Contents

Introduction to Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology 01 Research in context 04 An investment in your future 06 Programme details 08 Applications and admissions 12

Sociology, SocialPolicy andCr minology

The Department of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology offers a unique environment for you to study sociology, criminology and social policy. We are one of the oldest Sociology departments in the country with firm roots in social campaigning throughout the 20th century to the present.
We continue to be centred on analysing social change thematically in exploring aspects of social justice, human rights, the constitution of citizenship and urban and social inequalities. We place contemporary issues alongside historical processes in developing a social scientific imagination among our students. This means that teaching and learning will equip students with the tools necessary for understanding the major issues of our age. All staff are engaged in teaching and research. Topics of research and teaching include: Criminology and criminal justice deviance Urban sociology Surveillance and society Corporate crime and corporate accountability States, government and democracy Health, society and the body Gender and sexuality Race, racism, nation and migration Wealth, welfare, poverty and inequalities Welfare, citizenship and vulnerability Children, identity and public policy. We have strong links with a wide range of innovative social agencies and policy developments. For example, we have recently undertaken funded evaluation of Liverpools Capital of Culture programme after 2008. We have also led the way in exploring issues surrounding democratic participation. Moreover, we actively research issues around health, youth identity, social surveillance, racism, urban regeneration and policing in the city.

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences > School of Law and Social Justice > Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology www.liv.ac.uk/ssp

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WHY CHOOSE SOCIOLOGY, SOCIAL POLICY AND CRIMINOLOGY?

Build your own degree via pathways. Studying with us means you can build your own degree and thematically pursue issues and subjects that are of interest and concern you. We will help you in developing a sound knowledge base within socially relevant, innovative, critical and applied social science subjects. Application of learning in the real world. As the above information has already stated, our unique programmes offer you an opportunity to study and work in a relevant social field (for example, youth care and custody, health and social services etc) through the various options at Levels Two and Three. Employability. We will help you to acquire key skills independence of thought, presentational/communication skills, data collection and analysis and IT skills that are highly valued by potential employers. Our students are consistently successful in securing rewarding careers in a variety of settings in national and local government and, increasingly, in private and voluntary sector employment. A tradition of progressive thinking. We are over 100 years old, making us one the first social science institutes in the UK. We combine a tradition of social leadership with a reputation for proactive interventions for social justice. We are based in one of the great cities in the United Kingdom making this a tremendously exciting place in which to study the social world.

How you learn

Whilst studying in the department, you will spend an average of about eight hours a week in face-to-face teaching, the rest of your study time will be spent in libraries or in other forms of self-directed study. You will be supported throughout by a Personal Tutor. We have achieved national recognition as a pioneer of work-based learning in sociology, criminology and social policy. This approach is called Interchange and through this every student will have the opportunity to choose modules that allow them to develop their sociological skills in real-life settings as part of our Applied Social Research placements with voluntary sector organisations in and around the region (for example, working with the homeless, young people and Liverpool Student Community Action). Students work and produce reports which help the organisations develop their services and meet local needs a great thing to have on a CV! Second and third year students have the opportunity of placements with a variety of organisations.

How you are assessed

Most modules are assessed by means of a mixture of essays and examinations. Typically, a module in Year Two might involve a 4,000 word essay or a 2,500 word essay plus a one hour examination. Some modules are assessed wholly or in part by other appropriate means, such as the preparation of projects and individual or group presentations. The final degree class is based on Year Two and Three marks, weighted in favour of Year Three marks. Over the last few years the majority of our students have obtained Upper Second Class Degrees.

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KeyFacts
2010 APPLICATIONS
Number of places: 81 Number of applications: 711

RESEARCH (RAE 2008)

84% of graduates were employed or engaged in further study six months after graduation. (Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Report 2008/09.)

RESEARCH
30% of research activity deemed world leading or internationally excellent, and a further 35% internationally recognised.

All School staff are involved both in research and in teaching. Topics of research, which inform our teaching programme, include: criminology and criminal justice, international sociology, urban sociology, surveillance, corporate crime, social movements, gender and sexuality, racism, migration, poverty and inequalities, nationalism, drugs, and a wide range of social policy and social work topics, including community care and childrens services.

RESOURCES
The Sydney Jones Library recently had a 20 million revamp and extension and is one of the best social science libraries in the UK, with extensive collections of books, journals, reference materials and IT facilities.

% 84
of graduates were employed or engaged in further study six months after graduation.

65%
30% of our research activity has been deemed world-leading or internationally excellent and further 35% internationally recognised.

711
applications in 2010.

Researchincontext
The University of Liverpool is a research-intensive university, and academic staff in the Department of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology are leading researchers in their fields. What this means for you as a student is that your learning will be informed by the very latest developments in the area.

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An example of a current area of research in the Department is the work being done by Sandra Walklate, Gabe Mythen and Ross McGarry. This research focuses on the cultural representations of the hero and the victim and their suffering as told through the events at Wootton Bassett where the bodies of soldiers killed in Afghanistan and Iraq were returned until 2011. The research takes the form of a visual analysis and can be read as a paper: Witnessing Wootton Bassett: An Exploration in Cultural Victimology in the journal Crime, Media and Culture (August, 2011). Our work in this area continues to inform the kind of critical thinking and research expected of an undergraduate third year student and informs modules such as Criminal Victimisation, Policy and Welfare, in which photographs are used to facilitate a discussion around meanings of victimisation. Another example of some cutting-edge research in the Department includes that of Roy Colemans work on surveillance, public space and the city. The research asks how our public spaces (how we use them and perceive them) are being affected by technologies like CCTV, body scanners and access control. Are urban spaces becoming more or less democratic and public with surveillance?

The extent to which such surveillance makes for safer cities and less crime are critically evaluated with questions such as safer for whom and which types of crime (if any) are being reduced or controlled? The research takes a critical look at public surveillance and how this affects different groups such as women, younger and older people, ethnic groups and those on lower incomes. Roys book Reclaiming the Streets won a prestigious scholarly award in 2005 (The Hart Social and Legal Book Prize). This research informs modules such as Social Control, Order and the City in Year Three in which students are expected to critically assess what is increasingly known as the surveillance society. Contrast this with the work of David Whyte, who is currently researching the prospects for developing new forms of accountability in cases where corporations violate human rights. This research involves interviews with judges at the European Court of Human Rights, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, as well as UN officials and people working for human rights organisations. Davids previous work on the role of corporations in Iraq won the 2008 Leon Radzinowicz prize for Criminology. This research underpins his contribution to research methods and to criminology teaching in the Department, and is used to provide key insights on his Crimes of the Powerful Year Three module.

An investment in your future

Graduates from the Department of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology continue to enjoy great success in a wide range of challenging careers, including: Public administration (local/central government, partnerships) Public relations for various organisations Probation, crime control, social work Media, industry and commerce College and school teaching Work in the charitable and voluntary sectors Further research work within and outside the University. In all the national tables which detail the job prospects of graduates, sociology students (including social policy and criminology) consistently figure near the top of the tables when it comes to securing satisfying employment. Messaging skills (distinction in verbal and written expression and communication). Self-management skills (organising your time and projects, meeting deadlines). Interpersonal skills (understanding of others, leadership, ability to work in a team). Academic skills (critical thinking and critical analysis, becoming a researcher, problem solving, developing a social scientific imagination).

WORK EXPERIENCE OPPORTUNITIES

In Year Two our students have a choice in whether they want to work as part of their study. In Year Three our students have the opportunity of taking up work placements via our Interchange Service. This connects students with a variety of voluntary and charitable organisations in and around the region. These include the Community Voluntary Service, Refugee Action, Liverpool Student Community Action (homelessness project, play days and Chinese New Year celebrations), Victim Support, Barnardos, and the Citizens Advice Bureau. Through this kind of work, our students produce useful reports which help the organisations develop their services and meet client needs a great thing to have on a CV!

QUALIFYING YOU FOR LIFE

Over the three years with us you will gain and develop a range of skills and talents. These will be nurtured within the range of learning activities you will undertake and with your Personal Tutor. These skills are transferable across learning, work and life environments. They will not only maximise your accomplishments at university but also boost your employability. Throughout all our learning programmes you will be expected to enhance, develop and demonstrate:

POSTGRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES
Criminology and Criminal Justice MA Applied Criminal Justice Research MA Research Methodology: Sociology and Social Policy MA Cities, Culture, Regeneration MA

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Reading sociology at Liverpool University changed my life. It was while at Liverpool I learnt how to study society in a rigorous, academic way, as opposed to as a passive observer. At Liverpool I developed my analytical mind and learned how to articulate my thoughts, all of which helped me to go on and become an award winning journalist and author. I use the skills I learned at Liverpool University pretty much daily in my career as a journalist. Whether quizzing a supermodel about feminism or interviewing a Congolese film director, the tools and knowledge I picked up as part of my sociology degree have proved invaluable.

Graduate Profile

HANNAH POOL IS A JOURNALIST AND AUTHOR OF MY FATHERS DAUGHTER (PUBLISHED BY PENGUIN). SHE WRITES REGULARLY FOR THE GUARDIAN, TIMES, GRAZIA AND OTHERS. HANNAH GRADUATED FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF LIVERPOOL IN 1995.

Programmedetails
Degrees at a Glance
Criminology and Sociology BA (Hons) Sociology BA (Hons) Sociology and Social Policy BA (Hons)
UCAS Code Page

LM39 L302 LL34

08 09 10

Criminology and Sociology BA (Hons) UCAS code: LM39 Programme length: 3 years
Key contact: Roy Coleman E: roy.coleman@liverpool.ac.uk Our Department includes a number of the most renowned criminologists on the international stage. The Criminology and Sociology programme responds to the growing demand for a high quality degree that deals with a subject that is both relevant and rich in intellectual challenges. Its structure draws on a range of popular sociology and criminology modules, taught by recognised national and international experts in their fields. Modules are continually updated and designed to provide you with a well-rounded learning experience interlinking practical and theoretical issues in both criminology and sociology.

PROGRAMME CONTENT Year One

The first year of the programme provides an introduction to exploring crime in its social, historical and political context. Getting to grips with the key concepts in both Criminology and Sociology is dealt with at Year One to ensure easy transition into Years Two and Three. Our Studying Society module explores the use of social science research methods and ensures that by the second year all students are fully acquainted with IT and virtual learning tools. Understanding the Social: Theories and Themes Social Change and Social Policy in Contemporary Society 1 Social Change and Social Policy in Contemporary Society 2: Changing Inequalities Studying Society Introduction to Crime and Society Controlling Crime An Introduction

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Year Two
In the second year, our core modules provide a broader and deeper coverage of criminological perspectives, issues and controversies in criminal justice practice and the use and application of sociological theory. Students choose the remaining half of their modules from the wide range available. Foundations of Social Inquiry Data Analysis and Presentation Research Design and Data Collection Perspectives on Crime and Deviance Controversies in Crime, Justice and Punishment

Sociology BA (Hons) UCAS code: L302 Programme length: 3 years

Key contact: Roy Coleman E: roy.coleman@liverpool.ac.uk Sociology is a critical study of society. You will learn to make sense of what drives the social world to change and the possible directions this change may take. The effects of new ideas, technologies, social divisions and conflicts on everyday life is assessed as you study a broad range of subjects that take in local, national and global social relationships. As a result, you will receive a thorough grounding in both social theory and research methods that are anchored in a rich diversity of social issues.

Year Three
In Year Three, students will have the choice to study specialist subjects in-depth and develop their independent learning. Those who opt for a dissertation are given freedom to pursue their interest in a topic of their own choice, whilst those opting for our Applied Social Research or Social Policy Project get a chance to combine work experience with academic rigour. We have considerable expertise in combining your research interests with the needs and aims of local agencies. Dissertation Applied Social Research Reflecting on Applied Social Research Social Policy Project: Work-Based Learning For examples of optional modules available in Years Two and Three, see page 11.

PROGRAMME CONTENT Year One

In Year One students will be introduced to the classic work of Marx, Weber and Durkheim before exploring 20th-century social theorists, thus laying a strong foundation for future study. On the practical side, there are two linked modules [Social Change in Contemporary Society 1 and 2], which look at issues such as the family, social class, gender and race .A further introductory module, Studying Society, looks at the use of social science research methods and ensures that by the second year all students are fully acquainted with IT and virtual learning tools. Understanding the Social: Theories and Themes Social Change and Social Policy in Contemporary Society 1 Social Change and Social Policy in Contemporary Society 2: Changing Inequalities Studying Society Introduction to Crime and Society Controlling Crime An Introduction
For full entry requirements and current module details see www.liv.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses

Year Two
Having established a firm grounding, second year students begin to increase their in-depth understanding of social theory, research methods, and processes of social exclusion in order to broaden their knowledge of different topics in the discipline through a wide range of options. Contemporary Social Theory: Thinkers and Perspectives Foundations of Social Inquiry Data Analysis and Presentation Research Design and Data Collection

Sociology and Social Policy BA (Hons) UCAS code: LL34 Programme length: 3 years
Key contact: Roy Coleman E: roy.coleman@liverpool.ac.uk If you are thinking of a career in the social services or public administration, then this programme is tailor-made for you. Although it has many similarities to the BA (Hons) in Sociology (L302), it will allow you to concentrate more on studying the ways in which governments seek to provide services and to change conditions in fields such as health, education, crime control and welfare support.

Year Three
By Year Three, students will have the choice to study specialist subjects in-depth and develop their independent learning. Those who opt for a dissertation are given freedom to pursue their interest in a topic of their own choice, whilst those opting for our Applied Social Research or Social Policy Project get a chance to combine work experience with academic rigour. Our School has considerable expertise in combining your research interests with the needs and aims of local agencies. Applied Social Research Social Policy Project: Work-based Learning Dissertation For examples of optional modules available in Years Two and Three, see opposite.

PROGRAMME CONTENT Year One

In Year One, students are tutored in the key frameworks of social understanding from the classic works of Marx, Weber and Durkheim to a range of twentieth-century social theorists. This will lay a strong foundation for future study. At the same time students are introduced to some of the current political issues relevant to social policy today. As in our other programmes there will be an introductory module on research methods befitting the study of society. Understanding the Social: Theories and Themes Social Change and Social Policy in Contemporary Society 1 Social Change and Social Policy in Contemporary Society 2: Changing Inequalities Studying Society Introduction to Crime and Society Controlling Crime An Introduction

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Year Two
Having established their knowledge of Social Theory and Social Policy in the first year, second year students proceed to deepen that knowledge, examining the outcomes of Social Policy between the different broad social groupings of social class, gender and race. They develop skills in social research and widen their knowledge of issues in Sociology and Social Policy through a wide range of options offered in the department and occasionally in other areas, such as Law or Civic Design. Social Exclusion Data Analysis and Presentation Research Design and Data Collection

YEAR TWO AND THREE MODULE CHOICES

As well as the compulsory modules for you to study in our three undergraduate programmes we offer module options for you to choose from in Years Two and Three. These options currently include:

Year Two
Social Exclusion Crime Deviance and Culture Punishment, Penality and Prisons: Criminal Debate The Black Presence Migration and Settlement in Britain 1800-1979 Comparing Welfare States Gender and Sexuality Domestic and International Drug Policy Urban Sociology Policing, Crime and Society

Year Three
As in our other programmes students at Year Three will have the choice to study specialist subjects in-depth and develop their independent learning. Those who opt for a dissertation are given freedom to pursue their interest in a topic of their own choice, whilst those opting for our Applied Social Research or Social Policy Project get a chance to combine work experience with academic rigour. Our School has considerable expertise in combining your research interests with the needs and aims of local agencies. Applied Social Research Reflecting on Applied Social Research Social Policy Project: Work-Based Learning Dissertation For examples of optional modules available in Years Two and Three, see opposite.

Year Three
Health, Lifecourse and Society Gender and Crime Gender, the Body and Identity The Risk Society: Crime, Security and Public Policy Youth, Crime, Youth Justice and Social Control Politics, Social Policy and the State The Cultural Economy of Cities Social Control, Order and the City The Body and Society Criminal Victimisation, Welfare and Policy Crimes of the Powerful Community and the Problem of Crime Race Community and Identity Community and Public Involvement in Crime and Criminal Justice

For full entry requirements and current module details see www.liv.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses

Applications and admissions

The information that follows is a brief guide to applying for programmes of study at the University of Liverpool. For full details of our applications and admissions policy, please visit our website at www.liv.ac.uk/ug-admissions

MATURE STUDENTS
We welcome applications from candidates who are not applying directly from school or college, who have non-standard qualifications, or who wish to have work or life experience taken into account as part of their application. Our adult learners come to us through a variety of different routes. For more information see the website www.liv.ac.uk/maturestudents

MAKING AN APPLICATION THROUGH UCAS

You must apply for all full-time programmes online through UCAS, using the online application system at www.ucas.com The University of Liverpool institution code is LVRPL L41.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

We give equal consideration to all applicants and welcome applications from students with disabilities. Please contact the Disability Support Team on T: +44 (0)151 794 4714 / 5117 / 6676, Minicom: 0151 794 4713 or E: disteam@liv.ac.uk to discuss your support needs before you submit your UCAS application.

WHEN TO MAKE YOUR APPLICATION

For up-to-date information please visit www.ucas.com

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
For information on English language entry requirements contact the International Recruitment and Relations Team on T: +44 (0)151 794 6730 or E: irro@liv.ac.uk

DISCLAIMER
Every effort has been made to ensure that information contained within this brochure is accurate at the time of going to press. However, the matters covered are subject to change from time to time, both before and after a candidates admission.

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For full entry requirements and current module details see www.liv.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses

FIND OUT MORE

Accommodation: www.liv.ac.uk/accommodation Fees and finance: www.liv.ac.uk/money Life in Liverpool: www.liv.ac.uk/study/city Student support: www.liv.ac.uk/study/support

SOCIOLOGY, SOCIAL POLICY AND CRIMINOLOGY The School of Law and Social Justice Rendall Building University of Liverpool Liverpool L69 7WW T: +44 (0)151 794 2823 F: +44 (0)151 794 2829 www.liv.ac.uk MEMBER OF THE RUSSELL GROUP