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Introduction
The Social Studies Certificate in Higher Education allows students to explore both Sociology and Advocacy in practice and prepares students academically for the needs of the two-degree courses.
Students considering this programme are also guided to explore the associated degree progression points:
• Advocacy (BA)
• Sociology (BA)
This initial year of study allows students to explore issues such as culture, media, health and social care, wellbeing, and a range of social factors will be explored including ideas about forms of disability, gender, the role of media, crime, multi-agency working, the role of social care and welfare, social justice and inclusion.
PATHWAY OPTIONS
Social Studies (CertHE)
UCAS Code: SLS1
Sociology (BA)
UCAS Code: SOC1
Sociology (DipHE)
UCAS Code: SOC5
Advocacy (BA)
UCAS Code: 6X7S
Equity and Diversity in Society (MA)
Social Justice and Inclusion (PhD/MPhil)
Why choose this course?
1. This certificate focuses on exploring sociology and advocacy in practice to deliver equity and equality in society.
2. The lecturing team consider that empowering learners is central to the ideology of the award.
3. Opportunities for developing Higher Education Skills for progression on BA Advocacy or BA Sociology.
4. Supportive lecturing team who have a wide range of experience in practice.
5. Research active staff who also engage in theory and practice in the sector alongside visiting speakers from a wide set of organisations.
Overview
A one-year programme. This qualification is an initial foundation year that includes modules, which explore sociology, advocacy, social policy and social studies.
This can either be a standalone exit award or a foundation year, after completion, to join either the BA Advocacy or BA Sociology degrees.
Modules
Year One - Level 4 (Cert HE)
• Agency, Empowerment and Anti-Oppressive Practice (20 credits; compulsory)
• Contemporary Challenges: Making a Difference (20 credits; compulsory; Graduate Attributes Framework module)
• Learning in the Digital Era (20 credits; compulsory; Graduate Attributes Framework module)
• Multi-Agency Working: Policy in Practice (20 credits; compulsory)
• Understanding Society: An Introduction to Sociological Theory (20 credits; compulsory)
• Who are We: Culture and Identity (20 credits; compulsory).
Entry Criteria
• A Cert HE normally has a 32 point requirement or previous experience as they are designed to be an entry qualification
• Non-traditional students will be considered on their experience and individual merit
• Applicants with FE/Access qualifications welcomed
• There are no specific academic requirements however applicants should be able to demonstrate good language skills and have the potential to develop them further.
• Work, voluntary or life experience where advocacy skills have been necessary will be taken into account. You will be asked about your access to relevant work or voluntary experiences before starting the course or indicate what kind of support you would need to organise this, as it essential for undertaking the course that all students have a base of ‘practice’.
• Personal qualities are of particular significance. Potential students must show evidence of appropriate values and ethics (such as a commitment to equality, social justice and inclusion, honesty, integrity and transparency) and demonstrate qualities that would enable them to engage effectively in the role of advocate (e.g. the ability to listen and attend to others, to handle competing agendas, to communicate clearly, to recognise different points of view and interests, to protect confidentiality, and to make effective notes and observations).
• All students will need to have a DBS check.
ENTRY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Home Office Share Code
For EU students only.
IF no Qualification
Please provide CV with at least 2 years of work experience, and employee reference letter.
Assessment
ASSESSMENT METHODS
1. INTERNAL ENGLISH TEST if you don't have an English accredited certificate
2. Academic Interview
Assessment
No exams in this programme.
Written Assignments, Seminar Presentations, Reports, Reflective Diaries, Leaflets and Video Documentaries; these assessment methods link with the development of employability skills.
Career Opportunities
A range of employment with the Social Care and Voluntary sector
• Communities First
• Families First
• Family Support
• Working in the voluntary sector
Progress to either:
• Advocacy (BA)
• Sociology (BA)
After completion of the degree programmes above potential employment option widens to include:
• Advocate
• Criminal Justice Sector
• Education Officer
• Emerging roles within sport and film industry (responding to current events)
• HE/FE Lecturer
• Local Authority Management and care
• Local Health Authority Management and care
• Media
• Nursing and Mental health Nursing (Further Study Required)
• Police
• Probation Officer (Further Study Required)
• Project Management
• Project Manager
• Research
• Research Assistant
• Social Worker (Further Study Required)
• Student Support Services
• Supporting Vulnerable Groups
• Youth Offending
Graduates of the Advocacy (BA) and Sociology (BA) degrees may also choose to continue studying and complete postgraduate and postgraduate research qualifications through progression onto, either, the MA Equity and Diversity in Society or a PhD in Social Justice and Inclusion that allow students to utilise post-graduate funding.
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