Course outline
Take your degree in Social Science to the next academic level and increase your job prospects! We provide a stimulating and challenging environment for those who have enjoyed previous study within the field, helping you gain specialised knowledge and a critical awareness of contemporary issues within social science. We build on your existing experience and get you set on the right path to starting a rewarding career, so put your passion for the subject to good use by enhancing your qualifications further.
Course outline
Course summary
We offer flexible learning opportunities to enhance your professional and academic knowledge of Social Sciences. This includes a variety of blended learning and campus-based modules specifically designed to meet the needs of learning in a wide range of practice situations. You'll receive career counselling after completing the compulsory modules so that you can make an informed decision about the path you wish to take.
Modules
Year One
Compulsory Modules
- Professional values and ethics
- Research skills and methods
- Dissertation
Optional Modules
Choose any four modules from the list below:
- Forensic psychology, offending behaviour and the criminal justice system
- Settings in forensic psychology
- Working with specialist populations in forensic psychology settings
- Advanced statistics
- Historical and philosophical issues in psychology
- Implementing psychological research techniques
- Qualitative research methodologies and techniques
- Theories of contemporary society
- Contemporary criminology
- Interpersonal violence and abuse studies
- Psychology of violent behaviour
- Critical perspectives in safeguarding adults
- Critical perspectives in safeguarding and child protection
- Rhetoric and reality of child and adolescent development
- Cultural and sociological aspects of child and adolescent wellbeing
- Child and adolescent mental health: theories and interventions
- Independent study
(* = Pre-Requisite: candidates will need to be able to demonstrate statistical competence at Level 6 to select this module)
Programme Specification
Programme Specification
For a detailed summary of all course content please read our programme specification for this course.
Entry requirements
1st or 2nd class honours degree.
Students with other qualifications may be admitted to the course via non-standard entry procedures.
Application information
Making your application
Applications should be made online directly to the university - visit our website or contact enquirycentre@cumbria.ac.uk for details and guidance. There is no official closing date but we would encourage you to apply as early as possible, as many courses are competitive.
What makes a good application?
We consider all aspects of your application, not simply your qualifications and grades. We look at your academic background and performance, relevant experience (particularly for professional courses where some voluntary or paid experience is required) and your reference. Above all, we look for motivation, commitment and potential - evidence that you can benefit from study at higher education level.
Make sure you include:
- Relevant qualifications/evidence of ability: check our website for the specific entry requirements required for each course. Tell us your previous academic results and your projected grades.
- A supportive reference, from an employer or your school or college.
- A good personal statement.
Explain clearly what attracts you to the course and tell us about your wider interests and experience. If you are applying for a course that incorporates professional training and placements, you should include any relevant experience or visits you have made in the workplace. Highlight your individual strengths and qualities, personal skills, capacity for teamwork, contribution to the community and your enterprise, originality and determination. Select some activities which bring out these qualities.
What next?
When we receive your application, we will send you an acknowledgement and if you are successful at this stage you will get either - an offer (with an invitation to visit the campus to which you have applied), or - an invitation to interview on a particular date. If we are not able to offer you a place on your chosen course we will usually try to offer you a place on a similar course and will contact you to discuss this. Alternatively, if we think you are suitable, but cannot offer you a place on your preferred campus because of the level of competition, we will offer you a place at another campus if one is available.
And if I accept?
The admissions team will contact you and send further information from February onwards about accommodation, and from May/June onwards about preparing to join the university. If you have any other queries, please telephone the admissions offices for information and advice on 0845 6061144.
Deferred entry
We welcome applications for deferred entry on some courses. If you have specific plans during your year out, indicate these on your personal statement as they may be relevant to your course and could enhance your application.
International students
Please see the international pages of our website for full details of our entry requirements (including English-language skills) as well as contacts for advice and support.
From 2009 the UK Border Agency introduced a Points-Based Immigration System (PBS) for students coming to the UK from outside the European Economic Area (EEA).
Students entering higher education will need to obtain a Confirmation of Acceptance (CAS) plus finance confirmation to obtain a Tier 4 student visa.
UK education providers are licensed by the UK Border Agency. When students apply for their visa (or entry clearance) they will need a valid Certificate of Acceptance of Studies from the university. Please note that a CAS is not a guarantee that a visa will be issued.
See the following websites for further details:
Additional costs
All students will need to purchase stationery, course books and personal equipment. Extra costs may also be applicable to cover field trips, membership fees etc.
Additional costsGraduate destinations
You'll be fully qualified to work in roles involving probation, children's workforce or research focused jobs in the government or private sector. You may also wish to study at PhD level in social science, criminology and psychology. The flexible nature of the course allows students to gain an MSc that suits their own specific career goals.
Resources and facilities
Our specialist staff are active researchers and expert academics in their field, with fantastic facilities that have helped us achieve a high employment rate. We work closely with a number of external organisations, including HMP Haverigg, Circles of Support and Carlisle Key.
