Programme Specification for the 2024/5 academic year
BA (Hons) Sociology
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | BA (Hons) Sociology | Programme code | UFA3HPSHPS06 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 BA in Sociology is designed to introduce you to the sociological ways of thinking, seeing and investigating the social, cultural and political world we live in. The core modules in Years 1 and 2 concentrate on the skills, methods and theories of sociological inquiry, leading to increasing specialisation through optional modules in Years 2 and 3 and the dissertation in Year 3.
Theoretical modules cover the history and development of sociological theory, from Durkheim and Weber to Goffman, Garfinkel and Baudrillard, including contemporary debates on individualism, functionalism and interactionism and post-modern theories. Other core modules concentrate on the subject matter of sociology and encourage you to develop a critical understanding of the rise and transformation of modern societies from the 18th century to the present day, with a particular focus on the last three decades.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
1. To provide you with a teaching and learning programme informed by a vibrant research culture.
2. To provide you with excellent learning opportunities for undergraduates in Sociology.
3. To enable you to develop into graduates who will be useful, productive and questioning members of society.
4. To enable you to develop into 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.
5. To enable you to develop into graduates who are competent in the specific skills required in Sociology.
6. To enable you to develop into graduates who are competent in core academic skills.
7. To enable you to develop into graduates with a wide range of generic and transferable skills.
8. To offer you 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.
The programme aims:
4. Programme Structure
This Single Honours degree programme is usually studied over three years and is Streatham-based throughout that time. Study is undertaken in three stages, usually 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 for two. Each stage comprises 120 credits, 1 credit being normally equivalent to 10 hours of work.
Further information on the weighting of your programme for calculating your degree can be found at:-
Under the University's rules on modularity the degree programme contains compulsory and optional modules. As part of this degree programme, you may take up to 30 credits a year outside their main degree subject; however, this is subject to availability, fulfilling pre-requisites and compatibility within the timetable.
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: hhttps://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/socialsciences/student/undergraduate/collegehandbook/assessmentandfeedback/
5. Programme Modules
The full list of modules is available (with module descriptions) at
https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=sociology
The 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 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
90 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPA1000 | Imagining Social Worlds | 30 | No |
| SOC1000 | Contemporary Society: Themes, Perspectives and Case Studies | 30 | No |
| SOC1001 | Social Analysis | 30 | No |
Optional Modules
View option modules here (PHL)
View option modules here (SOC)
View option modules here (ANT)
Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability
Stage 2
In the second year you will advance your grasp of sociological knowledge and methods through a set of compulsory modules. Optional modules enable you to develop specialist knowledge on a range of topics.
60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPA2000 | Knowing the Social World | 30 | No |
| SOC2005 | Theoretical Sociology | 30 | No |
Optional Modules
View option modules here (PHL)
View option modules here (SOC)
View option modules here (ANT)
Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability
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
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOC3040 | Dissertation | 30 | No |
Optional Modules
View option modules here (PHL)
View option modules here (SOC)
View option modules here (ANT)
Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability
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 analytical understanding of Sociology, taking into account different sociological perspectives, modes of social analysis and their concomitant theoretical and conceptual frameworks | 1. Is developed on all modules, and is a core aim of the whole programme. 2.-4. are developed initially through lectures, seminars and essay work for SOC1001, SPA1000, and are developed on subsequent modules. 5-6 are developed through similar methods on SOC1000, and further developed on subsequent modules. 7. Is developed through the optional or elective modules taken. The level of competence expected of students intensifies at each stage of the programme. | 1-7 are assessed through term-time essays, oral presentations, examinations, Project and Dissertation work |
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: | |
8. Draw thematic comparisons between material from different sources | Skills 1-18 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). | 8-18 are assessed through Term-time essays, oral presentations, examinations and, where applicable, Research Methods Project and Dissertation work, 8-18 |
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: | |
19. Undertake independent research and ability to work to deadlines. Present an argument orally in a clear, organized and effective manner | 19 is an essential part of the successful completion of the programme but is addressed especially via SPA2000 and in the dissertation. 20 is developed through training and application of relevant software throughout the programme 21 is developed through essay and presentation work throughout the programme. 22 is developed throughout but especially in SPA2000 and the dissertation (and through the self-appraisal in the inter-semester week). 23 is developed through seminars, which form part of all modules The skills in 24 and 25 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. However, there is particular emphasis on
| The skills in 19, 20 and 21 are assessed in all modules. 21 is covered by the fact that students write essays, which are formatively and summatively assessed, of differing lengths and in the Dissertation. 22 Is assessed implicitly throughout, and aided through the student self-appraisal system that takes place in the inter-semester week of Spring Term. 23 24, 25 and 26 are formally assessed in SPA2000. 27 Is covered by the Dissertation. 28 and 29 by all modules. |
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
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
10. Admissions Criteria
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
12. Indicators of Quality and Standards
The University and its constituent Colleges draw on a range of data in their regular review of the quality of provision. The annually produced Performance Indicator Dataset details admission, progression, completion and first career destination data, including comparisons over a five year period.
Certain programmes are subject to accreditation and/ or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).
13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards
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) Sociology
19. UCAS Code
L300
20. NQF Level of Final Award
6 (Honours)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 360 |
ECTS credits | 180 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
[Honours] Sociology
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 01/10/1995 |
Date of last revision | 25/07/2019 |
|---|
