SOCIOLOGY
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SOCIOLOGY
Whether you are fascinated by how different societies operate, want to focus on such issues as social conflict, divisions and change, or would like to understand better the issues raised by crime and deviance in contemporary society, you will find we have just the degree course for you. Studying with us will help you to think clearly and creatively, and to both explore and challenge assumptions about the ways in which societies function. Each of our courses provides opportunities for you to develop your ability to research and assess different theoretical perspectives on the social world and to understand various research methods in the analysis of social processes and the place of people in society. Perhaps most importantly, each course draws on a diversity of teaching and learning strategies, in order to provide a rich and exciting educational experience – one designed to stimulate learning and encourage the development of new skills. Samantha Fletcher Award Leader
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Through teamwork and independent study, for example, you will work towards becoming a confident communicator with a high degree of literacy. The emphasis on key theoretical perspectives and research methods in Sociology, together with opportunities to study with voluntary and community organisations, will further help you to develop key skills which are essential for postgraduate study and valued by a wide range of employers. Over the following pages you can read more about our Sociology degrees. For further information, please visit: www.staffs.ac.uk/jhss
BA (HONS) CRIME, TERRORISM AND DEVIANCE UCAS code: LM39
BA (HONS) SOCIOLOGY UCAS code: L300
BA (HONS) SOCIOLOGY, CRIME AND DEVIANCE UCAS code: L370
CONTENTS: 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 15
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
Introduction Key Facts Why Staffs? Our Brilliant People A Better Campus Choose More Open Days Application Process
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HERE ARE JUST A FEW REASONS WHY WE BELIEVE YOU SHOULD STUDY WITH US. TO REALLY FIND OUT IF WE’RE RIGHT FOR YOU, PLEASE COME ALONG TO ONE OF OUR OPEN DAYS. WE’D LOVE TO MEET YOU.
KEY FACTS WORK-READY WORLD-READY
Study with us and we’ll equip you to become ‘The Staffordshire Graduate’ – a world-ready professional, with the knowledge, attributes and expertise that employers look for.
ACTIVE SOCIAL RESEARCH
Learning what goes on in modern society is critical to gaining a solid understanding of Sociology. That’s why a key feature of our degrees is the opportunity to learn from critical engagement with the ‘real’ world through research.
FIRST-CLASS SUPPORT
We want you to excel during your time with us. That’s why you’ll benefit from a personal tutor and have access to friendly, helpful staff that will support and guide you.
HIGH QUALITY STUDENT EXPERIENCE MAKING YOU HIGHLY EMPLOYABLE
According to Unistats no fewer than 90% of our graduates were in work or study six months after completing their degree.
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VOLUNTEERING AND WORK EXPERIENCE Our degrees include lots of opportunities for volunteering, mentoring and work placements. These activities can also help you to build up valuable contacts – especially important when it’s time to start your career.
We’re committed to providing a high quality student experience – one which recognises the diversity of our students’ social, educational and cultural backgrounds.
AWARD-WINNING
Our lecturers have been recognised for their teaching skills! Each year they receive nominations at the University’s Student-led Teaching Awards – including the winner of two awards.
CONTEMPORARY CURRICULUM
Our degrees explore important areas of concern in contemporary societies. Study with us and we will equip you with the skills to investigate these key issues, the inter-relationships between them, and the governmental and judicial responses to them.
HIGHLY QUALIFIED LECTURERS
Within our friendly, enthusiastic and experienced team, you will find a diverse range of teaching and research interests from right across the realms of Sociology.
FLEXIBLE, BLENDED LEARNING Lectures, workshops, discussions and seminars; additional learning opportunities online… You’ll find our flexible approach to study will allow you to learn interactively and in accord with your individual learning style.
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
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WHY STAFFS? As a Sociology student at Staffordshire University, you’ll get a whole lot more from your studies than just an understanding of your subject. You’ll leave with a set of attributes that prospective employers not only look for, but value and respect. In short, a Sociologybased degree from us can unlock the pathways to a wide range of rewarding and exciting careers. Our graduates go on to establish futures in a multitude of fields within the discipline of Sociology and beyond.
UNDERSTAND DIFFERENT VALUES AND OUTLOOKS All our Sociology degrees empower students to understand values and outlooks different to their own, and equip them with the capacity to engage in critical debate and sustain independent judgement. Alongside this, we recognise that one of the key focuses for graduates today is the important issue of postgraduate careers and, as such, we offer opportunities for mentoring and volunteering in the local sector within the course structure.
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LEARN FROM EXPERIENCED LECTURERS
OUR MOST RECENT PIECES OF RESEARCH INCLUDE:
We want to make sure you graduate with the skills necessary for a successful future. That’s why you’ll be taught by experienced professionals. The staff in Sociology offer many years of expertise in university-level teaching and research. The team have an impressive level of achievement in their field with accredited publications that have brought them considerable acclaim.
• Equality, diversity and various aspects of sexuality • Use of social media in new social movements • Multi-agency approaches to reoffending • Black and Minority Ethnic groups’ satisfaction with policing • Cognitive anthropology • Visual and conversation analysis • Transition from school to work and higher education • The role of political actors and institutions in policy making on the EU’s borders • The experience of nontraditional students in higher education using visual methodologies • Russian and Ukrainian criminal networks • Corporate, environmental and state crime in Latin America • Youth homelessness and youth transitions • Surveillance and security • State and public responses to protest and resistance movements
CUTTING-EDGE INSIGHTS With research-active staff on our team, you can be assured of access to cutting-edge thinking and insights. Right across our teaching group you will find experienced professionals; individuals with the knowledge and expertise to make learning contemporary and bring teaching to life.
INSPIRED WAYS OF TEACHING We’ll use a range of teaching methods to bring learning to life. Many modules are presented through lectures and we also hold workshops, talks, open discussions and smaller group sessions. Materials online support all the modules you’ll study. There will also be opportunities for you to carry out independent project work.
FIRST-CLASS SUPPORT Our friendly lecturers are there to help you reach your full potential. Comprehensive support is provided. Lecture notes are available online along with other resources. Above all, however, we recognise the value of personal contact and will always be happy to talk to you about the work you are doing. We’ll follow and support your progress throughout the time you are with us.
CAREER CHOICES Employers value the level of understanding and range of skills that Sociology graduates can bring to the workplace. On completion of your degree, you will be capable of independent judgement, self-reflection, critical debate and researching into – and reporting on – issues defined as problematic. Our graduates have a good employment record in fields as diverse as social work, probation, policing, teaching, public administration, journalism, commerce, finance, retail, tourism and leisure.
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
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OUR BRILLIANT PEOPLE
“I chose Staffordshire University not just because of the great central location, but the staff and facilities came highly recommended, and the course offered everything I was interested in. The staff are always available to help and support you and the lecturers make the course unique and enjoyable! The lecturers are really knowledgeable and passionate and they all have extensive backgrounds in their academic areas. The content of the course has given me the understanding and knowledge to prepare me for a range of careers and opportunities. Whilst at University, I set up my own business in event management and found that studying for a degree really helps you to develop marketable skills. I am also volunteering to support and mentor offenders being released from prison and this course has helped me to achieve this. I am currently applying for the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) Graduate Scheme, which will allow me to progress towards a career within the prison system. My degree from Staffs will greatly help me to get onto this course and I look forward to using my degree in this role. I am hoping to go back to study for a Masters degree next year. At Staffordshire University, there is a lot to do around campus and the surrounding areas; you are never too far from any big city or nightlife. The library has everything you could need, from plenty of computers to a wide variety of books. If you are considering going to Staffordshire University, go for it! The great people you meet along the way and the unforgettable learning experience makes Staffs the perfect choice!� Georgina Jackson BA (Hons) graduate
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“Studying Sociology at Staffordshire University has enabled me to follow my own areas of interest at an academic level, which has put me in good stead to study further. The encouragement of independent learning and research projects has meant that I have built up a good rapport with both voluntary and Local Authority organisations, which will benefit me both in and out of the educational environment. I have been able to approach issues that have been both personally and academically challenging throughout my course and the Sociology team are always there to help. Thanks to their professional, yet relaxed attitude, I feel fully prepared for the employment prospects my course has made available.” Steven Barkess BA (Hons) Sociology
“The lecturers at Staffordshire University work on a personal level, which reaches to students’ individual needs. They have vast experience of teaching, working and research. They are helpful and dedicated to ensuring that students get the best from their time at university. The lecturers have provided advice throughout the course of my degree and this has continued after graduating. They have offered skills and tips that can be used in future careers. Most of the lecturers have completed extensive research projects, or had working experience in many settings before coming into the lecturing profession; this has also empowered them to be able to provide the students with hands-on experiences.” Sian Nicola Chapman BA (Hons) graduate
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
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A BETTER CAMPUS
AT STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY, WE’RE COMMITTED TO INVESTING IN YOUR FUTURE – LITERALLY. OVER A PERIOD OF 18 MONTHS, WE’RE SPENDING MILLIONS OF POUNDS ON OUR UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES, SO WHEN YOU JOIN US, YOU’LL BE COMING TO A PLACE WITH EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO START OPENING DOORS AND BREAKING BOUNDARIES.
In recent years, our Stoke-on-Trent campus has undergone a massive transformation, with the students at the heart of our plans. From the amazing Science Centre to environmental improvements, we’re focused on building the best campus for our students. But whilst it’s all well and good a university saying they care what students think, we’re putting our money where our mouth is. This all stems from a decision to make Stoke-on-Trent the main campus of Staffordshire University. In 2016 the majority of students from our Stafford Computing and Technology courses will be
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moving to the Stoke-on-Trent campus. So we’re making sure that when you arrive, you enter a university that is fit for purpose. One with a great mix of study and social spaces. One that feels safe and thrives on the friendly reputation we’ve built. What we found was that a modern edge-of-city campus is ideal. Close enough to the city for the social life, but far enough away to focus on studying. Great transport links around the city, but also great spaces around the campus. The best of both worlds. So, starting in Summer 2015, we’ll be working on the College Road and Leek Road sites of our Stoke Campus. We’ll be creating great social spaces and easy access between the Students’ Union, venues and teaching rooms. Bringing the best teaching facilities together with fantastic student areas – making it feel safe and easy to jump between your lectures and your life outside University. As well as that, we’re also investing £12m in a new Computing and Games facility. This project, called Digital Kiln, will merge beautiful learning space with state-of-theart technology to support all sorts of courses from Cyber Security to Games Design.
This investment is continuing the work we’ve already started to create great social spaces and easy access between the Students’ Union, halls of residence, and other facilities. We’ve committed to doubling the investment that’s already started to create enhanced facilities. Come 2016, it’s going to have the buzz and the feel of the edge-of-city campus that students want. Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Gunn Healthcare Centres of Excellence This redevelopment work isn’t just happening in Stoke-on-Trent though. Healthcare and Midwifery students won’t miss out with significant further investment in our Centres of Excellence in Stafford and Shrewsbury – adding new student spaces and learning resources to make these campuses totally self-contained and right up to date. So, with all this to come, maybe it’s time you joined us at Staffordshire University?
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
KEY FACTS WORK STARTS: SUMMER 2015 ADDITIONAL £40M INVESTMENT IN STOKE-ON-TRENT CAMPUS MULTI-MILLION POUND INVESTMENT IN STAFFORD CENTRE OF HEALTHCARE EXCELLENCE AND SHREWSBURY CENTRE OF HEALTHCARE EXCELLENCE COMPLETION DATE: AUTUMN 2016.
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CHOOSE
MORE AT STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY, WE WANT TO GIVE YOU AN EDGE OVER THE COMPETITION. WE WANT YOU TO TAKE AWAY SOMETHING EXTRA. SO WE MAKE SURE YOU’LL GET SOMETHING EXTRA WHEN YOU’RE HERE. A LOT EXTRA ACTUALLY. To help you open doors as well as your mind, we’re spending millions of pounds on our edge-of-city campus. When you’re here, you’ll be able to work with brilliant academics and access a whole load of cutting edge facilities; from animation studios to photography darkrooms to surface decoration workshops. Past students have gone on to exhibit at prestigious galleries, museums and festivals across the world.
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You can also get more back with grants, loans and bursaries to help fund your study whilst enjoying a cost of living ranked the third lowest in the UK.
MAKE MORE OF YOUR TIME HERE • Improve your skills with online training platform Lynda.com and access over 3,000 online tutorial videos • Want to get fit while you study? Take advantage of our special student rate gym memberships • Don’t just learn while you’re with us, earn. Take a job at the Students’ Union, become a paid Student Ambassador with Unitemps or turn working while you study upside down with a seasonal role at Alton Towers Resort • Then spend. We’re a hop, skip and a short walk from shops, boutiques, restaurants, bars and clubs • Catch the latest musicals, opera, drama at the Regent Theatre and Stafford Gatehouse
MORE WAYS TO STUDY YOUR WAY • Grants, loans and bursaries to help fund your study • More hands-on, real world learning, fewer lectures • Hit the books whenever you want - access to our 24- hour library • Get all the software you need including access to the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite and download Microsoft Office 365 on up to five devices for free • Professional guest lecturers - previous presentations included Microsoft, Marvel Comics and Epic Games
At Staffordshire University, you’re in the best place to do more, with City Centre shops, boutiques, restaurants, theatres, bars and clubs all just a short stroll away. Plus, with student rate gym memberships and over 100 sports, clubs and societies to join – including skydiving, snow sports and our very own Beard Society – you can experience more too. So, if you’re looking for a place that gives you exactly what you need to succeed (and more), then open the door and your mind to Staffordshire University.
A CAMPUS WITH MORE TO OFFER • We’ve spent and continue to spend millions of pounds on our edge-of-city campus • We’re a place literally in the middle of things with easy access to Manchester, Birmingham, London • Get your film fix at our on-campus Film Theatre • Take advantage of our brilliant and friendly Student Support team • Stay fit and well with our NHS Healthcare centre with two doctors • Enjoy a cost of living ranked third lowest in the UK
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
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There’s only one real way to experience Staffordshire University, and that’s to come and see it for yourself.
University is where you’re due to spend the next few years of your life, so before you decide on somewhere, it makes sense to have a good look around. That’s where an Open Day comes in. This is your opportunity to get to know the place. Test it out. Immerse yourself in every aspect of Staffordshire University and see if it’s right for you. We’ll give you the chance to see everything, from the Students’ Union and the library to the IT suites and our impressive sports facilities. We’ll also show you the halls of residence, so you can start planning exactly where to put your TV and laptop. You’ll then meet our expert lecturers, see live demonstrations of lab and studio sessions, and delve deeper into your chosen subject with an informative talk. Advice is available on managing your student finances and ways to fund your study, as well as tips on writing a strong personal statement to include in your application.
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Best of all, you’ll have time to speak with current students about their experiences of Staffordshire University – which means you can hear exactly what it’s like to be at the heart of things in the centre of the country. It’s the best way to get a real feel for life here. Our Open Days give you an idea of everything Staffordshire University has to offer, so you’ll be ready to make one of the most important – and most exciting – decisions of your life.
LEARN MORE OR BOOK YOUR PLACE AT
www.staffs.ac.uk/opendays GO ONLINE TO WATCH OUR VIRTUAL TOURS
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CLEARING
The UCAS clearing process gives students another opportunity to find a place.
MISSED THE UCAS DEADLINE?
Don’t worry, apply via UCAS until the end of June and if we have vacancies left on your course we’ll consider your application. We accept CLEARING applications from mid July. Visit: www.staffs.ac.uk/clearing
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
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For more detailed information on courses or studying at Staffordshire University, visit: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
www.staffs.ac.uk/socialmedia The information in this guide is correct at time of publication, but may be subject to change.
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