Sociology and Social Policy (BSc)

at Cardiff University

Course specific equipment

What the student should provide:

You do not need any specific equipment to study on this programme. Access to a laptop computer would be advantageous as many readings are available electronically and most assessments are prepared using standard word processing software.

 

What the University will provide:

Networked computers with appropriate file space and all necessary software. Access to essential and background reading for each module plus a wide range of journals and other online resources. You will also have access to specialised software packages where appropriate. All course documents will be available online (via the VLE) and hard copies of essential documents will be provided if requested.

 

Course structure

This is a three-year, full-time course consisting of 120 credits a year.  The final degree classification that you are awarded is based on the grades you achieve in the modules that you take in years two and three.

 

In year one you will lay the foundations for later specialist study, taking a number of core modules and following a study skills programme designed to help you make the transition to higher education. In years two and three, you will be encouraged to study and learn more independently, giving you the opportunity to read more widely and to develop your own interests. The final year also includes a compulsory 40-credit dissertation. 

 

The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2023/2024 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2023.

 

Year one
You will take six compulsory 20-credit modules in Year One. These are designed to introduce you to the key ideas and research in Sociology and Social Policy and to teach you the skills needed to succeed at university.

 

In the first year, you will meet your personal tutor who will help you to make the transition to higher education and support you throughout your time with us.

 

Year two
You will take five core 20-credit modules which will deepen your understanding of Criminology and Social Policy. You will also select one 20-credit optional module from across the social science disciplines taught in the School.

 

In this year you will also have the opportunity to consider transferring onto a four year programme, spending your third year on a professional work placement or studying abroad, returning to Cardiff to complete your studies in the fourth year.

 

Year three
Your final year will consolidate your knowledge and allow you to continue to explore topics that best suit your future career aspirations. Of the 120 credits available, you will take 40 credits from the Sociology portfolio and 40 credits from the Social Policy portfolio. You will also undertake a 40-credit dissertation project, designing, conducting and writing-up a small-scale research project under the supervision of a member of academic staff.

A level
BBB-BBC

 

Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard A level offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.

 

International Baccalaureate
31-30 overall or 665-655 in 3 HL subjects.

 

GCSE
Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.

 

IELTS (academic)
At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.

 

TOEFL iBT
At least 90 overall with minimum scores of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading and 20 for speaking.

 

PTE Academic
At least 62 overall with a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills.

 

Trinity ISE II/III
II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits.
III: at least a Pass in all components.

Additional costs

You should be prepared to invest in some key textbooks and to cover the costs of basic printing and photocopying. You may also want to buy copies of other books, either because they are particularly important for your course or because you find them particularly interesting.

 

If you have a laptop computer, you will have the option of purchasing software at discounted prices.

 

Students who choose to study abroad for a semester in their second year will continue to pay tuition fees to Cardiff University and will also need to pay for travel, accommodation and other related costs.

In 2016/17, the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education survey showed that 94% of School of Social Science graduates who were available for work reported they were in employment and/or further study within six months of graduation. Popular employments sectors included: administrative work, education, social work, retail, finance, and other professional sectors.

 

We encourage our students to think about life beyond university from day one, offering support to give you a competitive advantage on graduating. Turning theory into practical application and providing experience of the working world are important aspects of all our degree schemes and help prepare our graduates for life after higher education.