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Full-time
3-4 Years
Typical Offer
Campus
Brayford Pool
Validation Status
Validated
Fees
UCAS Code
L400
Course Code
SOPSOPUB
Full-time
3-4 Years
Typical Offer
Campus
Brayford Pool
Validation Status
Validated
Fees
UCAS Code
L400
Course Code
SOPSOPUB
Creating effective social policies is key to tackling the big issues we face in society today such as poverty, health inequality, and unemployment.
This course enables students to explore how social problems arise, how governments react, and the impact this has on citizens and communities.
The BA (Hons) Social Policy degree draws on a range of social science disciplines in addition to its core focus. These include sociology, politics, philosophy, economics, and law. Students can use these approaches to examine welfare, poverty, and inequality, tackling difficult and often controversial topics, including current issues in the news.
Creating effective social policies is key to tackling the big issues we face in society today such as poverty, health inequality, and unemployment.
This course enables students to explore how social problems arise, how governments react, and the impact this has on citizens and communities.
The BA (Hons) Social Policy degree draws on a range of social science disciplines in addition to its core focus. These include sociology, politics, philosophy, economics, and law. Students can use these approaches to examine welfare, poverty, and inequality, tackling difficult and often controversial topics, including current issues in the news.
The first year introduces core concepts that provide a platform from which to scrutinise social policy issues in detail. Students can examine social problems and policies in the UK and internationally, and how to conduct and apply social science research.
In the second and third years, students are able to build on these foundations by choosing from a range of optional modules. These modules, which often reflect staff research expertise, provide an insight into topics such as education, law, ethics, work, crime, human rights, race and racism, and the making and implementation of policies.
Modules can include Social Issues and Social Justice; Key Social Science Concepts; Debating Welfare States; Comparative Politics and Policy; Ideology into Practice; and Analysing the Policy Process.
We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. To help you choose the course that’s right for you, we aim to bring to your attention all the important information you may need. Our What You Need to Know page offers detailed information on key areas including contact hours, assessment, optional modules, and additional costs.
The first year introduces core concepts that provide a platform from which to scrutinise social policy issues in detail. Students can examine social problems and policies in the UK and internationally, and how to conduct and apply social science research.
In the second and third years, students are able to build on these foundations by choosing from a range of optional modules. These modules, which often reflect staff research expertise, provide an insight into topics such as education, law, ethics, work, crime, human rights, race and racism, and the making and implementation of policies.
Modules can include Social Issues and Social Justice; Key Social Science Concepts; Debating Welfare States; Comparative Politics and Policy; Ideology into Practice; and Analysing the Policy Process.
We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. To help you choose the course that’s right for you, we aim to bring to your attention all the important information you may need. Our What You Need to Know page offers detailed information on key areas including contact hours, assessment, optional modules, and additional costs.
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
A Level: BCC (104 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 3 A Levels or equivalent qualifications).
International Baccalaureate: 28 points overall
BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit or equivalent.
T Level: Merit
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 104 UCAS Tariff points.
A combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTEC, EPQ etc.
Applicants will also need at least three GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, which must include English. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.
The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry. We will also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.
Non UK Qualifications:
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.
EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.
If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk
A Level: BCC (104 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 3 A Levels or equivalent qualifications).
International Baccalaureate: 28 points overall
BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit or equivalent.
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 104 UCAS Tariff points.
A combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTEC, EPQ etc.
Applicants will also need at least three GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, which must include English. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.
The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry. We will also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.
Non UK Qualifications:
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.
EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.
If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk
Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.
For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.
Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.
For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.
Students on this course are able to apply for a study abroad year at one of our partner institutions in the USA, Sweden, Belgium, Germany, or the Netherlands after the second year of their degree. This enables students to experience their subject from a new perspective and to explore different cultures and societies. A limited number of places are available and are allocated competitively, subject to academic criteria.
During the year abroad students will not pay a tuition fee to either the University of Lincoln or their host university, but they will be expected to cover their travel, accommodation, and general living costs.
The assessment strategy adopted within the Social Policy programme is designed to test and enhance students' knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as to prepare them for the demands of work.
Assessments aim to test students' attainments of learning outcomes that demonstrate and encourage not only their knowledge base but also the development of transferable skills across the course.
The course aims to develop written communication skills through essays and examinations, oral communication skills through presentations, literature searching and review through essays, examinations and presentations, and computer literacy skills through the use of electronic resources.
The way students are assessed on this course may vary for each module. Examples of assessment methods that may be used include coursework, such as written assignments, reports or dissertations; practical exams, such as presentations, performances or observations; and written exams, such as formal examinations or in-class tests.
The University of Lincoln's policy is to ensure that staff return assessments to students promptly.
The assessment strategy adopted within the Social Policy programme is designed to test and enhance students' knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as to prepare them for the demands of work.
Assessments aim to test students' attainments of learning outcomes that demonstrate and encourage not only their knowledge base but also the development of transferable skills across the course.
The course aims to develop written communication skills through essays and examinations, oral communication skills through presentations, literature searching and review through essays, examinations and presentations, and computer literacy skills through the use of electronic resources.
The way students are assessed on this course may vary for each module. Examples of assessment methods that may be used include coursework, such as written assignments, reports or dissertations; practical exams, such as presentations, performances or observations; and written exams, such as formal examinations or in-class tests.
The University of Lincoln's policy is to ensure that staff return assessments to students promptly.
“Lincoln is a beautiful city, it instantly felt homely and safe. The staff are so helpful and friendly, I would definitely recommend it to other students!”
Colleen Wall BA (Hons) Social Policy studentThis course offers opportunities to undertake voluntary, competitive work placements, providing experience of a professional policy environment, and a chance to observe how policy is set by central government and executed by local authorities. Students are responsible for covering their own travel, accommodation, and general living costs during these placements.
Students who choose the optional module Social Engagement may have the opportunity to take part in a field trip. This particular module encourages students to undertake one or more external activities relevant to the course, and to critically reflect on the nature of this activity, on how it relates to society, and on their personal development. This may involve undertaking voluntary work or mentoring within a service-providing organisation.
Students are expected to play a significant role in arranging their programme of experience. All travel, accommodation, and general living expenses associated with the experience will need to be covered by the student. The experience is required to consist of a minimum of 30 hours.
Professor Christian Karner - Professor of Sociology / Programme Leader
Christian’s teaching and research specialisms fall into the areas of political sociology (i.e. nationalism, ethnicity, memory studies), globalisation, and urban sociology. He currently contributes to the teaching on the following modules: Key Social Science Concepts, Applying Research, Social Issues and Social Justice, Sociological Imagination, Understanding the City, Researching in Social Science, Contemporary Social Theories and Approaches.
Academic Staff ListA diverse range of careers are open to Social Policy graduates. They may include roles in local government and the public sector, in policy development within parliament, lobbying or research with think tanks, or in the charity and not- for-profit sectors. Some graduates continue on to postgraduate study or professional training.
"My three years at Lincoln have been the best of my life. The academic support is excellent."
Joey Pearce, BA (Hons) Social Policy graduateThe various challenges surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic means that social policy has never been a more important academic discipline and area of study.
Our academic team have a range of unique specialisms and are able to address contemporary issues such as the global pandemic. Individual specialisms seek to understand the dynamics of policy making and change in ways that are both conceptual and applied.
You can find out more about staff research groups online: https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/socialsciences/research/
The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to join us for one of our Open Days. Visiting us in person is important and will help you to get a real feel for what it might be like to study here.
Book Your PlaceInternational relations and the policies they shape are rarely far from the media headlines, tackling challenging and sometimes controversial issues.
Explore the ways in which governments define the policies that affect the everyday lives of citizens.
This degree combines the study of social policy with the field of sociology in order to try to understand issues facing society.
At Lincoln, we strive to make sure our student experience is engaging, supportive, and academically challenging. That is why, in response to the issues presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, we have been prioritising face-to-face teaching sessions for our new and returning students in areas where they are the most valuable, such as seminars, tutorials, workshops, and lab and practical sessions. Additional online opportunities have been introduced where they support learning and have been shown to be successful and popular with our current students.
Safety remains a key focus. We are fully prepared to adapt our plans if changes in Government guidance makes this necessary, and we will endeavour to keep current and prospective students informed. For more information about how we are working to keep our community safe, please visit our coronavirus web pages.