Programme Specification for the 2024/5 academic year
BA (Hons) Philosophy and Sociology
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | BA (Hons) Philosophy and Sociology | Programme code | UFA3HPSHPS07 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Full Time |
Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 6 (Honours) |
2. Description of the Programme
The Philosophy and Sociology programme at Exeter allows you to develop into graduates that are useful, productive and questioning members of society. You will become grounded in the main themes of Philosophy through a combination of modules which will encourage you to develop a deep understanding of some pervasive and problematic features of the world and of ourselves. You will also become grounded in the main themes of Sociology through a combination of modules which will enable you to develop a deep understanding of how societies, institutions and practices of all kinds came into being, how they are currently organised, and how they might change in the future.
This degree programme will enable you to become competent in the specific skills required in Sociology and in Philosophy, and in core academic and personal and key skills. You will be offered a wide range of choice within the programme of study, insofar as this choice is consistent with the coherence and intellectual rigour of the degree.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
1. To produce graduates from the programme that are useful, productive and questioning members of society.
2. To produce graduates who are grounded in the main themes of Philosophy through a combination of modules which develop a deep understanding of some pervasive and problematic features of the world and of ourselves.
3. To produce graduates who are grounded in the main themes of Sociology through a combination of modules which develop a deep understanding of how societies, institutions and practices of all kinds came into being, how they are currently organised, and how they might change in the future.
4. To develop students competence in the specific skills required in Sociology and in Philosophy, and in core academic and personal and key skills.
5. To offer a wide range of choice within the programme of study, insofar as this choice is consistent with the coherence and intellectual rigour of the degree.
4. Programme Structure
This Combined Honours (CH) degree programme is studied over three years and is university-based throughout that time. Study is undertaken in three stages, one for each year of study. The programme is divided into units called modules. Modules have a credit rating of either 15 or 30 credits; 15-credit modules last for one term and 30-credit ones usually for two. Each stage comprises 120 credits. Year Two is worth one third and Year Three is worth two thirds of the final degree assessment.
Assessment at stage one does not contribute towards the summative classification of the award. Procedures for the final assessment of the degree programme can be found at: https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/socialsciences/student/undergraduate/collegehandbook/assessmentandfeedback/
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
Philosophy modules https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=philosophy
Sociology and Criminology modules https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=sociology
The Philosophy and Sociology degree programme is made up of compulsory (core) and optional modules, which are worth 15 or 30 credits each. Full-time undergraduate students need to complete modules worth a total of 120 credits each year.
Depending on your programme you can take up to 30 credits each year in another subject, for instance a language or business module, to develop career-related skills or just widen your intellectual horizons.
Please note that modules offered are subject to change, depending on staff availability, timetabling, and demand.
Stage 1
The first year gives you a foundational knowledge of philosophical and sociological theory and concepts. You will also gain important analytical techniques that will be useful across a range of subjects and research tasks.
Compulsory Modules
105 credits of compulsory modules, 15 credits of optional modules.
Sociology
You must take the 60 credits of core stage 1 modules
Philosophy
a - You must take 3 of the 5 core stage 1 modules listed below
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOC1000 | Contemporary Society: Themes, Perspectives and Case Studies | 30 | No |
| SOC1001 | Social Analysis | 30 | No |
| PHL1002A | Knowledge and Reality 1 [See note a above] | 15 | No |
| PHL1002B | Knowledge and Reality 2 [See note a above] | 15 | No |
| PHL1005A | Evidence and Argument 1 [See note a above] | 15 | No |
| PHL1006 | Introduction to Philosophical Analysis [See note a above] | 15 | No |
| PHL1013 | Philosophy of Morality [See note a above] | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
Philosophy
Choose one 15 credit PHL1xxx option module
View option modules here - https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=philosophy
Stage 2
60 credits of compulsory modules (30 credits of Philosophy and 30 credits of Sociology), 30 credits of optional modules (30 credits Philosophy, 30 credits Sociology).
In the second year you will advance your grasp of philosophical and sociological knowledge and methods through a set of compulsory modules. Optional modules enable you to develop specialist knowledge on a range of topics.
Compulsory Modules
Philosophy
b - You must choose 2 modules from the list below
Sociology
c - You must choose at least 30 credits of core modules from the list below
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHL2010A | Philosophy of Mind 1 [See note b above] | 15 | No |
| PHL2043 | Philosophical Research [See note b above] | 15 | No |
| PHL2015 | Body and Mind [See note b above] | 15 | No |
| PHL2016 | Metaphysics [See note b above] | 15 | No |
| PHL2018 | Philosophy of Language [See note b above] | 15 | No |
| PHL2118 | Moral agency in social context [See note b above] | 15 | No |
| SOC2005 | Theoretical Sociology [See note c above] | 30 | No |
| SPA2000 | Knowing the Social World [See note c above] | 30 | No |
Optional Modules
Philosophy
Choose one 30 credit PHL2xxx option module
Philosophy modules https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=philosophy
Sociology
Choose up to 30 credits of SOC2xxx option modules.
Sociology and Criminology modules https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=sociology
Stage 3
The centre-point of the final year is the dissertation. This provides you with the opportunity to explore an area of interest and to demonstrate what you have learned over the previous years of your degree. You will also take up to three other specialist modules to create a programme of work fully reflecting your interests.
30 credits of compulsory modules, 90 credits of optional modules.
Compulsory Modules
Philosophy or Sociology Dissertation
d - Students must choose one of the two dissertation modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHL3040 | Philosophy Dissertation [see note d above] | 30 | Yes |
| SOC3040 | Dissertation [see note d above] | 30 | Yes |
Optional Modules
If you choose a Philosophy dissertation, you choose a further 30 credits of Philosophy PHL3xxx option modules, and 60 credits of Sociology option modules.
If you choose a Sociology dissertation, you choose a further 30 credits of Sociology SOC3xxx option modules, and 60 credits of Philosophy option modules.
Philosophy modules https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=philosophy
Sociology and Criminology modules https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=sociology
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Show familiarity with philosophical ideas about the nature of society and the social sciences | In explicit terms, 1 and 2 are developed through lectures, seminars and essay work in PHL1002A and PHL1002B,; 3 and 4 through similar methods and strategies in PHL1006A, PHL1005a, PHL201a, PHL2016, PHL2015, and PHL2018; 5 and 6 through similar methods in PHL1013 and PHL2118; and 7 through similar methods on PHL2010A, PHL2010B, and PHL2018. However, depending on the student’s chosen portfolio of modules, they will be developed, with increasing intensity as s/he progresses through the Stages, on the elective modules as well. 8 is developed through the optional modules taken. The level of competence expected of students intensifies at each stage of the programme. 9. Is developed on all Sociology modules, and is a core aim of the whole programme. 10-12. are developed initially through lectures, seminars and essay work for SOC1048, SOC1049, ANT1004, ANT1005 SOC1019, SOC1020 SOC1003, SOC1008, and are developed on subsequent modules. 13-14 is developed through similar methods on ANT1004 and ANT1005, and further developed on subsequent modules. 15. Is developed through the optional modules taken. The level of competence expected of students intensifies at each stage of the programme. | The assessment of these skills is through a combination of the following: The criteria of assessment pay full recognition to the importance of the various skills outlined. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
16. Draw thematic comparisons between material from different sources | These skills are developed throughout the degree programme, but the emphasis becomes more complex as students move from stage to stage. They are developed through lectures and seminars, written work, and oral work (both presentation and class discussion). |
|
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
29. Undertake independent study and ability to work to deadlines. | 29 is an essential part of the successful completion of the programme. 30 is developed through the requirement that all written work be word-processed, and through the requirement on students to use the WWW to access texts and other teaching materials. 31 is developed through essay and presentation work throughout the programme. 4 is encouraged and developed throughout, and is aided by the student Self-Appraisal system which takes place in the inter-semester week of Spring Term. 33 is developed through practice: at all stages, students are partly assessed by timed, unseen examinations. 34 is developed through seminars, which form part of all modules 35 is developed throughout the Philosophy side of the programme. The skills in 36,37 and 38 are developed to some extent in all modules, through interaction in seminars and in discussion with tutors about essay work, and in response to criticism both collective and individual. 39 is developed through the Dissertation at stage 3, which has a single end of year deadline. | The skills in 29, 30 and 31 are assessed in all modules. 31 is covered by the fact that students write essays, which are formatively and summatively assessed, of differing lengths and in the Dissertation. 32 Is assessed implicitly throughout, and is aided by the student Self-Appraisal exercise conducted in the inter-semester week in Spring Term. 33 Timed examinations are used in most modules except SOC2004, and dissertation. 34 is a continuous part of formative assessment. 7 Forms a basic tenet of examination throughout the Philosophy side of the programme. 35, 36 and 37 are developed to some extent in all modules, through interaction in seminars and in discussion with tutors about essay work, and in response to criticism both collective and individual. 38 is covered by the Dissertation (in either subject). |
7. Programme Regulations
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
Personal and Academic tutoring: It is University policy that all Colleges should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you on individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.
As an undergraduate or postgraduate taught student in the College of Social Sciences and International Studies you will be allocated a Personal Tutor at the commencement of your studies. In normal circumstances your Personal Tutor will remain your tutor throughout your study programme. Your Personal Tutor is normally available through scheduled office hours, but should also see you as a matter of course three or four times a year (depending on your year of study); these meetings may typically commence soon after registration. These meetings will take place once or twice mid-year to discuss your progress and to perhaps consider Personal Development Planning (ePDP) and once to discuss your overall performance. The ePDP is a particularly useful developmental tool which you are encouraged to utilize and which is accessible though the Exeter Learning Environment (ELE).
You should feel that you are able to approach your personal tutor for advice, pastoral support or academic support in a wider sense.
Library, ELE and other resources provided to support this programme:
The Library offers you core services for learning and research. Whilst the various locations house a large collection of materials and services, many of our resources are available online through this website http://as.exeter.ac.uk/library/ for you to use at home, work or wherever you are located for your study. Each discipline has a subject librarian on hand to help you to find resources and we also work with tutors to digitize reading lists for inclusion in the Exeter Learning Environment (ELE).
Exeter Learning Environment (ELE) is used throughout the University to make course materials available online. You will be able to access module information, presentations, handouts, reading materials as well as interacting with other students and your tutors. Many tutors use ELE to run assessments and set coursework assignments. In addition to the materials provided by your tutors, there are various other resources available on ELE to help you in your studies, for example, you will be able to access your ePDP, the University’s online PDP system, which has been developed to help you keep an ongoing record of your academic, work and extra-curricular experiences, and help you develop action plans and personal statements.
The University provides a range of IT services, including open and training clusters of PCs (available on a 24/7 basis). In the Social Sciences and International Studies College this includes a 24/7 suite in Amory, based in the Law Library and a second one in the St Luke’s Campus Library. These suites are accessible by swiping your university card. The majority of the College also has access to the university’s wireless network. Network access is available from the majority of rooms in University halls of residence through the ResNet system.
At St Luke’s there is also a college-based open access suite (South Cloisters 14) providing access to another 20 machines. Entry is again made by use of your university card and it is open from 8.30am to 7pm Monday to Friday.
All of these suites have the standard ‘palms’ printing systems in them (printing from credit held on your university card). At the St Luke’s Campus there is also a cash-based printing service at the GSE Print Unit based in South Cloisters.
Please see link below for further information on the IT Services facilities on the Exeter Campuses: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/media/universityofexeter/forum/public/Study_map_A4_2pp_Term3.pdf
Helpdesks are maintained on the Streatham and Cornwall campuses.
Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
BA (Hons) Philosophy and Sociology
19. UCAS Code
VL53
20. NQF Level of Final Award
6 (Honours)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 360 |
ECTS credits | 180 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
[Honours] Philosophy
[Honours] Sociology
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 01/10/2000 |
Date of last revision | 25/07/2019 |
|---|
