Social Studies (CertHE)

A one-year programme. This qualification is an initial foundation year that includes modules, which explore sociology, advocacy, social policy and social studies.

This can either be a standalone exit award or a foundation year, after completion, to join either the BA Advocacy or BA Sociology degrees.

Year One - Level 4 (Cert HE)

• Agency, Empowerment and Anti-Oppressive Practice (20 credits; compulsory)
• Contemporary Challenges: Making a Difference (20 credits; compulsory; Graduate Attributes Framework module)
• Learning in the Digital Era (20 credits; compulsory; Graduate Attributes Framework module)
• 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).

No exams in this programme.

Written Assignments, Seminar Presentations, Reports, Reflective Diaries, Leaflets and Video Documentaries; these assessment methods link with the development of employability skills.

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

• Dr Caroline Lohmann-Hancock
• Ken Dicks

• A Cert HE normally has a 32 point requirement or previous experience as they are designed to be an entry qualification
• Non-traditional students will be considered on their experience and individual merit
• Applicants with FE/Access qualifications welcomed
• There are no specific academic requirements however applicants should be able to demonstrate good language skills and have the potential to develop them further.
• Work, voluntary or life experience where advocacy skills have been necessary will be taken into account. You will be asked about your access to relevant work or voluntary experiences before starting the course or indicate what kind of support you would need to organise this, as it essential for undertaking the course that all students have a base of ‘practice’.
• Personal qualities are of particular significance. Potential students must show evidence of appropriate values and ethics (such as a commitment to equality, social justice and inclusion, honesty, integrity and transparency) and demonstrate qualities that would enable them to engage effectively in the role of advocate (e.g. the ability to listen and attend to others, to handle competing agendas, to communicate clearly, to recognise different points of view and interests, to protect confidentiality, and to make effective notes and observations).
• All students will need to have a DBS check.

A range of employment with the Social Care and Voluntary sector

• Communities First
• Families First
• Family Support
• Working in the voluntary sector

Progress to either:

• Advocacy (BA)
• Sociology (BA)

After completion of the degree programmes above potential employment option widens to include:

• Advocate
• Criminal Justice Sector
• Education Officer
• Emerging roles within sport and film industry (responding to current events)
• HE/FE Lecturer
• Local Authority Management and care
• Local Health Authority Management and care
• Media
• Nursing and Mental health Nursing (Further Study Required)
• Police
• Probation Officer (Further Study Required)
• Project Management
• Project Manager
• Research
• Research Assistant
• Social Worker (Further Study Required)
• Student Support Services
• Supporting Vulnerable Groups
• Youth Offending

Graduates of the Advocacy (BA) and Sociology (BA) degrees may also choose to continue studying and complete postgraduate and postgraduate research qualifications through progression onto, either, the MA Equity and Diversity in Society or a PhD in Social Justice and Inclusion that allow students to utilise post-graduate funding.

• DBS
• Students are responsible for meeting the cost of essential textbooks, and of producing such essays, assignments and dissertations as are required to fulfil the academic requirements for 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

Advocacy (BA) (6X7S)
A three-year programme. This qualification is underpinned by an initial foundation year that includes modules, which explore advocacy, sociology, social policy and social studies. In the second year of study, students will undertake a placement. There will be a clear focus on advocacy in practice. The final year of study incorporates a dissertation with links to professional Advocacy practice and the student’s own interests.

Sociology (BA) (SOC1)
A three-year programme. This qualification is underpinned by an initial foundation year that includes modules, which explore sociology, advocacy, social policy and social studies. In the second year of study, students will undertake a placement whilst 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.

Equity and Diversity in Society (MA)
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.

Social Justice and Inclusion (PhD/MPhil)
Contact: Dr Caroline Lohmann-Hancock c.lohmann-hancock@uwtsd.ac.uk

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.  To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit our Scholarships and Bursaries section.

There are no study abroad opportunities for this course.

Please visit our Accommodation pages for more information.

 If you would like to find out more about studying in Carmarthen, you can visit us on an Open Day.