(BA) Bachelor of Arts
Social Change (including Year Abroad)
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Interdisciplinary Studies Centre (ISC)
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
BA L403
10/05/2023
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.
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.
Course qualifiers
None
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
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.
Programme aims
- To provide students with a distinctive skill-set required to understand and analyse our increasingly globalised world, along with the practical tools needed for actively addressing pressing social problems.
- To provide students with opportunities to broaden their cultural horizons by taking up the challenge of studying new disciplines such as Art History, Human Rights, Philosophy, Literature, History, Sociology, Languages, Film Studies.
- To provide students with opportunities to experience and acquire a number of different critical approaches through a balanced mix of teaching, reading and research in a range of academic disciplines from an interdisciplinary perspective.
- To develop students’ analytical, critical, research and problem-solving skills.
- To provide students with the necessary skills to undertake further study and/or pursue vocational training in employment.
- To provide students with sound knowledge and skills relevant to work in dynamic public and third-sector organisations with a social change mission.
7. To provide students with opportunities to experience a different system of HE through a broad range of courses on the Year Abroad.
8. To develop students' intercultural skills necessary for living and working in a different culture.
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: Students will be able to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of some of the social, political and economic processes that have shaped the world.
A2: Students will be able to demonstrate, through a variety of means, a knowledge and understanding of the different styles of enquiry in a range of Humanities and Social Science disciplines.
A3: Students will be able to demonstrate a) knowledge of the core principles of Human Rights discourse, social entrepreneurship, and community action and b) the know-how necessary to navigate the external environment within which social change organizations operate.
Learning methods
A1 and A2 are acquired through core module lectures and classes in years 0, 1, 2 and the final year. A3 is acquired in the compulsory modules in years 1-3, with the relevant know-how coming especially from the community engagement modules (CS200, CS300)
Assessment methods
These skills are assessed in continuous coursework plus oral and written exams in all years. A3 is assessed especially in CS200 and CS300.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Able to use discipline-based training to think critically and analytically in relation to a number of different academic disciplines.
B2: Able to identify, analyse and solve problems, using appropriate techniques of writing, methodologies and theories.
B3: Able to demonstrate and exercise independence of mind and thought.
Learning methods
These skills are acquired in classes and seminars, in group discussion and through the submission of coursework in all years. Students are expected to do independent research to consolidate classwork. B1 and B2 are also acquired through lectures and feedback on course work. Students are encouraged to compare the approaches of different disciplines and to think across disciplines. The independence identified in B3 will come into play especially in CS200, CS300, and the capstone project.
Assessment methods
All intellectual/cognitive skills are assessed in continuous course work in all years and through end of year examinations, with B3 being assessed especially in in CS200, CS300, and the capstone project.
C: Practical skills
C1: Communicate ideas clearly and coherently in a range of disciplines in both written and oral form.
C2: Present written materials using appropriate language and referencing.
C3: Ability to work independently, write and think under pressure, meet deadlines, manage their own time and workload and demonstrate initiative.
C4: Ability to work competently in a range of roles in social change organisations.
C101: Ability to apply the necessary organisational and cultural skills for living and working abroad.
Learning methods
C1-C3 are acquired through classes, the submission of course work and preparation for examinations in all years of study. C4 is acquired in CS200 and CS300.
C101 is acquired through the guided but relatively independent process of organising and successfully completing a period of living and studying abroad.
Assessment methods
Assessment of practical skills is through the submission of essays and assignments, written examinations, as well as the assessment of the community-engaging group action taken in the CS200 and CS300.
C101 is assessed throughout the Year Abroad.
D: Key skills
D1: Ability to present knowledge or an argument in a clear, coherent and creative manner.
D2: Ability to use the relevant information technology to research and present written work.
D3: Students will be able to identify problems and apply relevant research methodologies and techniques of writing to resolve them.
D4: Students will develop skills in collaborative learning and research - and gain experience in group presentations of research results. They will also experience intensive group collaboration in CS200 and CS300.
D5: Students will be able to reflect on their own learning, to seek and make use of feedback on their own performance, to recognise when further knowledge is required and to undertake the necessary research.
Learning methods
Key skills are acquired through participatory classwork in all years of study, through the presentation of continuous coursework and preparation for examinations. Students are encouraged to engage in discussion, to listen effectively and to participate in group work to the benefit of the group as a whole. On many modules oral presentation skills are assessed. Again, CS200 and CS300 provide a crucial venue to develop interpersonal skills.
Assessment methods
Assessment is through the submission of coursework and through written examinations. Some modules assess D1 and D5 through assessed oral participation or presentations.