Sociology and Health (including Year Abroad)

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Academic Year of Entry: 2024/25
Course overview
(BA) Bachelor of Arts
Sociology and Health (including Year Abroad)
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Sociology and Criminology
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
BA L353
08/05/2024

Details

Professional accreditation

None

Admission criteria

  • A-levels: BBB - BBC or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels.
  • BTEC: DDM - DMM or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels. The acceptability of BTECs is dependent on subject studied and optional units taken - email ugquery@essex.ac.uk for advice.
  • Combined qualifications on the UCAS tariff: 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A levels or equivalent. Tariff point offers may be made if you are taking a qualification, or mixture of qualifications, from the list on our undergraduate application information page.
  • IB: 30 - 29 points or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554.
  • IB Career-related Programme: We consider combinations of IB Diploma Programme courses with BTECs or other qualifications. Advice on acceptability can be provided, email Undergraduate Admissions.
  • QAA-approved Access to HE Diploma: 6 level 3 credits at Distinction and 39 level 3 credits at Merit, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided, email Undergraduate Admissions.
  • T-levels: We consider T-levels on a case-by-case basis, depending on subject studied. The offer for most courses is Distinction overall. Depending on the course applied for there may be additional requirements, which may include a specific grade in the Core.

Contextual Offers:

We are committed to ensuring that all students with the merit and potential to benefit from an Essex education are supported to do so. For October 2024 entry, if you are a home fee paying student residing in the UK you may be eligible for a Contextual Offer of up to two A-level grades, or equivalent, below our standard conditional offer.
Factors we consider:

  • Applicants from underrepresented groups
  • Applicants progressing from University of Essex Schools Membership schools/colleges
  • Applicants who attend a compulsory admissions interview
  • Applicants who attend an Offer Holder Day at our Colchester or Southend campus

Our contextual offers policy outlines additional circumstances and eligibility criteria.

For further information about what a contextual offer may look like for your specific qualification profile, email ugquery@essex.ac.uk.

If you haven't got the grades you hoped for, have a non-traditional academic background, are a mature student, or have any questions about eligibility for your course, more information can be found on our undergraduate application information page or get in touch with our Undergraduate Admissions Team.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall, or specified score in another equivalent test that we accept.

Details of English language requirements, including component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

If we accept the English component of an international qualification it will be included in the academic levels listed above for the relevant countries.

English language shelf-life

Most English language qualifications have a validity period of 5 years. The validity period of Pearson Test of English, TOEFL and CBSE or CISCE English is 2 years.

If you require a Student visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.

Pre-sessional English courses

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.

Pending English language qualifications

You don’t need to achieve the required level before making your application, but it will be one of the conditions of your offer.

If you cannot find the qualification that you have achieved or are pending, then please email ugquery@essex.ac.uk .

Requirements for second and final year entry

Different requirements apply for second and final year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK. Details of English language requirements, including UK Visas and Immigration minimum component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

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

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 Data Science: In order to be eligible for the qualifier, you must successfully complete the following modules: Year Two: SC202 (15 credits) Researching the Real World: Quantitative Approaches to Studying Crime and Society and SC208 (15 credits) Quantitative Research: Crime and Inequality Across the Life Course. Final Year: SC385 (30 credits) Modelling Crime and Society and SC830 (30 credits) Quantitative Research Project For details of further recommended modules please web search “Essex Q-Step”.

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 Emily Gray

Assistant Professor of Criminology

University of Warwick

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 27 January 2025 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 - 2024/25

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  SC111-4-FY-CO  The Sociological Imagination  Core  30  30 
02  SC108-4-FY-CO  Health and Society  Core  30  30 
03  SC101-4-SP-CO  Researching Social Life  Core  15  15 
04  SC099-4-AU-CO  Unlocking Your Academic Potential: How to Study at University  Compulsory  15  15 
05    Option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 

Year 2 - 2025/26

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  SC201-5-FY-CO  Power and Agency in a Global World  Compulsory  30  30 
02    Sociology methods option from list  Compulsory with Options  15  15 
03    Sociology option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
04    Option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
05    Sociology spring term option from list  Optional  15  15 

Year Abroad/Placement - 2026/27

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  AW121-6-FY-CO  Abroad Module 120 Credits  Compulsory  120  120 

Year 3 - 2027/28

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01    Capstone option from list  Compulsory with Options  30  30 
02  SC301-6-FY-CO  Rethinking Modernity  Compulsory  30  30 
03    SC326-6-AU or SC387-6-AU  Compulsory with Options  15  15 
04    Option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
05    Spring option from list  Optional  15  15 

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

Currently, the world is undergoing significant health challenges, and disadvantaged groups are being hit harder than others. Why is this the case? How can we identify and resolve ongoing disparities in health outcomes? How can we improve population health and public health overall? In today’s global world, the health of all people across the globe is critically important to understand, so that we can improve the health and well-being of all.

Studying topics related to the underlying reasons for disparities in health is critical if we are to combat the rise in chronic disease, infectious disease, and other health issues impacting our world.

This degree course will:

1. Provide a foundation in sociological theories of health, health disparities, health systems, and public health issues.
2. Provide a solid grounding in medical sociology
3. Provide students with the information they need to work in health-related fields, enter post graduate education in health courses, and the ability to understand the health disadvantages that already disadvantaged individuals may face.
4. Allow students to explore and address the critical obstacles to well-being that society currently faces.

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: A knowledge of the intellectual foundations of sociology

A2: A knowledge of the epistemological, ethical and political dimensions of research in sociology and social science health research (b)

A3: A knowledge of the intellectual foundations of social science health research

A4: A knowledge of key sociological concepts and theories (b)

A5: A knowledge of key concepts and theories in health inequalities and health policy

A6: An understanding of how health is influenced by social structure and social inequalities (b)

A7: An understanding of social context, culture, social diversity and social change (b)

A8: A knowledge of the relationship between theory, concepts and substantive issues (b)

A9: A knowledge of the principles of research design and the main approaches to data collection (b)

A10: An understanding of the analysis and interpretation of empirical data (b)

Learning methods

The Department uses seminars to present material - ideas, data and arguments - in a clear and structured manner using examples, mapping the field and the contours of debates. The seminar format allows for discussion of the topics being presented and incorporates the interests of students into the design of the module.

The curriculum is designed to involve clear progression between the foundational work in the first year and the subsequent compulsory courses.

In particular there is a strong emphasis on developing students theoretical understanding of sociological work and health social science through the progressive structuring of the material in SC111, SC108 and SC295, as well as the range of optional and compulsory health related modules in the second and third year.

Their sociological knowledge and understanding is further enhanced by the work that they do for their options.

Seminars, and preparation for those seminars, provide the opportunity for students to develop their knowledge and understanding of the content of the courses.

In addition student learning takes place through the work they do preparing essays and assignments.

In the first year students have to produce a glossary of sociological concepts and a sociological journal on a topic of their choice for
SC111 and have a required examination question on key concepts.

SC111 also specifically introduces students to examples of ongoing research in the Department. Students also do methodological assignments for SC101 including a statistical test and a piece of observational work.

In SC108 students are provided the opportunity to apply the strong grounding in sociological health theory they receive through preparation of essays on specific medical sociology issues, and are also given the opportunity to work in small discussion groups to investigate their own interests in more detail, in the context of preparation for the final year project.

In the second year theory course, SC201, there is a particular focus on reading key sociological texts. They also take a second-year health course which introduces them to the major debates within medical sociology by reading key literature in the area.

In their third year all students on the degree have to produce an essay on epistemological issues for SC301 and also have to carry out independent work for a research project on SC831, for which they receive some individual supervision

Assessment methods

Outcomes A1 to A10 are assessed through coursework and a final examination.
Coursework includes a group project, an essay, and two Moodle quizzes.

B: Intellectual and cognitive skills

B1: An ability to understand, summarise and critically assess sociological work

B2: An ability to understand, summarise and critically assess medical sociology work

B3: An ability to compare competing theories and explanations (b)

B4: An ability to develop a reasoned argument (b)

B5: An ability to formulate sociological questions

B6: An ability to assemble, evaluate and interpret evidence (b)

Learning methods

Students enhance the above intellectual skills primarily through the work they do for their courses, although seminars provide a means of teachers demonstrating these skills through example, and in the first year staff give specific presentations on their ongoing sociological research.

Preparation for classes and class presentations involve the reading, interpretation and evaluation of original sociological texts and the collection and evaluation of empirical data.

Class tutors provide feedback on class presentations and contributions to classes through comment and discussion.

Similarly the preparation of essays and other assignments also develops the listed intellectual skills.

Students are provided with feedback on all assessed work and this is crucial to their intellectual development.

Their work for both the first-year journal and the third-year research project is also vital to the Department’s learning and teaching strategy for this degree.

Assessment methods

Outcomes B1 to B4 are assessed by coursework and exams.

B1 is specifically assessed through a coursework essay for SC201 and a compulsory examination question requiring the interpretation of a passage from a classic text.
B2 is addressed through a coursework group project and essay in SC108 in the first year and SC295 in the second.

Not all assignments require the evaluation and interpretation of empirical evidence (B6) though many do, but these skills are particularly assessed in some of the assignments for SC101.

On all courses students are required to marshal material in order to expound an argument.

SC831 provides students with the opportunity to develop their own research question with the guidance of academic staff.

C: Practical skills

C1: An ability to retrieve relevant sociological evidence using bibliographic and web searches.

C2: An ability to summarise, report and evaluate arguments, texts and findings

C3: An ability to frame a research proposal and to identify and apply the appropriate research methods

C4: An ability to apply introductory statistical techniques to sociological data

C5: An ability to demonstrate reflexive awareness in interpreting sociological and medical sociological material

C6: An ability to conduct and present a small-scale piece of research

C101: Understanding how key concepts and issues in sociology are understood in a different academic and national context

Learning methods

In the first year assignments cover tasks such as producing a bibliography on a sociological topic, producing a glossary, describing and evaluating a sociological text and producing a sociological journal.

In addition students do an employability module which consists of a work placement or volunteering, reflections on which inform career decision making.

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 SC101, students carry out an observational study and SC111 requires students to produce a journal which demonstrates reflexive awareness in interpreting sociological material.

The work for SC 201 includes the detailed examination and interpretation of key sociological texts and in SC203 students frame a research proposal and select the appropriate research methods.

In addition the third year project for SC831 is particularly valuable in developing students practical sociological skills.

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

Students receive detailed feedback on all their coursework and presentations.

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

Assessment methods

Skill C1 is specifically assessed in a first year assignment, but also forms part of the assessment of almost every piece of assessed coursework.

Skill C2 is assessed in the majority of pieces of assessed coursework and written examinations, and particularly in the assignments for SC201, including a compulsory question unseen examination question on interpreting a passage from a classic text.

C3 is assessed in SC203 and in the project (SC831), skill C4 is assessed in a statistics test for SC101, C5 is assessed in the journal for SC111, in observational work for SC101, and in the course assignments for SC203.

C6 is also assessed in SC101 and SC203, as well as in the research project (SC831).

D: Key skills

D1: An ability to present ideas and evidence to others in a clear and concise manner

D2: An ability to collect and present materials using information technology

D3: An ability to read, interpret and draw inferences from statistics and an ability to carry out simple statistical calculations

D4: An ability to identify problems and propose solutions

D5: An ability to work in a group to co-create knowledge and output

D6: An ability to plan work and manage time, and an ability to reflect on their own work and respond constructively to the comments of others

Learning methods

Group work Class discussions, Problem-based work, Research Journal, Research Dissertation, Use of discussion lists and mediated chat rooms for class work, Training with statistics packages, Familiarity with word processing of written work, Course on aspects of communication, Formative assessment of statistics and other research, skills Formative assessment of group and problem-solving skills

Assessment methods

D1, D2, D3, D6: Essays.
D1, D3, D4: Exams.
D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6: Research Journal.
D1, D2, D3, D4, D6: Research Dissertation.
D5: Presentations of group work in seminars


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.