Social Anthropology with Human Rights

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Academic Year of Entry: 2023/24 - 2024/25
Course overview
(BA) Bachelor of Arts
Social Anthropology with Human Rights
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Sociology and Criminology
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Sociology
BA LL37
08/05/2024

Details

Professional accreditation

None

Admission criteria

A-levels: ABB

BTEC: DDD, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.

IB: 32 points or three Higher Level certificates with 655
We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programme Courses (formerly certificates) at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for.
We can also consider combinations with BTECs or other qualifications in the Career-related programme – the acceptability of BTECs and other qualifications depends on the subject studied, advice on acceptability can be provided. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.

Access to HE Diploma:15 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 30 level 3 credits at Merit, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.

T-levels: Distinction, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.

For courses with Counselling skills, please note that a satisfactory enhanced DBS check will be required prior to starting any placement(s) for this course. This will be organised by the University. A satisfactory Overseas Criminal Record Check/Local Police Certificate is also required, in addition to a DBS Check, where you have lived outside of the UK in the last 5 years for 6 months or more.

What if I don’t achieve the grades I hoped?
If your final grades are not as high as you had hoped, the good news is you may still be able to secure a place with us on a course which includes a foundation year. Visit our undergraduate application information page for more details.

What if I have a non-traditional academic background?
Don’t worry. To gain a deeper knowledge of your course suitability, we will look at your educational and employment history, together with your personal statement and reference.

You may be considered for entry into Year 1 of your chosen course. Alternatively, some UK and EU applicants may be considered for Essex Pathways, an additional year of study (known as a foundation year/year 0) helping students gain the necessary skills and knowledge in order to succeed on their chosen course. You can find a list of Essex Pathways courses and entry requirements here

If you are a mature student, further information is here

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall. Different requirements apply for second year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK.

Other English language qualifications may be acceptable so please contact us for further details. If we accept the English component of an international qualification then it will be included in the information given about the academic levels listed above. Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications

If you are an international student requiring a visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Additional Notes

If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to this degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College here.

Course qualifiers

A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).

  • Applied Quantitative Methods: In order to be eligible for the AQM qualifier, you must successfully complete the following modules: Year One: SC101 – (30 credits) Researching Social Life I Year Two: SC202 - (15 credits) Analysing Social Life SC208 – (15 credits) Crime and Inequality Across the Life Course Final Year: SC385 – (30 credits) Modelling Crime and Society SC830 – (30 credits) Quantitative Research Project Recommended modules for the pathway: The following modules are recommended options but are not considered essential in passing the pathway: Year Two: GV205 (15 credits) Measuring Public Opinion (requires GV207) GV207 (15 credits) Quantitative Political Analysis SC213 (30 credits) Social Psychology: Self and Interaction SC207 (30 credits) Social Data Science: Code, Text and Networks Final Year: Please note that the following two modules do not run every year. SC308 (15 credits) Race, Ethnicity and Migration SC338 (15 credits) Religion in Modern and Post Modern Societies

Rules of assessment

Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.

Additional notes

None

External examiners

Staff photo
Dr Paul Gilbert

Senior Lecturer in International Development

University of Sussex

External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment. External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course. They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards. External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.

eNROL, the module enrolment system, is now open until Monday 21 October 2024 8:59AM, for students wishing to make changes to their module options.

Key

Core You must take this module.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options You can choose which module to study.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory You must take this module.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Compulsory with Options You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Optional You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.

Year 1 - 2023/24

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  SC107-4-FY-CO  Introduction to Social Anthropology  Core  30  30 
02  HU100-4-FY-CO  Foundations of Human Rights  Core  30  30 
03  CS101-4-FY-CO  Modern Revolutions in Science, Politics, and Culture  Compulsory  30  30 
04    Optional module(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
05  SC199-4-FY-CO  Career Development and Making a Difference  Compulsory 

Year 2 - 2024/25

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  CS201-5-FY-CO  The World in Question: The Social, Cultural, Political & Environmental Legacies of the Enlightenment  Compulsory  30  30 
02  HU200-5-FY-CO  Human Rights, Regional Systems & Global Challenges  Compulsory  30  30 
03  SC203-5-AU-CO  Researching the Real World: Qualitative Approaches to Studying Crime and Society  Compulsory  15  15 
04  SC210-5-SP-CO  Cities and Power  Compulsory  15  15 
05    Sociology option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 

Year 3 - 2025/26

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  SC361-6-FY-CO  American Society: Ethnic Encounters in the Making of the USA  Compulsory  30  30 
02  HU300-6-FY-CO  Selected Issues in Human Rights  Compulsory  30  30 
03  SC362-6-SP-CO  Visual Cultures: the Social Meanings of Photography and Art  Compulsory  15  15 
04    SC340-6-FY or SC832-6-FY or BE947-6-FY  Compulsory with Options  30  30 
05    SC326-6-AU or Optional module from list  Optional  15  15 
06  SC199-6-FY-CO  Career Development and Making a Difference  Compulsory 

Exit awards

A module is given one of the following statuses: 'core' – meaning it must be taken and passed; 'compulsory' – meaning it must be taken; or 'optional' – meaning that students can choose the module from a designated list. The rules of assessment may allow for limited condonement of fails in 'compulsory' or 'optional' modules, but 'core' modules cannot be failed. The status of the module may be different in any exit awards which are available for the course. Exam Boards will consider students' eligibility for an exit award if they fail the main award or do not complete their studies.

Programme aims

  • The core modules will investigate key theoretical and substantive debates in anthropology and human rights.
  • To provide students with an understanding of the distinctive character of anthropological thinking;
  • To provide students with a knowledge of the main theoretical traditions of anthropology and human rights;
  • To provide students with an understanding of the main anthropological methods and approaches to human rights.
  • To develop students' capacity for critical enquiry, argument and analysis;
  • To develop students' capacity for independent learning;
  • To provide students with the knowledge and skills to enable them to proceed to further study and research.


Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods

On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:

A: Knowledge and understanding

A1: Understand various anthropological research methods investigating social life and the key principles underpinning human rights discourses.

A2: Understand key anthropological and human rights issues, concepts and theories especially in relation to the study of race, gender, ethnicity, sexuality and other social identities and hierarchies.

A3: Develop an approach to the study of society informed by anthropology and human rights.

A4: Develop a critical and reflexive approach to the study of different cultures and value systems.

A5: Develop an historical understanding of anthropology's contribution to the study of social life and the contribution of human rights to understanding social justice, especially across cultural boundaries.

A6: Develop an ability to conduct a small piece of anthropological research using appropriate methods.

Learning methods

Outcomes A1 to A5 are acquired through lectures, seminars, group and individual tasks, and directed independent study.

The development of the project in consultation with a supervisor provides the means through which learning outcome A6 will be achieved.

Lectures and seminars introduce the required theories and understandings to facilitate students' exploration of anthropology and its contribution to the study of society, while demonstrating and encouraging a critical and reflexive approach.

Lectures and seminars introduce the required theories and understandings to facilitate students’ explorations of human rights concepts and issues as well as how they operate through institutions.

Directed independent study and reading, along with individual and group tasks, enable the further exploration of the relevant areas.

Students are expected to extend and enhance the knowledge and understanding they acquire from lectures and classes by regularly consulting library materials relating to the course.

Assessment methods

Outcomes A1-A5 are formally assessed via coursework assignments, which may take a number of forms, including essays, reading assignments, tests, debates.

They are also assessed via exams.
Outcomes A1 and A6 are assessed via the final year project.

B: Intellectual and cognitive skills

B1: Capacity to appraise theoretical ideas

B2: Assimilate and synthesise advanced theories and concepts

B3: Formulate logical and coherent arguments

B4: Interpret and critically evaluate empirical evidence

B5: Plan and undertake a piece of independent anthropological research

Learning methods

Learning methods Skills B1 to B4 are acquired and enhanced primarily through directed independent study, reading, group and individual tasks given for their courses, although lectures and seminars provide a means for teachers to demonstrate these skills through examples.

Students' independent study and preparation for tasks involves the reading, interpretation and critical evaluation of relevant frameworks, theories and understandings to facilitate students' assimilation and synthesis of these various theories and concepts, while demonstrating and encouraging a critical and reflexive approach to empirical evidence.

Lecturers provide necessary feedback on student work.

Lecturers also engage students outside the classroom through office hours, appointments and email communication.

Skill B5 is acquired through the work that students undertake for the project.

The project further provides an opportunity for students to acquire skills B1 to B4.

Assessment methods

Skills B1 to B4 are formally assessed via coursework assignments.

The project provides a further opportunity to assess skills B1-B4.

Skill B5 is assessed through the project.

C: Practical skills

C1: Analyse and evaluate empirical data

C2: Access and retrieve information from primary and secondary sources

C3: Written presentation skills

C4: Undertake independent research

C5: Competence in key elements of the job selection process

Learning methods

Skills C1 to C4 are acquired and enhanced primarily through the work that students do for their modules, although lectures provide a means for teachers to demonstrate these skills through examples.

Research skills will be taught and assessed specifically in the project.

Skill C4 is further acquired through the work that students do for the project and in their anthropological research methods course SC277/8.

The project further provides an opportunity for students to acquire skills C1 to C4 Skills C1 to C4 are acquired and enhanced primarily through the work that students do for their modules, although lectures provide a means for teachers to demonstrate these skills through examples.

Research skills will be taught and assessed specifically in the project.

Skill C4 is further acquired through the work that students do for the project.

C5 is undertaken by students attending the work skills seminars of SC107 (common to all students in the Sociology dept.) in bespoke classes.

The project further provides an opportunity for students to acquire skills C1 to C4 Throughout the three years of the degree practical skills are developed through preparation for classes, preparing essays and other assessed assignments, giving presentations and doing written examinations.

In SC107, SC277/8 students carry out an observational study.

The work for CS201 includes the detailed examination and interpretation of key texts which are the foundations of human rights discourses.

The third year project for SC832 is particularly valuable in developing students practical anthropological skills.

Some of these skills are further developed through the work students do for optional modules.

Students receive detailed feedback on all their coursework and presentations.

Study skills advice and training is available from the Student Support Officer in the Resource Room, which is dedicated to this purpose.

Assessment methods

Skills C1 to C3 are formally assessed via coursework assignments.

This enables the demonstration of the relevant theories and empirical evidence and facilitates the demonstration of a critical and reflexive approach to empirical evidence.

Skill C4 is assessed through the project and course work.

D: Key skills

D1: Communicate ideas and arguments in a coherent and effective manner

D2: Ability to critically approach a text and understand the key arguments presented

D3: Problem solving and analytical skills

D4: Preparing informal presentations and communicating in a group

D5: Time management and working to deadlines

Learning methods

Verbal communication skills (D1) are developed through group tasks involving oral presentation, group discussion, and engaging in organised debates in the seminars.

Written communication skills (D1) are developed primarily through essays and reading assignments.

Reading skills (D2) are developed as through regular reading assignments.

Problem solving skills (D3) are developed principally through specific problem based exercises and project given to the students.

Planning and organisation, enterprise and resourcefulness (D4-5) are essential to any learning process dependent on independent study and to some extent individual advice from teachers.

These skills are further developed as students pursue the learning activities associated with their courses.

Assessment methods

Skills D1 to D6 are formally assessed via coursework assignments: in relation both to process and product.

Skills D1 to D4 will be assessed through the content of submitted work.

Informal assessment: The assessment of the majority of key transferable skills forms an integral part of the overall assessment of the management degree schemes; however the approach to assessment varies.

Written communication skills, problem solving, and IT skills are assessed directly throughout the degree programme.

Personal skills are assessed through coursework.

Verbal communication skills are not, however, formally assessed.


Note

The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include a change of law or regulatory requirements, industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key personnel, change in government policy, or withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications.

The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.

Contact

If you are thinking of studying at Essex and have questions about the course, please contact Undergraduate Admissions by emailing admit@essex.ac.uk, or Postgraduate Admissions by emailing pgadmit@essex.ac.uk.

If you're a current student and have questions about your course or specific modules, please contact your department.

If you think there might be an error on this page, please contact the Course Records Team by emailing crt@essex.ac.uk.