Bangor University School of Social Sciences: Undergraduate Prospectus 2014-2016

School of Social Sciences

bangor.ac.uk/so

2014-2016 Undergraduate Prospectus

Welcome At Bangor’s School of Social Sciences we offer you a wealth of challenging and lively courses that are relevant to the changing needs of society. These include Criminology and Criminal Justice, Health and Social Care, Sociology and Social Policy - courses which will prepare you for a wide variety of career opportunities.

All our courses provide a thorough training in the principles of social science and the practice of social research and enquiry.

Our staff undertake national and international research, which ensures they are aware of the latest knowledge and contemporary debates, and our courses draw on this expertise to equip you with a deep and critical understanding of your field of study.

A Supportive Environment

From the beginning of a degree with us, you will be challenged to look at things from different perspectives, to question taken-forgranted facts and to construct your own theoretical view of the subjects you are studying. By the time you graduate, you will have developed research skills that will enable you to interpret complex patterns of social life, evaluate policies and propose creative solutions to problems. You will be able to apply these skills in the world outside university as well as within it.

Bangor is rated amongst the top 10 universities in the UK for student support (Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey 2013)

Professor Catherine Robinson Head of School

Bangor University has risen substantially in The Times Higher Education World Rankings, and is now placed amongst the world’s top 275 universities.

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School of Social Sciences Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2DG UK Tel: +44 (0)1248 382221 Email: socialsciences@bangor.ac.uk www.bangor.ac.uk/so

Design: www.viewcreative.co.uk

A World-Ranked University

Contact Us

Bangor University Bangor University was established in 1884 and enjoys a long tradition of excellence in teaching and research. Students from all parts of the UK and many countries worldwide choose to study at Bangor every year, creating a student population of over 10,000 students.

We find that our specialist programmes, the safety of the area and the lower cost of living make Bangor a popular choice amongst students – with the added bonus of its beautiful location on the North Wales coast, close to the Snowdonia mountains.

Bangor is a student-oriented and student-friendly city. Its compact nature means that student facilities, University buildings, accommodation and the city centre are all within easy walking distance. As it is easy to move around the city, our students find it easier to settle in and to meet up in the evening with new friends.

You and your family will naturally be concerned about safety and living costs.

You can have peace of mind, as Bangor is considered to be a relatively safe place to study as the crime rate for North Wales is one of the lowest in the UK. Bangor has also been rated as one of the top 4 best value university cities, according to a cost-of-living survey published by The Independent newspaper.

Location The A55 expressway along the North Wales coastline provides fast and easy access to and from the main UK motorway network.

Manchester International Airport is within a one-and-a-half hour drive of Bangor. Rail connections to Crewe and London are direct and ferry connections from nearby Holyhead to Ireland are fast and frequent.

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The School of Social Sciences There is a long tradition of teaching Social Sciences at Bangor. The School was established in 1966 as the Department of Social Theory and Institutions, and Sociology and Social Policy have been taught here for over forty years.

In the School of Social Sciences...

Welsh-Medium Study

You will study within a multi-disciplinary school that employs

The School offers Welsh-medium undergraduate degrees:

specialists in a broad range of subjects.

Our degree schemes offer thorough training in the basic

principles of social science, a choice of specialised subjects and training in the practice of social research.

The School has over 30 academic staff, with an annual intake

close to 150 undergraduate students.

Our staff are active researchers in their subject areas.

We place emphasis on friendly and informal relationships

between students and staff.

Under the personal tutor scheme, a member of lecturing staff

BA Cymdeithaseg a Pholisi Cymdeithasol and associated joint honours programmes. Full details are provided in a separate booklet. For a copy of this booklet please email: socialsciences@bangor.ac.uk

Students registered for English-medium programmes also

have the option of studying individual Welsh-medium modules as part of their degree – see pages 9 to 12 for details.

Students who study part of their degree through the medium

of Welsh may be eligible for funding from the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol. For further details: www.colegcymraeg.ac.uk/myfyrwyr/cy/cyllid

will monitor your academic progress and will offer help, advice and support on an individual basis.

If you decide to study for an extra year after completion of

your BA degree we offer MA programmes in Comparative Criminology and Criminal Justice, Language Policy and Planning, Social Research and Social Policy, Policy Research and Evaluation, Criminology and Sociology, Social Work, and Criminology and Law.

The flexible structure of the course enabled me to figure out what subjects were of most interest to me. All the lecturers are extremely supportive and the School library is well-stocked, meaning that I had all the support I needed for assignments.

I believe that studying at Bangor has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I have developed as a person by studying here, and I now feel ready to face the future. ▲ Sophie Hughes BA Sociology and Social Policy (Welsh medium)

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Bangor & North Wales

Bangor is very much a university city. The entertainment and nightlife is studentoriented and studentled. The cost of living is lower than in most UK cities, so you can make the most of your money in what is a very pleasant environment in which to work and study.

The opportunity to find part-time work is important to some students, and the student employment bureau within the Careers and Employability Service can help you find suitable work (see page 15 for more details). Also worth bearing in mind is the fact that, compared to many other university cities, Bangor is considered to be a relatively safe place to be a student. The crime rate for North Wales is one of the lowest in the UK. While Bangor itself is compact and convenient, the surrounding area offers plenty of wide open spaces. The mountains and coastline of Snowdonia are areas of outstanding natural beauty, offering you wonderful recreational opportunities whether you’re interested in outdoor activities or just want to enjoy the scenery.

– many of our students just like the fact that Bangor is in such a scenic location: safer, cleaner and far friendlier than many larger places.

For those not interested in sports, there’s plenty to do in and around Snowdonia.

Historical towns such as Beaumaris, Conwy and Caernarfon (which all have their own castles) or picturesque places such as Beddgelert, Llanberis and Betws-y-Coed are well worth a visit.

For day trips, the Victorian resort town of Llandudno and historical Chester are both easy car or train journeys away, while the fast ferry service from Holyhead to Ireland means a day trip to Dublin is also a popular option.

Bangor is exceptionally well-situated and well-equipped for students interested in sport – especially those involving the great outdoors. Rock climbing, sailing, diving, mountain biking, canoeing and surfing are just some of the activities available, as well as team sports such as rugby, hockey and football. Indoor sports are also well catered for. However, don’t think you need to be sporty to come here

Snowdonia

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Research & Course Structure Effective teaching goes hand-in-hand with active research. The School has an excellent record of research achievement and staff have international reputations in their particular fields. This means you will be taught by tutors who are researching and publishing in the areas you will study.

The research interests of current members of staff include:

In Criminology & Criminal Justice:

In Health & Social Care & Social Policy:

Political violence & terrorism Media and public opinion Begging in North Africa & South Asia Popular legal culture Violence in intimate relationships Rural criminology Postcolonial societies, crime & deviance Theoretical criminology Criminal justice systems

Ageing & later life Mental health & psychiatry Health inequalities Housing & social exclusion Health & the citizen consumer Lifestyles in consumer society Carers & caregiving Assessment & care management

Course Structure In each academic year you will register for modules valued at 120 credits. Usually 60 credits are taken in Semester 1 (September – January) and 60 credits in Semester 2 (February – May).

Most modules offered are valued at 20 credits. For most degrees in each year, there is a combination of compulsory and optional modules.

In Year 1 there is the opportunity to choose optional modules from either within the School of Social Sciences or from other academic schools.

In Years 2 and 3 of all single and joint honours degrees within the School, you will undertake a piece of independent study leading to a dissertation under the supervision of a member of academic staff.

Modules are taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars and workshops. You will be expected to undertake library-based research and background reading.

Please note that the following lists of modules and other details concerning our degree programmes are subject to revision from time to time.

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In Sociology: The shaping of European identities Local food cultures Civil society in Wales The use of technological aids in coping

with medical conditions & emergencies

Cultural changes in post-Soviet

societies

The impact of migration on rural Wales Welsh language socialisation

in the family

The negotiation of ethnic identities

Why Study Social Sciences?

Criminology & Criminal Justice Crime is always in the news. Hardly a day goes by without a major incident or debates relating to the way the criminal justice system is run in this country. Crime and deviance and the way society deals with those who break the law are at the heart of our understanding of societal structures, power relations and community cohesion.

In the study of Criminology and Criminal Justice you will examine questions such as: What exactly is crime?

Do we have a ‘crime problem’?

Have we entered a period of escalating

violence and lawlessness?

Can the media be considered

sensationalist, providing a distorted image of crime, criminals and those who are victims?

What is ‘justice’?

How effective and fair can we expect

our criminal justice system to be?

It is the task of Criminology to examine the concepts of crime and criminality; and of Criminal Justice studies to explore crime control, from policing and imprisonment to legislation, crime prevention and social control.

Health & Social Care

Sociology

All of us experience health and illness in many forms. At various times in our life each of us will require health care and may have to depend upon others to provide for our basic needs. Our health care system is under strain and facing many challenges and so there is an urgent need in the 21st century for more graduates with a wide range of skills and knowledge of health and social care issues to enter this expanding and changing field.

Sociology is the study of the social nature of human existence, how societies are organised and how we experience life.

People are always involved in social relationships with one another. Relevant to every aspect of organised life, Sociology asks challenging and exciting questions such as:

Bangor is one of the few universities in the UK that teaches Health & Social Care from a social science perspective.

This allows students to study theoretical approaches, and to acquire research skills and methodologies unique to the social sciences.

background affect your chances in life?

Of interest to students studying Health and Social Care are questions such as: What is health?

Why are social inequalities in health

such a problem?

how long you will live?

How do gender, religion and ethnic Is conflict inevitable?

What gives a person ‘identity’?

Where do beliefs and values

come from?

Does the media affect personal

lifestyle choices?

Has technology outrun our capacity

to control it?

Students find that Sociology makes them look at the world in new ways.

What are the needs of children, adults

and older people?

What is disability?

What is mental illness?

How do we organise care

in the community?

How is the National Health Service

organised?

I have every confidence that a student graduating with a Sociology degree from Bangor University would have a very good and solid foundation for Postgraduate studies or to enter the workplace. ▲ External Examiner’s Report

How does your occupation still affect

Social Policy Social Policy entails the study of the social relations and systems that maintain and promote human wellbeing.

It addresses the provision of shelter, the promotion of health and the avoidance of discrimination. Social Policy requires an understanding of the processes through which social policies are articulated within society and the theoretical and ideological environment within which these policies are formulated.

Among the many things of interest to Social Policy students are the following questions: Why provide welfare?

How should health services be

paid for?

What should the balance be between

rights and obligations?

Are welfare systems becoming similar

in Europe?

What is to become of social housing?

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Degrees offered within the School Our undergraduate degrees have been designed to meet the interests of a wide range of students. You may choose a single honours subject or a combination of two to enable you to undertake a joint degree. The range of courses offered makes it possible for you to do your whole degree, whether single or joint, within the School.

Degree courses (3 years) offered by the School BA Sociology

L300

BA Criminology & Criminal Justice

M930

BA Health & Social Care

L510

Single honours in one of our subjects will enable you to concentrate on one area for your degree while also studying other subjects in Year 1. There are also joint honours courses available which enable you to combine two subjects within the School.

BA Cymdeithaseg a Pholisi Cymdeithasol* (Welsh medium programme in Sociology & Social Policy)

L3LK

BA Health & Social Care/Social Policy

LL54

BA Sociology/Criminology & Criminal Justice

LM39

Courses offered by the Law School include the LLB Law with Criminology and the LLB Law with Social Policy.

BA Social Policy/Criminology & Criminal Justice

LM49

For details of these courses please request a copy of the Law School brochure: prospectus@bangor.ac.uk or phone 01248 383561.

BA Sociology/Health & Social Care

LL53

BA Social Policy/Sociology

LL34

BA Criminology and Criminal Justice/Health & Social Care LM52

* Please ask for separate brochure

Joint honours BA degree courses (3 years) offered with other Schools Criminology & Criminal Justice/French*

MR91

Criminology & Criminal Justice /German*

MR92

Criminology & Criminal Justice/English

MQ93

Criminology & Criminal Justice/Italian*

MR93

Criminology & Criminal Justice/Spanish*

MR94

Criminology & Criminal Justice/History

MVX1

Criminology & Criminal Justice/Psychology

MC98

Social Policy/Childhood Studies

LXL3

Social Policy/Economics

LL14

Social Policy/History

LV41

Social Policy/Psychology

CL84

Sociology/Economics

LL13

Sociology/Linguistics

LQ31

Sociology/English

LQ33

Sociology/History

LV31

Sociology/Welsh History

LVH2

Sociology/Psychology

CL83

Sociology/Childhood Studies

LXH3

Sociology/English Language

LQ3J

Sociology/Media Studies

LP33

Sociology/Welsh

LQ35

*4 year degrees with a year spent abroad

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Overview of Degree Courses Every degree course consists of 360 credits spread over 3 years.

Modules normally count for 20 credits each.

Please note that course content and structure are currently under review and may change.

Criminology & Criminal Justice Year 1 In your first year you will study a variety of modules designed to give you a basic grounding in different aspects of your chosen course of study. The number of modules you select from the following list will depend on your chosen degree scheme.

Remaining modules to make up your 120 credits may be chosen from modules offered by the School and other departments.

(Modules are 20 credits unless otherwise stated) Introduction to Criminology & Criminal Justice or Cyflwyniad

i Drosedd a Chyfiawnder*

Doing Social Research or Sgiliau Ymchwil* Understanding Society or Cymdeithaseg a’r Byd Cyfoes* Social Science Perspectives Health & Welfare Issues or Cyflwyniad i Bolisi Cymdeithasol*

The BA Criminology and Criminal Justice is really interesting. It’s not just about crime – it covers the major factors which can lead to crime such as poverty, race, social perspectives and class divisions, and how all this has evolved over the past 200 years.

Plus 20 credits from either: Language/Technique for Social Sciences A module outside the School

Year 2 At level 2 you will continue the study of core subjects related to your discipline, begin your dissertation study and select a limited number of options.

Methods of Social Research Dissertation Preparation or Traethawd Hir* Theories of Crime & Control Crime & Justice in Modern Britain Contemporary Social Debates The remaining credits to be taken elsewhere in the School.

Year 3 You will complete your degree with a more detailed study of core areas, select optional areas and complete your dissertation.

Dissertation or Traethawd Hir* Regulating Society Crime & Punishment Crime & Power Crime & the Media The remaining credits to be taken elsewhere in the School.

*Welsh-medium modules.

Owen Ladds BA Criminology and Criminal Justice

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Overview of Degree Courses

Health & Social Care Year 1 In your first year you will study a variety of modules designed to give you a basic grounding in different aspects of your chosen course of study. The number of modules you select from the following list will depend on your chosen degree scheme.

Remaining modules to make up your 120 credits may be chosen from modules offered by the School and other departments.

(Modules are 20 credits unless otherwise stated) Health & Welfare Issues or Cyflwyniad i Bolisi Cymdeithasol* Introduction to Criminology & Criminal Justice or Cyflwyniad

i Drosedd a Chyfiawnder*

Doing Social Research or Sgiliau Ymchwil* Understanding Society or Cymdeithaseg a’r Byd Cyfoes* Social Science Perspectives

Plus 20 credits from either: Language/Technique for Social Sciences A module outside the School

Year 2 At level 2 you will continue the study of core subjects related to your discipline, begin your dissertation study and select a limited number of options.

Methods of Social Research

As a mature student, I never thought I would achieve so much academically. I particularly enjoyed the variation of topics in the first year – this allowed me to explore my real passions within Social Sciences, and it was fascinating to see how all the different facets, from criminology to poverty and social exclusion, linked up.

Studying at Bangor has been the best decision I have ever made.

Dissertation Preparation or Traethawd Hir* Personal Social Services Sociology of Health Contemporary Social Debates The remaining credits to be taken elsewhere in the School.

Year 3 You will complete your degree with a more detailed study of core areas, select optional areas and complete your dissertation.

Dissertation or Traethawd Hir* Mental Illness Comparative Health & Welfare Housing Policy (10 credits) Issues in Social Housing (10 credits) The remaining credits to be taken elsewhere in the School.

*Welsh-medium modules.

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Eira Winrow ▲ BA Health & Social Care and Social Policy

Overview of Degree Courses

Sociology Year 1 In your first year you will study a variety of modules designed to give you a basic grounding in different aspects of your chosen course of study. The number of modules you select from the following list will depend on your chosen degree scheme.

Remaining modules to make up your 120 credits may be chosen from modules offered by the School and other departments.

(Modules are 20 credits unless otherwise stated) Doing Social Research or Sgiliau Ymchwil* Understanding Society or Cymdeithaseg a’r Byd Cyfoes* Social Science Perspectives Health & Welfare Issues or Cyflwyniad i Bolisi Cymdeithasol* Introduction to Criminology & Criminal Justice or Cyflwyniad

i Drosedd a Chyfiawnder*

Plus 20 credits from either: Language/Technique for Social Sciences A module outside the School

Year 2 At level 2 you will continue the study of core subjects related to your discipline, begin your dissertation study and select a limited number of options.

Methods of Social Research Dissertation Preparation or Traethawd Hir* Identity & Diversity Sociological Theory Contemporary Social Debates The remaining credits to be taken elsewhere in the School.

Year 3 You will complete your degree with a more detailed study of core areas, select optional areas and complete your dissertation.

Dissertation or Traethawd Hir* Sociological Theory Today Ethnography The remaining credits to be taken elsewhere in the School.

*Welsh-medium modules.

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Overview of Degree Courses

Social Policy Year 1 Social Policy is available only as a joint honours degree with another subject. This can be with Sociology, Criminology and Criminal Justice and other subjects. Full details on page 8.

Please see below for details of Social Policy modules.

(Modules are 20 credits unless otherwise stated) Doing Social Research or Sgiliau Ymchwil* Health & Welfare Issues or Cyflwyniad i Bolisi Cymdeithasol* Understanding Society or Cymdeithaseg a’r Byd Cyfoes* Plus 60 credits in the other joint honours subject.

I loved my course because it allowed me to study subjects that I was genuinely interested in. There was so much choice as to what to study, and the staff were always willing to help and give advice.

Year 2 Personal Social Services Poverty & Social Exclusion Plus 20 credits to be taken elsewhere in the School and 60 credits in the other joint honours subject.

Year 3 Housing Policy (10 credits) Issues in Social Housing (10 credits) Mental Illness Comparative Health & Welfare Plus 60 credits in the other joint honours subject.

*Welsh-medium modules.

Rhys Taylor ▲ BA History and Social Policy

SCHOOL NEWS

Students Head to Nuremberg to Attend Special Erasmus Programme Six undergraduate students from Bangor’s School of Social Sciences were able to attend a 10 day learning programme in Nuremberg, Germany, thanks to funding by the European Union’s Erasmus scheme.

The students joined scholars from Spain, Finland, Germany and Poland for the Erasmus Intensive Programme on volunteer engagement, during which they examined objectives, methods and results of voluntary action within a comparative European context. They

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were also given a fascinating lecture

by Barbara Lochbihler, Member of European Parliament and Chair of the Standing Committee on Human Rights at the European Parliament.

“I met so many amazing people and learnt a lot about the other participating countries”, said student Krissie Leyland.

“The lectures were fantastic, as was the socialising and the sightseeing.

I got a real insight into Germany’s way of life and culture, and I’d highly recommend the experience.”

Bangor was one of only five universities throughout Europe to be successful in its application for funding for the programme.

Frequently Asked Questions A Chance to Study Abroad Bangor has strong links with a number of European universities.

They include exciting opportunities for student exchanges which are financially supported by the Lifelong Learning programme of the European Union, known as Erasmus.

When will I study?

How will I be assessed?

The academic year is divided into two 15 week semesters, with the final three weeks of each semester set aside for revision and assessment.

Our modules are assessed by various methods including essays, projects, presentations, formal written examinations and, in your second and third years, a dissertation. You will choose a dissertation topic in consultation with your dissertation supervisor.

How many hours a week will I spend in lectures and classes?

You will have around 6 hours of lectures and 6 hours of seminars each week. You will be expected to spend at least twice this amount of time reading, preparing for seminars, preparing for and writing up assignments and on revision for examinations. At university, it is your responsibility to organise your time when you are not in class. At an early stage it is important to strike a sensible balance between the time you allocate to your academic and your non-academic activities. Good time management is one of the most important keys to having both a successful academic record and an enjoyable social life as a university student.

Can I change my degree course after my studies have begun?

Yes, but only if you have taken the compulsory modules required for the proposed new degree scheme. You have the flexibility to change your degree course at any time up to the start of Year 2.

Can I visit the School of Social Sciences?

The University Open Days in the summer and autumn give you an opportunity to visit the School as well as view halls of residence, the Students’ Union etc. If you are interested in these Open Days please contact the Student Recruitment Unit on 01248 382005 or email: openday@bangor.ac.uk or online: www.bangor.ac.uk/courses/visit If it is not possible for you to attend on one of these days please contact the School on 01248 382221 for further information or email: socialsciences@bangor.ac.uk Once you have applied through UCAS you will be invited to one of several Open Days that are run throughout spring by the School of Social Sciences. At this departmental Open Day, staff members are able to discuss details of the course on a more personal basis. You will also have the opportunity to visit halls of residence and the surrounding area.

Study abroad attracts credits and is recognised as part of your degree.

It will enrich your education, expand your horizons and be attractive to future employers.

The School of Social Sciences has international Erasmus exchange agreements with the following universities: › Metropolitan University, Copenhagen (Denmark) › University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio (Finland) › Otto-Friedrich Universität, Bamberg (Germany) › Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg (Germany) › Georg Simon Ohm University of Applied Sciences, Nuremberg (Germany) › Freie Universität, Berlin (Germany) › University of Bochum (Germany) › University of Silesia (Poland) › Universidad Del Pais Vasco, San Sebastian (Spain) Other opportunities exist for study abroad – in North America, for example.

Whatever your destination, don’t miss out on the experience of a lifetime! www.bangor.ac.uk/so

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Assessment

Most modules are assessed by mixture of coursework and examination. The pass mark in all assessments is 40%.

At the end of Year 1 students must achieve marks of 40% or more in modules worth at least 80 credits (with no mark in any module below 30%) in order to progress to Year 2. If you fall short of this overall pass requirement, it is normally possible to take supplementary assessments in August to bring you up to the required standard. However, there is a minimum threshold, below which supplementary assessment is not permitted.

At the end of Year 2, a similar set of rules determines progression to Year 3.

At the end of Year 3, your final degree classification depends on your overall mark: a weighted average of your Year 2 average mark (one-third weighting) and your Year 3 average mark (two-thirds weighting).

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How will my final degree classification be determined?

Your final degree classification is determined by your overall mark as follows: Overall Mark %

Final Degree Classification

70+

First Class honours or 1st

60 - 69

Upper Second Class honours or 2:1

50 - 59

Lower Second Class honours or 2:2

40 - 49

Third Class honours or 3rd

35 - 39

Ordinary degree or Pass degree

Student Support & Careers Student Support Our annual intake of students is approximately 150 and with around 30 members of staff, this gives us the ability to teach small groups. The size of the School therefore ensures that you are educated in an academic environment which is not only stimulating, but caring and encouraging at a personal level.

When you arrive at the School you will be allocated a member of academic staff who, as your Personal Tutor, will be on hand to advise you on academic and personal matters during the whole of your three years at the University. You will be urged to develop a good relationship with your Personal Tutor throughout your course, ensuring that your individual needs are recognised and that you receive the necessary support to achieve your full potential.

There may of course be some things that you would rather not ask a member of staff and that is why we have a Peer Guide Scheme for first year students. During Welcome Week, second and third year students who are trained Peer Guides are allocated groups of around 10 first year students; they meet regularly during the first months of Semester 1 to iron out any teething problems, and then occasionally during the rest of the year. The important thing to remember is that during your first year there is always another student you can turn to should you need advice.

The University also has professional counsellors who offer a confidential service to students. The staff of the Welfare Office have access to a wide range of information and can advise you on all aspects of student welfare. Should you have any problems or require any information outside normal hours, the University operates a service called ‘Night Line’.

Careers with a degree in Social Sciences Employers today need analytical and lateral thinkers who can play a part in almost any working environment.

As a result, the breadth and flexibility of a Social Sciences degree makes it attractive to almost any employer.

Graduates from the School have followed a wide range of career paths and some of these are listed here under the different disciplines offered within the School.

Criminology & Criminal Justice There are a wide range of options open to students following graduation including careers in social work, the police force, the prison service and the legal profession.

Health & Social Care Health and Social Care graduates will enter professions such as health service management, care provision, public information, research and evaluation of the health and social care services.

Sociology Sociology graduates enter a full range of occupations including management, journalism, public relations, personnel, teaching and research.

Social Policy Social Policy graduates enter a wide range of occupations within the policy field including public housing, health service, local government administration and the voluntary sector.

Careers and Employability Service

the Careers and Employability Service supports students and recent graduates to make appropriate choices about their futures by providing high-quality information, workshops, individual advice and guidance; as well as offering workbased opportunities such as a student employment bureau, work placements and work shadowing.

Tel: +44 (0)1248 382071 Email: careers@bangor.ac.uk www.bangor.ac.uk/careers

Graduate Destinations 91.6% of graduates from Bangor’s School of Social Sciences were in employment or further study/training after graduating (latest Destination of Leavers in Higher Education survey data). Of those who go on to study for a postgraduate qualification, many choose to stay at Bangor. Some of the organisations that our recent graduates have found employment with include: North Wales Housing Bank of America Armstrong Solicitors Cartrefi Cymunedol Cymru British Council Cheshire Home Care Services Barchester Health Care Pro Care Wales Ltd Gwynedd County Council Cancer Research UK Fairways Care Ltd Mencap Conwy County Council Social Services Yr Urdd Menter Iaith

In today’s highly competitive employment market, it is important to take advantage of the academic, recreational and work-related activities available to you as a student. Whether or not you know which career path you want to follow,

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Mature Students

At the School of Social Sciences, we have a policy of accepting mature students (aged 21 and over) whenever possible. It has been our experience that mature students are highly motivated to study and are making an informed choice to change their current career.

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We realise that mature students may not have followed the traditional academic routes, therefore we are flexible in our academic entry requirements. The most usual entry route for mature students is via an approved Access to Higher Education Course. However, we do consider applications from individuals who have few formal qualifications and we are always pleased to interview such individuals.

We appreciate that mature students’ needs are different to those of students coming straight from school, and as such, the University aims to offer as much assistance and support as possible. Our support services include: A Mature Students’ Adviser A Mature Students' Officer at the

Students’ Union

Financial Information and Advice from

the Money Support Unit

Study Skills sessions offered by the

School of Lifelong Learning

Visit the dedicated Mature Students’ microsite for further information: www.bangor.ac.uk/mature Or, for an informal discussion, please contact Sioned Davies on 01248 382221 or email socialsciences@bangor.ac.uk

Entry Requirements & How to Apply

Entrance Requirements

How to Apply

The School of Social Sciences welcomes applications from both traditional and mature students. See below for our list of entry requirements.

All UK and European Union applicants must use the UCAS application form: www.ucas.co.uk

A-Level 240–280 points.

The points total can be made up in a variety of ways including AS Levels but must include at least two full A-Levels.

ACCESS Course Pass Access Course

International applicants may use the direct application form: www.bangor.ac.uk/international/applying/undergrad Once we have received your application we will inform you of our decision and issue an offer of entry. We will also send you an invitation to attend a Social Sciences Open Day.

University of Wales Diploma Pass Diploma Irish Highers 240–260 UCAS points from at least 4 Irish Highers International Baccalaureate 24 points BTEC National Diploma Average Merit overall Welsh Baccalaureate Accepted Scottish Highers 240–260 UCAS points from Advanced Highers

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Student Accommodation

University Managed Accommodation & Halls of Residence Moving away from home can be a big step so you don’t want to be worrying about finding a place to live. That’s why first year students who choose to study at Bangor University are guaranteed a place in one of the rooms available in our halls of residence. After accepting an offer at Bangor, you’ll be able to apply for accommodation.

Living in student accommodation is a great opportunity to meet new people from different backgrounds and make friends for life. There’s always a warden on call 24 hours a day. You’ll get your own private space because all our rooms are single study bedrooms. You can also hook up to the internet using your own PC, as internet access is now available in all single study rooms.

The University’s location is superb and although we can’t guarantee you a room with a view, many of our students wake up every morning to see the Snowdonia mountains or the sea. Not only that, but you’ll be glad to know that Bangor has some of the lowest living costs in the UK, and accommodation fees compare very well with other universities. And if you wake up late you don’t have to worry about missing that lecture, because all halls are within walking distance of the main University departments and city centre.

All accommodation is self-catered, and kitchens are shared with fellow halls students. Equipment provided in

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www.bangor.ac.uk/so

the kitchens varies from residence to residence, but all will have basic facilities, such as cookers, fridges and freezers.

Students need to bring their own cutlery, pots, pans and crockery.

Standard Accommodation (Shared Facilities) Standard self-catered accommodation has private bedrooms and shared bathroom and kitchen facilities. There are always baths and showers available. The bedrooms in the standard accommodation are usually larger than the en-suite accommodation.

En-Suite Accommodation Self-catered en-suite rooms feature bedrooms with a private shower and toilet in a more recently built residence. You will share your kitchen facilities with fellow students from the same corridor. All en-suite rooms have data points, which enable residents with personal computers to connect to the University’s network and the internet.

Fees Bangor has a lower cost of living than many parts of the UK and the University’s accommodation fees reflect this. Fees are calculated for the full academic session.

As a guide, the rent for universitymanaged accommodation for the 2013-14 session was between £2,832 (approx.

£71 per week) and £4,439 (approx. £111 per week) for a 40 week period. The rent covers water, electricity and basic contents insurance.

For further information about accommodation fees and how to apply for halls: www.bangor.ac.uk/accommodation

Private Accommodation Students wishing to live in private accommodation may receive assistance from the Student Housing Office which provides information and advice about private lodgings, flats, cottages and houses available locally.

Further details: Tel: +44 (0)1248 382034 Email: studenthousing@bangor.ac.uk www.bangor.ac.uk/studentservices/ studenthousing

Did You Know?

Bangor is ranked within the top 10 in the UK for student accommodation (Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey 2013)

International Students Students from countries worldwide choose to study at Bangor every year, and make up 10% of the student population.

The lower cost of living and safety of Bangor make it a popular choice for both students and their families.

We welcome applications from students from all over the world and are proud to have a multinational student body. We are aware of the challenges that face international students in moving away from home to study. The University’s dedicated International Student Welfare Adviser offers support prior to your arrival and throughout your time at Bangor. www.bangor.ac.uk/international

International Student Scholarships For details of scholarships and bursaries offered to international students, please visit: www.bangor.ac.uk/international

English Language Courses International students are generally required to provide evidence of English language proficiency. We normally require IELTS 6.0 or equivalent. If you have not yet achieved the level required by the University, you can undertake English Language and Study Skills courses at the University’s English Language Centre before starting your academic programme.

Additional tuition can be taken as follows: IELTS 4.5 - 30 week course September – June

At the end of the course, you are not required to undertake a further external English test. Our highly experienced and qualified staff will conduct a test and provide an official report for the University.

You can also receive English language support throughout the year in courses specially organised for international students.

Further details of English language courses can be obtained from ELCOS: Tel: +44 (0)1248 382252 Email: elcos@bangor.ac.uk www.elcos.bangor.ac.uk

IELTS 5.0 - 20 week course January – June IELTS 5.5 - 12 week course July – September

www.bangor.ac.uk/so

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School of Social Sciences Bangor University Bangor Gwynedd LL57 2DG UK + 44 (0)1248 382221 socialsciences@bangor.ac.uk www.bangor.ac.uk/so