Bangor University School of Social Sciences: Undergraduate Prospectus 2016-2018

SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

UNDERGRADUATE PROSPECTUS 2016-2018

bangor.ac.uk/so

SOC IAL SCIE N C ES

SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2DG UK Tel: +44 (0)1248 382085 Email: socialsciences@bangor.ac.uk www.bangor.ac.uk/so

Design: viewcreative.co.uk

CONTACT US

3 WELCOME TO BANGOR UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

Dr Martina Feilzer Head of School

WELCOME TO BANGOR UNIVERSITY

All our courses provide a thorough training in the principles of social science and the practice of social research and enquiry. Our new fouryear MSocSci programme builds on the rigour of our three-year undergraduate courses. This qualification will give you a competitive edge in the labour market (see page 14 for more information).

At Bangor’s School of Social Sciences we offer you a wealth of challenging and lively courses that are relevant to the changing needs of society. These include Criminology and Criminal Justice, Health and Social Care, Sociology and Social Policy – courses which will prepare you for a wide variety of career opportunities.

Our staff undertake national and international research, which ensures they are aware of the latest knowledge and contemporary debates, and our courses draw on this expertise to equip you with a deep and critical understanding of your field of study.

From the beginning of a degree with us, you will be challenged to look at things from different perspectives, to question taken-for granted facts and to construct your own theoretical view of the subjects you are studying. By the time you graduate, you will have developed research skills that will enable you to interpret complex patterns of social life, evaluate policies and propose creative solutions to problems. You will be able to apply these skills in the world outside university as well as within it.

SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

bangor.ac.uk/so

FREE

in the UK for accommodation (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2015)

the cost of joining our societies & sports clubs

in the UK for student satisfaction (NSS 2015)

st

Welsh university to establish a campus in London

student satisfaction rating (NSS 2015)

14

GUARANTEED

th

accommodation for first year students (if applied before the given deadline)

in the UK for student experience (THE Student Experience Survey 2015)

No.

in the UK for clubs & societies (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2015)

the number of nationalities who attend Bangor University

5

CONTENTS

6 Location 7 The School of Social Sciences 8 Course Structure 10 Why Study Social Sciences?

14 MSocSci Masters in Social Sciences 16 Degrees offered within the School 18 Overview of Degree Courses 26 A Chance to Study Abroad 27 Assessment 28 Careers 30 Mature Students 31 Tuition Fees 32 International Students 34 Entry Requirements, How to Apply & Open Days

bangor.ac.uk/so

6 THE MENAI SUSPENSION BRIDGE

LOCATION

Bangor University is situated in one of the most beautiful and scenic parts of the country. Our location has been described as “the best university setting in the UK” (The Independent’s A-Z of Universities and Higher Education Colleges).

The A55 expressway, which stretches along the North Wales coastline, provides fast and easy access to and from the main UK motorway network and makes some of the UK’s major cities easily accessible. bangor.ac.uk/so

DISTANCE FROM… Manchester

2 hours

Manchester International Airport

1.5 hour

London

3.5 hours

Liverpool

1.5 hour

Chester

1 hour

Dublin

3 hours

7 THE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

THE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

There is a long tradition of teaching Social Sciences at Bangor. The School was established in 1966 as the Department of Social Theory and Institutions, and Sociology and Social Policy have been taught here for over forty years.

You will study within a multi-disciplinary school that employs specialists in a broad range of subjects. Our degree schemes offer thorough training in the basic principles of social science, a choice of specialised subjects and training in the practice of social research.

The School has over 30 academic staff, with an annual intake close to 150 undergraduate students. Our staff are active researchers in their subject areas.

We place emphasis on friendly and informal relationships between students and staff. Under the personal tutor scheme, a member of lecturing staff will monitor your academic progress and will offer help, advice and support on an individual basis.

If you decide to study for an extra year after completion of your BA degree we offer MA programmes in Comparative Criminology and Criminal Justice, Language Policy and Planning, Social Policy, Criminology and Sociology, Social Work, and Criminology and Law.

WELSH-MEDIUM STUDY • The School offers Welsh-medium undergraduate degrees: BA Cymdeithaseg gyda Pholisi Cymdeithasol and associated joint honours programmes.

Full details are available on our website: www.bangor.ac.uk/gc or email gwyddoraucymdeithas@bangor.ac.uk to request a brochure.

• Students registered for English-medium programmes also have the option of studying individual Welsh-medium modules as part of their degree – see pages 18 to 25 for details. Students who study part of their degree through the medium of Welsh may be eligible for funding from the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol. For further details: www.colegcymraeg.ac.uk/myfyrwyr

I loved my course, not only because I was able to study entirely through the medium of Welsh, but also because the classes tend to be smaller – as a result, the support received from lecturers was excellent.

SIONED WILLIAMS (WELSH-MEDIUM DEGREE)

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8

In each academic year you will register for modules valued at 120 credits.

The academic year is divided into two 15 week semesters.

Usually 60 credits are taken in Semester 1 (September – January) and 60 credits in Semester 2 (February – May). The final three weeks of each semester is set aside for revision and assessment.

Most modules offered are valued at 20 credits.

For most degrees in each year, there is a combination of compulsory and optional modules.

No.1

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Bangor University is No 1 in Wales for Student Satisfaction

NSS 2015

9

COURSE STRUCTURE

YEAR 1:

There is the opportunity to choose optional modules from either within the School of Social Sciences or from other academic schools.

YEARS 2 AND 3:

Within all single and joint honours degrees within the School, you will undertake a piece of independent study leading to a dissertation under the supervision of a member of academic staff.

Modules are taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars and workshops. You will be expected to undertake library-based research and background reading.

You will have around 6 hours of lectures and 6 hours of seminars each week. You will be expected to spend at least twice this amount of time reading, preparing for seminars, preparing for and writing up assignments and on revision for examinations.

SUPPORT

When you arrive at the School of Social Sciences you will be allocated a member of academic staff as your Personal Tutor, who will be on hand to advise you on academic and personal matters during the whole of your three years at the University.

You will be urged to develop a good relationship with your Personal Tutor throughout your course, ensuring that your individual needs are recognised and that you receive the necessary support to achieve your full potential.

Please note that the lists of modules and other details concerning our degree programmes are subject to revision from time to time.

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10 WHY STUDY SOCIAL SCIENCES?

WHY STUDY SOCIAL SCIENCES? CRIMINOLOGY & CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Crime is always in the news. Hardly a day goes by without a major incident or debates relating to the way the criminal justice system is run in this country.

Crime and deviance and the way society deals with those who break the law are at the heart of our understanding of societal structures, power relations and community cohesion.

In the study of Criminology and Criminal Justice you will examine questions such as: • What exactly is crime?

• Do we have a ‘crime problem’?

• Have we entered a period of escalating violence and lawlessness?

• Can the media be considered sensationalist, providing a distorted image of crime, criminals and those who are victims?

• What is ‘justice’?

• How effective and fair can we expect our criminal justice system to be?

• It is the task of Criminology to examine the concepts of crime and criminality; and of Criminal Justice studies to explore crime control, from policing and imprisonment to legislation, crime prevention and social control.

bangor.ac.uk/so

HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE

All of us experience health and illness in many forms. At various times in our life each of us will require health care and may have to depend upon others to provide for our basic needs. Our health care system is under strain and facing many challenges and so there is an urgent need in the 21st century for more graduates with a wide range of skills and knowledge of health and social care issues to enter this expanding and changing field.

Bangor is one of the few universities in the UK that teaches Health & Social Care from a social science perspective.

This allows students to study theoretical approaches, and to acquire research skills and methodologies unique to the social sciences.

Of interest to students studying Health and Social Care are questions such as: • What is health?

• Why are social inequalities in health such a problem?

• What are the needs of children, adults and older people?

• What is disability?

• What is mental illness?

• How do we organise care in the community?

• How is the National Health Service organised?

11 WHY STUDY SOCIAL SCIENCES?

SOCIOLOGY

Sociology is the study of the social nature of human existence, how societies are organised and how we experience life People are always involved in social relationships with one another.

Relevant to every aspect of organised life, Sociology asks challenging and exciting questions such as: • How does your occupation still affect how long you will live?

• How do gender, religion and ethnic background affect your chances in life?

• Is conflict inevitable?

• What gives a person ‘identity’?

• Where do beliefs and values come from?

• Does the media affect personal lifestyle choices?

• Has technology outrun our capacity to control it?

• Students find that Sociology makes them look at the world in new ways.

SOCIAL POLICY

Social Policy entails the study of the social relations and systems that maintain and promote human wellbeing. It addresses the provision of shelter, the promotion of health and the avoidance of discrimination. Social Policy requires an understanding of the processes through which social policies are articulated within society and the theoretical and ideological environment within which these policies are formulated.

Among the many things of interest to Social Policy students are the following questions: • Why provide welfare?

• How should health services be paid for?

• What should the balance be between rights and obligations?

• Are welfare systems becoming similar in Europe?

• What is to become of social housing?

bangor.ac.uk/so

I have every confidence that a student graduating with a Sociology degree from Bangor University would have a very good and solid foundation for Postgraduate studies or to enter the workplace.

EXTERNAL EXAMINER’S REPORT

13 WHY STUDY SOCIAL SCIENCES?

SOCIETAL HEALTH

The BSc Societal Health degree is designed to provide students with the opportunity to study how a range of health conditions are experienced, at population and individual levels. The focus is on understanding why and how health services work in the way that they do, by studying models of care and delivery and whether they meet the needs of the population. Students will develop an understanding of the nature of discrimination and inequality in society, with regards to health and wellbeing, and then study the role of social, political, economic, legal and cultural factors in creating and maintaining health inequalities.

This programme will be of particular interest for students considering careers in public health, social services, healthcare, or postgraduate routes into nursing, midwifery, occupational therapy and other health professions.

The School of Social Sciences provides a rich blend of social research into health topics, viewing these from the perspectives of vulnerable groups, such as offenders, homeless individuals, young people and migrant populations. This means the programme is both varied and deep, and undergraduates benefit from the range of research carried out by our staff.

Subjects studied include: • Health and Welfare – How are health needs defined, what are they, and how are they met?

• Health Governance – How is healthcare commissioned, funded, monitored and how are decisions made by professionals, patients and service users?

• Mental Health in Society – What is mental health? What is mental illness?

What causes people to experience depression, psychosis, schizophrenia, eating disorders, addictions, anxiety and how can they recover from these conditions?

• Sociology of Health – Does our social environment make us ill? Is disability a medical or social issue? Does our birthplace, ethnicity, household income or gender matter when it comes to being well, or being ill? How are illnesses and conditions viewed by society?

• Devolved Health and Welfare – How does the NHS work across the UK? How do England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland provide health and social services? What are the benefits or limitations to a city being responsible for its own health and social budget and services?

• Global Health – what are the major health challenges across the world?

How does migration affect health? What different health beliefs and bodies of medical knowledge exist? How does culture affect individual health?

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14 MSOCSCI MASTERS IN SOCIAL SCIENCES

NEW FOR 2015

MSocSci MASTERS IN SOCIAL SCIENCES

Our new four-year MSocSci programme builds on the rigour of our threeyear undergraduate courses.

This qualification will give you a competitive edge in the labour market.

Employers need you to have a range of transferable skills. The MSocSci combines traditional study, team working and applied social research in a vibrant learning environment.

The Master of Social Sciences (MSocSci) degree in the School of Social Sciences is a flagship programme at Bangor University.

It is the first of its kind in Wales and the UK. It combines three years of undergraduate study and an additional year at Masters level.

We are offering MSocSci in each of our existing undergraduate degree disciplines.

As this is an extended undergraduate programme (also known as an integrated Master’s programme), your fourth year of study is funded in the same way as the first three years of your undergraduate degree.

Students registered for a BA (joint or single honours) or BSc degree (single honours) may transfer to the MSocSci at the end of Year 2 or Year 3 subject to achieving an average of 50% in each relevant year.

Students registered for an MSocSci may transfer to a BA or BSc at any point during the first three years.

We have other postgraduate courses including MA, MPhil, MARes, MRes and PhD. See our website for further details or contact us to request a Postgraduate Prospectus.

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15 MSOCSCI MASTERS IN SOCIAL SCIENCES

Prizes awarded to the best performing Social Sciences undergraduates of the ‘Class of 2015’

MSocSci COURSES • MSocSci Criminology & Criminal Justice • MSocSci Cymdeithaseg gyda Pholisi Cymdeithasol* (Welsh medium programme in Sociology with Social Policy) • MSocSci Sociology • MSocSci Social Policy • MSocSci Health & Social Care • MSocSci Societal Health (Health and Society on UCAS)

UCAS CODE

M932 M932 L302 L403 L514 L514

*Please see www.bangor.ac.uk/gc for details of this programme bangor.ac.uk/so

16 DEGREES OFFERED WITHIN THE SCHOOL

DEGREES OFFERED WITHIN THE SCHOOL Our undergraduate degrees have been designed to meet the interests of a wide range of students. You may choose a single honours subject or a combination of two to enable you to undertake a joint degree. The range of courses offered makes it possible for you to do your whole degree, whether single or joint, within the School.

DEGREE COURSES (3 YEARS) OFFERED BY THE SCHOOL • BA Sociology • B A Social Policy • BA Criminology & Criminal Justice • BA Health & Social Care • BA Cymdeithaseg gyda Pholisi Cymdeithasol* (Welsh medium programme in Sociology with Social Policy) • BSc Societal Health (Health and Society on UCAS) • BA Polisi Cymdeithasol/Health & Social Care • BA Health & Social Care/Social Policy • BA Sociology/Criminology & Criminal Justice • BA Cymdeithaseg/Criminology & Criminal Justice • BA Social Policy/Criminology & Criminal Justice • BA Polisi Cymdeithasol/Criminology & Criminal Justice • BA Criminology and Criminal Justice/Health & Social Care • BA Sociology/Health & Social Care • BA Cymdeithaseg/Health & Social Care • BA Social Policy/Sociology

*For details of this programme, please visit: www.bangor.ac.uk/gc/cpc or email gwyddoraucymdeithas@bangor.ac.uk to request a brochure.

bangor.ac.uk/so

UCAS CODE

L300 L402 M930 L510 L3LK L431 LL5K LL54 LM39 LM3Y LM49 LM4X LM52 LL53 LL3M LL34

17 DEGREES OFFERED WITHIN THE SCHOOL

JOINT HONOURS BA DEGREE COURSES (3 YEARS) OFFERED WITH OTHER SCHOOLS • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Criminology & Criminal Justice/French Criminology & Criminal Justice/German Criminology & Criminal Justice/English Criminology & Criminal Justice/Italian Criminology & Criminal Justice/Spanish Criminology & Criminal Justice/History Criminology & Criminal Justice/Psychology Social Policy/Childhood Studies Social Policy/Economics Social Policy/History Social Policy/Psychology Sociology/Economics Sociology/Linguistics Sociology/English Sociology/History Sociology/Welsh History Sociology/Psychology Sociology/Childhood Studies Sociology/English Language Sociology/Media Studies Sociology/Welsh

UCAS CODE

MR91 MR92 MQ93 MR93 MR94 MVX1 MC98 LXL3 LL14 LV41 CL84 LL13 LQ31 LQ33 LV31 LVH2 CL83 LXH3 LQ3J LP33 LQ35 bangor.ac.uk/so

18 OVERVIEW OF DEGREE COURSES

OVERVIEW OF DEGREE COURSES

Every degree course consists of 360 credits spread over 3 years.

Modules normally count for 20 credits each.

BA CRIMINOLOGY & CRIMINAL JUSTICE YEAR 1

In your first year you will study a variety of modules designed to give you a basic grounding in different aspects of your chosen course of study. The number of modules you select from the following list will depend on your chosen degree scheme. Remaining modules to make up your 120 credits may be chosen from modules offered by the School and other departments.

MODULES ARE 20 CREDITS UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED • I ntroduction to Criminology & Criminal Justice or Cyflwyniad i Drosedd a Chyfiawnder* • Doing Social Research or Sgiliau Ymchwil* • Understanding Society or Cymdeithaseg a’r Byd Cyfoes* • Social Science Perspectives • Introduction to Health & Welfare or Materion Iechyd a Lles* Plus 20 credits from either: • Study Skills for the Social Sciences • A module outside the School *Welsh-medium modules

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YEAR 2

At level 2 you will continue the study of core subjects related to your discipline, begin your dissertation study and select a limited number of options.

• Methods of Social Research • Dissertation Preparation or Traethawd Hir* • Criminology Theory • Crime & Justice in Modern Britain • Contemporary Social Debates THE REMAINING CREDITS TO BE TAKEN ELSEWHERE IN THE SCHOOL

The BA Criminology and Criminal Justice is really interesting. It’s not just about Crime, it covers major factors which can lead to crime such as poverty, race, social perspectives, class divisions and how it has all evolved over the past 200 years.

OWEN LADDS

(BA CRIMINOLOGY CRIMINAL JUSTICE)

19 OVERVIEW OF DEGREE COURSES

YEAR 3

You will complete your degree with a more detailed study of core areas, select optional areas and complete your dissertation.

• • • • • • •

Dissertation or Traethawd Hir* Regulating Society Crime & Punishment Crime & Power Crime & the Media Policing & Society Perspectives on Youth Crime

THE REMAINING CREDITS TO BE TAKEN ELSEWHERE IN THE SCHOOL

MSocSci CRIMINOLOGY & CRIMINAL JUSTICE YEAR 4

Students may wish to extend their undergraduate studies beyond year 3 (BA) to year 4 (MSocSci). The programme aims to provide opportunities to expand knowledge of the discipline by engaging with contemporary research as well as by experiencing a group-based project.

• The Research Process • Applied Social Research or Ymchwil Cymdeithasol Gymhwysol* • Comparative & International Criminal Justice • Transnational Crime • Troseddeg Fforensig*

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Situated between the Snowdonia Mountains and the Menai Strait, Bangor University is undoubtedly one of the most attractive places to study in Britain.

SUNDAY TIMES UNIVERSITY GUIDE

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OVERVIEW OF DEGREE COURSES

21 OVERVIEW OF DEGREE COURSES

BA HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE YEAR 1

YEAR 3

In your first year you will study a variety of modules designed to give you a basic grounding in different aspects of your chosen course of study. The number of modules you select from the following list will depend on your chosen degree scheme. Remaining modules to make up your 120 credits may be chosen from modules offered by the School and other departments.

You will complete your degree with a more detailed study of core areas, select optional areas and complete your dissertation.

MODULES ARE 20 CREDITS UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED

THE REMAINING CREDITS TO BE TAKEN ELSEWHERE IN THE SCHOOL

• Introduction to Health & Welfare or Materion Iechyd a Lles* • Introduction to Criminology & Criminal Justice or Cyflwyniad i Drosedd a Chyfiawnder* • Doing Social Research or Sgiliau Ymchwil* • Understanding Society or Cymdeithaseg a’r Byd Cyfoes* • Social Science Perspectives

MSocSci HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE

Plus 20 credits from either: • Study Skills for the Social Sciences • A module outside the School

• The Research Process • Applied Social Research or Ymchwil Cymdeithasol Gymhwysol* • Key Issues in Social Policy • Health Policies in Britain • Nationalism & Minorities

YEAR 2

At level 2 you will continue the study of core subjects related to your discipline, begin your dissertation study and select a limited number of options.

• • • • •

Dissertation or Traethawd Hir* Mental Health & Society Global Health & Social Care Issues Governance Health & Welfare The Addicted Body

YEAR 4

Students may wish to extend their undergraduate studies beyond year 3 (BA) to year 4 (MSocSci). The programme aims to provide opportunities to expand knowledge of the discipline by engaging with contemporary research as well as by experiencing a group-based project.

• Methods of Social Research • Dissertation Preparation or Traethawd Hir* • Personal Social Services • Sociology of Health • Devolved Health & Welfare THE REMAINING CREDITS TO BE TAKEN ELSEWHERE IN THE SCHOOL *Welsh-medium modules

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22 OVERVIEW OF DEGREE COURSES

BA SOCIOLOGY YEAR 1

In your first year you will study a variety of modules designed to give you a basic grounding in different aspects of your chosen course of study. The number of modules you select from the following list will depend on your chosen degree scheme.

YEAR 2

At level 2 you will continue the study of core subjects related to your discipline, begin your dissertation study and select a limited number of options.

Remaining modules to make up your 120 credits may be chosen from modules offered by the School and other departments.

• Methods of Social Research • Dissertation Preparation or Traethawd Hir* • Identity & Diversity • Sociological Theory • Contemporary Social Debates • Issues in Equality

MODULES ARE 20 CREDITS UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED

THE REMAINING CREDITS TO BE TAKEN ELSEWHERE IN THE SCHOOL

• Doing Social Research or Sgiliau Ymchwil* • Understanding Society or Cymdeithaseg a’r Byd Cyfoes* • Social Science Perspectives • Introduction to Health & Welfare Issues or Materion Iechyd a Lles* • Introduction to Criminology & Criminal Justice or Cyflwyniad i Drosedd a Chyfiawnder* Plus 20 credits from either: • Study Skills for the Social Sciences • A module outside the School

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YEAR 3

You will complete your degree with a more detailed study of core areas, select optional areas and complete your dissertation.

• • • • •

Dissertation or Traethawd Hir* Sociological Theory Today Globalisation & Social Change Ethnography Gender Perspectives

THE REMAINING CREDITS TO BE TAKEN ELSEWHERE IN THE SCHOOL

23 OVERVIEW OF DEGREE COURSES

MSocSci SOCIOLOGY YEAR 4

Students may wish to extend their undergraduate studies beyond year 3 (BA) to year 4 (MSocSci). The programme aims to provide opportunities to expand knowledge of the discipline by engaging with contemporary research as well as by experiencing a group-based project.

• The Research Process • Applied Social Research or Ymchwil Cymdeithasol Gymhwysol* • Researching Community • Nationalism & Minorities • Sociology of Everyday Life • Culture, Race, Civilization

Studying the BA in Sociology has been a fabulous experience. I couldn’t have asked for better support from the staff, both academically and personally. They have allowed me to excel to help me reach my potential.

SARAH BIRTWISTLE (BA SOCIOLOGY)

*Welsh-medium modules

bangor.ac.uk/so

24 OVERVIEW OF DEGREE COURSES

BA SOCIAL POLICY YEAR 1

In your first year you will study a variety of modules designed to give you a basic grounding in different aspects of your chosen course of study. The number of modules you select from the following list will depend on your chosen degree scheme.

Remaining modules to make up your 120 credits may be chosen from modules offered by the School and other departments.

MODULES ARE 20 CREDITS UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED • Doing Social Research or Sgiliau Ymchwil* • Introduction to Health & Welfare Issues or Materion Iechyd a Lles* • Understanding Society or Cymdeithaseg a’r Byd Cyfoes* • Introduction to Criminology & Criminal Justice or Cyflwyniad i Drosedd a Chyfiawnder* • Social Science Perspectives Plus 20 credits from either: • Study Skills for the Social Sciences • A module outside the School

YEAR 3

You will complete your degree with a more detailed study of core areas, select optional areas and complete your dissertation.

• Dissertation • Politics of Welfare • Issues in Housing THE REMAINING CREDITS TO BE TAKEN ELSEWHERE IN THE SCHOOL

MSocSci SOCIAL POLICY YEAR 4

Students may wish to extend their undergraduate studies beyond year 3 (BA) to year 4 (MSocSci). The programme aims to provide opportunities to expand knowledge of the discipline by engaging with contemporary research as well as by experiencing a group-based project.

• The Research Process • Key Issues in Social Policy • Applied Social Research or Ymchwil Cymdeithasol Gymhwysol* • Key Issues in International Social Work • Policy Research & Evaluation

YEAR 2

At level 2 you will continue the study of core subjects related to your discipline, begin your dissertation study and select a limited number of options.

• Personal Social Services or Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol Personol* • Poverty & Social Exclusion • Methods of Social Research • Dissertation or Traethawd Hir* • History of Social Policy THE REMAINING CREDITS TO BE TAKEN ELSEWHERE IN THE SCHOOL bangor.ac.uk/so

100% overall student satisfaction rating in the Social Policy subject area

NSS 2015

25 OVERVIEW OF DEGREE COURSES

BSc SOCIETAL HEALTH YEAR 1

YEAR 3

In your first year you will study a variety of modules designed to give you a basic grounding in different aspects of your chosen course of study. The number of modules you select from the following list will depend on your chosen degree scheme.

Remaining modules to make up your 120 credits may be chosen from modules offered by the School and other departments.

You will complete your degree with a more detailed study of core areas, select optional areas and complete your dissertation.

MODULES ARE 20 CREDITS UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED

THE REMAINING CREDITS TO BE TAKEN ELSEWHERE IN THE SCHOOL

• Introduction to Health & Welfare Issues or Materion Iechyd a Lles* • Doing Social Research or Sgiliau Ymchwil* • Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice or Cyflwyniad i Droseddeg & Chyfiawnder* • Social Science Perspectives • Understanding Society or Cymdeithaseg a’r Byd Cyfoes*

MSocSci SOCIETAL HEALTH

Plus 20 credits from either: • Study Skills for the Social Sciences • A module outside the School

• The Research Process • Key Issues in Social Policy • Applied Social Research or Ymchwil Cymdeithasol Gymhwysol* • Health Policies in Britain • Nationalism and Minorities

YEAR 2

At level 2 you will continue the study of core subjects related to your discipline, begin your dissertation study and select a limited number of options.

• Mental Health & Society • Dissertation or Traethawd Hir* • Governance: Health & Welfare or Llywodraethiant: Iechyd a Lles* • Global Health & Social Care Issues • Survey Design and Analysis • The Addicted Body or Y Corff Caeth*

YEAR 4

Students may wish to extend their undergraduate studies beyond year 3 (BA) to year 4 (MSocSci). The programme aims to provide opportunities to expand knowledge of the discipline by engaging with contemporary research as well as by experiencing a group-based project..

• Devolved Health & Welfare or Datganoli Iechyd a Lles* • Sociology of Health • Methods of Social Research • Dissertation or Traethawd Hir* • Comparative Health & Welfare THE REMAINING CREDITS TO BE TAKEN ELSEWHERE IN THE SCHOOL *Welsh-medium modules

bangor.ac.uk/so

26 A CHANCE TO STUDY ABROAD

A CHANCE TO STUDY ABROAD

Bangor has strong links with a number of European universities. They include exciting opportunities for student exchanges which are financially supported by the Lifelong Learning programme of the European Union, known as Erasmus.

Study abroad attracts credits and is recognised as part of your degree. It will enrich your education, expand your horizons and be attractive to future employers.

The School of Social Sciences has international Erasmus exchange agreements with the following universities: • Metropolitan University, Copenhagen (Denmark) • University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio (Finland) • Otto-Friedrich Universität, Bamberg (Germany) • Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg (Germany) • Georg Simon Ohm University of Applied Sciences, Nuremberg (Germany) • Freie Universität, Berlin (Germany) • University of Bochum (Germany) • University of Silesia (Poland) • Universidad Del Pais Vasco, San Sebastian (Spain) Other opportunities exist for study abroad – in North America, for example.

WHATEVER YOUR DESTINATION, DON’T MISS OUT ON THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME! bangor.ac.uk/so

27 ASSESSMENT

ASSESSMENT At the end of Year 1 students must achieve marks of 40% or more in modules worth at least 80 credits (with no mark in any module below 30%) in order to progress to Year 2. If you fall short of this overall pass requirement, it is normally possible to take supplementary assessments in August to Most modules are assessed bring you up to the required by mixture of coursework and standard. However, there is a examination. The pass mark in minimum threshold, below which supplementary all assessments is 40%. assessment is not permitted.

At the end of Year 2, a similar set of rules determines progression to Year 3.

At the end of Year 3, your final degree classification depends on your overall mark: a weighted average of your Year 2 average mark (one-third weighting) and your Year 3 average mark (two thirds weighting).

HOW WILL MY FINAL DEGREE CLASSIFICATION BE DETERMINED? Your final degree classification is determined by your overall mark as follows: OVERALL MARK %

FINAL DEGREE CLASSIFICATION

70+ 60 - 69 50 - 59 40 - 49 35 - 39

First Class honours or 1st Upper Second Class honours or 2:1 Lower Second Class honours or 2:2 Third Class honours or 3rd Ordinary degree or Pass degree bangor.ac.uk/so

28 CAREERS

CAREERS

Social Science graduates ‘have best job prospects’ according to most-recent graduate destinations

HIGHER EDUCATION STATISTICS AGENCY (HESA)

CAREERS WITH A DEGREE IN SOCIAL SCIENCES Employers today need analytical and lateral thinkers who can play a part in almost any working environment. As a result, the breadth and flexibility of a Social Sciences degree makes it attractive to almost any employer.

Graduates from the School have followed a wide range of career paths and some of these are listed here under the different disciplines offered within the School.

Criminology & Criminal Justice There are a wide range of options open to students following graduation including careers in social work, the police force, criminal justice careers, youth justice, the prison service and the legal profession.

Health & Social Care / Societal Health Health and Social Care graduates will enter professions such as health service management, care provision, public information, research and evaluation of the health and social care services. bangor.ac.uk/so

Sociology Sociology graduates enter a full range of occupations including management, journalism, public relations, personnel, community development, public sector, teaching and research.

Social Policy Social Policy graduates enter a wide range of occupations within the policy field including public housing, health service, local government administration and the voluntary sector.

29 CAREERS

CAREERS AND EMPLOYABILITY SERVICE

Our Careers and Employability Service provides a wide range of resources to help you achieve your graduate ambitions.

Whatever your ideas might be, our expert and professionally-qualified Careers and Employability Service staff are available to help you achieve your dreams, providing practical information on work experience, vacation jobs, term-time work and help you to identify what you’ll do after graduation.

To help nurture your career development and enhance your employability, the Careers and Employability Service provides a year-round programme of individual guidance, workshops and employer talks.

To supplement this, they also offer additional services that provide part-time employment, voluntary experience, summer work and project based placements.

For all our career needs, visit: bangor.ac.uk/careers

BANGOR EMPLOYABILITY AWARD

The Bangor Employability Award is designed to enhance the immediate and longer-term career prospects of our students. It offers free opportunities to gain the skills and experiences employers need, based on up-to-date research.

BEA graduates get a certificate, a transcript and formal verification of their extracurricular activities from Bangor University. The Award also offers free training courses, interview preparation, access to online careers software and helps develop a skills portfolio of evidence for employers.

Find out more about how the BEA can help: bangor.ac.uk/employability

PREPARE FOR YOUR FUTURE BY MAKING FULL USE OF OUR WIDE RANGE OF EMPLOYABILITY AND ENTERPRISE SCHEMES.

GRADUATE DESTINATIONS Of those who go on to study for a postgraduate qualification, many choose to stay at Bangor. Some of the organisations that our recent graduates have found employment with include: • • • • • •

North Wales Housing Bank of America Armstrong Solicitors Cartrefi Cymunedol Cymru British Council Cheshire Home Care Services

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Barchester Health Care Pro Care Wales Ltd Gwynedd County Council Cancer Research UK West Yorkshire Probation Service Fairways Care Ltd North Wales Police Mencap Conwy County Council Social Services Yr Urdd Menter Iaith

bangor.ac.uk/so

30 MATURE STUDENTS

MATURE STUDENTS Leaving my career to return to studying was a major decision – as was balancing my studies with my family life – but it has been the best decision I have ever made.

EIRA WINROW (BA HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE) At the School of Social Sciences, we have a policy of accepting mature students (aged 21 and over) whenever possible. It has been our experience that mature students are highly motivated to study and are making an informed choice to change their current career.

In our experience, mature students may not have followed the traditional academic routes, therefore we are flexible in our academic entry requirements. The most usual entry route for mature students is via an approved Access to Higher Education Course. However, we do consider applications from individuals who have few formal qualifications and we are always pleased to interview such individuals.

We appreciate that mature students’ needs are different to those of students coming straight from school, and as such, the University aims to offer as much assistance and support as possible. Our support services include: • • • •

A Mature Students’ Adviser A Mature Students’ Officer at the Students’ Union Financial Information and Advice from the Money Support Unit Study Skills sessions offered by the School of Lifelong Learning

Visit the dedicated Mature Students’ microsite for further information: bangor.ac.uk/mature Or, for an informal discussion, please contact Sioned Davies on 01248 382221 or email socialsciences@bangor.ac.uk bangor.ac.uk/so

31 TUITION FEES

TUITION FEES FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR FULL TIME UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS FROM WALES

For 2015/16, Bangor University will charge a tuition fee of £9,000 a year for a full time undergraduate degree course. If you come to Bangor University and you are from Wales or the EU outside the UK, (including the Republic of Ireland) you could be eligible for: • A tuition fee loan of £3,810, which you start paying back once you earn over £21,000 a year.

• A non-repayable tuition fee grant of £5,190 from the Welsh Government.

The Tuition Fee Loan is available regardless of family income. However, students who have previously studied at Higher Education level should contact their Student Funding body to check their entitlement.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR FULL TIME UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS FROM ENGLAND

For 2015/16, Bangor University will charge a tuition fee of £9,000 a year for full time undergraduate degree courses. Payment of tuition fees can be deferred until after you finish your studies, if you opt to take out a Tuition Fee Loan. Alternatively, you can pay your fees whilst you study.

EU STUDENTS

The financial support available to students from other EU countries is different to students from Wales, England, Northern Ireland and Scotland. For clarification on who counts as an EU or ‘home’ student please contact the Student Adviser, Wendy Williams: wendy.williams@bangor.ac.uk

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

For 2015/16, Bangor University will charge a tuition fee of £11,500 a year for full time undergraduate Social Sciences courses. *Please check the university website for updates on fees for 2016/17 entry.

bangor.ac.uk/so

32 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Students from countries worldwide choose to study at Bangor every year, and make up 10% of the student population. The lower cost of living and safety of Bangor make it a popular choice for both students and their families.

The UK is an ideal destination for bachelor degree study, as you can complete your degree in three years, and either continue with your studies or start working and earning money sooner.

MULTI-CULTURAL COMMUNITY

We welcome applications from students from all over the world, and are proud to have a multi-national student body with representation from Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Canada, Ghana and a number of other countries. International students bring an added dimension to the classroom drawing from their knowledge of their home countries and contributing to a comparative study of legal systems and practices worldwide. bangor.ac.uk/so

Support We are highly aware of the challenges that face international students in moving away from home to study.

The University’s dedicated International Student Welfare Adviser offers support to students prior to arrival and throughout their time in Bangor.

For further details see: bangor.ac.uk/international Airport pick-up In order to take some stress away from students arriving into a new country for the first time, Bangor University offers an airport pick-up service from Manchester International Airport for students arriving at our ‘peak times’.

33 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

ENGLISH LANGUAGE COURSES

International students are generally required to provide evidence of their English language proficiency. We normally require IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.

If you have not yet achieved the level required by the University, you can do so by undertaking English Language and Study Skills courses at the University’s English Language Centre before starting your academic programme. Students may also undertake pre-sessional courses at the Centre.

In Country Representatives The University has a network of representatives worldwide who will offer help and support with your application. To see the representatives we have in your country, please see: bangor.ac.uk/international/ countries University Representatives At Bangor University, we frequently visit overseas countries to meet with our potential students. To find out when a representative from the University will be visiting your country, please see: bangor.ac.uk/international/visits

English language support is available throughout the year in specially prepared courses for international students, including academic writing classes and graduate programme modules in English and study skills.

IELTS 6.0 (12 week course) July – September IELTS 5.5 (20 week course) January – June IELTS 5.0 (30 week course) September – June IELTS 4.5 (42 week course) September – September At the end of the course, you are not required to undertake a further external English test. Our highly experienced and qualified staff will conduct a test and provide an official report for the University.

Further details of English language courses are available from: ELCOS, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2DG. UK Tel: +44 (0)1248 382252 Email: elcos@bangor.ac.uk elcos.bangor.ac.uk bangor.ac.uk/so

34 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS, HOW TO APPLY & OPEN DAYS

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS, HOW TO APPLY & OPEN DAYS ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS Our typical offers are currently between 240 and 280 UCAS points.

In addition to A-levels, we recognise and accept a wide range of educational qualifications. For up to date and detailed entry requirements for individual courses, please see the University’s on-line prospectus: bangor.ac.uk/ courses/undergraduate/ social-sciences HOWEVER, PLEASE NOTE: In light of the new UCAS Tariff (being introduced in September 2017), Bangor University is currently reviewing its offer making policy. It is likely that offers made for September 2017 and beyond will be made on the basis of specified qualifications and grades; however, further details will be published on the Bangor University website. Any offers made during the 2016 application cycle for deferred entry will continue to be made on the basis of the current UCAS tariff.

bangor.ac.uk/so

HOW TO APPLY

All UK and European Union applicants must use the UCAS application form: ucas.co.uk International applicants may use the direct application form: bangor.ac.uk/ international/applying/undergrad Once we have received your application we will inform you of our decision and issue an offer of entry. We will also send you an invitation to attend a Social Sciences Open Day.

35 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS, HOW TO APPLY & OPEN DAYS

OPEN DAYS

The University Open Days in the summer and autumn give you an opportunity to visit the School as well as view halls of residence, the Students’ Union etc. If you are interested in these Open Days please contact the Student Recruitment Unit:

Tel: 01248 382005 Email: openday@bangor.ac.uk bangor.ac.uk/courses/visit

If it’s not possible for you to attend on one of these days, please contact the School on 01248 382 085 or email: socialsciences@bangor.ac.uk to arrange a visit.

Once you have applied through UCAS you will be invited to one of several Open Days that are run throughout spring by the School of Social Sciences. At this departmental Open Day, staff members are able to discuss details of the course on a more personal basis. You will also have the opportunity to visit halls of residence and the surrounding area.

bangor.ac.uk/so

CONTACT US SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2DG UK Tel: +44 (0)1248 382085 Email: socialsciences@bangor.ac.uk www.bangor.ac.uk/so