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FHEQ level

This course is set at Level 6 in the national Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.

Course Aims

This degree programme provides an opportunity and to develop skills in analysing cultural products such as the mass media, and ways in which social processes can be analysed and explained, offering students the chance to study two historically related and overlapping subjects in a combined degree. During the first two years, students combine the sociology and cultural studies courses, while in the final year they take specialised options from both areas of study, including an option to complete an extended piece of work on a subject of their choice.

The joint programme enables students to understand the importance of both Sociology and Cultural Studies in the contemporary world, acquire a range of empirical knowledge which they can evaluate and relate to theories in both disciplines, and understand and use their concepts, approaches and methods. Students will learn to analyse social and cultural events, ideas, technologies, institutions and practices critically and to understand the contested nature of culture, including the diverse historical implications of that term. Relevant research techniques as well as transferable practical and intellectual skills are emphasised in both disciplines.

Course learning outcomes

explain major sociological concepts and theories, and their application in contemporary sociology

demonstrate knowledge of different societies, and understanding of what may be learned by comparing them

demonstrate understanding and knowledge of key topics and debates in a number of specialised areas in sociology

collate a range of appropriate sources (including paper, audio-visual and electronic sources) and structure material from them to answer a question

assess the strengths and weaknesses of empirical material as evidence for conclusions in specific cases

critically evaluate competing explanations and sociological theories in a range of contexts

formulate research questions and plan how to answer them

identify and use appropriate research methods (including questionnaires, interviews, observations and content analysis)

analyse the ethical implications of social research in a variety of settings

make simple analyses of quantitative and qualitative data using appropriate computer programs

communicate effectively with others and present information both orally and in writing

conduct a literature search and produce a correctly formatted bibliography

manage their time in long-term work programmes

Understanding of the historical development of media and cultural practices

An awareness of critical theories and research about media and culture

Understanding cultural production, consumption and representation, and of cultural contexts (regional, national, global)

Appreciation of the complexity of the term 'culture' and an understanding of how it has developed

demonstrate an understanding of how factors such as class, gender, ethnicity, nationality, disability and sexuality affect media representations and cultural practices

Ability to work in flexible, creative and independent ways, showing self-discipline, self-direction and reflexivity

Work to a given length, format, brief and deadline, properly referencing sources and ideas and making use, as appropriate, of a problem-solving approach

Demonstration of skills in research, project design, presentation, teamwork, independent work, and time and information management

Full-time course composition