Sociology with Social Policy (Welsh Medium) BA (Hons)
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-10-02 | 2023-05-01 |
| 2024-01-08 | 2023-08-01 |
| 2024-04-22 | 2023-11-01 |
| 2023-09-01 | - |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Sociology with Social Policy (Welsh Medium) BA (Hons) program at Bangor University equips students with a deep understanding of social issues and policy interventions, empowering them to make a positive impact on social and welfare conditions in Wales. Through a combination of theoretical frameworks and practical applications, graduates develop critical thinking, research, and communication skills, preparing them for careers in public policy, social research, community development, and other fields dedicated to social justice and societal improvement.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Sociology with Social Policy (Welsh Medium) BA (Hons) program
is a unique undergraduate program offered by Bangor University that aims to prepare students to make a positive impact on social and welfare conditions in Wales.
Objectives:
- Equip students with a thorough understanding of key sociological concepts, theoretical frameworks, and methods for investigating the root causes of social issues.
- Develop critical thinking abilities to analyze public policies and social interventions in a nuanced and critical manner, identifying potential shortcomings and proposing alternative solutions.
- Enhance research skills, enabling students to conduct independent investigations and contribute effectively to future policy development initiatives.
- Foster an understanding of contemporary social and political developments within the context of devolved Wales, empowering students to contribute positively to the community.
- Cultivate the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to a broad range of audiences, enabling strong advocacy for positive social change.
Description:
This Welsh-medium program provides a comprehensive education in both sociology and social policy, offering students a unique perspective on contemporary social issues. It emphasizes current events and social policy developments within the context of Wales, equipping graduates with the knowledge and expertise to engage effectively in public life within this specific milieu.
Outline:
Program Content:
The curriculum combines theoretical frameworks and practical applications to provide a holistic understanding of the complex dynamics of human society and the impact of related policy decisions. Students gain insights into a wide range of social issues, including:
- Poverty and social exclusion
- Social inequalities and discrimination
- Education and social justice
- Health and well-being
- The criminal justice system
- Environmental sustainability
Program Structure:
The standard duration of the program is three full-time years. However, students also have the option to extend their studies through the availability of a placement year and/or an international experience year. These additional options allow students to gain valuable practical experience in their chosen field, enhancing their employability and career prospects. The program comprises a combination of core and optional modules, providing students with the opportunity to tailor their studies to match their individual interests and aspirations. Core modules establish a foundational understanding of key theoretical concepts and methodological approaches. Meanwhile, optional modules delve deeper into specific areas of interest, enabling students to specialize their knowledge.
Assessment:
The program uses a range of assessment methods to ensure that students develop a comprehensive set of skills, including analytical abilities, problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate their knowledge effectively. The specific assessment methods used may vary from module to module but typically include:
- Essays: Allow students to demonstrate their critical thinking abilities in analyzing complex issues and providing well-reasoned arguments.
- Examinations: Test students' ability to recall key concepts and theoretical frameworks and apply this knowledge to address specific questions.
- Presentations: Hone student's communication skills in presenting their work clearly and effectively to various audiences.
- Group projects: Develop collaborative skills while tackling social issues in a collaborative environment and considering diverse perspectives.
- Dissertation or research project: Provide an opportunity to conduct independent research in an area of particular interest, demonstrating their ability to contribute original insights and findings to the field.
Teaching:
The program benefits from a dedicated team of experienced academics with a passion for social justice and a deep understanding of the Welsh context. The teaching staff utilizes diverse teaching methods to create an engaging and stimulating learning environment, including:
- Interactive lectures: Facilitate active student participation, encouraging critical thought and open discussion about key topics.
- Seminars: Smaller, group-focused sessions allow for in-depth discussion and analysis of specific case studies, encouraging student interaction and peer learning.
- Workshops: Provide hands-on opportunities to develop practical skills, such as conducting social research using quantitative or qualitative methodologies.
- Guest speakers: Bring real-world insights into the classroom through presentations and discussions with practitioners, activists, policymakers, and researchers actively engaged in addressing social challenges.
- Fieldwork: Immerse students in real-world settings to apply their understanding of sociological concepts to the complexities of daily life, offering opportunities for firsthand engagement with local communities and organizations.
- Independent learning: Encourage self-motivated learning through directed reading materials and research projects, fostering intellectual autonomy and critical thinking skills. Beyond traditional classroom settings, students benefit from a variety of learning resources and support systems to ensure their academic success and personal development. This includes access to:
- Modern library resources: Extensive collections of books, periodicals, and online databases provide comprehensive information across the spectrum of social sciences and related disciplines.
- IT services: Well-equipped computing labs and comprehensive software support facilitate effective study and research, including access to specialized data analysis tools and statistical software packages.
- Dedicated academic advisors: Provide personalized guidance and support throughout the program, helping students navigate academic challenges, optimize their learning experience, and achieve their career goals.
- University support services: Offer valuable assistance on various matters, from career planning and employability skills development to mental health and well-being services, ensuring that students thrive both inside and outside of the classroom.
Careers:
Graduates from the Sociology with Social Policy (Welsh Medium) BA (Hons) program possess valuable skills and knowledge, making them highly sought after in a diverse range of professional settings. With a profound understanding of social issues and a deep-rooted passion for improving societal conditions, these graduates have gone on to pursue successful careers in areas such as:
- Public policy: Engage in the development, implementation, and evaluation of social policies at various levels of government, including national, regional, and local authorities.
- Social research: Utilize their research expertise to contribute to a deeper understanding of social problems and inform evidence-based policy-making processes.
- Community development: Work directly within communities to empower individuals and facilitate positive social change through initiatives that promote economic development, education, health and well-being, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion.
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs): Make valuable contributions to various organizations dedicated to tackling specific societal challenges, such as poverty reduction, human rights advocacy, social justice initiatives, and environmental conservation.
- The voluntary sector: Contribute their skills and expertise to charitable organizations, social enterprises, and other non-profit initiatives that aim to create a more just and equitable society.
- Education: Utilize their knowledge and understanding of sociological concepts to educate others, pursue careers as teachers in schools or colleges, or specialize in adult education initiatives and advocacy programs.
- The media: Apply their critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills in roles within various media outlets to inform the public about important social issues and promote social awareness and understanding.
- Criminology and criminal justice: Pursue careers within law enforcement agencies, correctional facilities, or victim support organizations, utilizing their knowledge to help create a fairer and more effective justice system.
- Social work: Utilize their understanding of societal challenges and skills to support vulnerable individuals and families through direct intervention, advocacy, and case management services within a variety of community and institutional settings. Further enhancing their already valuable skillset, graduates are also equipped with excellent written and oral communication skills, making them effective and persuasive advocates for positive change. They are adept at presenting information in clear, concise, and engaging ways, making them valuable assets in any workplace or community-based organization.
Other:
By studying in a bilingual setting, graduates gain an edge in an increasingly diverse and multicultural society, enhancing their ability to connect with diverse communities.
The program offers a range of exciting additional program options:
- Placement year: Provides the opportunity to gain invaluable real-world work experience within relevant organizations or community initiatives, allowing students to apply and refine their theoretical knowledge in practical settings and develop valuable contacts for future career opportunities.
- International experience year: Immerses students in diverse cultures and fosters international understanding, opening doors to potential career opportunities within the globalized workforce or within organizations engaged in international development or cross-cultural collaborations. This program provides a solid foundation for a successful career and a fulfilling life within the field of sociology and social policy, and particularly in the context of Wales. It equips students with the ability to make a genuine difference in addressing contemporary social challenges and contribute meaningfully to creating a more just and equitable society for all.
Additional Notes:
- Information on specific optional modules may be subject to change and is best confirmed directly with the program or university website at the time of application or enrollment.
- It's highly recommended to consult the University's prospectus, official program website, and relevant admissions pages for the latest information on program details, entry requirements, application deadlines, fees and funding, and any specific program policies or requirements.
