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Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Undergraduate BA (Hons)
Social Policy
Examine the causes of social problems and how societies attempt to solve them. You’ll understand the policy making process and how it impacts everyday lives.
Course Overview
-
L401 -
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
3 Years -
19 Sep 2022
As part of this course you’ll:
- Understand the policy-making process and how it impacts everyday lives
- Look at why social problems persist, and explore what more can be done to address them
- Have the opportunity to explore the welfare state, the impact of globalisation, social inequalities, the complexities of making successful policies, and social and economic justice
- Have a choice of optional modules and a dissertation in your second and third years, which you can tailor to your interests
With our range of events and guest speakers, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in a rich learning environment that will prepare you for the career you choose.
Our careers advisors will be on hand to offer guidance and to help you recognise and sharpen your employability skills. This course will develop your transferable skills in team working, time management and written and oral communications.
We value student support extremely highly. You’ll be allocated an academic advisor in your first week at university who you can contact to discuss any issue.
Why study Social Policy at Leeds Beckett University...
- Study abroad option
- Guest speakers - including the annual Politics and International Relations Festival
- Expert careers service
- Part-time study available
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
112
points required
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
We have now welcomed students from over 140 countries across the globe. If you are interested in studying with us you can find your country and get all the information you'll need about entry requirements and how to apply.
Entry requirements
112
points required
UCAS Tariff Points: 112 points required.
(Minimum 72 from two A Levels or equivalent, excluding General Studies).
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
GCSEs:
GCSE English Language at Grade C or above (Grade 4 for those sitting their GCSE from 2017 onwards) or equivalent. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy are accepted in place of GCSEs.Access to HE Diploma:
Pass overall with a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points.Scottish Awards:
Minimum of 5 subjects at Grade B at Higher Level.Irish Leaving Certificate:
Minimum of 5 subjects at Grade C1 or above at Higher Level of which at least 3 must be at B2.Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
International baccalaureate
25 Points
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Our commitment to help every student succeed:
Leeds Beckett University is committed to ensuring that every student with the potential to succeed at our University is able to do so regardless of their background. For this reason we operate a contextual admissions policy, which means we take into account a range of additional factors when we assess a student’s application. Applicants who meet at least one of our contextual admissions criteria will be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points than our published tariff (above).
Our contextual admissions criteria are:
- Home postcode is in an area where few people go to University (POLAR4 quintile 1 or 2 area. This can be checked on the Office for Students website)
- Declared disability on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part time applicants)
- Over the age of 21 on the 1st of September before the course starts
- Declared as a care leaver on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part time applicants)
Our place as an Anchor Institution:
Leeds Beckett University is in the top 10 universities nationwide for being representative of our local community. To further strengthen our position as a key provider of education and training for West Yorkshire we apply an Anchor Institution Policy in our admissions process. Students who apply to us from any of the five Local Authority areas in West Yorkshire (BD, HD, HX, LS, WF) will be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points.
Mature applicants:
Our university welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. All students will be considered through the contextual admissions policy described above. If you do not meet the requirements through the contextual admissions policy, we may still be able to make you an offer if you have recent relevant work experience through our ‘Recognition of Prior Learning’ policy. Please ensure that you list both your qualifications and any relevant work experience in your application so that we can consider you under both schemes where applicable..
All applicants should meet our standard entry requirements of GCSE grade C in English language and, where specified, Maths. Alternative qualifications such as functional skills are accepted in lieu of GCSEs for most courses.
We have now welcomed students from over 140 countries across the globe. If you are interested in studying with us you can find your country and get all the information you'll need about entry requirements and how to apply.
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
International baccalaureate
25 Points
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Additional entry requirements:
Verify your qualifications
If you are an international student, we can help you to compare and verify your qualifications. Please contact our International Office on +44 (0)113 812 1111 09.00 to 17.00 Mon-Thurs / 09.00 to 16.30 Fri GMT or email internationaloffice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.Need to improve your English Language skills?
Don't worry if you don't have the level of English required for your chosen course. We offer a wide range of courses which have been designed to help you to improve your qualifications and English language ability, most of which are accredited by the British Council. Check your English and find out more about our English courses.More questions?
No matter what your questions, we are here to answer them, visit our International website to get more information and find out about our online open days.Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Our silver status in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework, reflects our commitment to deliver high-quality teaching, learning and outcomes for our students.
Teaching & Learning
What you'll learn
Using an applied approach to sociological inquiries of and towards the city and urban contexts, you'll develop your study skills, and focus in particular critical reading and thinking skills and both written and spoken communication skills.
Explore contemporary sociological theory and debates around the contested concept of globalisation. You'll explore the characteristics of contemporary globalisation, consider the implications and consequences for different groups, and reflect on the tension between the global and the local (or the relationship between global social systems and localised everyday life).
Develop a thorough understanding of governance in liberal democracies – the nature of governance, changing forms, why it matters, and the challenges of governance.
Develop a thorough understanding of political ideologies – the nature of political ideology, key values and beliefs of major ideologies, ideological debate, the role of ideology in politics and governance.
Discover the study of social policy through an examination of its key influences, events, debates and developments. You'll focus on the development of the UK welfare state over time, exploring how this has been shaped by a range of social, political, economic and cultural influences.
Gain an understanding of both epistemological and methodological aspects of research process. You'll be introduced to fundamental epistemological questions for the social and socio-psychological sciences. And you'll focus on discussing key methods and techniques used in social scientific research, such as ethnographic method, semiotic and discourse analyses, and causal analysis.
What you'll learn
Conceptually or literally, you'll take sociology out of the university and into the public sphere, encouraging you to engage in dialogue and collaboration with various publics to influence decision-making, social change and social justice.
Gain a deeper insight into and training in a variety of social research methods. You'll consider the impact of values, politics and ethics on sociological research. You'll also examine a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods through in-depth examinations of specific pieces of sociological research.
Explore the UK's relationship with the EU and investigate the application of appropriate theory to understand both the access of the UK and its decision to exit.
Option modules may include
Gain theoretical and practical understanding of the nature of gender, crime and criminal justice in both domestic and international contexts.
Explore sociological perspectives on the role of political and economic power in the creation of social class divisions. You'll examine the role of culture, education and the state in maintaining and entrenching class divisions.
Drawing on literature and research from criminology, sociology and film and media studies, you'll critically examine the ways in which different types of media shape public perceptions of crime and justice, constructs deviance and impacts on responses to crime.
Study classical and contemporary social theory. You'll focus on some important classical modern theorists such as Marx and Weber and then show how these theories have been developed by social theorists in the 20th and 21st century.
Study both classical and contemporary theories of social movements, political protests, and episodes of collective action. You'll explore and analyse empirical events using a range of theories, including but not limited to collective behaviour, resource mobilisation, political process and new social movement theories.
Gain knowledge and an understanding of contemporary approaches to family, intimacies and domestic practices. You'll learn to analyse the significance of sexuality to modern society through an exploration of various sites of struggle over sexual behaviour. You'll also be able to understand family and sexuality as a social construct, to understand feminist theories and perspectives on family and sexuality, and to analyse it using sociological perspectives.
Investigate major topics and areas of debate in the sociology of gender. You'll consider feminist theories and theories of gender as well as look at key issues and debates around gender and work such as gender at work and family and work.
Investigate the nature, development and prospects of the state using a variety of theoretical approaches. You'll consider big questions about the state, such as: Why should we obey the state? Who has power and how is political influence exercised? Does business exercise unrivalled influence? What are the arguments for 'growing' or 'shrinking' the state? Is globalisation forcing the state to retreat?
Explore the relationship between crime, victims, harm and justice; how victimisation is conceptualised within and out with the criminal justice system; and how responses are increasingly required to show awareness of the reach and impact of harm.
Examine patterns of offending and desistance from crime amongst children and young people. You'll consider the ways in which notions of childhood and youth offending have been depicted in academic, political and popular discourses.
What you'll learn
Conduct an independent piece of research, 10,000 words in length, in which you demonstrate the ability to search and evaluate relevant academic literature and data.
Explore the operation, practice and context of contemporary policy making at the national level. You'll examine the actors, mechanisms and practice of policy making, and the drivers of policy change, via a focus on specific case studies.
Explore the development of the British welfare state and examine it in terms of the divisions between public and private provision and the conflicting moral judgements that are applied.
Option modules may include
Learn to critically interrogate current social theory regarding the key features and characteristics of contemporary societies and their meaning and consequences. You'll examine whether key social theories and models adequately describe contemporary societies or enhance our understanding of ongoing processes of social change.
Engage with the development of criminal justice policies at a national and global level, drawing on sociological, social policy and socio-legal perspectives. You'll investigate the complex inter-relationships between theory, policy and practice in the field of criminal justice.
Integrate and deepen your sociological knowledge at a conceptual level. You'll explore key philosophical, theoretical and ethical issues at stake in the field to enable your critical thinking.
Explore a range of competing explanations for gendered violence with a particular focus on domestic violence.
Discover the ideas of global governance and globalisation and the intersection between them. You'll begin to think critically about future patterns of world order and their institutionalisation.
Study the historical and socially constructed nature of freedom, crime and criminality within the law. You'll look at examples of social movements that illuminate how the law itself is a field of contestation, including piracy, file sharing and poll tax rebellion.
Explore how our identities, so often presented as a natural and eternal condition, are constructed for us by powerful forces of reproduction and representation.
Gain a critical understanding of the lived experiences of individuals who are seeking support to stop offending and recover from substance abuse. You'll explore the connections between theory, policy and practice, in order to support desistance and recovery, to reduce reoffending and improve resettlement.
Explore the idea of social communication, language and visual culture from various angles, notably through contemporary cultural, social semiotic, post-modernist theories and frameworks.
Critically explore the intersection between science, technology, human bodies and health in contemporary societies. You'll assess the ways in which methods of technical assessment have shaped how bodies and health are understood.
Examine the complexities of the sex industry, with a particular focus on social control. You'll consider the motivations of both those who purchase sexual services and those who sell sex on and off street. To do this, you'll look at different theoretical understandings of sex work/prostitution and the way the industry is controlled in different geographical areas.
Fees & Funding
The tuition fees for the 2022/23 academic year are not yet confirmed.
The tuition fees for the 2022/23 academic year are not yet confirmed.
Fees & Funding
The tuition fees for the 2022/23 academic year are not yet confirmed.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Optional Costs
- Educational visits; the details and location will vary but the costs you will need to pay could include travel, accommodation and subsistence
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Additional information
For further information on financing your studies or information about whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships, follow the links below:
The tuition fees for the 2022/23 academic year are not yet confirmed.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Optional Costs
- Educational visits; the details and location will vary but the costs you will need to pay could include travel, accommodation and subsistence
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Additional information
For further information on financing your studies or information about whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships, follow the links below:
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