Politics and Sociology BSc (Hons) - 2024/5

Awarding body

University of Surrey

Teaching institute

University of Surrey

Framework

FHEQ Level 6

Final award and programme/pathway title

BSc (Hons) Politics and Sociology

Subsidiary award(s)

Award Title
DipHE Politics and Sociology
CertHE Politics and Sociology
Ord Politics and Sociology

Modes of study

Route code Credits and ECTS Credits
Full-time ULB10001 360 credits and 180 ECTS credits
Full-time with PTY ULB10001 480 credits and 240 ECTS credits

QAA Subject benchmark statement (if applicable)

Politics and International Relations, Sociology

Other internal and / or external reference points

N/A

Faculty and Department / School

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences - Politics

Programme Leader

KITCHEN Nicholas (Politics)

Date of production/revision of spec

18/04/2024

Educational aims of the programme

  • To enable students to understand and use a range of concepts, approaches and methods appropriate to politics, and to develop an understanding of their contested nature and of the problematic character of political enquiry.
  • To provide students with a foundation of knowledge and understanding of theory and analysis, and to encourage them to apply these to issues in contemporary social and political affairs.
  • To develop students' capacity to think critically about events, ideas, people and institutions at local, national, regional and international levels, opening up their cultural and global horizons.
  • To assist students to develop a range of cognitive and social skills relevant to their intellectual, vocational and personal development.
  • To give students opportunities to apply their theoretical knowledge and understanding to the resolution of real-life problems and so develop their skills in respect of professional as well as academic life.
  • To provide a curriculum which encourages breadth and depth of intellectual enquiry and debate, supported by scholarship, a research culture, and staff reflection and development.
  • To create a learning environment that is receptive to the needs and views of students and encourages them to achieve their full potential, even while fostering an atmosphere where students as independent learners can take responsibility for their own learning processes.
  • To understand and respect issues related to diversity and to employ a range of methods and approaches in relation to diverse needs.
  • To build students' understanding of two related but increasingly separately-studied disciplines, increasing the diversity of employment opportunities.
  • To help students see the real-life connections between Politics and Sociology and to relate insights developed at the theoretical level to empirical evidence.
  • To prepare students for life and work in a globalising world society with sustainable thinking where the political impacts upon the societal and the societal on the political.
  • To provide students with a genuinely integrated approach to the two subject areas.
  • To develop students' skills in respect of mixed research methods but with a particular emphasis on those methodologies that seek to deliver understanding (versus explanation).
  • The programme is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability and Resourcefulness and Resilience

Programme learning outcomes

Attributes Developed Awards Ref.
Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of key concepts, principles and theoretical approaches associated with the study of politics and sociology. K BSc (Hons)
Apply concepts, theories + methods at an advanced level used in the study of politics and sociology to the analysis of the political and social arenas, and in doing so demonstrating advanced awareness that both disciplines are focused on the human context and human activities. KPT BSc (Hons)
Evaluate in an advanced fashion different interpretations of political and sociological issues, events and policies, reflecting on issues of global diversity, networked societies and sustainable thinking. KCPT BSc (Hons)
Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the relationship between argument and evidence in relation to both disciplines. K BSc (Hons)
Gather, organise, and deploy evidence, data and information from a variety secondary and primary sources in an advanced way. CT BSc (Hons)
Identify, investigate, analyse, formulate and commend solutions to specified problems, reflecting on issues of global diversity, networked societies and sustainable thinking. CPT BSc (Hons)
Construct reasoned argument, synthesize relevant information and exercise critical judgement in the articulation and application of evidence/data in an advanced fashion. CPT BSc (Hons)
Reflect on self and peer learning. Seek and apply constructive feedback. CPT BSc (Hons)
Recognise the importance of demonstrating and good research skills, especially related to academic integrity and ethics. CT BSc (Hons)
Demonstrate an in dependent attitude to study which requires critical and reflective use of statistics and computer technology for learning purposes. CP BSc (Hons)
Demonstrate appropriate communication skills, both oral and written. PT BSc (Hons)
Demonstrate effective and appropriate use of computer and information technology, including audio-visual technology, for the retrieval and presentation of information and data. T BSc (Hons)
Work independently, demonstrate capacity for initiative, manage time and competing demands, emerge as a well-organised, self-critical and mature learner, ready to tackle problems in a globalised, networked, digital and sustainable thinking environment. PT BSc (Hons)
Show a capacity to collaborate with others in large or small groups in order to achieve clearly defined tasks. T BSc (Hons)
Demonstrate a breadth of knowledge of key concepts, principles and theoretical approaches associated with the study of politics and sociology K DipHE
Apply concepts and theories + methods in a way that demonstrates a breadth of knowledge as used in the study of politics and sociology to the analysis of the political and social arenas, and in doing so demonstrating a robust awareness that both disciplines are focused on the human context and human activities. KPT DipHE
Evaluate in a substantive fashion different interpretations of political and sociological issues, events and policies, reflecting on issues of global diversity, networked societies and sustainable thinking. KPT DipHE
Demonstrate a robust understanding of the relationship between argument and evidence in relation to both disciplines. K DipHE
Gather, organise, and deploy evidence, data and information from a variety secondary and primary sources. CT DipHE
Identify, investigate, and commend solutions to specified problems, reflecting on issues of global diversity, networked societies and sustainable thinking. CPT DipHE
Construct reasoned argument, synthesize relevant information and exercise critical judgement in the articulation and application of evidence/data in a substantive fashion. CPT DipHE
Reflect on self and peer learning. Seek and apply constructive feedback. CPT DipHE
Recognise the importance of demonstrating and good research skills, especially related to academic integrity and ethics. CT DipHE
Demonstrate an in dependent attitude to study which requires critical and reflective use of statistics and computer technology for learning purposes. CP DipHE
Demonstrate appropriate communication skills, both oral and written. PT DipHE
Demonstrate effective and appropriate use of computer and information technology, including audio-visual technology, for the retrieval and presentation of information and data. C DipHE
Work independently, demonstrate capacity for initiative, manage time and competing demands, ready to tackle problems in a globalised, networked, digital and sustainable thinking environment. PT DipHE
Show a capacity to collaborate with others in large or small groups in order to achieve clearly defined tasks. T DipHE
Demonstrate general knowledge of key concepts, principles and theoretical approaches associated with the study of politics and sociology. K CertHE
Apply concepts and theories + methods in a way that demonstrates a general knowledge of the study of politics and sociology to the analysis of the political and social arenas, and in doing so demonstrating good awareness that both disciplines are focused on the human context and human activities. KPT CertHE
Evaluate in an effective fashion different interpretations of political and sociological issues, events and policies, reflecting on issues of global diversity, networked societies and sustainable thinking. C CertHE
Develop a solid understanding of the relationship between argument and evidence in relation to both disciplines. K CertHE
Gather, organise, and deploy evidence and information from a variety secondary sources. CT CertHE
Identify and commend solutions to specified problems, reflecting on issues of global diversity, networked societies and sustainable thinking. CPT CertHE
Construct reasoned argument, synthesize relevant information and exercise critical judgement in the articulation and application of evidence/data in a basic. CPT CertHE
Reflect on self and peer learning. Seek and apply constructive feedback. CPT CertHE
Recognise the importance of demonstrating and good research skills, especially related to academic integrity and ethics. CT CertHE
Demonstrate an in dependent attitude to study which requires critical and reflective use of statistics and computer technology for learning purposes. CP CertHE
Demonstrate appropriate communication skills, both oral and written. PT CertHE
Demonstrate effective and appropriate use of computer and information technology, including audio-visual technology, for the retrieval and presentation of information and data. C CertHE
Work independently, demonstrate capacity for initiative, manage time and competing demands, ready to tackle problems in a globalised, networked, digital and sustainable thinking environment. PT CertHE
Show a capacity to collaborate with others in large or small groups in order to achieve clearly defined tasks. 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
POL1012 INTRODUCTION TO POLITICS Compulsory 15 1
POL1014 SOCIAL & POLITICAL THINKERS FROM PLATO TO MARX Compulsory 15 2
POL1025 POLITICS AND REPRESENTATION Compulsory 15 2
SOC1037 CURRENT SOCIOLOGY: TOPICS AND ISSUES Compulsory 15 2
POL1018 EVOLUTION OF AN INTEGRATED EUROPE Compulsory 15 2
SOC1052 CONCEPTUALISING THE SOCIAL WORLD Compulsory 15 1
SOC1051 RESEARCHING THE SOCIAL WORLD: QUALITATIVE METHODS Compulsory 15 1
SOC1049 SOCIAL DIVISIONS AND SOCIAL IDENTITIES 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
POL2029 THEM AND US: COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT & POLITICS Compulsory 15 2
POL2035 POWER AND IDEAS: INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL IDEOLOGIES Optional 15 2
POL2038 INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY Optional 15 1
SOC2043 POVERTY, WELFARE AND THE STATE Optional 15 1
SOC2046 MIGRATION AND THE POLITICS OF IDENTITY Optional 15 1
SOC2068 EVERYDAY CONSUMPTION AND ITS CONSEQUENCES Optional 15 2
SOC2076 USING RESEARCH FOR POLICY, PRACTICE AND IMPACT Compulsory 15 1
POL2047 MAKING PUBLIC POLICY: THEORY AND PRACTICE Compulsory 15 1
POL2033 EUROPEAN INTEGRATION AND DISINTEGRATION Optional 15 1
POL2028 RESEARCH METHODS Optional 15 2
SOC2071 CRITICAL SOCIOLOGICAL THINKING Compulsory 15 2
SOC2094 ADVANCED QUALITATIVE METHODS Optional 15 2
SOC2097 WORK, EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIETY IN GLOBAL CONTEXT Optional 15 2
POL2048 ELECTIONS AND VOTERS: UNDERSTANDING POLITICAL CHOICE Optional 15 2

Module Selection for Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5

Choose 2 Politics modules and 2 Sociology modules

Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
POL3067 ENGENDERING WORLD POLITICS Optional 15 2
POL3070 NEGOTIATING POLITICS AND POLICY Optional 15 1
SOC3033 CULTURES OF RACE AND RACISM Optional 15 2
SOC3034 FAMILIES AND SOCIETY Optional 15 1
POL3081 POPULISM AND DEMOCRACY IN COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE Optional 15 1
POL3087 SECURITY AND DIPLOMACY IN EUROPE Optional 15 2
POL3088 POLITICAL LEADERSHIP Optional 15 1
SOC3083 UNDERSTANDING SEXUALITIES Optional 15 2
SOC3084 TRAVEL AND TOURISM Optional 15 1
SOC3080 YOUTH, CULTURE AND MEDIA Optional 15 2
POL3091 ACTIVISM, PARTICIPATION AND PARTY ORGANISATION Optional 15 2
POL3092 GOODBYE LENIN: DEMOCRATISATION IN EASTERN EUROPE AND BEYOND Optional 15 2
POL3093 ETHICS, KILLING, AND WAR Optional 15 2
POL3082 POLITICAL COMMUNICATION Optional 15 1
SOC3063 HATE CRIME Optional 15 1

Module Selection for Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6

N/A

Year 1 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 4

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
POL1012 INTRODUCTION TO POLITICS Compulsory 15 1
POL1014 SOCIAL & POLITICAL THINKERS FROM PLATO TO MARX Compulsory 15 2
POL1025 POLITICS AND REPRESENTATION Compulsory 15 2
SOC1037 CURRENT SOCIOLOGY: TOPICS AND ISSUES Compulsory 15 2
POL1018 EVOLUTION OF AN INTEGRATED EUROPE Compulsory 15 2
SOC1052 CONCEPTUALISING THE SOCIAL WORLD Compulsory 15 1
SOC1051 RESEARCHING THE SOCIAL WORLD: QUALITATIVE METHODS Compulsory 15 1
SOC1049 SOCIAL DIVISIONS AND SOCIAL IDENTITIES 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
POL2029 THEM AND US: COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT & POLITICS Compulsory 15 2
POL2035 POWER AND IDEAS: INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL IDEOLOGIES Optional 15 2
POL2038 INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY Optional 15 1
SOC2043 POVERTY, WELFARE AND THE STATE Optional 15 1
SOC2046 MIGRATION AND THE POLITICS OF IDENTITY Optional 15 1
SOC2068 EVERYDAY CONSUMPTION AND ITS CONSEQUENCES Optional 15 2
SOC2076 USING RESEARCH FOR POLICY, PRACTICE AND IMPACT Compulsory 15 1
POL2047 MAKING PUBLIC POLICY: THEORY AND PRACTICE Compulsory 15 1
POL2033 EUROPEAN INTEGRATION AND DISINTEGRATION Optional 15 1
POL2028 RESEARCH METHODS Optional 15 2
SOC2071 CRITICAL SOCIOLOGICAL THINKING Compulsory 15 2
SOC2094 ADVANCED QUALITATIVE METHODS Optional 15 2
SOC2097 WORK, EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIETY IN GLOBAL CONTEXT Optional 15 2
POL2048 ELECTIONS AND VOTERS: UNDERSTANDING POLITICAL CHOICE Optional 15 2

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

Choose 2 Politics modules and 2 Sociology modules

Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
POL3067 ENGENDERING WORLD POLITICS Optional 15 2
POL3070 NEGOTIATING POLITICS AND POLICY Optional 15 1
SOC3033 CULTURES OF RACE AND RACISM Optional 15 2
SOC3034 FAMILIES AND SOCIETY Optional 15 1
POL3081 POPULISM AND DEMOCRACY IN COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE Optional 15 1
POL3087 SECURITY AND DIPLOMACY IN EUROPE Optional 15 2
POL3088 POLITICAL LEADERSHIP Optional 15 1
SOC3083 UNDERSTANDING SEXUALITIES Optional 15 2
SOC3084 TRAVEL AND TOURISM Optional 15 1
SOC3080 YOUTH, CULTURE AND MEDIA Optional 15 2
POL3091 ACTIVISM, PARTICIPATION AND PARTY ORGANISATION Optional 15 2
POL3092 GOODBYE LENIN: DEMOCRATISATION IN EASTERN EUROPE AND BEYOND Optional 15 2
POL3093 ETHICS, KILLING, AND WAR Optional 15 2
SOC3063 HATE CRIME Optional 15 1
POL3082 POLITICAL COMMUNICATION Optional 15 1

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

N/A

Professional Training Year (PTY) - Professional Training Year

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
POLP025 PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR MODULE (FULL-YEAR WORK) Core 120 Year-long
POLP026 PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR MODULE (WORK-STUDY 50/50) Core 120 Year-long
POLP027 PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR MODULE (FULL-YEAR STUDY) Core 120 Year-long

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

Students must choose 1 of the above 3 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 2024/5 academic year.