BA (Hons) Sociology and Youth Studies

Overview

How we live, where we live, and who we live with, are important questions that can only be answered with reference to the profound changes to social life in the modern world. The exploration of change at the social, policy and cultural level is indispensible for any look at how people live, and young people in particular.

Sociology is a subject that developed with the modern world and its key task is to analyse the changing nature of the social world with particular reference to recent developments. Sociology at UCS aims to equip students with the tools they need to understand the world they live in by developing relevant analytical and research skills. The aim of the sociology joint programme is to produce well informed sociologists who can develop sociologically informed arguments. Sociology at UCS is concerned with important classical and contemporary sociological debates in areas such as globalization, social stratification, gender and sexuality, technology, and sociological theory. It also offers students an increasinlgy specialist knowledge as they progress with their studies.

Youth Studies at UCS offers a multidisciplinary approach to the contemporary understanding of young people, with an emphasis on the critical tradition in the social sciences. The course draws on sociology, social policy, childhood studies, and cultural studies. You will examine the social construction of young people in historical, national, international and comparative contexts. Key themes to be explored include the study of young people in relation to education, youth work, social services, criminal justice, the labour market, the transition to adult life, and youth culture.

 

 

Sociology and Youth Studies offers:

• A focus on contemporary changes to social life
• A key theme of technology and society
• An emphasis upon transferable research skills
• Study within the innovative School of Applied Social Sciences with a strong research tradition in childhood and youth studies
• A national and international focus
• An emphasis on transferable research skills
  

Employers value the qualities and skills of sociology and youth studies graduates, and most students find suitable work within a short time of graduation. Typical employers include local and central government, industry, commerce, the NHS, education authorities, further and higher education institutions, and charitable, counselling and voluntary organisations. A number of students also go on to study for a Masters, a PGCE or a Doctorate.

 

Content and Modules

First year modules

• Social Science Research Skills (Core)
• Sociology and the Modern World
• Core Sociological Dichotomies
• Introduction to Youth Studies
• Understanding Social Change
• Foundations of Social and Developmental Psychology

Second year modules

• Quantitative Data in Social Science (Core)
• Qualitative Data in Social Science (Core)
• Social Theory
• Youth Culture and Identity

With a choice of 2 modules from:

• Sociology of Health and Illness
• Globalization
• Youth Justice
• Child Law
• Young People and Social Policy
  

Third year modules

• Research Dissertation (Core)
• Applied Studies (Core)

With a choice of 2 modules from:

• Gender, Sexuality and Culture
• Technology and Society
• Sociology of Sport
• Sociology of Law
• Comparative Youth Studies
• Youth and Development: Selected Issues
  

All modules are assessed using a range of methods including structured essays, reports, case studies, critiques, reviews and formal examinations.

Read the full Programme Specification for this course here:
Programme Specification|

Further Information

Careers

• The most recent figures available from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) reveal that 89% of Sociology and Youth Studies graduates in 2011/12 found employment within six months of graduation
• Around 60% of graduate jobs are open to graduates of any discipline and Sociology and Youth Studies graduates are well equipped with the advanced skills and confidence to thrive in a variety of occupations
• Sociology and Youth Studies graduates are good problem solvers, have good analytical and research skills, and have excellent information and data management skills

        o Employability is taken very seriously at UCS and employers are directly
           involved in a number of taught and additional sessions over the course
           of the degree. Youth Studies has strong links with local organizations such
           as Catch 22 and Dost (work with young refugees)

• Quite a number of our graduates also go on to pursue further qualifications at masters and doctoral levels
• Online and face to face resources and advice are available from the UCS Careers and Employability Service for all UCS students

For this course all modules are assessed and a range of assessment methods are used, including essays, reports, case studies, critiques, reviews and formal examinations.

Timetable

We try to keep the timetable for a full time student to be spread over 4 days throughout the degree course.

For more information on careers for graduates please see:

http://www.prospects.ac.uk|

http://courses-careers.com/| 

These are also excellent places to go to if you are unsure which career paths are opened up by particular degree courses.