University of York
Bachelor of Arts Honours in Social Policy
The Bachelor of Arts Honours in Social Policy in Humanities and Social Sciences is offered by University of York.
Program Length: 3 YEARS.
Bachelor of Arts Honours in Social Policy offered by the University of York
Understand the causes of social problems and how societies attempt to address them.A BA in Social Policy will enable you to understand the causes of social problems and how societies attempt to solve them, both nationally and internationally. You'll receive a thorough grounding in core social sciences, including sociology, social psychology, politics and economics and use what you learn to explore why making successful policies is so complex, why patterns of inequality persist and what more can be done to address social problems.Social policy is concerned with promoting the welfare of citizens. Traditionally the subject focused on the ‘big five’ areas of: poverty, health, housing, education and unemployment, but has expanded in recent years to broader social issues and international contexts. Often social policy questions the ways in which services do or do not meet the needs of specific groups, such as children, people with disabilities, women, older people, or members of minority ethnic groups.On the BA Social Policy course you will receive a broad and balanced introduction to a range of social sciences and training in social research methods. This degree is suited to you if you are interested in the welfare state, the impact of globalisation, social inequalities, the complexities of making successful policies, and what more can be done to solve social problems at home and abroad.
Course contentYou'll start your study of social policy by undertaking core modules that give you a thorough grounding in social sciences and research methods. As you progress, you'll tailor your degree with option modules that allow you to focus on issues and policies that interest you.Study abroadThere are opportunities for you to spend time abroad during your course:Explore global opportunitiesYear 1In your first year you'll study four core modules that will introduce Social Policy and the social sciences.Core modulesIntroducing Social Policy (30 credits)Introducing Sociology and Social Psychology (30 credits)Politics and Economics for Social Policy (30 credits)Exploring Social Policy and Social Justice (30 credits)
Academic integrity moduleIn addition to the above you will also need to complete our online Academic Integrity module.Year 2In your second year you'll study three core modules, which build upon your previous work. You'll also choose one option module that will allow you to focus on a topic that interests you.Core modulesThe Policy Process (30 credits)Citizenship, Difference and Inequality (30 credits)Social Research Methods (30 credits)Option modulesChoose one option module. Options change from year to year; here are some recent examples:Communities, Advocacy and Social Change (30 credits)Debates in Criminal Justice (30 credits)Victimisation and Social Harm (30 credits)Year 3In your third year you can choose from a range of option modules, including the opportunity for a short placement with an organisation working in social policy. You'll also work on a dissertation: an extended essay based on your own research.Option modulesChoose four option modules. Options change from year to year; here are some recent examples:Drugs: Prevalence, Policy and Practice (20 credits)Education Policy: Divisions & Inequalities (20 credits)Environmental Justice, Harm, and Policy (20 credits)Gender, Violence and Justice (20 credits)Health Policy and Delivery (20 credits)Love, Intimacy and Family Policy (20 credits)Migration, Immigration and Social Policy (20 credits)Policing and the Police (20 credits)Prisons and Penal Policy (20 credits)Social Policy, Crime and Criminal Justice (20 credits)Vulnerability, Deviance and Social Control (20 credits)Welfare Imaginaries - Past, Present and Future (20 credits)Welfare States in Crisis (20 credits)Work, Social Policy and Society (20 credits)
PlacementPlacement (20 credits)In the summer holiday before the third year starts you can undertake a work-shadowing placement that lasts around 80 hours. This will allow you to learn from professionals in a field you're interested in. Watching professionals at work is a completely different learning experience which can help you develop ideas for your dissertation and your future career. If you choose to do a placement, it counts as one of your four option modules.DissertationDissertation (40 credits)You will also work on a dissertation which gives you an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding through independent research on a topic that interests you. Previous students have investigated topics such as:The Role of Policy Networks in Shaping Urban Regeneration PolicyYoung People’s Engagement in the Political ProcessIs there an East Asian Welfare Model?Social Housing under New Labour – Demand, Supply and Residualisation.