What is sociology and social policy?
Sociology is concerned with understanding societies and explores the social forces that shape our lives. Social policy examines the historical development and contemporary practice of welfare, focusing on social problems such as poverty, homelessness, domestic violence and unemployment. The academic study of social work draws together knowledge, values and skills from a number of disciplines that enable practitioners to help people to negotiate complex and painful experiences in their lives. Science and society focuses on how science and technology interact with people, organisations and society. Finally, cultural sociology addresses a diversity of important debates, considering issues related to religion, gender, mass culture, the media and cultural theory. A common theme running through all the disciplines is exploring ways that we can make a difference to the society in which we live through greater understanding and insight.
How will I study?
Teaching is by lecture, seminar and workshop. Student surveys regularly praise the enthusiasm of our staff and the interesting modules. You will develop skills that will enable you to take responsibility for your own learning, to communicate effectively, and to work collaboratively. The needs of our students take priority in the delivery of our courses. Our degrees and modules are subject to regular reviews that draw heavily on student feedback, which help us make them more enjoyable and intellectually rewarding.
Assessment
Assessment is by a combination of exam, essay, project-work, presentation and dissertation. The first year is a qualifying year, which means you have to pass, but marks do not count towards your final degree. This gives you time to adapt to the University learning environment; the teaching has been designed to provide a broad basis for later studies. In years two and three the grades you obtain do count towards your final award with more weighting being given to the final year. At this stage, you will have more choice to study those elements which most interest you through the dissertation and module selection.
Studying abroad
We offer opportunities to spend the first semester of your final year studying abroad. While abroad, you will take appropriate courses at the host university and prepare work for your dissertation.
Further information can be found on our study abroad web pages.
Career prospects
Our graduates follow a wide range of pathways, including employment in health care, welfare and education; administration, management, marketing and IT roles; and graduate training placements with leading national and multinational private sector corporations and businesses.
Application and interview
Offers are usually made without interview. However, all Social Work candidates must attend an interview; mature students and those without standard entry requirements may also be interviewed.
Open days
Visit days for students offered a place are normally held in February, March and April. You are welcome to visit at other times – please
contact us or for dates of University-wide open days, please visit
www.nottingham.ac.uk/opendays