What is studying
Social Policy at Salford really like?
What modules will I study? How will I be assessed? What does my timetable look like?
Going to university involves making some tough decisions and we know that you’re probably wondering how you’re supposed to make the best choice for you. This booklet aims to help you with your decision by providing a snapshot of what being a Social Policy student at the University of Salford could look like. Find out more about your modules, see what your timetable could look like and hear from a current student. Please note that the information in this booklet is intended to give an example of course information and some of it may change before September 2020.
Visit us!
We also offer an exclusive day for offer holders which aims to arm you with all the information you need to make your decision. You can visit us on campus and experience first-hand what studying Social Policy at the University of Salford will be like. If you haven’t already, you can book onto an upcoming Applicant Visit Day here
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We’ve pulled together some of the most frequently asked questions we have received from applicants to your course. Let’s get straight into answering them for you…
Who will I meet? You can expect to be on your course with around 30 other students – this means that you’ll get to know your course mates really well! Some classes may be bigger, as you’ll likely come together with students on other courses who are also studying the same modules. You’ll meet four or five different tutors in your first year, who will teach your different modules. You’ll also have a personal tutor who is there to support you. They will have weekly office hours so you can always book an appointment if you need to chat to them!
How will I learn? In your first year, you will be taught through a mix of Lectures, Seminars and Tutorials. You will also be expected to undertake some independent study, or ‘directed study’. Your tutors will advise on how much independent study you will be expected to undertake.
Lectures Formal lectures are used as a way of providing knowledge and information on a topic to a large group of students at the same time. They are sessions where, in the main, the flow of information is from the lecturer, or a guest speaker, to the student. However, some lecturers encourage or welcome comments or queries from students during the lecture. If you have any further queries you may be able to raise these with the lecturer at the end of the lecture, or, more realistically, in the setting of your seminar group. Lecturers may supplement their lecture with handouts which may be made available at the end of the lecture or via ‘Blackboard’. You may be asked to undertake preparatory reading in advance of the lecture. Where this is the case, it is vital that you do this to assist in your understanding of the material being delivered.
Seminars Seminars are used as a way of consolidating information given in lectures and are often used as a means of developing your understanding of the relationship between theory and practice. Seminars consist of groups of approximately 25 students where you are encouraged to discuss issues raised directly or indirectly by the lecture. A seminar tutor will facilitate your seminar and the emphasis will be on your participation and a sharing of your experiences, ideas and opinions.
Tutorials Tutorials are used as a means of supporting your learning. You will be allocated a Personal Tutor. In Year 1 this is usually your Seminar Group Tutor. Issues discussed may include academic guidance or your personal and professional development. Students will be offered 1 hour of tutorial support each semester.
Directed Study Directed study is used to promote the skill of independent learning. During each module, you will be given work to complete outside of the teaching sessions. This may be a specific task; recommended reading; a piece of research; or be connected to the assessment for the module. The expectation is that you will take responsibility for your own learning and involves the key skill of time management.
What will I study in my first year? You’ll have six modules, three in each semester. We’ve outlined below the sort of content that will be covered in each module, but this is the sort of thing you can ask your future tutors about at our Applicant Visit Days!
The Policy Making Process Explore the history of British social policy and the forces and pressures which have shaped its development. You will cover topics such as Power and Democracy and Devolution and Voting Systems. Assessment: Group Presentation and Essay
Policy into Practice This module builds upon the module ‘The Policy Making Process’, taking a more contemporary perspective. For example, it looks at the way austerity has become an increasingly significant issue in the making of social policy. You will also explore perspectives on welfare relating to Age, Women and Sexuality, Masculinity, Race, Disability and Class. Assessment: White Paper and Assignment
Shaping, Making and Doing Social Policy This module shows how policy is shaped, influenced and translated and enacted in a range of organisations, professions, and contexts, and how this can enhance employability and employment opportunities for graduates of this course. Assessment: Case Study & 1,500 Word Essay
Sociology: Theories and Concepts The module aims to provide you with a firm grounding in sociological substantive and factual knowledge, help build interpretive capacity, and encourage the development of evaluative thought. You will also be encouraged to develop a range of allied transferable skills. Assignment: 1,500 word essay
Studying Social Policy This module will help you to settle into your studies and understand what is expected from you. You will all be starting from different places so please be reassured that you won’t be expected to know everything from the beginning. In this module you will cover areas such as Essay Writing Skills, Key Concepts in Social Policy, Researching and Referencing and Guided Online Learning. Assessment: Study Skills Portfolio & Reflective Essay
Health and Wellbeing This module will help you to develop an understanding of how Health and Social Care services contribute to the wellbeing agenda of the nation. You will examine wellbeing agendas and explore the differences between public and private problems requiring solutions via national policies. You will cover topics such as Mental Health and Wellbeing Policies, Health Inequalities, End of Life Policies and Adult Safeguarding. Assessment: Poster Presentation & 1000 Word Essay Please note that module information is subject to change, but the above gives you detail about the Social Policy modules currently running and example methods of assessment.
ok? How does my week lo 9
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Meet friends for coffee Shaping, Making & Doing Social Policy 10-12 LECTURE
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r Meet course mates fo rk Group Presentation wo
Society team meet up
Theories & Concepts 1-3 LECTURE
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Hockey team social 5.30
Theories & Concept s 4-5 TUTORIAL
Bandioke night!
Meet Flatmates for Pizza at the Student’s Union “)
The life of a Social Policy student at Salford Zara and Joe, both current 2nd year students, tell us about a standard week studying Social Policy at Salford Monday Espresso and experts The week begins in Chapman Building on Monday morning with a 9am lecture on Research Methods – but not before an often-needed caffeine boost from Chapman Café, which is conveniently situated next to the lecture theatre. In these sessions, we are taught about the practices essential to the research which informs social policy. The module staff are all accomplished social science researchers whose wealth of experience is invaluable, and the teaching is always engaging – even first thing on a Monday morning! Research may seem daunting to some however the module is set up so that you get a lecture followed by an interactive seminar. The seminar allows you to air any queries or concerns, have discussions with your peers and that invaluable 121 time with the social policy staff. I have really enjoyed this module and believe that the best way to find success is to pick a research topic that you are passionate about which will not only further your own knowledge but keep you motivated at the same time.
‘Everything you need in one place As the amenities include numerous food outlets (with a good range of vegan options), a remarkable sports centre, a bar, and even a bank, it is genuinely possible to have a great time without leaving campus. On Mondays, Atmosphere, the Student’s Union bar and café, runs a quiz which team is still yet to win. Grab some friends, form a team, and see if you can clinch first place before we do!
Tuesday Welfare states and snack breaks Don’t worry, Social Policy at Salford isn’t all about early starts. On Tuesday’s, after a lie-in, I make way to the Mary Seacole Building, where we have a combined lecture and seminar on Social Security and
Welfare. In this module, we take a detailed look at the UK’s welfare system and notions of entitlement to social security. We are encouraged to discuss ideas which relate to the content: this helps us to better understand the different approaches which underpin welfare systems, and to appreciate the difficulty of the decisions that policy writers face. As these sessions are three hours long, we take a fifteen-minute break at around 11:30, which most of us use to grab a drink (and sometimes a flapjack) from Grace and her team downstairs in the café. ‘A tale of two cities
Library tip: sociable about policy or peace and quiet Although most of the resources you will need for a Social Policy degree can be found on the first floor, it is worth noting that this level is a ‘working out loud’ space. This is fantastic if you are working on a group project, or just want to discuss ideas with friends. However, if you need to work in a quiet environment, the second floor is the place to be. If this is the case, I recommend gathering the books you need from floor one, before taking them upstairs to study without unwanted disturbance.
It’s not all work and no play! Fortunately, one of the most exciting things about The University of Salford is its proximity to both Salford and Manchester – two vibrant hubs of culture. As a fan of comedy, theatre, and music I divide my time between the two cities. During the week, me and my friends often head to Salford’s famous Kings Arms to see live stand-up or catch one of the fantastic plays at their in-house theatre.
I head from the Library, via the student store to pick up a butty, over to Frederick Road campus where I am meeting Caroline, one of the tutors, for a 121 to discuss assignment feedback and have a discussion around whether I should do a placement. The tutors are great and will always fine the time to meet with you. After scouting round to see if there’s any communal chocolate boxes in the staff offices (not today, unfortunately!), it’s time to head to today’s lecture.
Friday
It’s the weekend!
In the second year you pick an optional module for each semester, which helps tailor the course to your interests. As I work as a Youth Worker, I went with the Young People and Social Policy module. Since the lecture is in the afternoon, I start my day in the library around 10am, grabbing a cup of tea from the Library café first. I like the second floor for its background noise. Today I have a plan of action and that is to get some assignment briefs, print some reading and pull out some books for this afternoons lecture. The Library has an abundance of social science books, so it is unlikely that you will have to buy any texts from the reading list.
On Saturday nights, you can usually find us in one of Manchester’s many exceptional gig venues – either catching touring global icons or discovering the latest breakthrough act from the pool of musical talent that Greater Manchester is quite rightly renowned for. As a keen footballer, I also make use of the 5-a-side facilities which are perfect for a kick-about with friends. Because the pitches are indoor, there is no excuse for drop-outs during those bitter Greater Mancunian months!
Next steps… Hopefully that’s answered some of your burning questions. If you can, attending an Applicant Visit Day is a fantastic opportunity not to be missed. You’ll have the opportunity to speak to your tutors, current students and support staff about any more questions you have before you make your decision.
Book your place here Alternatively, get in touch with our friendly team by emailing enquiries@salford.ac.uk or phone +44 (0)161 295 4545.