Programme Specification for the 2023/4 academic year
BSc (Hons) Social Data Science
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | BSc (Hons) Social Data Science | Programme code | UFS3HPSHPS07 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Academic year | 2023/4 | |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 6 (Honours) |
2. Description of the Programme
BSc Social Data Science is a new interdisciplinary programme that combines perspectives from data science and social sciences. In the data science part of the programme you will learn how to analyse data in Python and R, the two most popular programming languages for data science. You will also learn about statistical methods for data analysis. The social science part of the programme covers substantive areas where the data analytic skills can be applied, such as politics, crime, demography and sociology. Social data science is a new and rapidly developing area, with many career opportunities in consultancies, market research companies, journalism, and the public sector.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
The main educational aims of this programme is to simultaneously provide you with knowledge and skills in several areas. First, you will learn how to use the programming languages R and Python to analyse data. This includes data manipulation, data visualisation, automated data collection, and statistical modelling. Second, you will learn about various research designs and methods employed in the social sciences. Third, you will learn about theories and empirical findings across several social science disciplines and research areas, including sociology, criminology, demography and political science.
In addition to this, this programme will equip you with other specialised and generic skills. We will offer a structured framework of study which ensures that within the time span of the programme you will follow a balanced and complementary range of modules, whilst allowing sufficient choice to ensure that you are able to follow individual areas of learning. We will expose you to different teaching and assessment methods within an appropriate learning environment, supported by feedback, monitoring and pastoral care. The programme will develop a range of academic and personal skills which will prepare you, whatever your educational background, for employment or further study, which will foster mental agility and adaptability, and which will enable you to deploy your knowledge, abilities and skills in their entirety, displaying balance and judgement in a variety of circumstances.
4. Programme Structure
The BSc Social Data Science is a 3-year full-time programme of study at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 6 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into 3 stages. Each stage is normally equivalent to an academic year.
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 following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual review of this programme. Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the Faculty website: https://sociology.exeter.ac.uk/current/undergraduatemodules/
You may take optional modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
You may take elective modules up to 30 credits outside of the programme in stages 2 and 3of the programme as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
Students are required to take 30 credits from the approved list of data analysis / data science modules (not including the compulsory core modules). The list will be updated annually by the Programme Director. See note a in the table below.
Stage 1
Stage 1: 90 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSI1005 | Introduction to Social Data | 15 | Yes |
| SSI1006 | Data Analysis in Social Science 1 | 15 | Yes |
| SSI1002 | Programming for the Social Sciences | 30 | Yes |
| SSI1004 | Social Problems | 15 | No |
| SOC1047 | Imagining Social Worlds: Qualitative Research | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
Select 30 credits from this list of optional modules.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOC S1 BSc Soc Data Sci opt 2023-4 | |||
| POL1019 | Power and Democracy | 15 | No |
| POL1029 | Introduction to Comparative Politics | 15 | No |
| SOC1039 | Social Issues: Part I - Introducing Crime and Deviance | 15 | No |
| SOC1040 | Social Issues: Part II - Themes in Criminology | 15 | No |
Stage 2
Stage 2: 45 credits of compulsory modules, 75 credits of optional modules
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSI2004 | Research Design in the Social Sciences | 15 | Yes |
| SSI2005 | Data Analysis in Social Science 2 | 15 | Yes |
| SSI2007 | Data Analysis in Social Science 3 | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
Select 75 credits from this list of optional modules.
a – Students are required to take 30 credits from these modules over Stages 2 and 3.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSI2008 | Mapping the Social World: Introduction to Spatial Analysis in the Social Sciences [See note a above] | 15 | No |
| SOC2120 | Introduction to Open-source Intelligence (OSINT) [See note a above] | 15 | No |
| SOC S2 BSc Soc Data Sci opt 2023-4 | |||
| SOC2039 | Sociology of Family and Gender | 15 | No |
| SOC2116 | Sociology and Demography of Religion | 15 | No |
| SOC2121 | Cybercrime | 15 | No |
| SSI2001 | Learning from Work Experience in Social Sciences | 15 | No |
| SSI2006 | Immigration in Western Societies | 15 | No |
| POL2046 | The Economics of Politics | 15 | No |
| POL2114 | Issues in Modern British Politics | 15 | No |
| POL2127 | Electoral Politics | 15 | No |
| POL2119 | Transformations of Social and Political Realities through Smartphones | 15 | No |
| SOC2122 | Digital Society | 15 | No |
Stage 3
Stage 3: 30 credits of compulsory modules, 90 credits of optional modules
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSI3019 | Quantitative Dissertation | 30 | Yes |
Optional Modules
Select 90 credits from this list of optional modules.
a – Students are required to take 30 credits from these modules over Stages 2 and 3.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOC3128 | Introduction to Open-source Intelligence (OSINT) [See note a above] | 15 | No |
| SSI3021 | Mapping the Social World: Introduction to Spatial Analysis in the Social Sciences [See note a above] | 15 | No |
| SSI3001 | Introduction to Social Network Analysis [See note a above] | 15 | No |
| SOC SF BSc Soc Data Sci opt 2023-4 | |||
| SOC3118 | Sociology and Demography of Religion | 15 | No |
| SSI3002 | Immigration in Western Societies | 15 | No |
| POL3136 | Political Psychology | 30 | No |
| POL3277 | Developments in British Politics: Institutions and Behaviour | 15 | No |
| SOC3108 | Sociology of Family and Gender | 15 | No |
| SOC3129 | Cybercrime | 15 | No |
| SOC3130 | Digital Society | 15 | No |
| SSI3017 | Learning from Work Experience in the Social Sciences | 15 | No |
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 knowledge of core methods of social data science. | 1-2) Are developed initially in SSI1002, SSI1005 and SSI1006, and then further developed in SSI2005 and SSI2006. 3) is introduced in SSI1004 and then further developed in optional modules in stages 2 and 3. 4) is developed in SSI1005,SOC1047 and SSI2004. 5) is delivered via optional modules in stages 1-3. | The assessment of these skills is through a combination of essays, data reports, examinations, online tests, coding exercises, and oral presentations. |
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: | |
6. Draw thematic comparisons between material from different sources. | 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, and oral work (both presentation and class discussion). | The assessment of these skills is through a combination of essays, data reports, examinations, online tests, coding exercises, and oral presentations. |
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: | |
15. Undertake independent research and ability to work to deadlines. | 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, and oral work (both presentation and class discussion). | The assessment of these skills is through a combination of essays, data reports, examinations, online tests, coding exercises, and oral presentations. |
7. Programme Regulations
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.
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 departments should have in place a system of academic personal tutors. Their role is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of your programme, and this support extends to signposting you to sources of support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff. The role of subject tutors is to support you with your studies in individual modules.
Information on the Faculty Personal Tutoring system, library provision, ELE resources and access to Faculty support services can be found on the Faculty webpages for current students.
Student Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC)
SSLCs enable students and 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.
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
BSc (Hons) Social Data Science
19. UCAS Code
L308
20. NQF Level of Final Award
6 (Honours)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 360 |
ECTS credits | 180 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 28/09/2022 |
Date of last revision | 03/07/2023 |
|---|
