Programme Specification
A statement of the knowledge, understanding and skills that underpin a
taught programme of study leading to an award from
The University of Sheffield
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Programme Title
Social Sciences with Social Policy
2
Programme Code
ACEU083
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JACS Code
L900, L400
4
Level of Study
Undergraduate
5a
Final Qualification
Certificate in Higher Education
5b
QAA FHEQ Level
FHEQ Level 4
6a
Intermediate Qualification(s)
Not applicable
6b
QAA FHEQ Level
Not applicable
7
Teaching Institution (if not Sheffield)
Not applicable
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Faculty
Board of Extra-Faculty Provision
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Department
Department for Lifelong Learning (DLL)
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Other Departments involved in
teaching the programme
Department of Sociological Studies responsible for delivery of a
minimum of 40 subject specific credits chosen from the level
one regulations for SCSU02
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Mode(s) of Attendance
Part-time
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Duration of the Programme
2 years
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Accrediting Professional or Statutory
Body
None
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Date of production/revision
November 2014 / revised May 2016
15. Background to the programme and subject area
This Certificate in Higher Education is designed for mature students who wish to study at University and who
have an interest in interdisciplinarity, but who are not able or do not wish to commit to a full undergraduate
degree programme. It is structured in such a way that students study as part of a dedicated community of
learning within the Department for Lifelong Learning, whilst simultaneously having access to all the benefits of
study within the wider University.
The Cert HE Social Sciences with Social Policy is specially designed for students with an interest in studying
Social Policy and the Social Sciences, from a broad-based interdisciplinary perspective, over a two year period.
The core modules studied within DLL examine interdisciplinary themes including the nature of society, space
and diversity, and provide a fresh perspective on the world we live in. The subject specific modules offered
within the Department of Sociological Studies provide an opportunity to explore a number of different themes
and issues in social policy in more depth. The programme takes a collaborative approach to teaching, learning
and technology which builds on students’ existing skills and knowledge whist providing opportunities to study
both within the Department for Lifelong Learning (DLL) and the Department of Sociological Studies. The
programme as a whole enables students to develop academic and transferable skills which can help both with
career development and progression to further HE study.
The Department for Lifelong Learning provides a gateway to the University of Sheffield for a wide range of
students who do not possess standard entry qualifications. We specialise in working with adult learners at every
level of undergraduate study and this Certificate, taught through a mixture of day-time and evening classes,
draws upon our many years of experience helping adult learners to achieve the most out of their studies. It
forms one of a range of Certificates and Degrees with Foundation Years taught in collaboration with other
University Departments through which we offer a dedicated range of support from the point of application to
successful programme completion.
DLL advise all students at the point of application about what they can expect from their chosen pathway so as
to ensure its appropriateness to their needs in terms of content, delivery and level of difficulty. All our
programmes contain a range of challenges and assessment methods designed to develop you personally and
professionally, so it is important that you start in the right place at the right time.
Within DLL, your modules will be timetabled during the evenings when you will study alongside other students
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taking our range of Certificates in the Humanities or the Social Sciences. Typically these modules are taught in
small seminar groups which provide a stimulating and supportive environment in which to build confidence and
develop a range of ideas and skills. For those modules taken within the Department of Sociological Studies,
you will study in the day-time alongside undergraduate students enrolled on full-time degree courses, benefitting
from the subject expertise of a wider range of academic staff, with lecture classes sizes sometimes being much
larger. In keeping with all University of Sheffield awards, this Certificate helps students to develop the full range
of attributes of the Sheffield Graduate, which together increase career and progression opportunities.
16. Programme aims
This Cert HE pathways aims to:
1. Provide students with an understanding of the study of social policy placed within the broader
interdisciplinary study of society.
2. Encourage students to engage with a range of different ideas about the world and how these impact on
human behaviour across time and different cultures, both locally and globally.
3. Develop students’ critical, analytical and evaluative skills.
4. Develop students’ independent study and research skills.
5. Develop a range of transferable skills which enhance students’ employability and preparedness to progress
to higher levels of HE study.
6. Provide a context in which students can reflect upon the construction of their own personal, social and
cultural identities.
7. Motivate and inspire students to consider further study opportunities.
17. Programme learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding:
K1
Knowledge and understanding of a range of subject specific and interdisciplinary concepts underlying the
study of social policy and society.
K2
Knowledge and understanding of some theoretical approaches to the social sciences adopted by
researchers in the humanities.
K3
Knowledge and understanding of the ways in which everyday experience can vary across cultures and
through time.
K4
Knowledge of a range of visual, textual and material sources of evidence appropriate to the investigation
of research questions in the study of society and culture.
K5
Knowledge of basic research methods and approaches, and an understanding of their strengths and
limitations.
K6
Familiarity with different methods of research communication and presentation.
Skills and other attributes:
S1
The ability to apply appropriate knowledge and understanding in a range of different social science
contexts.
S2
The ability to evaluate and interpret different concepts and theories in the study of social policy and
society.
S3
The ability to develop lines of argument and make sound judgements in accordance with basic theories,
concepts and research findings.
S4
The ability to synthesise, evaluate and present qualitative and quantitative data in the course of
independent study.
S5
The ability to reflect upon learning and demonstrate awareness of the relationship between society, social
policy and individual perspectives on experience.
S6
The ability to demonstrate a range of transferable skills including effective verbal and written
communication, group working, the organisation of study resources and time-management strategies.
S7
The development of information literacy and communication skills as a means of gathering and
presenting data.
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18. Teaching, learning and assessment
Development of the learning outcomes is promoted through the following teaching and learning
methods:
1.
Seminars. Most DLL modules are delivered by small group seminars which blend the lecture/seminar
format in order to impart essential subject knowledge, and build confidence in communication, evaluation and
analytical skills. Seminars integrate the use of question and answer techniques and small-group work to
stimulate discussion and develop problem-solving skills. The balance between tutor- and student-led
discussions varies according to intended module outcomes. (K1-6, S1-6).
2.
Field studies. Field study trips to specific landscapes, places or buildings (e.g. national and city parks,
museums, galleries, markets and everyday cultural and leisure facilities) form a part of the DLL modules ‘Culture
and Identity’, ‘Space, Place and the City’ and ‘Research Presentation and Communication’. Field study may be
tutor-led or independently undertaken but will respond to structured tasks, delivered in class and on-line, to
promote the understanding of knowledge, ideas and techniques best understood and/or practised in a real world
context. (K2-5, S1, S4-5).
3.
Independent study. This is an important part of the learning process for students and the nature of its
prescription will depend on the learning outcomes for each module. The emphasis will often entail the location,
reading and analysis of suitable primary or secondary sources, in preparation for assessments and for seminar
participation. All students take the core DLL modules ‘Ideas that Changed the World’ and ‘Research
Presentation and Communication’ modules which are designed to develop academic, independent study and
research skills. Students are also encouraged to monitor and reflect on their learning and performance in a
number of different contexts (K1-6, S1-7).
4.
Skills and subject-based tutorials. These are provided as part of the student support mechanisms for
all DLL modules and may be undertaken formally in a group or as individuals. All students are also assigned a
personal tutor within DLL for the duration of their studies on the Certificate in HE with whom they are
encouraged to discuss their achievement and possible progression pathways. (K1-5, S1-6).
5.
Group work. Throughout the Certificate in HE students are encouraged to work together and support
one another both within and outside the classroom. Everyone is expected to share knowledge and experience in
a constructive and creative way in order to develop support networks which they may be able to draw on in their
future studies or career activities. The core DLL module ‘Research Presentation and Communication’ includes a
significant amount of group research, closely supervised by tutors, which culminates in a group presentation of
research findings (K4-6, S5-7).
6.
On-line activities. All DLL modules make use of MOLE courses to develop familiarity with the use and
potential of virtual learning environments to enhance and structure learning, and as a tool for effective
communication. Echo 360 lecture capture is employed too in some instances. The module ‘Culture and Identity’
has an online learning activity and formal assessment which is specifically designed to promote confidence and
skills in exploiting online learning resources. (K1-6, S1-7).
7.
Revision workshops. The DLL core module ‘Understanding Contemporary Society’ offers workshops
designed to prepare students for the formal written examinations included within these modules. This is an area
of assessment in which mature students have often had little experience. The workshops offer strategies for
success and in managing performance anxiety in examinations. (K6, S1, S3-4, S6-7).
8.
Other methods. For modules taken within the Department of Sociological Studies, students may
encounter a number of additional teaching and learning methods, most commonly the use of larger-scale
lectures to impart subject knowledge (K1-6).
Opportunities to demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes are provided through the following
assessment methods:
The programme provides experience in a range of forms of assessment which students typically encounter in
undergraduate studies. Early exposure to these different assessment methods, including formative practice
assessments in many DLL modules, as well as the opportunities provided through feedback and tutorial
discussion to reflect on these experiences, helps to build students’ confidence in their ability to succeed, identify
any specific study skills difficulties and develop strategies for continued success.
The assessment methods employed in DLL modules are:
1. Essays/coursework. This is the most commonly used method of assessment across Humanities and Social
Science based modules. In preparing for and writing essays, students are given the opportunity to demonstrate
the achievement of K1-4, S1-4, S6-7.
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2. Oral presentations. Individual and group presentations, supported by a variety of visual media, are assessed
as part of the core DLL modules ‘Ideas that Changed the World’ and ‘Research Presentation and
Communication.’ They provide an important opportunity for students to demonstrate to their peers their
achievement of all learning outcomes.
3. Unseen and seen examinations: The core DLL module ‘Understanding Contemporary Society’ includes a
written examination which gives students the opportunity to demonstrate the achievement of K1-2, S1-3 and S6.
4. On-line tasks, project portfolios and reflective assessments: the DLL modules ‘Culture and Identity’, ‘Space,
Place and the City’ and ‘Research Presentation and Communication’ require students to complete a number of
online and coursework tasks employing on and offline media. These tasks provide the opportunity to
demonstrate all learning outcomes.
5. Project reports: the core DLL module ‘Ideas that Changed the World’ requires students to complete a project
report which provides a specific opportunity to demonstrate the achievement of K5 and S3.
6. Other assessment methods may be encountered in modules taken within the Department of Sociological
Studies. You should consult individual module listings for further details.
19. Reference points
The learning outcomes have been developed to reflect the following points of reference:
The UK Quality Assurance Code for Higher Education
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/assuring-standards-and-quality/the-quality-code
The Higher Education Academy ‘Curriculum Design’
https://www.heacademy.ac.uk/workstreams-research/workstreams/curriculum-design
Implementation of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) at the University of Sheffield
(revised LeTs March 2012)
https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/polopoly_fs/1.202449!/file/guidance_FHEQmar2012.pdf
The Sheffield Graduate Attributes
https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/sheffieldgraduate/studentattributes
‘Achieving Excellence’ University Strategic Plan
http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ourplan/guiding-principles/achieving-excellence
Learning and Teaching Strategy (2011-16)
http://www.shef.ac.uk/lets/staff/lts
20. Programme structure and regulations
The Cert HE Social Sciences with Social Policy is studied entirely part time over two years with a mixture of
provision offered in the evenings and day-time, plus very occasional weekend field trips. Students usually take
80 credits of modules in DLL plus 40 credits chosen from a range of first year modules offered within the
Department of Sociological Studies.
60 credits are core to all students. These are the interdisciplinary social science module ‘Understanding
Contemporary Society’ and two modules which look at the design and dissemination of academic research:
‘Ideas that Changed the World’ and ‘Research Presentation and Communication’.
These core modules together provide a grounding in some key theories, methods and concepts which underpin
study in the social sciences. They are also carefully designed to include a number of opportunities for formative
feedback from DLL tutors to ensure students are equipped to meet the challenges of module assessments
taken at DLL and in the Department of Sociological Studies.
For the remainder of their credits, students usually study a further 20 credit interdisciplinary module in DLL,
either ‘Culture and Identity’ or ‘Space, Place and the City’, together with 40 subject specific credits from a range
of first year modules offered within the Department of Sociological Studies. In certain circumstances, however,
it may be possible to study an additional 20 credit module within the Department of Sociological Studies or
elsewhere.
Students will have the opportunity to discuss their module options with Admissions and Personal Tutors within
DLL before the commencement of each year of study. Advice will include guidance on the best module options
for successful completion and on possible progression routes after completion of the Cert HE.
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Detailed information about the structure of programmes, regulations concerning assessment and progression
and descriptions of individual modules are published in the University Calendar available on-line at
http://www.shef.ac.uk/govern/calendar/regs.html.
21. Student development over the course of study
The first year of part-time study is designed to enable smooth transition back into education for people who have
the ability to study at FHEQ level four, but may not have studied in a formal academic environment for a number
of years. First semester content, materials and assessments within DLL are intended to build confidence with
key academic and study skills and interdisciplinary understanding of an appropriate level of difficulty. Students
also take 20 credits of subject specific modules in the Department of Sociological Studies in their first year of
study, enabling the development of discipline specific skills and knowledge, and building familiarity with more
discipline specific modes of learning and teaching. The study of the social sciences in an interdisciplinary
context within DLL is designed to increase understanding of subject knowledge and to encourage students to
make creative, intellectual and critical connections between different disciplines. DLL modules employ group
tasks and assessments which ensure students can share and develop skills and support networks. Peerassisted learning is facilitated as a strategy to develop transferable skills which may impact on different areas of
students’ lives and aspirations.
Second year DLL modules require a greater depth of independent learning and introduce forms of assessment
which mature students find constructive and enjoyable (individual and group project work, on-line research and
learning activities). Students also choose a second subject specific module within the Department of
Sociological Studies. Additional subject-specific modules may also be taken within the Department of
Sociological Studies or elsewhere if appropriate to students’ academic development and changing progression
goals. This is especially important for those students whose circumstances change to enable a different
trajectory and who may wish to progress to further University study. Mechanisms for supporting students
through their second year are provided to ensure success in the award and, where appropriate, to prepare
students for transfer from DLL to another degree programme or HE institution.
Before the end of the first year’s study, all students will be offered clear advice and guidance around potential
progression options from the Cert HE to level two of appropriate undergraduate degree programmes and/or
appropriate careers advice. Students will be encouraged to reflect critically on their learning and to consider
their options and preparedness for level two studies.
In the case of students who do not wish to progress to further undergraduate study, advice may be offered on
other learning opportunities and/or careers advice where appropriate.
22. Criteria for admission to the programme
This certificate is specifically designed for mature students wanting to develop an understanding of the study of
Social Policy as part of a broader interdisciplinary certificate studied over a time-limited period. It also provides
an interdisciplinary progression pathway for students who have successfully passed the part-time Foundation
Programme in Combined Studies at level zero.
Many applicants will not have studied full-time for A-Level (or equivalent) qualifications within the last three
years. Applicants must demonstrate in their applications and at interview:
1.
a clear potential to succeed on their chosen certificate evidenced by a combination of work, life- and prior
educational experiences which together demonstrate communication and analytical skills which can be
successfully transferred to an academic context;
2.
a clear understanding of and commitment to the subject specialism of their chosen pathway;
3.
a considered self-awareness of the challenges of studying at HE certificate level both in DLL and in
relevant cognate departments.
Applicants must be proficient in written and spoken English, normally demonstrated by grade C or above in
GCSE English Language. Non-native English speakers may demonstrate proficiency through the attainment of
IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component. Applicants must also demonstrate a sufficient level of
numeracy skills, normally demonstrated by grade C or above in GCSE Mathematics (or equivalent).
All applicants will be asked to complete appropriate literacy and numeracy assessments as part of the selection
process with the results of these informing admissions decisions as to the most appropriate level of entry (e.g.
level 0 or level 1).
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23. Additional information
For further information about studying at the Department for Lifelong Learning, please visit our website at
www.shef.ac.uk/dll . For further information on the modules studied within the Department of Sociological
Studies, please see the programme specifications for SCSU02 BA Sociology and Social Policy available from
https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/calendar/progspec/scs
This specification represents a concise statement about the main features of the programme and should be
considered alongside other sources of information provided by the teaching department(s) and the University. In
addition to programme specific information, further information about studying at The University of Sheffield can
be accessed via our Student Services web site at http://www.shef.ac.uk/ssid.
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