Study information

Programme Specification for the 2023/4 academic year

MA Society and Culture: Meaning, Making, Consumption

1. Programme Details

Programme nameMA Society and Culture: Meaning, Making, Consumption Programme codePTA1HPSHPS82
Study mode(s)Full Time
 Academic year2023/4
Campus(es)Streatham (Exeter)
 NQF Level of the Final Award7 (Masters)

2. Description of the Programme

This degree captures the distinctive approach to sociology and anthropology at Exeter, taking an interdisciplinary perspective on the some of the biggest issues and questions facing contemporary societies. Students who wish to specialise can choose specific pathways focusing on each of these fields.

  • You will be equipped with traditional and cutting-edge research tools and methods for studying society and culture
  • You will question taken-for-granted assumptions regarding contemporary modes of life as well as developing new ways of critically apprehending and evaluating them
  • You will examine the nature and organisation of individuals’ experiences and the relationship of these to their social and cultural environment

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

The programme will draw on the department’s research strengths and interdisciplinary outlook to provide students with a sound foundation in sociology and anthropology at postgraduate level. In addition to taking optional modules from the department’s core disciplines – sociology, anthropology and philosophy – you will explore a range of different social research methods and theoretical and conceptual tools, learning to use and apply them in your own research into the social world. Those who decide to specialise by taking a particular pathway option will receive a thorough grounding in their chosen area of study.

More specifically, the programme aims comprise the following:

  • To provide a critical understanding of key issues and problematics facing contemporary societies, locating them in relation to wider theoretical and methodological debates within sociology and anthropology
  • To equip you with the conceptual and methodological tools to research the social world
  • To provide you with the requisite intellectual skills and knowledge to be a creative and critical thinker and problem solver, capable of questioning the taken-for-granted assumptions underpinning a wide range of contemporary modes of life
  • To equip you with a range of core academic and transferrable skills appropriate to Masters level study within the disciplines of sociology and anthropology

4. Programme Structure

This is a one-year full-time programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). The programme is studied over 12 months (full time) or 24 months (part time) and is University-based throughout the period. The programme comprises 180 credits in total: taught modules worth 120 credits in total and a supervised dissertation worth 60 credits. Teaching takes place over two terms (October to May), followed by completion of the dissertation over the summer (June to September). Each taught module spans one term and is normally taught through seminars, underpinned by reading and essay assignments.

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.

You may take optional modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module. 

 
You may take elective modules up to 30 credits outside of the programme as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module. 
 
This programme is made up of 120 credits of compulsory modules, plus 60 credits of modules selected from a list of options offered in the Department of Philosophy, Sociology and Anthropology. 

Stage 1

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
SOCM027 Social Theory 30Yes
SOCM904 Dissertation 60Yes
SOCM046 Meaning, Making Consuming 30Yes

Optional Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
MA Society and Culture: Meaning, Making, Consumption option modules 2023-4
SOCM020 Research Methods in the Social Sciences 30 No
SOCM016 Cultures of the Life Sciences 30 No
SOCM002B Philosophy of the Social Sciences 30 No
SOCM945 Philosophy of Science 30 No
SOCM022 Food, Body and Society 30 No
SOCM047 Understanding Media 30 No

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. Demonstrate an advanced understanding and critical awareness of contemporary social and cultural issues
2. Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of theories and methodologies in sociology and anthropology
3. Read critically and contribute to the literature on research in sociology and anthropology
4. Demonstrate competency in a wide range of skills in the selection and use of differing research methods

  • Reading (SOCM904, SOCM027, SOCM037)
  • Lectures (SOCM904, SOCM027, SOCM037)
  • Seminar discussions (SOCM904, SOCM027, SOCM037)
  • In-class group work (SOCM904, SOCM027, SOCM037)
  • Verbal feedback on seminar contributions (1 – 3)
  • Written assignments, e.g. essay work (1 – 3)
  • Dissertation (3 – 4)

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:

5. Analyse and synthesise different types of sociological and anthropological material, modes of reasoning and evidence
6. Understand complex sociological and anthropological terminology and discourses
7. Present independent interpretations
8. Demonstrate competency in applying concepts and methodologies to a wide range of social and cultural forms, processes and phenomena

  • Class-based Lectures (SOCM904, SOCM027, SOCM037)
  • Class-based Seminars (SOCM904, SOCM027, SOCM037)
  • Verbal feedback in seminars (5 – 7)
  • Written assignments, e.g. essay work (5 – 7)
  • Dissertation (5 – 8)

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:

9. Think independently and at an advanced level
10. Construct and defend a rigorous argument, both in written form and orally, using primary and secondary materials and data
11. Plan work efficiently to achieve realistic goals within constrained time frames
12. Plan, execute, and write up research through individual initiative

  • Lectures(SOCM904, SOCM027, SOCM037)
  • Seminars (SOCM904, SOCM027, SOCM037)
  • In-class group work (SOCM904, SOCM027, SOCM037)
  • Verbal feedback in seminars (9 – 10)
  • Written assignments ( 9 – 12)
  • Dissertation (9 – 12)

7. Programme Regulations

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

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.

(Quality Review Framework.

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

MA Society and Culture: Meaning, Making, Consumption

19. UCAS Code

Not applicable to this programme.

20. NQF Level of Final Award

7 (Masters)

21. Credit

CATS credits

180

 ECTS credits

90

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

[Honours] Sociology

23. Dates

Origin Date Date of last revision