What Makes This Course So Special?
This is a unique course combining sociology, ethics and social welfare, taught by internationally recognised academics, designed in consultation with employers, and geared towards both home and international students looking to work in the UK or overseas. At its heart are issues – equality, diversity, social justice, human rights, the prospects for a fair society – which emerge in all contexts, from the local to the global. All students are encouraged to focus on issues reflecting their own core interests and career plans – in a way which allows them to develop specialised interests alongside an overall framework of cutting-edge understanding relevant across a wide range of aspects of contemporary social life.
Find out more about the subject of Social Studies at Newport.
Course Intro
Social Studies is about the relationship between individuals, groups, and contemporary social trends, values and priorities. It combines the subject areas of sociology, social policy, social welfare, ethics and political philosophy to give you a wide-ranging, critical grasp of key factors shaping current society, as well as ideas about how to change it for the better.
You will study a series of issues confronting contemporary society, from inequality and social exclusion through multiculturalism and diversity to questions about gender, disability and the environment. All of these factors impact on the lives of individuals and groups in different ways. You will explore issues in applied sociology, social ethics and criminology, and take a closer look at issues around equality and diversity, social policy and ideology. You are also encouraged to apply key theoretical tools to the social issues which interest you most.
Additional benefits include developing your vital transferable skills in analysis and critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective presentation of information and ideas.
What you study
Year 1
• Sociology and Social Problems
• Introducing Social Ethics
• Introduction to Research
• Skills for a Professional Environment
+ Additional 2 optional modules from Social Sciences programmes
Year 2
• Equality and Diversity
• Social Welfare
• Self and Society
• Professional Practice (work placement)
• Research Methods
+ 1 Additional optional module from Social Sciences programmes
Year 3
• Social Justice and Social Exclusion
• Global Ethics
• Dissertation
A programme specification for this course is available.
Where Next?
Social Studies graduates gain vital skills in understanding current social trends, policies and values. By its nature, this knowledge is vital in a wide range of fields. Many of our graduates will be destined for people-orientated professions such as management, public policy and welfare, advocacy and campaigning work, administration and education. The course also provides an excellent foundation for postgraduate study and for a research career in any of these fields, and more.
Interview Required
No interview will be required if you meet the programme entry requirements. However, we would encourage you to use the opportunity to attend one of our Open Days to talk to the tutors about the course.
Assessment
You will be assessed through a variety of methods including essays, exams and presentations.
Student Soundbite
“This course has given me both a stimulating insight into a range of pressing social issues and vital skills which will be relevant in a great many professional fields.”