UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE
Programme Specification: BA (Hons) Politics and Social Policy
This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme
and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and
demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
Sources of information on the programme can be found in Section 17
1. Awarding Institution / Body
University of Central Lancashire
2. Teaching Institution and Location
of Delivery
UCLan, Preston Campus
3. University Department/Centre
School of Humanities and the Social Sciences
4. External Accreditation
No
5. Title of Final Award
BA (Hons) Politics and Social Policy
6. Modes of Attendance offered
Full time and/or part time
7. UCAS Code
LL42
8. Relevant Subject Benchmarking
Group(s)
Politics and International Relations
Social Policy
9. Other external influences
N/A
10. Date of production/revision of this
form
April 2013
11. Aims of the Programme
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To provide a critical introduction to the main sub-disciplines of the academic study of politics –
government and institutions political theory and ideas and international relations and global
politics - as the overarching framework of politics and policy-making, and to the context, issues,
debates and perspectives of welfare and social policy in national and comparative context
To provide opportunities for the critical evaluation of political ideas, institutions and
developments and their relevance to decision-making and policy options and outcomes in
national, international and comparative context
To enable students to critically analyse the nature and contribution of a range of political, social
and behavioural concepts and their application to issues, dilemmas and problems of social
policy
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To stimulate awareness and provide a framework of knowledge and understanding of the role
of comparative analysis in politics and social policy, through examination of political institutions,
processes, political culture and welfare systems in other national societies and of the role of
national and supra-national institutions in the shaping of political developments and social and
welfare policy
To enhance students’ capacity for critical reading and evaluation of related sets of literature
and interconnected theoretical perspectives and understanding of their relevance and
application to political and social policy analysis
To develop students’ capacity to undertake independent enquiry and research into key
questions of political and social analysis and the capacity to present structured, cogent and
critical analysis in oral and written form
To provide students with an opportunity to experience the delivery of social policy and provision
from within a local social welfare organisation/setting
To provide an intellectually rigorous and challenging academic curriculum that is informed by
the research and scholarly activity of members of the Politics and Social Policy teaching teams
12. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
A. Knowledge and Understanding
Students will be able to demonstrate:
A1 knowledge and critical understanding of key themes and debates of political ideas,
institutions and international and global forces and developments and their implications for
decision and policy-making processes
A2 an awareness and understanding of how a range of contextual factors (historical,
economic, social) shape contemporary ideological and political trends and debates and
perspectives of social policy and welfare provision
A3 an understanding and ability to utilise relevant conceptual, theoretical and comparative
perspectives and analysis of Politics and Social Policy
A4 a critical appreciation of a range of primary and secondary sources relating to political and
social analysis
Teaching and Learning Methods
Lectures, interactive seminars, group work, individual and group presentations, individual and
group tutorials, independent and supervised study and research, dissertation training and
supervision, IT and e-Learn support and interaction, study skills and Personal and Development
Planning (PDP) support for reflection and development of appropriate academic and transferable
employability skills. Opportunities also exist for students to gain experience in a voluntary workbased setting as a means of applying themes and issues of social and political theory and analysis
in a relevant practical environment and enhancing skills and prospects of employability.
Assessment methods
Written and oral forms of coursework and examination. including essay and report writing, critical
book and literature reviews, individual and group oral and poster presentations, exams (seen and
unseen) and choice of (extended) research dissertation.
B. Subject-specific skills
Students will be able to:
B1 understand, analyse and assess and critically evaluate political concepts, theories and key texts
of social and political analysis and their effective application to central questions of course and
module themes, issues and developments
B2 apply appropriate concepts and theoretical and analytical perspectives and constructs of social
science and Social Policy to the analysis of case studies of policy issues and problems
B3 devise a research project involving independent study, the locating appropriate sources and
analysising of relevant material relating to the academic study of politics, policy and society
B4 communicate effectively both orally and in writing, locate, manage and use electronic and print
based materials related to the relevant academic disciplines and, where appropriate,
demonstrate appropriate team, network and systems skills of work placement in a specific
voluntary or welfare organisation/setting
Teaching and Learning Methods
Lectures, interactive seminars, group work, individual and group presentations, individual and
group tutorials, independent and supervised study and research, dissertation training and
supervision, IT and e-Learn support and interaction, study skills and Personal and Development
Planning (PDP) support for the development of appropriate academic and transferable
employability skills. Case studies, primary source analysis and problem solving exercises are used
to facilitate the development and application of knowledge, understanding and skills.
Assessment methods
A range of assessment methods is used to extend and demonstrate students’ learning, including
essays, critiques, reports, exercises, case studies, individual and group projects, portfolios,
workbooks, research plans, individual and group oral presentations.
C. Thinking Skills
Students will be able to demonstrate:
C1 skills of analytical and critical thinking in relation to key themes, issues, developments and
debates and perspectives of social and political analysis, and assess and evaluate the merits
of competing interpretations and explanations of political and social issues and questions
C2 understanding of and critical engagement with relevant wider literature, conceptual and
theoretical issues and central debates and perspectives of social and political analysis
C3 independent learning and research skills and the ability to identify, organise and evaluate
relevant primary and secondary source materials
C4 capacity to devise a focused research question and coherent research project involving
independent study, location of appropriate sources and analysis of relevant materials of
social and political analysis and, where appropriate, to critically reflect on both the distinction
and collaborative relationship between social theory and practice
Teaching and Learning Methods
Lectures, interactive seminars, workshops, group work, applied scenarios and case studies,
individual and group presentations, individual and group tutorials, independent and supervised
study and research, IT and e-Learn support and interaction, study skills and dissertation training
and supervision.
Assessment methods
A range of assessment methods is used to extend and demonstrate students’ learning, including
essays, critiques, reports, exercises, research plans, case studies, individual and group projects,
portfolios, workbooks, individual and group oral presentations.
D. Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
Students will be able to
D1 identify, collect and evaluate information from a variety of sources
D2 undertake analytical and critical thinking and its appropriate application
D3 effectively communicate and present ideas and arguments to others in oral and written form,
utilising appropriate and effective presentational techniques
D4 work both independently and as part of a team, displaying skills such as self, time and projectmanagement, effective communication and negotiation in both an academic and, where
appropriate, work experience setting
and
Lectures, interactive seminars, group work, individual and group presentations, individual and
group tutorials, independent and supervised study and research, dissertation training and
supervision, IT and e-Learn support and interaction, study skills and self-reflection on academic
and skills progress and development through Personal and Development Planning (PDP). Case
studies, primary source analysis and problem solving exercises are used to facilitate the
development and application of relevant knowledge, understanding and skills.
Assessment methods
Essay and report writing, critical book and literature reviews, individual and group oral and poster
presentations, exams (seen and unseen), extended research dissertation, formative assessment of
the learning process and development through discussion and debate, group and other peer
interactive work, individual and group tutorials, self-reflection and PDP and feedback through tutor,
peers and learners.
13. Programme Structures*
14. Awards and Credits*
Level
Module
Module Title
Credit
Code
rating
BA Honours Degree in Politics
Level 6 PO3991
Politics Dissertation (Core)
20
and Social Policy
OR
PO3992
Politics Double Dissertation
40
Requires 360 credits, including a
(Core)
minimum of 220 at Level 5 or
OR
SP3990
SP3991
SW3801
SW3723
SW3802
PO3112
PO3134
CJ3025
RB3005
HY3054
HY3059
HY3062
HY3063
HY3064
IR3001
SW3012
SW3017
SW3100
SW3105
SW3720
SW3721
SW3726
SW3728
SW3800
Level 5
IR2101
Social Policy Dissertation
(Core)
OR
Social Policy Extended
Dissertation (Core)
OR
Community Research
Project (Core)
(N.B. Students can opt to
take a Double Dissertation
module under certain
conditions. If a student
selects this route, they will
take one fewer optional
module)
20
above, and including 100 at
Level 6
40
BA Degree in Politics and Social
Policy
Requires 320 credits, including a
minimum of 180 at Level 5 or
above, and including 60 at Level
6
Social Theory: Textual
Analysis (Comp)
OR
Critical Social Policy (Comp)
20
Contemporary AngloAmerican Political
Philosophy
Continuity and Change in
British Politics
Terrorism and Security
Political Islam and Islamic
Movements
India, Pakistan, and
Afghanistan since 1947:
International Conflict and
Democracy
African Nationalism and
Independence, 1921-1982
A Place Apart? The
Northern Ireland Troubles
Kennedy, Johnson and the
World: US Foreign Policy,
1961-69
Thatcher’s Britain 1979 –
1990
War, Ethics and Society
Racism and Social Welfare
Crime and Society
Mental Health and Social
Care
Disability Studies
Social Enterprise and
Community Management
Poverty, Homelessness and
Supported Housing
Youth Matters
Gender Issues
Applied Community
Practice: Research and
Development
Globalisation: History,
Theories and Approaches
(Comp)
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
Exit Award: Diploma of Higher
Education in Politics and
Social Policy
IR2102
Research Methods in
International Relations and
Politics (Comp)
20
SW2041
Comparative Social Welfare
(Comp)
Power, Oppression and
Society (Comp)
20
History of Political Ideas
Radical Politics and Political
Ideas in Modern Britain :
From Lloyd George to Tony
Blair
The International History of
Europe, 1914-1991
Cold War in Asia, 1945-89:
History, Society and Conflict
America and the World,
1898 -2001
20
20
Drugs and Society
Race, Racism and Ethnicity
Health, Ageing and Social
Care
Working in Community
Practice ; Research and
Development
Social Care: Theory and
Practice
Management, Markets and
Delivering Welfare
20
20
20
Power, Politics and the
State (Comp)
British Politics (Comp)
20
Contextualising Welfare 1:
The Development of UK
Social Policy (Comp)
Contextualising Welfare 2:
Theories, Concepts and
Issues (Comp)
20
Global Politics ; An
Introduction to International
Relations
Society in Focus:a
Sociological Understanding
20
+Elective Option
20
SW2803
PO2110
PO2400
HY2084
HY2095
HY2099
SW2005
SW2018
SW2720
SW2800
SW2801
SW2802
Level 4
PO1101
PO1112
SW1804
SW1805
PO1109
SW1801
Requires 240 credits including a
minimum of 100 at Level 5
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
Exit Award: Certificate of
Higher Education awarded
upon completion of a minimum
of 120 credits at level 4.
20
20
15. Personal Development Planning
PDP is embedded in the programme through a variety of reflective activities, including oral
and written assignments and interactive feedback, interactive peer sessions, studentcentred and student-led workshops, discussions and debates, group work and
presentations, extensive e-Learn/Blackboard support for PDP, individual and group tutorials
and other formative assessment outlined above. PDP is also delivered separately to the
programme through extensive School of Education & Social Science PDP activities (via eLearn/Blackboard). Personal tutorials for students are also scheduled throughout
programme. Please refer to additional PDP documentation for further information.
16. Admissions criteria
Programme Specifications include minimum entry requirements, including academic qualifications,
together with appropriate experience and skills required for entry to study. These criteria may be
expressed as a range rather than a specific grade. Amendments to entry requirements may have
been made after these documents were published and you should consult the University’s website
for the most up to date information.
Students will be informed of their personal minimum entry criteria in their offer letter.
The University’s minimum standard entry requirement for degree-level study is a 12-unit
profile the equivalent of two subjects at Advanced Level plus 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above.
Other acceptable qualifications include:
Scottish Certificate of Education Higher Grade
Irish Leaving Certificate Higher Grade
International Baccalaureate
BTEC National Certificate/Diploma in an appropriate subject level at least merit overall
Access to HE Diploma
Applications from people with relevant work or life experience and/or non standard qualifications
are welcome.
International Students (English Language Requirements): IELTS 6.0, or other international
tests: TOEFL (Paper based) 550 and TWE of 4; TOEFL Computer based 213 and TWE of 4;
TOEFL iBT 80+ (with 18 in writing subscore); Cambridge Advanced C; Cambridge Proficiency C;
International Baccalaureate Standard Level (Grade 4 in English); London Test of English Level 4;
TEEP 6.0; WELT CCC; Anglia Examinations Syndicate Proficiency-pass or better; City and Guilds
English for Business; Communication-Level 2 First; Institute of Linguists Diploma in English for
International Communication; LCCI Level 3; MELAB 78 or above; Trinity College (ESOL and ISE)
Grades 10 and 11 or ISE III; ESB (International) All-Modes Examinations and the Lancashire
English Language Examinations C1.
Specific entry requirements for this course are:
The minimum level of attainment required for entry to the start of standard courses leading to
awards at first degree level is expressed in terms of UCAS Tariff Points.
Please check the course website for the most up-to-date tariff requirements.
17. Key sources of information about the programme
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University Prospectus
Course Handbook
University Website: http://www.uclan.ac.uk
School of Education & Social Science Website:
http://www.uclan.ac.uk/facs/class/edustud/index.htm
http://www.uclan.ac.uk/courses/ug/politics.htm
Tel. 01772 893090
LEVEL 6
Module
Level Code
Module Title
PO3991 Politics Dissertation or
PO3992 Politics Double Dissertation
SP3990 Social Policy Dissertation or
Social Policy Extended
SP3991 Dissertation or
SW3801 Community Research Project
Social Theory:Textual
SW3723 Analysis or
SW3802 Critical Social Policy
Political Islam and Islamic
RB3005 Movements
Contemporary AngloPO3112 American Political Philosophy
Continuity and Change in
PO3134 British Politics
CJ3025 Terrorism and Security
HY3054 India, Pakistan, Afghanistan
Since 1947: International
Conflict and Democracy
HY3059 African Nationalism and
Independence, 1921-1982
HY3064 Thatcher’s Britain 1979 1990
HY3062 A Place Apart? The Northern
Ireland Troubles
HY3063 Kennedy, Johnson and the
World: US Foreign Policy,
1961-69
IR3001 War, Ethics and Society
SW3012 Racism and Social Welfare
Core (C),
Compulsory
(COMP) or
Option (O)
Core
Core
Core
Knowledge and
understanding
Subject Specific Skills
A1 A2 A3 A4 B1 B2 B3 B4
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Core
Core
Comp
Comp
Option
Option
Option
Option
Thinking Skills
C1 C2 C3 C4
X
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X
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Other skills relevant
to employability and
personal
development
D1 D2 D3 D4
X
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Option
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Option
Option
Option
Option
Option
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X
SW3017 Crime and Society
Mental Health and Social
SW3100 Care
SW3105 Disability Studies
Social Enterprise and
SW3720 Community Management
Poverty, Homelessness and
SW3721 Supported Housing
SW3726 Youth Matters
SW3728 Gender Issues
Applied Community Practice:
SW3800 Research and Development
IR2101 Globalisation: History,
Theories and Approaches
IR2102 Research Methods in
International Relations and
Politics
SW2041 Comparative Social Welfare
SW2803 Power, Oppression and
Society
PO2110 History of Political Ideas
PO2400 Radical Politics and Political
Ideas in Modern Britain :
From Lloyd George to Tony
Blair
HY2084 The International History of
Europe, 1914-1991
HY2095 Cold War in Asia, 1945-89:
History, Society and Conflict
HY2099 America and the World, 1898
-2001
SW2005 Drugs and Society
SW2018 Race, Racism and Ethnicity
SW2720 Health, Ageing and Social
Care
X
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Option
Option
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Option
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Comp
X
Comp
Comp
Comp
Option
Option
Option
Option
Option
Option
Option
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LEVEL 4
Note:
SW2800 Working in Community
Practice: Research and
Development
Social Care: Theory and
SW2801 Practice
Management, Markets and
SW2802 Delivering Welfare
PO1101 Power, Politics and the State
PO1112 British Politics
Contextualising Welfare 1:
The Development of UK
SW1804 Social Policy
Contextualising Welfare 2:
Theories, Concepts and
SW1805 Issues
Global Politics: An
Introduction to International
PO1109 Relations
Society in Focus: A
SW1801 Sociological Understanding
X
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Option
Option
Option
Comp
Comp
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Comp
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Comp
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Option
Option
Mapping to other external frameworks, e.g. professional/statutory bodies, will be included within Student Course Handbooks