UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD Faculty of Social Sciences Division of Sociology and Criminology Programme title: Foundation Year in Social Sciences and Management Awarding and teaching institution: University of Bradford Final and interim award(s): Foundation Year [Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) level 3] Programme title: Programme approved / accredited by: Foundation Year in Social Sciences and Management N/A Duration: 1 year full-time UCAS code: Y003 Subject benchmark statement(s): n/a FHEQ Levels: QCF/NQF Level 3 Date produced: January 2006 Last updated : July 2015 1
Introduction The Foundation Year in Social Sciences and Management is a pre-degree access programme that will provide you with a solid basis for future degree study. It is designed for students who do not currently meet the required entry criteria for their chosen degree programme or who are not yet ready for an undergraduate programme. The programme will help you prepare you to meet the demands of learning before you embark on a degree programme including a number of degree programmes provided by the Faculty of Social Sciences and the Faculty of Management at the University of Bradford. While the main progression route is the BA (Hons) Sociology or the BA (Hons) Sociology and Psychology, students successfully completing the Foundation Year can progress to other degrees in the Faculty of Social Sciences and in the Faculty of Management. Please note that progression to all degrees is subject to passing the Foundation Year however some degrees may have additional requirements for progression. You should discuss your progression choices with the programme leader. The degrees provided by the Faculty of Social Sciences that students may progress to include: BA (Hons) Applied Criminal Justice Studies BSc (Hons) Business Economics BA (Hons) Development and Peace Studies BSc (Hons) Economics Bsc (Hons) Financial Economics BSc (Hons) Economics, Money and Banking BA (Hons) Economics and History BSc (Hons) Economics with Development Studies BSc (Hons) Economics with International Relations MEcon Economics BA (Hons) History and Politics BA (Hons) International Relations and Security Studies BA (Hons) Peace Studies BA (Hons) Politics BSc (Hons) Psychology BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling BSc (Hons) Psychology and Crime BA (Hons) Sociology BA (Hons) Sociology and Psychology 2
BA (Hons) Social Work BA (Hons) Working with Children, Young People and Families The degrees provided by the Faculty of Management that students may progress to include: BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance BSc (Hons) Business and Management Studies BSc (Hons) Human Resource Management BSc (Hons) International Business and Management BSc (Hons) Marketing BSc (Hons) Business Studies and Law LLB Law (Commercial Law) LLB Law (Criminal Law) LLB Law with Business and Management LLB Law (Social Justice) The Foundation Year is a flexible programme in every sense. A number of pathways are provided within the programme to prepare you for your chosen undergraduate degree. These specifically include pathways to degrees in Sociology, Sociology and Psychology and Management. Within these pathways you take compulsory core modules and some optional modules that interest you and that are specifically designed to help construct a learning programme that is both challenging and stimulating. No matter what choices you make, the careful selection and successful completion of the modules available, including the core modules, will ensure that by the end you are prepared, confident and ready to tackle the demands of undergraduate degree studies. As the Foundation Year is designed as a pre-degree access programme it will be necessary to choose pathway options that best prepare you for your undergraduate degree programme. Your programme tutor will help guide you to the most appropriate and beneficial choice of modules. The Foundation Year will provide you with the skills, knowledge and understanding that are necessary for successful undergraduate study and support you to become an independent learner. 3
Programme Aims The programme is intended to: A1 A2 A3 provide you with a supportive route into higher education which will enable you to demonstrate that you are able achieve a university honours degree; enable you to acquire the underpinning knowledge understanding and skills needed to tackle the demands of undergraduate study; enable you to analyse your own strengths and weaknesses as a learner and develop strategies to maximise your own learning. Programme Learning Outcomes Foundation Year As a Level 3 programme, achievement reflects the ability to identify and use relevant understanding, methods and skills to complete tasks and address problems that, while well defined, have a measure of complexity. It includes taking responsibility for initiating and completing tasks and procedures as well as exercising autonomy and judgment within limited parameters. It also reflects awareness of different perspectives or approaches within an area of study or work. When you have successfully completed Level 3 of the programme you will be able to: LO 1 LO 2 LO 3 LO 4 LO 5 LO 6 LO 7 LO 8 LO 9 LO 10 LO 11 Demonstrate a basic knowledge of key concepts, approaches, texts in a selection of academic disciplines but particularly in the area of social sciences Explain how people learn and the strategies that can be employed to support effective learning Identify, assess and undertake preliminary evaluation of information from a range of sources Construct clear, cogent and coherent arguments in written and spoken form Demonstrate the ability to use and apply a range of theories and concepts Demonstrate the value, nature and validity of information sources and how they can support an argument Identify, access and communicate information in written and oral form Present information in a variety of formats appropriate to the audience Engage in team working skills and demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others and solve problems Demonstrate skills in self- awareness and time management Reflect on performance 4
Curriculum You will take a number of core and optional modules on the Foundation Year adding to 120 credits in total. Core modules are compulsory and to ensure students develop skills relevant to their specific degree pathway: different core modules are applied to different pathways. Foundation Year Foundation Year students must successfully complete modules totalling 120 credits to facilitate progression. Depending on their desired progression route students will take a number of compulsory core modules and a number of optional modules from the tables below. Progression The Foundation Year provides access to degree programmes in the Faculty of Social Sciences via a number of pathways. If you successfully complete the Foundation Year you will be guaranteed a place on an undergraduate degree in the Faculty of Social Sciences on the BA in Sociology, or the BA in Sociology and Psychology. Progression to other programmes is subject to meeting the entry criteria for those specific programmes. 5
Pathways The following table provides information on the core modules required to be taken and passed to facilitate progression to your chosen degree programme: Module Code Module Title Credits Level QCF/ NQF Study Period Sociology Pathway Sociology and Psychology Management SJ-3003D The Effective Learner 20 3 1 C C C SJ-3008D Western Philosophy and 20 3 1 C O O the History of Ideas SJ-3001D Interpersonal 20 3 2 C C C Communications SJ-3002D The Sociological 20 3 2 C C O Imagination SJ-3007D Introduction to 20 3 1 O C O Psychology SJ-3011D Numeracy and IT Skills 20 3 1 O O O SJ-3010D Principles of Marketing 20 3 1 O O C SJ-3004D Introduction to 20 3 1 O O O Understanding Organisations SJ-3005D Introduction to Project 20 3 2 O O O Management SJ-3009D Politics and Me 20 3 2 O O O SJ-3006D Criminology 20 3 2 O O O C = Core Module O = Option Module The curriculum may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and review procedures. Progression to the BA (Hons) Sociology and BA (Hons) Sociology and Psychology is subject to passing the Foundation Year. Progression to other degree programmes in the Faculty of Social Sciences and programmes at the Faculty of Management is subject to passing the Foundation Year with the overall grade average required for admission to those programmes; some of those programmes may have additional requirements for progression. Teaching and Assessment Strategies The Foundation Year in Social Sciences and Management programme of study is one year long (full time) and constitutes the first stage of a four year degree programme. Studying on the Foundation Year you will gain a range of knowledge and understanding specific to the social sciences and personal transferable skills which improve and enhance your ability to excel at university and beyond. The programme contains a range of core and optional modules and provides foundation level understanding to support the attainment of learning outcomes 1 to 11. 6
The teaching, learning and assessment strategies will facilitate learning and encourage you to develop as an independent learner. Knowledge understanding and skills are developed through the study of specific modules and skills are evaluated through assessment consisting of essays, examinations and /or presentations. The Effective Learner module (core and compulsory on all pathways) will provide the framework for your personal goal setting evaluation and review. The module will form a pivotal role in assessing your individual needs, in identifying the various resources available to supporting your study and in reviewing your progress (LO11). From studying on this module you will be able to explain how people learn and the strategies that can be employed to support effective learning will enhance you skills in written expression, correct sourcing and use and presentation of information (LO2, LO3). You will furthermore be able to identify, assess and undertake preliminary evaluation of information from a range of sources (LO3). A significant part of the Effective Learner module includes a focus on how to develop your writing skills to succeed at university. You will study of how to reference correctly, (Harvard Referencing Standard) and develop skills to enable you to write in an academic manner and to reflect on the value and usefulness of the information with which you are presented (LO6). With appropriate tutorial support, practice and feedback you will also learn to construct clear, cogent and coherent arguments in written and spoken form (LO4). On the Effective Learner module you will learn how to develop an action plan and to reflect on your strengths and weaknesses, identify areas for development, manage your time and generally develop strategies for improving developing your research, writing and referencing (LO11). Having developed an understanding of your own strengths and weaknesses as a learner you will possess strategies to maximise your own learning (LO1, and LO11). The Interpersonal Communications module (core and compulsory on all pathways) will help you develop self-confidence, emotional intelligence and interpersonal and intrapersonal skills. It will also provide you with stress management skills, assertiveness skills and team building skills preparing you for your future academic, work and personal life. On this module you will engage in team work and as part of the assessment for the module you will deliver a group presentation (LO5, LO6, LO9, and LO10). In your other core modules, which differ depending on your chosen progression pathway you will study key concepts, approaches and texts in a selection of academic disciplines but particularly in the area of social sciences (LO1). In the course of your studies both on the core modules and the optional modules and through formative assessment (not graded) and summative assessment (graded) and through your involvement in seminar discussion and debate you will identify, assess and undertake preliminary evaluation of information from a range of sources and construct clear, cogent and coherent arguments in written and spoken form (LO5). You will also be able to demonstrate the ability to use and apply a range of theories and concepts and to demonstrate the value, nature and validity of information sources and how they can support an argument. Furthermore in the course of your studies on the core modules and optional modules you will develop the skills to enable you to identify access and communicate information in oral and written form (LO3, LO4, LO5, LO6, and LO7). 7
Through the assessments associated with the core and optional modules which include examinations and essays and through your group presentation on the core Interpersonal Communications module you will be able to present information in a variety of formats appropriate to the audience and engage in team working skills and demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others and solve problems (LO8, LO9). A diverse range of teaching and learning strategies, such as active learning sets, team work, team presentations, lectures, seminars and collaborative learning will be used in the delivery of the foundation programme with specific and appropriate teaching methods employed to meet the learning outcomes of individual modules and the learning outcomes of the programme itself (LO1- LO11). You will be particularly encouraged and supported to develop an independent style of learning. Reading, problem solving, project work, tutorials and student led seminars will all be a feature of the programme. In general, concepts, principles and theories will be introduced in lectures and explored in more depth in associated tutorials and seminars. Assessment is a crucial component of your learning which is necessary to monitor your progress, motivate learning, provide feedback and grade students. Assessment methods, which include essays, examinations and presentations, will reflect the diversity of provision and directly address the desired learning outcomes. Assessment Regulations This Programme conforms to the standard University Regulations which are available at the following link: http://www.bradford.ac.uk/aqpo/ordinances-and-regulations/ Admission Requirements The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of a candidate s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability to succeed on this particular programme. Consideration of your application will be based on a combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience. If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate this learning for the Recognition of Prior Learning which may provide you with exemptions from specified modules contained within the curriculum. The University of Bradford has always welcomed applications from disabled students, and these will be considered on the same academic grounds as are applied to all applicants. We are continually reviewing and developing our practices and policies to make the University more inclusive, but if you are disabled we may need to make some adjustments to make sure that you are not disadvantaged. We would advise you to contact the programme leader before you apply to discuss these. 8
A typical offer to someone seeking entry through the UCAS scheme would be 180 UCAS points with a GCSE Grade C in English (or equivalent Key Skills Level 2 Literacy qualification). However, applications are welcome from mature students (those over 21 years of age on entry) and candidates with non-standard qualifications or who, lacking academic qualifications, have significant relevant experience. On completion of a UCAS form you will be invited to the Faculty l for an Open Day when you will have the opportunity to meet staff, view the facilities and discuss the Bradford experience with current students. Requirement of students accepted with IELTS 5.5 (no sub-test less than 5). Students wishing to join the Foundation Year with the minimum English language entry requirement, an International English Language Test Score of IELTS 5.5 (no sub-test less than 5) are encouraged to attend the English Language Support classes. Learning Resources The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and our specialist library in the Faculty of Management provide a wide range of printed and electronic resources to support your studies. We offer quiet study space if you want to work on your own, and group study areas for the times when you need to discuss work with fellow students. Subject librarians for each School provide training sessions and individual guidance in finding the information you need for your assignment, and will help you organise your references properly. Student PC clusters can be found in both our libraries and elsewhere on the campus. Many of these are open 24/7. You can also use the University's wireless network to access the internet from your own laptop. Most of our journals are available online (both on and off campus), and you can also access your University email account, personal information and programme-related materials this way. Staff are on hand during the daytime to help you if you get stuck, and there is a 24/7 IT helpline available. Student Support and Guidance Programme Team Support for you personally and in your programme of study, will be provided both by the University and the Programme Team. You will be allocated a personal tutor who is someone with whom you will be able to talk about any academic or personal concerns. The School will ensure that there is someone available with whom you feel comfortable to help and support you. You will be provided with a comprehensive series of handbooks that you can consult on a range of learning issues and your programme tutors will be available to consult on subject specific queries. Students Union We value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the Students Union, through a system of Student Representatives and formal staff student liaison committees, so that any issues you wish to raise are addressed rapidly. 9
The Students Union provide professional academic representation and advice. The Students Union and the University of Bradford work in partnership to provide confidential counselling and welfare services where you can get help with any aspect of your personal or academic life. Student Financial and Information Services (based in the Hub) will provide you with information about a diverse range of issues such as council tax, personal safety and tourist information. International Students can access a range of additional advice and support services through the Students Union. Employability and Career Development The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance their employability profile and capabilities through learning opportunities embedded within the curriculum. Furthermore, the University is committed to supporting students to develop their commitment towards a career pathway(s) and to implementing a career plan. Professional career guidance and development support is available throughout your time as a student and as a graduate from Career Development Services. The support available from Career Development Services includes a wide range of information resources, one to one appointments, a weekly workshop programme, a mentoring programme, graduate recruitment and careers fairs, plus information and help to you find part time work, summer work placements, graduate internship programmes and graduate entry vacancies. In addition, some students as part of their programme of study may have the opportunity to complete a Career & Personal Development accredited module delivered by the Career Development Service. All students are encouraged to access Career Development Services at an early stage during their studies and to use the extensive resources available on their web site www.careers.brad.ac.uk. Career Development Services annually undertakes a survey of all graduates to find out their destination six months after graduation. The survey gathers data on the employment and further study routes graduates have entered and a range of other information including job roles, name and location of employers, salary details etc. The survey findings for each programme of study are presented on the programme information pages on the University website and via Career Development Services website www.careers.brad.ac.uk The specific provision on this programme is geared to helping students gain employment. In addition to developing your academic skills which include your abilities to communicate in written and oral form and the ability to work in teams and groups as well as project management, through our Interpersonal Communications core module students have the opportunity to develop the soft skills which include skills in assertiveness, personal confidence, emotional intelligence, stress management and presentation skills all of which are valuable in the world of work. Academic Skills Advice Service For undergraduate students who are looking to improve their marks during their time at university, study skills and maths advice is available to all regardless of degree 10
discipline or level of study. Students can access a programme of interactive workshops and clinics which is delivered throughout the year. This is in addition to our extremely popular face-to-face guidance from our advisers, who also offer a wide range of online and paper based materials for self-study. http://www.bradford.ac.uk/academic-skills Disability Disabled students will find a supportive environment at Bradford where we are committed to ensuring that all aspects of student life are accessible to everyone. The Disability Service can help by providing support, advice and equipment to help you get the most out of your time at Bradford. It is a place where you can discuss any concerns you may have about adjustments that you may need, whether these relate to study, personal care or other issues. For more information contact the Disability Service by phoning: 01274 233739 or via email: disabilities@bradford.ac.uk University policies and initiatives Learning and Teaching Our University approach to learning, teaching and assessment is encapsulated by an integrated set of themes and principles within our Curriculum Framework. All of our degree programmes have been designed to provide you with an inclusive and engaging learning environment which gives you the opportunity to thrive and develop in your area of study. Our research-informed programmes have a particular focus on developing your employability. We also place a strong emphasis on collaborative, real-world and enquiry-based learning, supported by appropriate learning technologies. Our assessment is designed not just to measure your achievement, but also to shape and guide your learning through preparing you for the increasing level of challenge as you progress through your degree. Together, these lead to you developing a distinctive set of graduate attributes which will prepare you for life beyond university. Ecoversity Ecoversity is a strategic project of the University which aims to embed the principles of sustainable development into our decision-making, learning and teaching, research activities campus operations and lives of our staff and students. We do not claim to be a beacon for sustainable development but we aspire to become a leading University in this area. The facilities we create for teaching and learning, including teaching spaces, laboratories, IT labs and social spaces, will increasingly reflect our commitments to sustainable development. Staff and student participation in this initiative is crucial to its success and its inclusion in the programme specification is a clear signal that it is at the forefront of our thinking in programme development, delivery, monitoring and review. For more details see www.bradford.ac.uk/ecoversity Further Information: For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact Admissions. 11
The Admissions Office The University of Bradford Richmond Road Bradford, BD7 1DP UK +44 (0)1274 233054 http://www.brad.ac.uk/courses Faculty of Social Sciences University of Bradford Richmond Building Bradford BD7 1DP. +44 (0) 1274 236088 www.bradford.ac.uk/ssis The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the University's regulations and programme approval, enhancement and review procedures. 12
Appendices: Foundation Year in Social Sciences and Management 1. Programme Learning Outcomes Level Code Title LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 L11 3 SJ-3003D The Effective Learner A A A A A A A A S A A 3 SJ-3001D Interpersonal Communications A S A A A A A A A S S 3 SJ-3011D Numeracy and IT Skills A A/S S/A A A 3 SJ-3005D Introduction to Project Management A A A A A A A S S S 3 SJ-3010D Principles of Marketing A A A A A A A S 3 SJ-3007D Introduction to Psychology A S A A A A A A S S S 3 SJ-3008D Western Philosophy and the History A A A A A A A S of Ideas 3 SJ-3002D The Sociological Imagination A A A A A A A S 3 SJ-3004D Introduction to Understanding A A A A A A A S Organisations 3 SJ-3006D Criminology A A A A A A A S 3 SJ-3009D Politics and Me A A A A A A A S Notes: A = this outcome is formally assessed in the module; S = this outcome is explicitly supported in the learning and teaching but is not formally assessed 13
2. Teaching Map Level Code Title 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 3 SJ-3003D The Effective Learner X X X X X 3 SJ-3001D Interpersonal Communications X X X X X 3 SJ-3011D Numeracy and IT Skills X X X X 3 SJ-3005D Introduction to Project Management X X X X 3 SJ-3010D Principles of Marketing X X X X X 3 SJ-3007D Introduction to Psychology X X X X 3 SJ-3008D Western Philosophy and the History of Ideas X X X 3 SJ-3002D The Sociological Imagination X X X X 3 SJ-3004D Introduction to Understanding Organisations X X X X 3 SJ-3006D Criminology X X X X 3 SJ-3009D Politics and Me X X X Teaching and Learning Methods 1. Lectures 2. Seminars / Workshops 3. Library / Computer Sessions 4. Presentations 5. Supervision / Tutorials 6. Group work/ discuss 7. Formative test / Online ex. 14
3. Assessment Map Level Code Title 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 3 SJ-3003D The Effective Learner X X 3 SJ-3001D Interpersonal Communications X X 3 SJ-3011D Numeracy and IT Skills X X X 3 SJ-3005D Introduction to Project Management X X 3 SJ-3010D Principles of Marketing X X 3 SJ-3007D Introduction to Psychology X X 3 SJ-3008D Western Philosophy and the History of Ideas X X 3 SJ-3002D The Sociological Imagination X X 3 SJ-3004D Introduction to Understanding Organisations X X 3 SJ-3006D Criminology X X 3 SJ-3009D Politics and Me X X Methods of Assessment 1. Coursework / Essay / Research article assessment 2. Exam 3. MCQ Exam / Class test 4. Report / Action Plan 5. Presentation 6. Group Assignment 7. Data Task 15
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