Optional 15 1
SOC3040 SOCIOLOGY OF MENTAL HEALTH Optional 15 2
SOC3063 HATE CRIME Optional 15 1
SOC3078 DATA AND THE DIGITAL IN PLATFORM SOCIETIES Optional 15 1
SOC3083 UNDERSTANDING SEXUALITIES Optional 15 2
SOC3084 TRAVEL AND TOURISM Optional 15 1
SOC3068 CRIMINOLOGY OF PLEASURE Optional 15 1
SOC3080 YOUTH, CULTURE AND MEDIA Optional 15 2
SOC3079 MUSIC, MEDIA AND SOCIETY Optional 15 1

Module Selection for Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6

Students take the dissertation (45 credits) across the whole year plus THREE options from Semester 1 and TWO from Semester 2.

Professional Training Year (PTY) - Professional Training Year

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
SOCP010 PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR MODULE (FULL-YEAR WORK) Core 120 Year-long
SOCP011 PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR MODULE (WORK-STUDY 50/50) Core 120 Year-long
SOCP012 PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR MODULE (FULL-YEAR STUDY) Core 120 Year-long

Module Selection for Professional Training Year (PTY) - Professional Training Year

Students must choose one of the above three modules.

Opportunities for placements / work related learning / collaborative activity

Associate Tutor(s) / Guest Speakers / Visiting Academics Y
Professional Training Year (PTY) Y
Placement(s) (study or work that are not part of PTY) N
Clinical Placement(s) (that are not part of the PTY scheme) N
Study exchange (Level 5) Y
Dual degree N

Quality assurance

The Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programmes can be found at:

https://www.surrey.ac.uk/quality-enhancement-standards

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2023/4 academic year.