Study information

Programme Specification for the 2023/4 academic year

BA (Hons) Sociology and Anthropology with Study Abroad

1. Programme Details

Programme nameBA (Hons) Sociology and Anthropology with Study Abroad Programme codeUFA4HPSHPS41
Study mode(s)Full Time
 Academic year2023/4
Campus(es)Streatham (Exeter)
 NQF Level of the Final Award6 (Honours)

2. Description of the Programme

By studying Anthropology alongside Sociology, you can fully explore how relevant the discipline is for the study of our globalised world. Sociology aims to provide a critical understanding of society by examining a wide range of social activities from intimate personal relations to the apparently faceless operation of state bureaucracies. You will examine social, political, historical, cultural and economic issues and social groups such as families, companies, churches, crowds and political parties. Our Sociology modules cover diverse subjects including sport, music, media, cyborg studies and technology.

Anthropology’s comparative outlook and concern with cultural difference complements sociologists’ interest in the formation of social groups and the role of shared understanding in coordinating the actions of their members. Anthropology traditionally focused on the study of small-scale and pre-industrial societies but increasingly it has applied its distinctive insights to the problems of modern living. Anthropologists today are as interested in the practices of multinational companies and the impact of natural resource exploitation on local communities as in the rituals and ceremonies of native Amazonians.

Studying Anthropology with Sociology will equip you with a full range of critical analytical perspectives as well as research methods to start your own exploration of the nature and complexity of human social life. You’ll study core modules from both disciplines, and be able to choose from an excitingly diverse array of optional modules in your second and final years as well as undertaking a dissertation focused on either discipline.

You will spend the 3rd year of your studies in a partner University on an Erasmus/Socrates exchange or other approved programme of study.

 

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

1. Provide an excellent Honours-level education in Sociology and Anthropology, which meets the criteria for Honours level awards as set out in the FHEQ and the University's statement of Levels and Awards, and which meets the standards set in the national Subject Benchmarking statements for both subject areas.
2. Facilitate graduates to become useful, productive and questioning members of society.
3. Provide a stimulating and supportive environment for students that is informed by research where deemed appropriate.
4. Work in partnership with students to produce graduates who are grounded in the main themes of Sociology through a combination of modules which develops a good understanding of how societies, institutions and practices of all kinds came into being, how they are currently organised, and how they might change in the future.
5. Work in partnership with students to produce graduates who are grounded in the main themes of Social Anthropology through a combination of modules which develop a deep understanding of human = diversity from a socio-cultural perspective, and to think comparatively and analytically about key questions and problems in studying the worlds of other people and our own.
6. Offer a structured framework of study which ensures that within the time span of the programme every student follows a balanced and complementary range of modules, whilst allowing sufficient choice to ensure that students are able to follow individual areas of learning
7. Work in partnership with students to produce graduates who understand the various methods which Sociologists and Anthropologists use to study human societies; and who can analyse the organisation and development of societies and gain competence in dealing with the various types of evidence and the methodological problems associated with studying historical and contemporary cultures.
8. Develop students' competence in the subject-specific skills required in Sociology and in Anthropology through practical engagement with primary and empirical data.
9. Expose students to different teaching and assessment methods within an appropriate learning environment, supported by feedback, monitoring and pastoral care.
10. Provide a range of academic and personal skills which will prepare students from varied educational backgrounds for employment or further study, which will foster mental agility and adaptability, and which will enable them to deploy their knowledge, abilities and skills in their entirety, displaying balance and judgement in a variety of circumstances.

4. Programme Structure

The programme is studied over four years full-time. Study is undertaken in four stages, with each stage comprising 120 credits made up of either 15 or 30-credit modules, which contribute towards the degree. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload and one credit is nominally equivalent to ten hours of work. The ‘level’ of a module (designated by the first number in the module code) indicates its position in the progressive development of academic abilities and/or practical skills

This degree programme contains compulsory and optional modules and as part of the degree programme students may take up to 30 credits a year in another discipline outside their main degree subjects, after they have met the compulsory requirements of their main subjects (specified below)

 

5. Programme Modules

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.

The full list of modules is available (with module descriptions) at http://socialsciences.exeter.ac.uk/sociology/undergraduate/modules/

The Sociology and Anthropology degree programme is made up of compulsory (core) and optional modules, which are worth 15 or 30 credits each. Full-time undergraduate students need to complete modules worth a total of 120 credits each year. In combined honours degrees like this you will take an equal amount of credits from each subject.

Depending on your programme you can take up to 30 credits each year in another subject, for instance a language or business module, to develop career-related skills or just widen your intellectual horizons.

The third year is spent studying abroad at a partner institution.

Please note that modules offered are subject to change, depending on staff availability, timetabling, and demand.

Stage 1

The first year gives you a foundational knowledge of sociological and anthropological theory and concepts, and how to think critically about the key challenges of studying diverse human societies. You will also gain important analytical techniques that will be useful across a range of subjects and research tasks.

120 credits of compulsory modules.

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
SOC1019 Contemporary Society: Themes and Perspectives 15No
SOC1020 Contemporary Society: Field and Case Studies 15No
SOC1048 Social Analysis I 15No
SOC1049 Social Analysis II 15No
ANT1003 Imagining Social Worlds: Texts 15No
ANT1004 Introduction to Social Anthropology-Theorising the Everyday World 15No
ANT1005 Introduction to Social Anthropology: Exploring Cultural Diversity 15No
ANT1011 Imagining Social Worlds: Qualitative Research 15No

Stage 2

In the second year you will advance your grasp of sociological and anthropological knowledge and methods through a set of compulsory modules. Optional modules enable you to develop specialist knowledge on a range of topics.

75 credits of compulsory modules, 45 credits of optional modules.

 

 

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
SOC2004 Into the Field 15No
SOC2005 Theoretical Sociology 30No
ANT2002 Ethnography Now 15No
ANT2003 Current Debates in Anthropology 15No

Optional Modules

Sociology (15 credits) and  Anthropology (30 credits)

 View option modules here

 

Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability.

Stage 3

Students spend this stage in a partner University on an Erasmus/Socrates exchange or other approved programme of study.

The year abroad comprises 120 credits. Assessment is based on the credits gained at the partner institution abroad.

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
SSI3999 Year Abroad 120No

Stage 4

The centre-point of the final year is the dissertation. This provides you with the opportunity to explore an area of interest and to demonstrate what you have learned over the previous years of your degree. You will also take up to three other specialist modules to create a programme of work fully reflecting your interests.

30 credits of compulsory modules, 90 credits of optional modules.

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
SOC3040 Dissertation or ANT304030No
ANT3040 Anthropology Dissertation or SOC304030No

Optional Modules

If taking Sociology Dissertation, select a further 30 credits of Sociology options and 60 credits Anthropology options.

If taking Anthropology Dissertation, select a further 30 credits of Anthropology options and 60 credits Sociology options.

 

 View option modules here

 

Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability.

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:		Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

1. Demonstrate an analytical understanding of Sociology, taking into account different sociological perspectives, modes of social analysis and their concomitant theoretical and conceptual frameworks
2. Show awareness of the social, political, historical, and economic origins of Sociology when analysing social problems and accounting for social theories.
3. Demonstrate competence in describing and applying a variety of methods of social investigation, including ethnographic and survey methods, questionnaire and interview design
4. Conceptualise social, psychological and personal issues in a specifically sociological manner.
5. Describe, explain and critically discuss the social organisation, economy and cosmology of a range of societies
6. Account for some of the main challenges in obtaining and conveying information about a range of societies
7. Demonstrate understanding (at increasing depth, according to level) of issues (increasingly complex, according to level) arising from the subject matter of
8. Assess the ethical implications of sociological enquiry and qualitative research more generally
9. Conduct research, within supportive guidelines, drawing on primary and secondary sources
10. Present work in the format expected of social scientists, including footnoting and bibliographical references.
11. Understand the extent and nature of human diversity and commonality as seen, in particular, from a social and cultural perspective
12. Explain how human beings shape and are shaped by social and cultural contexts
13. Appreciate the relationship between local social and cultural forms in relation to broader global and historical processes
14. Use the repertoire of key concepts, theories and methods of anthropological analysis
15. Question cultural assumptions
16. Recognize some of the ways in which anthropological knowledge and insight can be applied in a variety of contexts
17. Assess the ethical implications of anthropological enquiry and qualitative research more generally
18. Conduct research, within supportive guidelines, drawing on primary and secondary sources
19. Present work in the format expected of social scientists, including footnoting and bibliographical references.

Sociology

1. This skill is developed on all sociology modules through lectures, tutorials and guided independent study, and is a core aim of the sociology side of the programme, especially on SOC1048, SOC1049, SOC2004 and SOC2005.

2-4. These skills are developed initially through lectures, seminars and essay work for SOC1048, SOC1049, SOC1019, and SOC2004 and are developed on subsequent modules.

5-6 These skills are developed through similar methods on SOC1019, and further developed on subsequent modules. The Anthropology side of the programme will further contribute to this Sociology skill

7. This skill is developed through the optional modules taken. The level of competence expected of students intensifies at each stage of the programme.

8. These skills will be developed some of the foundational modules (ANT1004, ANT1005, ANT2002, ANT2003, SOC2004) and expanded on in optional modules such as ANT3005, SOC3085 and others

9.-10. These skills will be practised through coursework and examination and seminar work in all modules, and consolidated specifically in modules at 2nd year and 3rd year level (ANT2002, SOC2004, SOC3040)

Anthropology

11-13. These skills are developed in all anthropology modules, and are a core aim of the anthropology side of the programme, especially in ANT1004, ANT1005, and ANT2003.

14-15. These skills are developed through lectures, and coursework in the 1st year (ANT1004, ANT1005, ANT1003,) and further advanced in subsequent modules (ANT2002, ANT2003, SOC2004).

16-17. These skills will be developed in the foundational modules (ANT1004, ANT1005, ANT2002, ANT2003, SOC2004) and expanded on in optional modules such as ANT3005, SOC3085 and others

18-19. These skills will be practised through coursework and examination and seminar work in all modules, and consolidated specifically in modules at 2nd year and 3rd year level (ANT2002, SOC2004, ANT3040)

Exams (1,2,4,5,6, 7, 8-15, 18-19)

Essays (1,2,3, 5,6,7, 8-15, 18-19)

Other coursework (e.g. written analytical reflections, posters, research proposals) (3, 6, 8, 17, 18)

Presentations (1,2,5,6,7, 11-17)

Dissertation (1-19)

Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:		Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

20. Draw thematic comparisons between material from different sources
21. Show awareness of contrasting approaches to research
22. Understand and demonstrate the different uses of qualitative and quantitative data, and evaluate their relative advantages and disadvantages.
23. Specify some of the basic philosophical questions arising from academic research.
24. Use library and the world-wide web to find appropriate and relevant information
25. Develop and deploy argument, grounded in theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence
26. Identify problems of reliability and bias in, and more generally evaluate, empirical evidence
27. Collate data from a range of sources.
28. Produce accurate reference to sources in written work.
29. Answer questions concisely and persuasively in written work.
30. Present work and answer questions orally.
31. Deploy complex terminology in a comprehensible manner
32. Analyse texts, visual material and other artefacts taking into account their cultural, historical and generic contexts
33. Demonstrate a critical appreciation of ideas of cultural difference and cross-cultural variation as well as the specificity of one's own cultural perspective

These skills are developed throughout the degree programme, but the emphasis becomes more complex as students move from stage to stage. They are developed through lectures and seminars, written work (including essays, reports, research outlines, dissertation), and oral work (both presentation and class discussion).

Exams (21-25, 29, 31)

Essays and other written assignments (20-29, 32)

Presentations (20-27, 30, 31)

Dissertation (20-30, 32)

Anthropology-specific skills (31) will be assessed through exams, written assignments, presentations, and the dissertation in Anthropology

Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:		Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

34. Undertake independent study and work to deadlines.
35. Use a word processor and the world-wide web to a high standard.
36. Digest, select and organise material for written work and oral presentations, and write to varying word lengths.
37. Evaluate own work
38. Sit timed, unseen examinations of a challenging nature.
39. Participate in oral discussions; present and evaluate complex arguments and ideas orally; digest, select and organise material for oral presentations.
40. Work with others as part of a team on challenging material.
41. Interact effectively with peers and staff.
42. Undertake group work, including the presentation and discussion of material in groups.
43. Communicate and argue effectively, both orally and in writing.
44. Express and defend opinions on a wide range of current and abstract issues
45. Plan the execution of demanding work over a very long time scale.

34. This skill is an essential part of the successful completion of the programme and will be developed through regular assignments such as essays and presentations towards vigorously monitored and enforced deadlines.

35. This skill is developed through the requirement that all written work be word-processed, and through the requirement on students to use the WWW for bibliographical searches.

36. This skill is developed through essay and presentation work throughout the programme.

37. This skill is encouraged and developed throughout, and is aided by the student Self-Appraisal system which takes place in the inter-semester week of Spring Term.

38. This skill is developed through practice: at all stages, students are partly assessed by timed, unseen examinations.

39. This skill is developed through seminars, which form the whole or part basis of all modules.

Skills 40-44 are developed to some extent in all modules, through interaction in seminars and in discussion with tutors about essay work, and in response to criticism both collective and individual.

45. This skill is developed through the through the Dissertation, which has a single end of year deadline.

Exams (38, 43, 44)

Essays (34 -36, 43, 44)

Team Reports (37, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44)

Individual Presentations (33, 36, 37, 39, 43, 44)

Group Presentations (34, 36, 37, 39-44)

Dissertation (34-37, 41, 43-45)

7. Programme Regulations

Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.

Classification

Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

Personal and Academic tutoring: It is University policy that all Colleges should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you on individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.

As an undergraduate or postgraduate taught student in the College of Social Sciences and International Studies you will be allocated a Personal Tutor at the commencement of your studies. In normal circumstances your Personal Tutor will remain your tutor throughout your study programme. Your Personal Tutor is normally available through scheduled office hours, but should also see you as a matter of course three or four times a year (depending on your year of study); these meetings may typically commence soon after registration. These meetings will take place once or twice mid-year to discuss your progress and to perhaps consider Personal Development Planning (ePDP) and once to discuss your overall performance. The ePDP is a particularly useful developmental tool which you are encouraged to utilize and which is accessible though the Exeter Learning Environment (ELE).

You should feel that you are able to approach your personal tutor for advice, pastoral support or academic support in a wider sense.

Library, ELE and other resources provided to support this programme:
The Library offers you core services for learning and research. Whilst the various locations house a large collection of materials and services, many of our resources are available online through this website http://as.exeter.ac.uk/library/ for you to use at home, work or wherever you are located for your study. Each discipline has a subject librarian on hand to help you to find resources and we also work with tutors to digitize reading lists for inclusion in the Exeter Learning Environment (ELE).

Exeter Learning Environment (ELE) is used throughout the University to make course materials available online. You will be able to access module information, presentations, handouts, reading materials as well as interacting with other students and your tutors. Many tutors use ELE to run assessments and set coursework assignments. In addition to the materials provided by your tutors, there are various other resources available on ELE to help you in your studies, for example, you will be able to access your ePDP, the University’s online PDP system, which has been developed to help you keep an ongoing record of your academic, work and extra-curricular experiences, and help you develop action plans and personal statements.

The University provides a range of IT services, including open and training clusters of PCs (available on a 24/7 basis). In the Social Sciences and International Studies College this includes a 24/7 suite in Amory, based in the Law Library and a second one in the St Luke’s Campus Library. These suites are accessible by swiping your university card. The majority of the College also has access to the university’s wireless network. Network access is available from the majority of rooms in University halls of residence through the ResNet system.

At St Luke’s there is also a college-based open access suite (South Cloisters 14) providing access to another 20 machines. Entry is again made by use of your university card and it is open from 8.30am to 7pm Monday to Friday.

All of these suites have the standard ‘palms’ printing systems in them (printing from credit held on your university card). At the St Luke’s Campus there is also a cash-based printing service at the GSE Print Unit based in South Cloisters.

Please see link below for further information on the IT Services facilities on the Exeter Campuses: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/media/universityofexeter/forum/public/Study_map_A4_2pp_Term3.pdf

Helpdesks are maintained on the Streatham and Cornwall campuses.

Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.

10. Admissions Criteria

Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.

(Quality Review Framework.

14. Awarding Institution

University of Exeter

15. Lead College / Teaching Institution

Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)

16. Partner College / Institution

Partner College(s)

Not applicable to this programme

Partner Institution

Not applicable to this programme.

17. Programme Accredited / Validated by

0

18. Final Award

BA (Hons) Sociology and Anthropology with Study Abroad

19. UCAS Code

L3L7

20. NQF Level of Final Award

6 (Honours)

21. Credit

CATS credits

480

 ECTS credits

240

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

[Honours] Anthropology
[Honours] Sociology

23. Dates

Origin Date

01/05/2012

 Date of last revision

25/07/2019