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This degree allows you to explore the relationship between advocacy and activism in contemporary society. During your studies you will explore current issues by applying theories of power, conflict and cohesion to society and to the decisions of governments, local authorities and other institutions.
You will explore the different types of advocacy roles that exist in society, from the person advocating on their own behalf to those employed as professional, independent advocates. You will also explore the role that activism has played in the development of our society and the role that it continues to play in the world today. In doing so you will explore the complex relationship between advocacy and activism and many of the theoretical and political distinctions between these two types of activity.
You will engage with conceptual and theoretical frameworks, for example citizenship and human rights, needs and social justice, health and well-being, philosophies of welfare, political economy of welfare and welfare regimes, political and social theory, and anti-oppressive practice and explore how these relate to the concepts of activism and advocacy. You will further explore the ways in which roles of an advocate and an activist are viewed by society and will engage with the debate as to whether either are effective in the current social context.
As you develop your own research interests you will be able to explore the ways in which both advocacy and activism are used by different individuals and groups in order to seek redress and change in society. These could include crime and criminal justice, education, family and childhood, health and social care, housing and urban regeneration, income maintenance and social security, migration, poverty, inequality and social exclusion, work, employment, and labour markets.
*Selected modules subject to revalidation
Pathway Options
Advocacy (BA)
UCAS Code: 6X7S
Apply via UCAS
Advocacy (CertHE)
UCAS Code: ADV6
Apply via UCAS
Sociology (BA)
UCAS Code: SOC1
Apply via UCAS
Social Studies (CertHE)
UCAS Code: SLS1
Apply via UCAS
How to apply
- All applications to study for a full-time undergraduate degree are made via UCAS - (Yr Athrofa: Institute of Education is part of University of Wales Trinity Saint David)
- Part-time applicants should apply through the University.
- UCAS institution code: T80
- Visit the University's apply section to find out more
Book an Open Day Request Information
Tuition Fees 2023/24:
Home (Full-time): £9,000 per year
Overseas (Full-time): £13,500 per year
Why choose this course?
- This is the first Advocacy (BA) qualification in Wales and the UK.
- This degree is designed to appeal to individuals who wish to explore the ways in which individuals and groups can make a difference in society.
- All content is co-constructed with professional advocates in Wales from a wide practitioner base, which aligns with Welsh Government directives.
- Research-active staff, who also engage in theory and practice in the sector, alongside visiting speakers from a wide set of organisations.
- Guest lecturers embedded in practice.
- Opportunities to explore theory and policy in practice via placement and volunteering opportunities.
What you will learn
Advocacy (BA) is a three-year programme. The qualification is underpinned by an initial foundation year that explores advocacy, sociology, social policy and social studies.
In the second year, students undertake a placement. There is a clear focus on advocacy in practice.
The final year of study incorporates a dissertation with links to professional advocacy practice.
Year One - Level 4 (Cert HE, Dip HE & BA)
- Advocacy Services in the 21st Century (20 credits; compulsory)
- Agency, Empowerment and Anti-Oppressive Practice (20 credits; compulsory)
- Academic Study Skills (20 credits; compulsory)*
- Multi-Agency Working: Policy in Practice (20 credits; compulsory)
- Understanding Society: An Introduction to Sociological Theory (20 credits; compulsory)
- Who are We: Culture and Identity (20 credits; compulsory).
Year Two - Level 5 (Dip HE & BA)
- The Reflective Practitioner (40 credits; compulsory)*
- Health and Social Care, Disability and Wellbeing (20 credits; compulsory)
- Research Methods for the Social Sciences (20 credits; compulsory)
- The Evolving Landscape of Advocacy Provision (20 credits; compulsory)
- Work, Poverty and Welfare in the Modern World (20 credits; compulsory).
Year Three - Level 6 (BA)
- Advocacy: Maintaining Independence in Service Provision (20 credits; compulsory)
- Independent Project (40 credits; compulsory; Graduate Attributes Framework module)
- Professional Practice in Advocacy (20 credits; compulsory)
- Relationships, Communication and Families in Contemporary Society (20 credits; compulsory)
- Skills for Life: Employability and Future Pathways (20 credits; compulsory).
There are no exams on this course as you will complete arrange of written assessments, presentations and other forms of assessment including blogs and portfolios of evidence.
This Framework aims to develop your professional skills and competence alongside your academic subject knowledge. You’ll study up to 40 credits per level throughout your programme from the Graduate Attributes Framework.
The Graduate Attribute modules are designed to enable you to develop, and evidence, a range of career-focused skills related to your subject area. These skills include digital competency, research and project management, as well as such personal competencies as communication, creativity, self-reflection, resilience and problem-solving.
- Find out more about the Graduate Attributes Framework
Key Information
- All applicants will be required to provide a satisfactory enhanced disclosure document from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
- 80 UCAS points.
- Non-traditional students will be considered on their experience and individual merit.
- Applicants with FE/Access qualifications welcomed.
Graduates go on to careers in a variety of fields including:
- Advocate Support Worker – Children with learning difficulties
- Advocate Support Worker – Residential Care for Adults
- Business Support Officer
- Children’s School Advocate
- Community Engagement Advocate
- Emerging roles within sport and film industry (responding to current events)
- Family Liaison Officer
- Healthcare Advocate NHS
- Independent Advocate
- Independent Domestic Violence Advocate
- Independent Mental Capacity Advocate
- Independent Mental Health Advocate
- Independent Professional Advocate
- Lecturer BA Advocacy (with further study)
- Local Authority Childcare Advocate
- Manager Third Sector Voluntary Organisations
- Pupil Advocate/Support (Additional Learning Needs)
- Pupil Support Advocate
- Supervised Contact Worker – Social Services
- Volunteer Manager: Third Sector
Graduates may also choose to continue studying and complete postgraduate and postgraduate research qualifications through progression on to, either:
- MA Equity and Diversity in Society
- PhD in Social Justice and Inclusion
These courses allow students to utilise postgraduate funding through the UK Government’s Student Loan Company.
- DBS: All applicants will be required to provide a satisfactory enhanced disclosure document from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
- Students are responsible for meeting the cost of essential textbooks which they may need to produce essays, assignments and dissertations in fulfilment of the academic requirements of each programme of study.
- There will also be further costs for the following, not purchasable from the University:
- Books
- Clothing
- Fieldwork
- Printing and copying
- Stationery
Cert HE Advocacy
A one-year programme which is designed to provide a foundation year for those students who may wish to move onto either the BA Advocacy or the BA Sociology degree; or as a standalone exit award/qualification. This programme is underpinned by modules that explore advocacy, sociology, social policy and social studies.
BA Sociology (SOC1)
A three-year programme. This qualification is underpinned by an initial foundation year which includes modules that explore sociology, advocacy, social policy and social studies. In the second year of study, students will undertake a placement while the modules develop a wider understanding of sociological issues and solutions. The final year of study incorporates a dissertation with links to aspects of sociology that the student wishes to pursue in more depth.
MA Equity and Diversity in Society
The MA in Equity and Diversity in Society is an exciting development in response to current legislation, social policy, local and global concerns regarding equity. Awareness of equity, equality and diversity is considered an integral requirement of many organisations, as well as an aspiration for society as a whole.
PhD/MPhil Social Justice and Inclusion
Contact: Associate Professor Caroline Lohmann-Hancock – c.lohmann-hancock@uwtsd.ac.uk
Opportunities to study in Europe and the USA for a semester in year 2.
Visit our Carmarthen Accommodation section to find out more.
