Customise your course
Having the opportunity to personalise your course enriches your learning experience. We call this Sussex Choice. As part of this, you can customise most of our single-honours degrees and enhance your main subject by exploring other disciplines.
How customising your course can enhance your degree
Electives
Electives are modules from a subject area that’s different to your core course. As a first- and/or second-year student on most of our single-honours undergraduate courses, you have the opportunity to choose electives from an exciting range of subjects, which is updated each year. Each elective lasts for one term.
The range of electives is one of the main reasons I wanted to come to Sussex. It gives you opportunities to broaden your studies.” Emily Jane
Politics BA
Elective in Forensic and Applied Cognitive Psychology
Discover electives
- Arts and Humanities
- Advertising (E)
15 credits
Year 2, Term 2This module engages with the historical development of advertising and opens up a critical understanding of its contemporary place within the media (and its economies), culture and society.
In the 21st century advertising has been transformed by the rise of branding, the maturing of the internet and the emergence of new media forms like social media. Traditional advertising forms and the funding model for media which advertising has provided are now under threat.
This module will introduce you to current thinking about advertising and demonstrate various approaches to the analysis of its many forms.
- American Cities
15 credits
Year 2, Term 2American Cities explores the history, culture and significance of a particular US city, examined in detail throughout the term. From foundation to its current manifestation, the module will contextualise the city in terms of the development of the United States and its colonial and expansionist histories, the urban economy, and its relationship to changing American populations. The myths of the city will be compared to the realities, and a truly interdisciplinary approach will be taken throughout. History, film, literature, and music will be studied alongside one another to firmly locate the city in its relationship to the national story. Possible cities include New York, New Orleans, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles, depending on which of these is taught in any given academic year.
- American Political Culture
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1; Year 2, Term 1American political culture is rooted in a shared set of ideals, including liberty, equality, social justice, democracy, and individualism. These are not always realised in practice.
You will explore how electoral politics and the democratic process have been promoted and challenged in American culture. Drawing on a wide range of American Studies methodologies and theories, and taking a cultural-historical approach, you will focus on the subjective side of American politics.
You will examine debates around memory, militarism, race, gender, religion, nativism, populism and identity, and how they have been expressed in beliefs, attitudes and cultural practice from the 1750s to the age of Trump.
- Analysing Film (E)
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1; Year 2, Term 1This module draws upon both 20th-century and contemporary film texts to explore the diverse uses filmmakers have made of such key techniques of cinematic expression as narrative, cinematography, mise-en-scene, editing, sound, and special effects. We consider not simply how such techniques are accomplished (ie the creative choices available to filmmakers) but also the potential they have for generating meaning and pleasure when combined together to produce filmic texts. The module also examines links between technological change and film aesthetics.
- China's Encounter with Europe: History Lessons for Business
15 credits
Year 2, Term 2This module analyses the fundamental philosophical values, cultural tenets, and socio-economic systems which have informed the historical relationship between China and Europe. It addresses these elements within a historical context in order to understand their significant impact on relationships within the globalized business world, with particular attention to etiquette, behavioural patterns, and international norms and practices of business past and present.
The module is in two parts: the first explores the connection between philosophy and business ethics, while the second draws specific lessons from history. The critical analysis of both philosophy and key events in the history of China-Europe encounters allows students to understand the dynamics of contemporary global business.
- Culture and the Everyday E
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2; Year 2, Term 2Everyday life is something we take for granted. The phrase tends to refer to the ordinary and unremarkable, to the bedrock activities constitutive of how we live but which are often regarded as tedious or a chore.
This module opens up this notion offering an understanding of the everyday as simultaneously ordinary and extraordinary, localised and tied into the bigger dynamics of capitalism and globalisation.
Introducing you to the interdisciplinary perspectives of cultural studies, you explore everyday life through a series of case studies. These may include:
- dressing or exercising the body
- food
- car culture
- going green
- love
- living through media
- shopping.
Each case study variously explores the historical development of everyday life, its textures and experiences, hardships and highs.
If the emphasis is so-called modern everyday life in the rich 'north', you are encouraged to understand the ways our everyday life is tied to and impacts on the everyday lives of those in the much poorer 'south'.
Emphasis is placed on the ways in which everyday life practices may be conservative (reproducing gender relations for example) or utopian in their creativity, suggesting other ways of living beyond the constraints of neo-liberalism capitalism. What happens in the everyday - its struggles, its changes - is integral to a bigger global politics.
This module gives you opportunity to reflect on your own lives and those of others. It encourages you to develop an 'anthropological' eye and feel for the details of everyday life, to collect media and other material that speaks about everyday life, and above all to be self-reflective and critical about the specificity of your own ways of doing things.
Assessment is through an illustrated Learning Diary, which allows you to demonstrate your creative as well as academic skills.
- Feminist Philosophy
15 credits
Year 2, Term 1Feminist philosophy covers a range of issues.
At the applied end, it is concerned with issues of particular political relevance to women, such as discrimination and equality, and ethical issues surrounding reproduction.
At the more abstract end, it is concerned with whether Western philosophical approaches and conclusions are themselves a product of patriarchy.
The module will explore such themes.
- From Opera to Film (E)
15 credits
Year 2, Term 1 - Global Cinema E
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2; Year 2, Term 2This module looks at international film of the last five decades. A range of films will be studied in order to explore: genre and art cinema; post-colonialism and political cinema; gender and feminist cinema; and globalisation and popular cinema.
We will study important movements in post-war film culture, including Third Cinema from Brazil and political cinema from Senegal. We will address the relationship between gender, history, allegory and national cinema (examples may include films from Tunisia, Iran and Argentina). We will also examine the aesthetics and economics of the blockbuster in a global film culture (case studies may include contemporary films from South Korea, China, India and Australia).
- Language and Power
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1; Year 2, Term 1This module examines the ways in which attitudes to language are underpinned by (socio)political values, and how power is exerted through language.
Topics include the relationship between language and national identity and attitudes to foreign languages and multilingual practices. For instance, why do some states spend large amounts of money in an attempt to eradicate particular languages, while other spend equal amounts on trying to revitalise certain languages?
We will look at attitudes to language at both the level of the individual and state legislation, using case-studies from a range of countries. We also examine instances of coercive and persuasive language.
- Language, Mind and Brain
15 credits
Year 2, Term 2This module focuses on linguistic ability as a unique quality of humans. How does human language differ from animal communication systems? How is the human body, particularly the brain, adapted for language? Is language a special kind of cognition, or the product of general higher cognitive abilities?
We further investigate how humans understand and produce speech in such a speedy and efficient way, using a variety of evidence to evaluate theories of how the mind is structured for speech. We'll ask questions like: How are words stored in the mind so that we can find them? Why are grammatical sentences like 'The horse raced past the barn fell' actually very difficult to comprehend? Why are words sometimes 'on the tip of the tongue'?
- Music and Society (E)
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1; Year 2, Term 1Music does not exist in isolation from society. Many cultures in the world have no word for music conceived as an entity distinct from the contexts in which it takes place, contexts such as social or religious ritual, dance or performance. Only in modern western culture has the idea of art music as something autonomous and removed from the everyday world evolved.
Why is music meaningful to us, and how can we understand how music has meaning at all? What is the function of art music in cultures dominated by commercial values? How can we grasp the relationships between the multiplicity of musical forms that are available in a modern globalised culture? How can we evaluate the impact of the different media and technologies by which music is disseminated and consumed? These are some of the questions that this module seeks to address.
The module also aims to introduce you to different intellectual approaches to these questions, and to broaden your engagement with the issues through independent research. The module charts recent musical history both in terms of technical innovation and social and aesthetic concerns of the composers involved. The aim of the module is to stimulate awareness of recent musical thinking and also to use that awareness to re-examine more conventional musical views and habits. - Philosophy of Race & Racialisation
15 credits
Year 2, Term 2You’ll examine questions such as:
- is 'race' a social construct?
- Is racism essentially a set of beliefs or a set of feelings?
- what, if anything, is 'institutional racism'?
- what is racial discrimination?
- is racial disadvantage 'intersectional'?
- should we aim to eliminate race altogether from the way we think about each other?
- are reparations for groups who have suffered racial injustice justified?
- can there be a phenomenology of racialised experience?
- is modern Western philosophy racially biased?
You will address these questions by engaging with historical figures, such as Franz Fanon, and contemporary work in the philosophy of race.
- Philosophy, Politics and the Middle East
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2; Year 2, Term 2Contemporary Middle Eastern politics raises many intricate philosophical questions. The aim of this course is to address some of them. Topics to be studied include:
- jihad and just war theory
- liberalism vs Islam
- democracy and freedom of speech
- freedom of belief
- what, if anything, is wrong with extremist beliefs?
- what, if anything, is wrong with conspiracy theories?
- democracy and religion
- patriotism and personal identity
- the ethics of immigration.
- Questioning the Media E
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1; Year 2, Term 1This module introduces the study of media forms, texts and systems and their contribution to social life. You will begin to explore the breadth of media studies through attention to the ways in which media matter. In what ways, and how significant are the media in the formation of individual identities and in the practices of everyday life? In the more public world, to what extent are media key to providing knowledge and enabling the debate necessary to the practices of democracy? The module enables you to build on your own experiences of media as a consumer and user. But it also encourages critical attention to how the field of media studies has historically been forged: through argument and contestation between different academic approaches and disciplines.
- Society, State and Humanity
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2; Year 2, Term 2In this module, you look at the fundamental answers given by Western thinkers to the question 'what is society?', exploring them in conjunction with answers to the questions 'what is the state?' and 'what is a human being?'.
There is a particular focus on the question of whether humans can be said to exist prior to society or only as constituted by it.
Conceptions of society, state and humanity studied may include those of Plato, Aristotle, St. Paul, Hobbes, Smith, Rousseau, Kant, Hegel, Marx, Durkheim, Freud, and feminist and postmodern critiques of these.
Please note: this module has some overlap in content with the second year module 'Modern Political Thought', which is a core module for students studying Politics.
- The Look of America
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2; Year 2, Term 2This module takes as its premise the notion that ever since the explosion of mass media and mass society in the industrial age, the United States has taken an increasingly dominant place in the global visual imagination. This process reached its peak at the beginning of the 20th century, America henceforth generating for the world innumerable iconic and hegemonic visual representations of its own cultural narratives.
The task of the module will be to investigate and deconstruct some of the products of this visual field, along with the ideologies and narratives that sustain and refract them. Hence we begin by introducting you to visual theory, especially as it applies to the American context, and provide you with the critical tools necessary for the module. We then locate the period under scrutiny (1860-2001) within a broader visual and cultural prehistory, illuminating the roots of the modern world and its visual scene. After this, the module concentrates more particularly on the culture of the late-19th and 20th centuries.
Following a more or less thematic pattern, the module examines the issues that emerge over the course of the 20th century, referring forwards and backwards in order to generate connections where appropriate (for example, linking the Farm Security Administration projects to Matthew Brady's Civil War photographs). The intention here is to introduce you to aspects of visual culture and its criticism, as well as to defamiliarise and explore some of the more familiar American iconography surrounding us.
- Truth and Morality: The Meaning of Life
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1; Year 2, Term 1In this module, you study the central issues of morality, examining both the kinds of considerations that might be appealed to in moral arguments, and the status of moral arguments themselves.
What should we bear in mind when deciding whether to eat meat, or whether to help someone, or whether to fight a war? In what sense are the decisions we make right? How can a moral argument be a good argument? Are some people wiser than others? Is there any truth in moral relativism?You tackle these and related issues from a range of theoretical positions.
- Video Games: Creative & Critical Writing
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1; Year 2, Term 1Video and computer game design involves sophisticated and imaginative construction across hardware, software and aesthetics. Games are intersections between creative culture in arts and design, storytelling, music, and technology. As with all cultural works, they should be subject to thoughtful critique.
The module introduces seminal examples, key texts of game theory and relevant critical theory. Students will consider the creative aspects of writing for games including:
- Narrative and storyboards
- World building
- Shooting/scripts
- Characters and avatars
- Players
- Virtuality and corporeality
- Queer feminist game play
- Play
- Addiction
- Algorithms and chance.
- Advertising (E)
- Business, Finance and Economics
- Corporate and International Finance (Elective)
15 credits
Year 2, Term 2In this module, we’ll help you to foster critical understanding of the important ideas and analytical tools used in corporate financial decision making.
You’ll develop an appreciation of the challenges to implementing these ideas and tools through debate in the corporate finance literature and events reported in the financial press.
Lectures will cover topics such as:
- the corporation
- the nature of financial decision making
- interest rates
- valuing bonds
- investment decision rules
- capital budgeting
- valuing stocks
- capital markets and the pricing of risk
- portfolio choice and the capital asset pricing model
- the cost of capital
- investor behaviour and capital market efficiency
- capital structure in a perfect market
- debt and taxes
- financial distress
- managerial incentives and information
- payout policy
- mergers and acquisitions.
- Financial Institutions and Markets (Elective)
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2 - International Business Environment
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1 - International Business Environment
15 credits
Year 2, Term 1The module explains the nature of the operating environment for international business today. It reviews the scale, scope and trends in international business activity and evaluates the various methods that firms can use to assess, enter and develop non-domestic markets. Then the relevance is considered of factors such as culture, psychic distance, host and home country perspectives and 'green' issues on the organisation and management of international business.
Throughout the module emphasis is placed on the business environment in key regions of the world, notably the European Union, North America, East and SE Asia and the transition economies of East and Central Europe. Finally, the impact of the evolving world economy, regional integration and globalisation on today’s international firm is examined.
- International Business Strategy (Elective)
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2This elective module is not suitable for students of BSc International Business. Do not choose this module if you are on BSc International Business. International business is concerned with how firms engage in transactions and value-adding activities outside of their national boundaries. The module examines the various elements of international business strategy (e.g. entry mode, partner selection in joint ventures, location) and how the organisational structure of the firm is best configured to its strategy. Consideration will also be given to the impact of foreign direct investment on host and home economies. Additionally, you will be able articulate and explain different approaches to international human resource management and knowledge governance after completing this module.
- International Human Resource Management (Elective)
15 credits
Year 2, Term 2On this module you’ll examine the core concepts in the field of Human Resource Management (HRM) and how they apply in an international context.
This will involve an examination of issues around international staffing challenges, such as:
- recruitment and development
- HRM strategy
- cross-cultural management
- diversity
- sustainability
- corporate social responsibility
- ethics.
- International Marketing (Elective)
15 credits
Year 2, Term 1This module represents an introduction to international marketing and aims to develop knowledge of the international environment and international marketing. The increased scope, risk and complexity faced by the international marketer is due to the increased level of uncertainty from operating in diverse and less understood environments.
Emphasis is placed on the identification of challenges presented by international marketing to equip students to deal with differences, opportunities and threats emerging from diverse economic, demographic, political/legal, cultural, technical and competitive environments.
The impact of international issues is related during the course to the marketing decision-making task at three levels; the macro level at which country selection decisions are made; national level at which market entry decisions are made; and market level where marketing mix decisions are made.
- Introduction to Accounting (Elective)
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2This module is designed as an introduction to accounting and financial management for managers.
The module introduces accounting and financial management topics gradually, examining basic principles and underlying concepts before demonstrating how accounting statements and financial information can be used to improve business decision-making.
The module focus is for students of business and management as decision-makers and users of financial information.
- Introduction to Business and Management (Elective)
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1Introduction to Business and Management is an introductory study of contemporary organisations and their management. It explores the types of purposes of organisations, their stakeholders (CSR) and changing environments together with their key managerial processes – entrepreneurship, organisational structure, leading, strategic planning and change.
The focus throughout is on helping you achieve a critical and reflective approach, and learning to apply relevant concepts, tools and models.
The coursework component of assessment requires you to choose an organisation that is of interest to you and to explore, critically, the way in which it handles a process of your choice. You are supported in this by the submission of a structured proposal on which formative feedback is given.
Seminar activities are participative and require preparatory work which is signposted though downloads and links on Study Direct well in advance.
Lectures are interactive, employing the use of quizzes and featuring clips from YouTube, such as Dragons' Den excerpts.
An unseen examination completes the assessment profile and you tackle a case study (which revisits keys concepts) in the final seminar as a formative exercise.
The module provides a platform for later study by encouraging skills in critical thinking, academic writing, concept acquisition and research. Introduction to Business and Management aims to facilitate the transition to university-level learning smoothly, meaningfully and enjoyably.
- Introduction to Economics (Elective)
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1This module provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of economics. The first half of the module deals with micro-economic issues including the behaviour of individuals and firms, their interaction in markets and the role of government. The second half of the module is devoted to macroeconomics and examines the determinants of aggregate economic variables, such as national income, inflation, and the balance of payments, and the relationships between them.
- Introduction to Energy Transitions
15 credits
Year 2, Term 2Nothing works without energy, but our current energy systems face mounting economic, social and environmental pressures and must change radically and quickly if the world is to avoid dangerous climate change. This module introduces students to the rationales, challenges, pathways, and policies relevant for such a transition to a low-carbon, sustainable energy system.
It will raise questions such as: How come politicians have talked about climate change for 20 years but global emissions are still rising? Why is the EU emissions trading system hardly encouraging low-carbon innovation? Can a low-carbon energy system be based on 100% renewables, or are we better off exploring shale gas and building new nuclear power plants? How come so many people agree with the idea of renewables but don't want to live next to a wind farm? Who is shaping the UK¿s energy and climate policy? Will Germany be able to continue pursuing its Energiewende despite ever rising costs? What can local community groups or citizens like yourself do to change our current energy systems?
In discussing these questions this module builds upon the world leading research base at SPRU (Science and Technology Policy Research), including the exciting and forward-looking work of the Sussex Energy Group.
- Introduction to Sustainability
15 credits
Year 2, Term 1This module aims to provide an understanding of the principles of sustainability and, in particular, an introduction to the role of science and technology in contributing to key sustainable development challenges. We explore the origins of the concept of sustainable development and the core ideas that underpin it. We examine the politics and economics of sustainability, the ways in which sustainable development is interpreted by different interest groups, the assumptions made and the contradictions that arise.
These ideas are illustrated through a series of contemporary case studies, which highlight efforts to address sustainable development challenges from the local to international, and we examine the role of science and technology within these contexts. The case studies include, amongst others: the depletion of oil resources; international negotiations on climate change; biodiversity and conservation; and agricultural biotechnology.
- Microeconomics 1 (Elective)
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2This module develops consumer and producer theory, examining such topics as consumer surplus, labour supply, production and costs of the firm, alternative market structures and factor markets. It explores the application of these concepts to public policy, making use of real-world examples to illustrate the usefulness of the theory.
- Microeconomics 2 (Elective)
15 credits
Year 2, Term 1This module develops the economics principles learned in the first year (Microeconomics 1).
Alternative market structures, such as oligopoly and monopolistic competition are studied, and comparisons drawn with perfect competition and monopoly.
Decision-making under uncertainty and over multiple time periods is introduced, relaxing some of the restrictive assumptions made in the first year module.
The knowledge gained is applied to such issues as investment in human capital (e.g. education), saving and investment decisions, insurance and criminal deterrence.
- Operations Management (Elective)
15 credits
Year 2, Term 2This module provides you with an understanding of how the fundamental principles of operations management can support the improvement of management performance in both public and private organisations.
During the module, you will apply these principles to both manufacturing and service operations, and gain an understanding of the systemic and interactive nature of operations management problems and their relationship to the external environment. You will develop quantitative and qualitative analytical skills, through guided problem-based activities and case study analysis.
The content of the module covers:
- Operations strategy
- Designing operations
- Organisation design
- Planning and control
- Lean operations
- Project management
- Managing quality and continous process/product improvement
- Managing the supply chain and future direction of travel for operations management.
- Principles of Finance (Elective)
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1This module provides an introduction to financial markets, instruments and concepts, and is designed for students with no previous knowledge of finance.
It begins with an overview of different financial institutions, and the products that they commonly provide and trade. Major historical events in the financial markets are also discussed, illustrating their importance in the wider economy. Reference will also be made, where appropriate, to skills and products contributing to personal financial literacy.
Topics include:
- concepts relating to equity
- loan and bond markets
- beginning with interest rates
- returns
- time value of money
- discounting
- present value.
- Theory of Investments (Elective)
15 credits
Year 2, Term 1Learn about the common types of investments and gain a thorough grounding in the analysis of investment portfolios.
You cover:
- traditional asset classes and the investment environment (including the investment process and a discussion of mutual funds and other investment companies)
- standard risk-return-based asset allocation methods
- popular index models
- theoretical and empirical asset pricing models and their applications to investment analysis
- security analysis and performance measurement.
This module is not suitable if you are studying a single-honours Finance BSc degree.
- Corporate and International Finance (Elective)
- Education and Social Work
- Access, Equity and Gender
15 credits
Year 2, Term 1Access to education is at the heart of development and is central to the Millennium Development Goals. A lack of education reflects and reinforces poverty and access to quality education is a means for poverty reduction. This module will discuss the global agenda of Education for All, access to education, gender's role and relationship with access to education, at all levels including primary, secondary and higher, and the concept of equity.
The module has three overlapping themes – Access, Equity, and Gender – which reveal the policy challenges of delivering education for all. The three themes build upon one another sequentially and the module moves through levels of education from pre school to university. Access to education has increased during the 15 years of the millenium development goals, but the 'For All' aspect has not been met. There are still millions of children who do not complete basic education, and higher education is still dominated by the socially privileged in many low, middle and high-income countries.
- Autism and Education
15 credits
Year 2, Term 2In this elective, we will identify the key features of autism, including the ‘triad of impairments’ (social interaction, communication and flexibility of thought). We also examine the range of ways that symptoms manifest across the spectrum.
You’ll explore different theories to understand psychological, biological and sociological approaches to autism. We introduce you to a range of case studies that take into account educational environments, interventions, behaviours and supports.
The module will appeal to those who’d like to increase their understanding of this complex condition. In particular, those with an interest in educational strategies used to support autistic pupils.
- Contemporary Social Policy: Theory and Practice
15 credits
Year 2, Term 1This elective explores and questions the ways in which social policy shapes and is shaped by society, taking a critical approach to investigate contemporary issues in areas such as mental health, disability, parenting, family intervention, education, employment, poverty, youth justice, ageing society, consumerism and choice. While the main focus will be on UK social policy, comparisons from contrasting international social policy models will help to provide rich discussion and debate. The elective looks at the struggles over equality and social inclusion which characterise contemporary social policy positions, using a research-led approach to consider the ways that policies evolve and affect the social well-being of a nation. Throughout 12 weeks it will explore concepts of `social justice,` need, `fairness and `well-being' in relation to UK social policy and policy-driven practices, taking note of the voices of recipients of social policy practices through the involvement of key contacts from those using health and other services in some of the lectures. Learning will take place through a combination of lectures, online activities and student-led seminars. Online learning will include formative assessment through involvement in forums and self assessment quizzes, as well as the opportunity to access discussion groups around case studies and key topics of interest. Students will be expected to prepare work for seminars, and case studies around current issues will be used to promote active problem based engagement with the effects of social policy practice. The module will be formally assessed by an essay incorporating knowledge from research, theory and policy-in-practice.
- Creating a Forest Food garden
15 credits
Year 2, Term 2‘Creating a Forest Food Garden’ follows on from the ‘Understanding Forest Gardens’ elective. You will collaborate to develop previous ideas into practical and costed designs for both a forest food garden and a hemp bale building (in 2020 - 21) to serve it and two other related projects. As it will take at least five years from inception to early harvesting of the forest food garden, you will participate in a segment of that time, passing on your achievements and challenges for the next year’s cohort to develop. The building, which will be quicker to establish, will serve future modules.
- Decolonising Education: Knowledge, Power and Society
15 credits
Year 2, Term 2Decolonising education is critical for social justice in the Global North and South. This raises important questions about the relationships between knowledge, power and society in the past and present. This module addresses these issues. It engages with the politics and history of education in both UK and international contexts. It critiques how the curriculum has privileged particular knowledges and identities in ways that are racialised, gendered and classed. Throughout the module, we relate these issues to students’ own experiences of education and what decolonising education means for them.
- Discovering Role Models: Peer-Led Mentoring in Schools
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1; Year 2, Term 1Discovering Role Models trains you to create and facilitate workshops for local secondary school pupils. The module provides theoretical grounding and practical training to work collaboratively with your peers, developing skills and confidence in participatory facilitation and working with young people.
The module’s focus draws across substantive issues including:
- mental health
- racism
- sex and relationships
- expert safeguarding training
- critically rethinking traditional models of education.
You may take this as a stand-alone module, but you can only take ‘Developing role models’ (X4911E) in semester 2 (in which the practical school-based work takes place) if you have completed this module.
- Education for Development: Aid, Policy and the Global Agenda
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1This module is a 15 credit undergraduate module to be offered to Year 1 students in term 1, as part of an International Education & Development 60 credit Pathway.
This module introduces international education and development through three lenses. The module first examines why education is seen as important for development, drawing upon economic, rights based and socio cultural perspectives. It then examines the way education is measured and targets are set for development. The final section of the module introduces the international actors and political economy of delivering the education for all agenda.
The module provides grounding in education and international development, with a particular focus on the challenges facing resource-constrained and rapidly expanding educational systems. This will equip students with an understanding of the role of education in international development and develop critical, political and methodological perspectives.
Suggested topic:
Section 1: Education and development
Introduction to the field: the education and development relationship
Education for economic growth
Education, development and social equity
Gender and education for development
Citizenship, curriculum and identitySection 2: Measuring Education For All
Changing patterns of educational access
Globalisation and educational reforms: educational quality
Education and social inclusion
Education and health in the global southSection 3: Architecture of Education For All
Educational aid and the global agenda: International actors in the field
Teachers and teacher training in the Global South
Non-state providers of education - Education, Peacebuilding and Conflict
15 credits
Year 2, Term 2In recent years, the nature of the relationship between education, conflict and peacebuilding has risen up the international development agenda.
In this module, you critically explore the relationship between education and conflict in low income countries. You problematise the complex and multidirectional ways that education and conflict affect each other, and the role that education can potentially play in both the production and prevention of violent armed conflict.
You cover the delivery of education in conflict and post-conflict settings, thematic issues related to, for example, education for refugees, child soldiers and other marginalised groups - and critically analyse the policies, politics and practices of international organisations operating in these contexts.
Your studies in this module are grounded both in theory and empirical evidence on the complex issues involved in the delivery of education in conflict-affected contexts, and involve a combination of lectures, participatory group work and presentations.
Your lectures for this module may be structured as follows:
- Education, conflict and peacebuilding
In this introductory lecture, you're introduced to the module, and begin by tracing the rise of interest in the field of education, conflict and peacebuilding both as a field of research and practice. You locate the emergence of the field in relation to post-World War II political, economic and social developments. You trace the events, agencies and relationships that have contributed to the rise in interest in conflict and education that has occurred since 2000. In seminars, you also discuss and examine key readings.
- The multiple faces of education and conflict
In this lecture, you focus on the multiple ways that education and conflict intersect and relate to each other. Your studies highlight the way education can be both a catalyst for war and peace. You explore illustrative examples of the different ways that education - as a practice, as an institution, and as a basic social service - can strengthen sustainable peacebuilding processes, as well as undermine them. In seminars, you also discuss and examine key readings.
- The global governance of education in conflict contexts
In this lecture, you explore the different agencies and actors involved in the global governance and delivery of education in conflict-affected contexts - from major UN organisations, such as UNICEF, to bi-lateral agencies, such as DFID, international NGOs like Save the Children, nation and regional governments and grassroots social movements. Your studies highlight the different logics and drivers for engagement, the differing priorities and the tensions and contradictions therein. In seminars, you also discuss and examine key readings.
Other seminar topics in this module may include:
- the role of teachers in conflict and peacebuilding
- the delivery of education in times of war
- refugee education
- youth, education and conflict
- education and post-conflict reconstruction
- education and reconciliation in post-conflict contexts
- gender, education and peacebuilding
- attacks on education - motivations and mechanisms of protection
- education as counterinsurgency - the use of education as a weapon of war
- conclusions and course wrap-up.
- Education, conflict and peacebuilding
- Everyday Digital: Generation, Life-Course and Expertise
15 credits
Year 2, Term 2You will examine new thinking on how digital technologies have become part of everyday lives in ways that both create and solve everyday problems.
This module is interdisciplinary in scope and draws on cutting edge research from across digital sociology and the digital humanities.
In the first part of the module you will be introduced to key concepts for understanding social and technical change, digital culture and the history of technology in the everyday.
In the second part you will examine how digital technologies have shaped different stages of the lifecourse – from reproduction and childhood, to adulthood and elderly care.
The final part will reflect on areas where technology has significantly re-configured everyday, living including romantic relationships, health care and political engagement.
- Exploring Death and Dying; Cultural, Theoretical and Practice Perspectives
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2; Year 2, Term 2This elective explores diverse aspects of death and dying. It encompasses history, the arts, the impact of technology, anthropological perspectives, social policy and key theories.
Underpinning the module is the permission to discuss a subject normally viewed as ‘depressing’ or even ‘contagious’ in an open – and even fun – way. This challenges taboos and creates space to explore a wide range of aspects, from the mundane to the bizarre.
The module focuses on the UK but we also cover perspectives from South East Asia, Africa, Latin America and other cultures. You will explore:
- the dominant theories around death and bereavement
- past and contemporary language about and constructions of death
- the role of ritual and emotion
- sociocultural debates around assisted dying and good deaths
- the impact of digital technologies in transforming the experience of death.
You’ll learn though a variety of methods, including lectures, group work, course work, external visits and talks by visiting practitioners. Assessment is via a portfolio of work, including contributions to an online group blog, a reflective personal journal and a short term-paper.
- Inclusion, Diversity and Equity in Education
15 credits
Year 2, Term 1This module is a 15 credit undergraduate module to be offered to Year 2 students in term 1, as part of an Education 60 credit Pathway. This module provides an opportunity to explore what is meant by inclusion and exclusion and the implications of these concepts for education policies, systems and practices in England and internationally.
The module will include an in-depth focus on how constructions of gender, race, social class, poverty, disability sexuality and behavioural norms contribute to the inclusion and/or exclusion of particular groups of young people. Each session will adopt a case study approach and provide an overview of the key issues involved in ensuring equality of access, provision and learning. There will be a strong focus on the evidence relating to each case and approaches at practice level.
The module will be assessed by a case study, providing an opportunity for you to apply your understanding of issues relating to the inclusion and/or exclusion to a group and context which they consider to be of particular interest. The case study will include a discussion of strategies used to promote inclusion and evidence of their effectiveness drawn from a range of secondary sources and conclude with recommendations for policy and practice drawn from the evidence presented.
- Mental Health and Madness: exploring socio-cultural approaches
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2The ways we understand emotional distress, wellbeing, normality and insanity shape our attitudes and practices in relation to people diagnosed with a mental health difficulty. This can happen whether its framed as difference, problems of thought, a product of society and culture, or a biological mishap. This module explores the social influences that make up our understandings of madness – using this term to situate the module within social-cultural contexts.
The module will:
- discuss the history of mental health practices
- explore the emergence of user-led, alternative and radical movements seeking to transform conceptions of madness, wellbeing and care
- consider the roles of media and art in constructing images of madness deconstruct notions of diagnosis.
You learn about the effect of gender, ethnicity, culture and class on mental health and its governance within society. You also reflect on the dynamic interactions between identity, wellbeing and ill-being. Teaching draws on examples from literature, film, the press, autobiography and scholarship to relate theory to lived experiences.
- Migrant and Refugee Well-Being: Theory and Practice
15 credits
Year 2, Term 1This module offers students the opportunity to examine the well-being of migrants and refugees. Well-being is defined as multidimensional and incorporates the political, economic, health, environment and social contexts in which migrants and refugees exist.
In the module students examine the historical and political contexts in which different groups of migrants are placed, including the specific situations of asylum seekers and refugees. These are shown to have distinct impacts on the health and social care services migrants receive, and on particular issues of entitlement and access. The welfare contexts of different receiving societies are examined including the impact of current debates on welfare provision for migrants and refugees across the globe. Within these contexts contemporary services for migrants and refugees are examined, including the roles played by central government, local authorities and NGOs. Models of good practice in health and social care are examined as are the prospects for the transfer of good practice across countries.
- Power in the classroom: global perspectives on curriculum, pedagogy and assessment
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2This module is a 15 credit undergraduate module to be offered to Year 1 students in term 2, either as part of an Education 60 credit Pathway or an International Education & Development 60 credit Pathway.
The module aims to introduce theoretical and conceptual approaches to the curriculum, pedagogy and assessment while encouraging you to critically reflect on your own learning and to know and usefully compare how different countries draw up their curricula, how they teach it and how they assess student learning.The module begins by focusing in on how you learn, making direct links to the previous module and situating that learning in your own context. Theories of learning will frame the module. From here, the module explores pedagogical models originating from theories of learning within the UK, Europe and internationally. The following two sessions focus on assessment, discussing your own experiences of being assessed at school and in higher education and drawing in, and critiquing, international comparisons of student learning from surveys such as Progress in Student Assessment (PISA) and Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS).
The module will then look more closely at how the curriculum is constructed, bringing in political economy, politics, culture and history and will look internationally at different curriculum models in upper, middle and low-income countries. A third session on the curriculum will provide a critical look at alternative curricula for learning such as those in Montessori and Steiner schools, at Free Schools in the UK, and at Complementary Education Programmes for marginalised children in low-income countries. The module will examine who is included in the curriculum and who is excluded, in the UK and in low-income countries.
The module concludes by looking at global policy drivers for the curriculum, pedagogy and assessment.
- Spirituality, Wellbeing, and Health: understanding practices and connections.
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1Wellbeing studies focus on what makes a ‘good life’. It takes in areas such as happiness, physical and mental health, economics, environment and spirituality. By linking theories of wellbeing to spiritual practices, this module provides a space to consider how we envisage and experience spirituality in a society often described as secular.
You’ll consider how spirituality is associated with health and wellbeing in contemporary societies. For example, in the growth of mindfulness practices in a range of health, social care and educational settings.
We discuss ‘belief’ in wellbeing (and ‘non-belief’ as part of this), considering differences between a religious and spiritual perspective, while treating people’s beliefs with care and respect. You examine evidence for the effectiveness of spiritual practices, such as meditation and prayer, for wellbeing.
We reflect on the ways individuals and communities use practices that have emerged from a spiritual foundation, such as:
- mindfulness
- martial arts
- chanting
- yoga
- shamanic work.
You'll examine concepts such as ‘flow’ and ‘self-compassion’, and discuss how and why they help describe spiritual practices and experiences in wellbeing. You also consider whether other practices, such as engaging in music and dance, can result in a spiritual experience.
- Understanding Forest Food Gardens
15 credits
Year 2, Term 1This elective explores the ‘Forest Food Garden’, the practice of harvesting food, medicine and other practical needs from a woodland ecosystem. Although widespread in parts of the world, it is re-gaining attention in the global North as a response to climate change and loss of biodiversity. You will learn about its heritage, underlying ecological theory and its social implications. Visits and interviews with local forest gardeners, Roots students, an eco-nutritionist and a hemp bale building expert will inform ideas for the forest garden and a building that will serve it - to be developed with costed designs in module 2.
- Access, Equity and Gender
- Global Studies
- Anthropology through films: Ethnographic Films and Beyond
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1In this module, you are introduced to the discipline of anthropology through the medium of film from the early twentieth century to the present-day.
You gain an overview of the discipline and its history through film, and addresses some of the central concerns of social and cultural anthropology, including:
- fieldwork and ethnography
- sameness and difference
- religion and ritual
- kinship
- gender
- race/ethnicity
- migration
- globalisation.
You become acquainted with different regional contexts and central theoretical debates in the discipline, through a selection of ethnographic films - produced in countries such as Senegal, Kenya, Canada, Bali, Papua New Guinea, India, Britain, France and along the migratory routes from Afghanistan to Turkey.
In this module, you produce a short film as part of group work, as well as undertaking a written assignment.
- Black Lives Matter: Postcolonial and Decolonial Representations
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2; Year 2, Term 2 - Culture and Representation (Elective pathway)
15 credits
Year 2, Term 2In this module, you focus on the anthropological master trope of 'culture' and on the political dimensions of representing culture or 'cultures'.
You consider how anthropological understandings of 'culture', as well as anthropologists' modes of analysing and representing it in anthropological work, developed over the 20th century, partially in conversation with other disciplines.
You also examine how 'culture' operates as a key idea in the public domain, used by politicians, community and human rights activists, artists, scientists, museum curators and others, in relation to a wide range of issues and debates when distinctions between 'ourselves' and 'others' are at stake.
Finally, you look at some activities within the cultural domain (such as music, dance, theatre, verbal artistry), which have a performative dimension. You consider how anthropologists have approached these activities to address questions about structure and agency, embodiment, experience, art and aesthetics, creativity, power and protest.
- Cultures of North Africa, Southwest Asia and Central Asia
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2You will explore diversity, complexity, and dynamism of social life in the Middle East and Central Asia. You’ll discuss a range of social forms and identities produced, consumed, contested and documented by and about the people living in this region. You’ll look at general theories about the Middle East and Central Asia combined with ethnographic studies based on specific localities and communities.
You’ll be introduced to the study of the Middle East and Central Asia through key debates in the anthropology of this vast and complex region. You’ll use material on countries such as Syria, Jordan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Turkey. You’ll also explore literature that deals with the lives and experiences of people, migrants, and communities from the region in Europe, South America and Asia.
In particular you’ll examine contributions that ethnographies of these contexts have made to wider debates in anthropology and the social sciences, including contentious matters such as:
- the politics of knowledge
- the legacy that national boundaries, drawn up by colonial powers, have had on the everyday lives of borderland communities
- the status of the tribe both as an empirical social relaity and an instrument for the exercise of state power.
- Health, Poverty and Inequality (Pathway elective)
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2; Year 2, Term 2This second year interdisciplinary module is concerned with issues of culture, power and knowledge in the study of health and development. It draws on perspectives from medical anthropology, medical sociology, public health, cultural psychology, feminist and activist politics and development studies to focus on the relationship between poverty, social marginality and illness in a variety of historical and contemporary contexts. Apart from a focus on emerging infectious diseases such as HIV and Aids, we also consider the implications of homelessness, mental health and organ donation for individual health and well-being. The scrutiny of health planning and policies, such as in the domain of maternal and child health, as well as the impact of an increasing intervention of medical technologies in healthcare delivery, are further important aspects of the module.
- Postcolonial Africa
15 credits
Year 2, Term 2The module explores debates over key postcolonial political, economic and sociocultural dynamics in sub-Saharan Africa. It encourages you to think critically about dominant representations of the subcontinent in the West, and to understand different, often conflicting accounts of postcolonial continuities and transformations.
Topics include debates over some of the following:
- the character of the postcolonial state and governance, nationalism and ethnicity
- borders
- the politics of land and natural resources
- processes of urbanisation
- mobility and new forms of transnational connection between Africa, Europe and China.
- Race and Ethnicity in US History
15 credits
Year 2, Term 1This module examines the history of African-American political, cultural, and social developments from 1863 to the present. Its principal goal is to familiarise you with the debates that African Americans have had among themselves between emancipation and the present day, thus establishing a deep historical understanding of the ongoing freedom struggle in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries.
It assesses intraracial arguments over the relationship of blacks to the US government in war and peace, over racial and class identities, and over diverse tactics and strategies for the advancement of the race. Although particular attention is given to the long running campaign to destroy de jure segregation in the southern states (culminating in the successful nonviolent direct action campaigns of the 1960s), the course is predicated on the demonstrable fact that racial prejudice was a national not a regional phenomenon.
Lectures and seminars interrogate the connections between African American history and culture. Emphasis is given to well-known black leaders like Booker T. Washington, Marcus Garvey, and Martin Luther King, but female activists and the unsung black masses themselves also receive close attention.
- The Liberal World Order - in Crisis
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2; Year 2, Term 2This module provides you with the opportunity to identify and assess the nature of the liberal world order and its current crisis. It explores the historical rise of the liberal world order and establishes the relationship between its core political, economic, normative and institutional features. It analyses the aims and outcomes of core liberal foreign, international and transnational policies:
- democracy promotion
- liberal economic policies
- humanitarianism and the development of international law
- multilateralism and its institutionalisation
- interventions and war.
- Anthropology through films: Ethnographic Films and Beyond
- Languages and English Language Teaching
Some of our modules are based on proficiency levels set out in the Common European Framework of Reference to Languages (CEFR). Find out about the CEFR for Languages.
- Arabic Ab initio A
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1This module acts as an introduction to the foreign language for those with little or no prior knowledge of the target language (TL).
This module:
- enables you to understand basic information and communicate effectively in the TL, in everyday situations at an elementary level
- provides opportunities across various topics to practise understanding and communication in the TL using the four skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at an elementary level
- introduces fundamental elements of the TL language structures, vocabulary, syntax and pronunciation, and provides a solid foundation for progression in the TL
- introduces the background culture of the TL through contextualised activities, texts and audio, audio-visual and digital media.
This module is equivalent to level A1 (Basic User) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages.
- Arabic Ab initio B
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2You will already have a basic prior knowledge of the target language (TL).
Building on existing levels of proficiency at level A1 (basic user) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages, this module aims to:
- enable you to understand basic information and communicate effectively in the TL in everyday situations, at a simple level
- provide opportunities across a variety of general topics for practice of understanding and communication in the TL using the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at a basic level
- introduce fundamental elements of the TL language structures, vocabulary, syntax and pronunciation, and continue to provide a solid foundation for progression in the TL
- present the background culture of the TL through a variety of contextualised activities and text, audio and audio-visual materials.
Successful completion of the module is at least equivalent to level A2 (basic user) of the CEFR for Languages.
- Arabic Advanced A
15 credits
Year 2, Term 1This stage 5 advanced course is for you if you have already acquired the capacity to function with some autonomy in the target language.
Building on existing levels of proficiency at level B1 (Independent User) of the Common European Framework of Reference [CEFR] the course aims to:
- enable you to understand the main ideas within extended discourse and to communicate effectively in the target language, with increasing fluency, confidence and spontaneity, in a variety of contexts
- provide opportunities, across a variety of topics, for practice of understanding and communication in the target language using the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at an advanced level
- introduce and develop the range of complex elements of target language structures, syntax, and vocabulary to allow continued progression
- facilitate the analysis of some aspects of the general social, political and/or cultural background of the language through a variety of contextualised activities and materials, in a range of media, e.g. text; audio; audio-visual; digital.
Successful completion of the course is equivalent to level B1-B2 (Independent User) of the CEFR for Languages.
- Arabic Advanced B
15 credits
Year 2, Term 2This stage 6 advanced course is for you if you have already acquired the capacity to function with some autonomy in the target language.
Building on existing levels of proficiency at level B1 (Independent User) of the Common European Framework of Reference [CEFR] the course aims to:
- enable you to understand the main ideas within extended discourse and to communicate effectively in the target language, with increasing fluency, confidence and spontaneity, in a variety of contexts
- provide opportunities, across a variety of topics, for practice of understanding and communication in the target language using the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at an advanced level
- consolidate and develop the range of complex target language structures, syntax, and specialised vocabulary to allow further accuracy and control in use of the target language
- facilitate the analysis of some aspects of the general social, political and/or cultural background of the language through a variety of contextualised activities and materials, in a range of media, e.g. text; audio; audio-visual; digital.
Successful completion of the course is equivalent to level B2 (Independent User) of the CEFR for Languages.
- Arabic Intermediate A
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1; Year 2, Term 1This stage 3 module is for students with some basic knowledge and experience of the target language (TL). Building on existing levels of proficiency at level A2 (Basic User) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages, the module aims to:
- enable students to understand key information and to communicate effectively in the TL, sometimes spontaneously, in less routine situations, at a standard level
- provide opportunities, across a variety of topics, for practice of understanding and communication in the TL using the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at a standard level
- consolidate and develop the range of key elements of TL language structures, vocabulary, syntax and pronunciation, to allow progression in the TL
- present the background culture and society of the TL through a variety of contextualised activities and materials, in a range of media, eg text, audio, audio-visual, digital.
Successful completion of the module is equivalent to level A2-B1 (Basic-Independent User) of the CEFR for Languages.
- Arabic Intermediate B
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2; Year 2, Term 2This stage 4 intermediate module is for students who have already acquired the capacity to function with some independence in the target language (TL). Building on existing levels of proficiency at level A2-B1 (Basic/Independent User) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages, the module aims to:
- enable you to understand key information and to communicate effectively in the TL, sometimes spontaneously, in less routine situations, at a standard level
- provide opportunities, across a variety of topics, for practice of understanding and communication in the TL using the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at a standard level
- consolidate and develop the range of key elements of TL language structures, vocabulary, syntax and pronunciation, to allow continued progression in the TL
- present the background culture and society of the TL through a variety of contextualised activities and materials, in a range of media, e.g. text, audio, audio-visual, digital.
Successful completion of the module is equivalent to level B1 (Independent User) of the CEFR for Languages.
- British Sign Language and Deaf Culture 1A
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1This first-stage module of the 60-credit pathway offers you an introduction to British Sign Language (BSL). You’ll be introduced to the basic visual/manual form of BSL and discover:
- how to use hands and eyes to form and understand basic signs and sentences
- what is and isn’t a sign
- commonly used phrases, questions and imperatives used in conversation, across a range of basic topics (e.g. weather, holidays, shopping)
- the cultural rules for interaction with Deaf people
- an introduction to a selection of perspectives on BSL as a language.
Your classes will include a variety of activities, including regular practice in pronunciation (production of signs) and listening (understanding signs), simulations, practical exercises and conversation. These will be based around themes, grammatical structures and language skills to encourage autonomous use of the TL.
Seminar activities are complemented by guided independent study, individually and in groups.
This module is at A1-A2 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages. Equivalent Signature Level 101; 102.
- British Sign Language and Deaf Culture 1B
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2This second-stage module of the 60-credit pathway in British Sign Language (BSL) and Deaf Culture will develop your range and conversational technique in BSL in everyday contexts. It will expand your knowledge and awareness of Deaf culture. The module will enable you to:
- hold a conversation
- gain a clear understanding on how to sign grammatically correct sentences
- create your own everyday sentences about everyday topics (e.g. food/cooking, hobbies, travel) in a range of everyday settings
- study the world of deaf people in the UK and abroad
- develop study skills to access academic resources relating to deaf people and deaf issues
- begin to explore deaf culture topics which relate to your discipline.
Your classes will include a variety of activities, including regular practice in pronunciation (production of signs) and listening (understanding signs), simulations, practical exercises and conversation. These will be based around themes, grammatical structures and language skills to encourage autonomous use of the TL.
Seminar activities are complemented by guided independent study, individually and in groups.
This module is at A2/+ on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Equivalent Signature Level 103 part A; 201 part A.
- British Sign Language and Deaf Culture 2A
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1; Year 2, Term 1This third-stage module of the 60-credit pathway in British Sign Language (BSL) and Deaf Culture will continue to develop your range and conversational technique in BSL in familiar and everyday contexts, and to broaden your knowledge and awareness of Deaf culture.
Additionally, the module offers you the opportunity to discuss in BSL a specific chosen topic of interest relating to BSL and/or Deaf culture.
The module aims to enable you to:
- start and hold a conversation
- demonstrate confident use of sign language grammar at a basic level and explore more complex structures
- develop study skills to observe, record and evaluate your own use/understanding of BSL, using video technology
- work in groups to explore new topics and develop conversations in discursive topics (e.g. types of education, examples of Deaf culture, media, where Deaf spaces form)
- develop an understanding of Deaf lives and how Deaf cultural identity is encouraged and discouraged across times and places.
Classes will consist of a variety of activities, including regular practice in pronunciation (production of signs) and listening (understanding signs), simulations, practical exercises and conversation etc., based around themes, grammatical structures and language skills.
- British Sign Language and Deaf Culture 2B
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2; Year 2, Term 2This fourth and final stage module of the 60-credit pathway in British Sign Language (BSL) and Deaf Culture will further develop and consolidate your range and conversational technique in BSL to routine contexts, and broaden your knowledge and awareness of Deaf culture.
Additionally, the module offers you the opportunity to present and discuss in BSL an agreed topic of interest which relates to your main discipline of study. This may take the form of a community engagement project.
The module aims to enable you to:
- use BSL in a range of routine settings, and converse on a topic of their interest
- demonstrate clear use of sign language grammar at an intermediate level and use of some complex structures
- present and lead a discussion in areas of interest (e.g. descriptions on types of education, how Deaf culture is manifested, role of the media, how Deaf spaces are formed)
- complete a project on a topic of interest related to your own studies, as agreed with the tutor
- develop study skills to create a project report in BSL, supported with references and quotes in English.
Classes will consist of a variety of activities, including regular practice in pronunciation (production of signs) and listening (understanding signs), simulations, practical exercises and conversation etc., based around themes, grammatical structures and language skills, to encourage autonomous use of the target language.
This module is at B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Equivalent Signature Level 202 part B; 203.
- British Sign Language and Deaf Culture 3A
15 credits
Year 2, Term 1This is a post-beginner stage for if you have basic prior knowledge of the target language (TL).
Building on existing levels of proficiency at A2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages, you can:
- develop practical applied competence in the four TL skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing
- consolidate and develop a range of standard lexical, phonetic and grammatical principles to allow rapid progression in the TL
- encourage autonomous use of the TL
- develop contextualised cultural knowledge and awareness through study of authentic TL materials in a range of text, digital and audio-visual media.
This module is at B1 – B2 on the CEFR for Languages.
- British Sign Language and Deaf Culture 3B
15 credits
Year 2, Term 2This final stage of the 90-credit pathway in British Sign Language (BSL) and Deaf Culture allows you to improve fluency in conversational technique in BSL, to add specialised vocabulary to your repertoire and develop your knowledge of approaches to professional and academic engagement with deaf people.
You'll aim to:
- demonstrate, with fluency, clear use of sign language grammar and some complex structures, at an upper-intermediate level
- analyse your own production, using TL linguistic reference tools
- take opportunities to use BSL in a professional setting
- explore opportunities to engage with deaf people on a topic of specific interest
- develop knowledge of deaf culture and sign language in specific areas of interest (e.g. discourses in teaching and deaf children, development of oralism in 19th century onwards, the evolution of video-telephony technology, implementing human rights in developing countries)
- translate (e.g. from English to BSL) specific professional and/or academic information in a semi-public arena using commonly available technology (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, vlogs)
- develop study skills to create an evaluation report in BSL, supported with references and quotes in English.
This module is at B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages.
- Chinese Ab initio A
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1This acts as an introduction if you have little or no prior knowledge of the target language (TL).
This module:
- enables you to understand basic information and communicate effectively in the TL, in everyday situations at an elementary level
- provides opportunities across general topics for practising the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at an elementary level
- introduces fundamental elements of the TL language structures, vocabulary, syntax and pronunciation, and provides a solid foundation for progression in the TL
- introduces the background culture of the TL through various activities and text, audio, audio-visual and digital material.
This module is equivalent to level A1 (basic user) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages.
- Chinese Ab initio B
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2You will have basic prior knowledge of the target language (TL).
This module:
- enables you to understand basic information and communicate effectively in the TL in everyday situations, at a simple level
- provides opportunities across general topics for practising the TL using the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at a basic level
- introduces fundamental elements of the TL language structures, vocabulary, syntax and pronunciation, and continues to provide a solid foundation for progression in the TL
- presents the background culture of the TL through various activities and text, audio, audio-visual and digital material.
This module is at least equivalent to level A2 (basic user) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages.
- Chinese Advanced A
15 credits
Year 2, Term 1This stage 5 advanced course is for you if you have already acquired the capacity to function with some autonomy in the target language.
Building on existing levels of proficiency at level B1 (Independent User) of the Common European Framework of Reference [CEFR] the course aims to:
- enable you to understand the main ideas within extended discourse and to communicate effectively in the target language, with increasing fluency, confidence and spontaneity, in a variety of contexts
- provide opportunities, across a variety of topics, for practice of understanding and communication in the target language using the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at an advanced level
- introduce and develop the range of complex elements of target language structures, syntax, and vocabulary to allow continued progression in the target language
- facilitate the analysis of some aspects of the general social, political and/or cultural background of the language through a variety of contextualised activities and materials, in a range of media, e.g. text; audio; audio-visual; digital.
Successful completion of the course is equivalent to level B1-B2 (Independent User) of the CEFR for Languages.
- Chinese Advanced B
15 credits
Year 2, Term 2This stage 6 advanced course is for you if you have already acquired the capacity to function with some autonomy in the target language.
Building on existing levels of proficiency at level B1 (Independent User) of the Common European Framework of Reference [CEFR] the course aims to:
- enable you to understand the main ideas within extended discourse and to communicate effectively in the target language, with increasing fluency, confidence and spontaneity, in a variety of contexts
- provide opportunities, across a variety of topics, for practice of understanding and communication in the target language using the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at an advanced level
- consolidate and develop the range of complex target language structures, syntax, and specialised vocabulary to allow further accuracy and control in use of the target language
- facilitate the analysis of some aspects of the general social, political and/or cultural background of the language through a variety of contextualised activities and materials, in a range of media, e.g. text; audio; audio-visual; digital.
Successful completion of the course is equivalent to level B2 (Independent User) of the CEFR for Languages.
- Chinese Intermediate A
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1; Year 2, Term 1This stage 3 module is for students with some basic knowledge and experience of the target language (TL). Building on existing levels of proficiency at level A2 (Basic User) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages the module aims to:
- enable students to understand basic information and to communicate effectively in the TL, in everyday situations at an elementary level
- provide opportunities across a variety of general topics for practice of understanding and communication in the TL using the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at an elementary level
- consolidate and develop the range of key elements of TL language structures, vocabulary, syntax and pronunciation, to allow progression in the TL
- present the background culture and society of the TL through a variety of contextualised activities and materials, in a range of media, eg text, audio, audio-visual, digital.
Successful completion of the module is equivalent to level A2-B1 (Basic-Independent User) of the CEFR for Languages.
- Chinese Intermediate B
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2; Year 2, Term 2This stage 4 intermediate module is for students who have already acquired the capacity to function with some independence in the target language (TL). Building on existing levels of proficiency at level A2-B1 (Basic/Independent User) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages, the module aims to:
- enable students to understand key information and to communicate effectively in the TL, sometimes spontaneously, in less routine situations, at a standard level
- provide opportunities, across a variety of topics, for practice of understanding and communication in the TL using the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at a standard level
- consolidate and develop the range of key elements of TL language structures, vocabulary, syntax and pronunciation, to allow continued progression in the TL
- present the background culture and society of the TL through a variety of contextualised activities and materials, in a range of media, (e.g. text, audio, audio-visual, digital).
Successful completion of the module is equivalent to level B1 (Independent User) of the CEFR for Languages.
- Communication in the Workplace (Intermediate)
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1; Year 2, Term 1This module offers training in all the communication skills required to undertake academic business and professional studies and to participate or interact in business and other working environments. It will focus on the extended reading and writing skills required in essays, reports, assignments, and general business and professional communication. It will also offer training in the listening and speaking skills required to understand and contribute to seminars, tutorials and lectures on business and professional subjects and to prepare you for oral communication in business and professional practice.
Pre-requisite – You will not have English as your first language
- Communication in the Workplace (Post-Intermediate)
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2; Year 2, Term 2The English for Business and Professional Purposes module offers training in all the communication skills required to undertake academic business and professional studies and to participate or interact in business and other working environments. It will focus on the extended reading and writing skills required in essays, reports, assignments, and general business and professional communication. It will also offer training in the listening and speaking skills required to understand and contribute to seminars, tutorials and lectures on business and professional subjects and to prepare you for oral communication in business and professional practice, at a post-intermediate level of English language competence.
- English in Academic Contexts (Post-Intermediate) (A)
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1; Year 2, Term 1The module aims are twofold: to enable you to further improve your language, and to provide further practice and development in your academic skills.
In the language, you will extend your range of vocabulary and grammar structures and develop your formal accuracy. In the academic skills, you will work on tasks to develop your written and oral communication skills within the context of your own disciplines, and integrate reading and listening skills to these tasks.
Pre-requisite – You will not have English as your first language
- French Ab initio A
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1This module is for:
- beginners with no previous knowledge
- false beginners with prior experience of the language at an elementary level, including those who have up to grade C at GCSE
This module:
- enables you to understand basic information and communicate effectively in the TL, in everyday situations at an elementary level
- provides opportunities across general topics for practising the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at an elementary level
- introduces fundamental elements of the TL language structures, vocabulary, syntax and pronunciation, and provides a solid foundation for progression in the TL
- introduces the background culture of the TL through various activities and text, audio, audio-visual and digital material.
This module is equivalent to level A1 (basic user) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages.
- French Ab initio B
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2You will have completed the ab-initio A module.
This module:
- enables you to understand basic information and communicate effectively in the TL in everyday situations, at a simple level
- provides opportunities across general topics for practising the TL using the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at a basic level
- introduces fundamental elements of the TL language structures, vocabulary, syntax and pronunciation, and continues to provide a solid foundation for progression in the TL
- presents the background culture of the TL through various activities and text, audio, audio-visual and digital material.
This module is at least equivalent to level A2 (basic user) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages.
- French Advanced A
15 credits
Year 2, Term 1This module is for you if you have completed both intermediate A and B modules.
The module aims to:
- enable you to understand the main ideas within extended discourse and to communicate effectively in the target language, with increasing fluency, confidence and spontaneity, in a variety of contexts
- provide opportunities, across a variety of topics, for practice of understanding and communication in the target language using the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at an advanced level
- introduce and develop the range of complex elements of language structures, syntax, and vocabulary to allow continued progression in the target language
- facilitate the analysis of some aspects of the general social, political and/or cultural background of the language through a variety of contextualised activities and materials, in a range of media, e.g. text; audio; audio-visual; digital.
Successful completion of the module is equivalent to level B1-B2 (Independent User) of the CEFR for Languages.
- French Advanced B
15 credits
Year 2, Term 2This module is for you if you have completed an advanced A module. You will:
- learn how to understand the main ideas within extended discourse and communicate effectively in the target language, with increasing fluency, confidence and spontaneity, in different contexts
- get opportunities, across a range of topics, to practise your understanding and communication in the target language using the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at an advanced level
- consolidate and develop the range of complex language structures, syntax, and specialised vocabulary to allow further accuracy and control in use of the target language
- analyse aspects of the general social, political and/or cultural background of the language through contextualised activities and materials, in media such as text, audio, audio-visual and digital.
Successful completion of the course is equivalent to level B2 (Independent User) of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
- French For Professional Purposes 1A
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1; Year 2, Term 1This module is designed for advanced learners who have a good A-level pass, or equivalent.
The module aims to:- enable students to understand the main ideas within extended discourse and to communicate effectively in the TL, with increasing fluency, confidence and spontaneity, in a variety of contexts
- provide opportunities, across a variety of topics, including common professional themes, for practice of understanding and communication in the TL using the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at an advanced level
- introduce and develop the range of complex elements of TL language structures, syntax, and vocabulary to allow continued progression in the TL
- facilitate the analysis of some aspects of the general social, professional, political and/or cultural background of the language through a variety of contextualised activities and materials, in a range of media (e.g. text, audio, audio-visual, digital).
Your classes will consist of a variety of activities to develop your practical skill in all four communicative competencies (SLRW), and to encourage autonomous use of the TL. These will include presentations and discussion, text handling and writing activities such as summarising and reporting etc., based on themes, grammatical structures and language skills.
Working individually and in groups, you will have opportunities to develop your knowledge and understanding of TL countries, society, and community through both authentic and specially prepared textual and audio-visual materials. Seminar activities are complemented by guided independent study, and will make use of Study Direct and other technologies.
This module is at level B1-B2 (Independent User) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages.
- French For Professional Purposes 1B
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2; Year 2, Term 2This module is designed for advanced learners who have completed French for Professional Purposes 1A.
Building on existing levels of proficiency, the module aims to:- enable you to understand the main ideas within extended discourse and to communicate effectively in French with increasing fluency, confidence and spontaneity in a variety of contexts
- provide opportunities, across a variety of topics, including common professional themes, for practice of understanding and communication in French, using the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at an advanced level
- consolidate and develop the range of complex structures, syntax, and specialised vocabulary in French to allow further accuracy and control in use
- facilitate the analysis of some aspects of the general social, professional, political and/or cultural background of the language through a variety of contextualised activities and materials, in a range of media, eg text, audio, audio,visual, digital.
Your classes will consist of a variety of activities to develop your practical skill in all four communicative competencies (speaking, listening, reading and writing), and to encourage autonomous use of French. These will include presentations and discussion, text-handling and writing activities such as summarising and reporting, based on themes, grammatical structures and language skills.
Working individually and in groups, you will have opportunities to develop your knowledge and understanding of Francophone countries, society, and communities, through both authentic and specially prepared textual and audiovisual materials. In this module you will have the opportunity to focus on a topic or text of special interest to you.
Seminar activities are complemented by guided independent study, and will make use of Study Direct and other technologies.
This module is at level B2 (Independent User) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages. - French for Professional Purposes 2A
15 credits
Year 2, Term 1You can study this module if you are an advanced learner and you have completed Advanced for Professional Purposes 1B. This module is at level B2 (Independent User) of the CEFR for Languages.
Building on your existing proficiency level, you will:
- learn how to understand the main ideas within extended discourse and communicate effectively in the target language, with fluency, confidence and spontaneity, in different contexts
- provide opportunities, across a range of topics, to practise understanding and communication in the target language using the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at a proficient level
- consolidate and develop the range of complex language structures, syntax, and specialised vocabulary to allow consistent accuracy and control in use of the target language
- analyse important aspects of the general social and cultural background of the language in a professional context, through contextualised activities and materials in media such as text, audio, audio-visual and digital.
Your classes includes activities to develop your practical skill in all four communicative competencies (SLRW), and to encourage autonomous use of the target language.
These will include subject-specific presentations and discussion, text handling and analysis, writing activities such as letter-writing, summarising and reporting.
You'll work in groups and on your own, and develop your knowledge and understanding of target language countries, society, and community through authentic and specially prepared textual and audio-visual materials.
You'll also focus on your employment profile and/or workplace simulation activities.
- French for Professional Purposes 2B
15 credits
Year 2, Term 2This module is designed for advanced learners who have completed Advanced for Professional Purposes 2A.
Building on existing levels of proficiency, this module aims to :
- enable you to understand the main ideas and detail within extended discourse and to communicate effectively in the target language, with fluency, confidence and spontaneity, in a variety of contexts
- provide opportunities, across a range of topics, for practice of understanding and communication in the target language using the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at a proficient level
- consolidate and develop the range of complex language structures, syntax, and specialised vocabulary to allow consistent accuracy and control in use of the target language
- facilitate the analysis of important aspects of the general social and cultural background of the language in a professional context, through a variety of contextualised activities and materials, in a range of media, e.g. text; audio; audio-visual; digital.
Your classes will consist of a variety of activities to develop your practical skill in all four communicative competencies (SLRW), and to promote autonomous use of the target language.
These will include subject-specific presentations and discussion, text handling and analysis, writing activities such as letter-writing, summarising and reporting etc., based on themes, grammatical structures and language skills.
Working individually and in groups, you'll have opportunities to develop your knowledge and understanding of target language countries, society, and community through both authentic and specially prepared textual and audio-visual materials.
In this module you'll have the opportunity to specialise and report on professional matters or on topics in your field of expertise.
This module is at level B2-C1 (Independent-Proficient User) of the CEFR for Languages.
- French Intermediate A
15 credits
Year 2, Term 1This module is designed for:
- lower intermediate learners who have a recent grade A/B at GCSE, or a D/E pass at AS level, or equivalent
- intermediate learners who have a good AS grade, or perhaps a low D/E pass at A level, or equivalent.
The module aims to:
- enable you to understand key information and to communicate effectively in the TL, sometimes spontaneously, in less routine situations, at a standard level
- provide opportunities, across a variety of topics, for practice of understanding and communication in the TL using the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at a standard level
- consolidate and develop the range of key elements of TL language structures, vocabulary, syntax and pronunciation, to allow progression in the TL
- present the background culture and society of the TL through a variety of contextualised activities and materials, in a range of media, e.g. text; audio; audio-visual; digital.
Successful completion of the module is equivalent to level A2-B1 (Basic-Independent User) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages.
- French Intermediate A Year 1
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1This module is designed for:
- lower intermediate learners who have a recent grade A/B at GCSE, or a D/E pass at AS level, or equivalent.
- intermediate learners who have a good AS grade, or perhaps a low D/E pass at A level, or equivalent.
The course aims to:
- enable students to understand key information and to communicate effectively in the TL, sometimes spontaneously, in less routine situations, at a standard level
- provide opportunities, across a variety of topics, for practice of understanding and communication in the TL using the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at a standard level
- consolidate and develop the range of key elements of TL language structures, vocabulary, syntax and pronunciation, to allow progression in the TL
- present the background culture and society of the TL through a variety of contextualised activities and materials, in a range of media, e.g. text; audio; audio-visual; digital.
Successful completion of the course is equivalent to level A2-B1 (Basic-Independent User) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages.
- French Intermediate B
15 credits
Year 2, Term 2This module is desigend for intermediate learners who have completed an intermediate A module.
The module aims to:- enable students to understand key information and to communicate effectively in the TL, sometimes spontaneously, in less routine situations, at a standard level
- provide opportunities, across a variety of topics, for practice of understanding and communication in the TL using the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at a standard level
- consolidate and develop the range of key elements of TL language structures, vocabulary, syntax and pronunciation, to allow continued progression in the TL
- present the background culture and society of the TL through a variety of contextualised activities and materials, in a range of media (e.g. text; audio, audio-visual, digital).
Successful completion of the module is equivalent to level B1 (Independent User) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages.
- French Intermediate B Year 1
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2This stage 4 intermediate module is for students who have already acquired the capacity to function with some independence in the target language (TL). Building on existing levels of proficiency at level A2+-B1 (Basic/Independent User) of the Common European Framework of Reference [CEFR] the module aims to:
- enable you to understand key information and to communicate effectively in the TL, sometimes spontaneously, in less routine situations, at a standard level
- provide opportunities, across a variety of topics, for practice of understanding and communication in the TL using the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at a standard level
- consolidate and develop the range of key elements of TL language structures, vocabulary, syntax and pronunciation, to allow continued progression in the TL
- present the background culture and society of the TL through a variety of contextualised activities and materials, in a range of media, e.g. text; audio; audio-visual; digital.
Successful completion of the module is equivalent to level B1 (Independent User) of the CEFR for Languages.
- German Ab initio A
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1This acts as an introduction if you have little or no prior knowledge of the target language (TL).
This module:
- enables you to understand basic information and communicate effectively in the TL, in everyday situations at an elementary level
- provides opportunities across general topics for practising the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at an elementary level
- introduces fundamental elements of the TL language structures, vocabulary, syntax and pronunciation, and provides a solid foundation for progression in the TL
- introduces the background culture of the TL through various activities and text, audio, audio-visual and digital material.
This module is equivalent to level A1 (basic user) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages.
- German Ab initio B
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2You will have basic prior knowledge of the target language (TL).
This module:
- enables you to understand basic information and communicate effectively in the TL in everyday situations, at a simple level
- provides opportunities across general topics for practising the TL using the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at a basic level
- introduces fundamental elements of the TL language structures, vocabulary, syntax and pronunciation, and continues to provide a solid foundation for progression in the TL
- presents the background culture of the TL through various activities and text, audio, audio-visual and digital material.
This module is at least equivalent to level A2 (basic user) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages.
- German Advanced A
15 credits
Year 2, Term 1This stage 5 advanced course is for you if you have already acquired the capacity to function with some autonomy in the target language.
Building on existing levels of proficiency at level B1 (Independent User) of the Common European Framework of Reference [CEFR] the course aims to:
- enable you to understand the main ideas within extended discourse and to communicate effectively in the target language, with increasing fluency, confidence and spontaneity, in a variety of contexts
- provide opportunities, across a variety of topics, for practice of understanding and communication in the target language using the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at an advanced level
- introduce and develop the range of complex elements of language structures, syntax, and vocabulary to allow continued progression in the target language
- facilitate the analysis of some aspects of the general social, political and/or cultural background of the language through a variety of contextualised activities and materials, in a range of media, e.g. text; audio; audio-visual; digital.
Successful completion of the course is equivalent to level B1-B2 (Independent User) of the CEFR for Languages.
- German Advanced B
15 credits
Year 2, Term 2This stage 6 advanced course is for you if you have already acquired the capacity to function with some autonomy in the target language.
Building on existing levels of proficiency at level B1 (Independent User) of the Common European Framework of Reference [CEFR] the course aims to:
- enable you to understand the main ideas within extended discourse and to communicate effectively in the target language, with increasing fluency, confidence and spontaneity, in a variety of contexts
- provide opportunities, across a variety of topics, for practice of understanding and communication in the target language using the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at an advanced level
- consolidate and develop the range of complex language structures, syntax, and specialised vocabulary to allow further accuracy and control in use of the target language
- facilitate the analysis of some aspects of the general social, political and/or cultural background of the language through a variety of contextualised activities and materials, in a range of media, e.g. text; audio; audio-visual; digital.
Successful completion of the course is equivalent to level B2 (Independent User) of the CEFR for Languages.
- German Intermediate A
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1; Year 2, Term 1This stage 3 module is for students with some basic knowledge and experience of the target language (TL). Building on existing levels of proficiency at level A2 (Basic User) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages, the module aims to:
- enable you to understand key information and to communicate effectively in the TL, sometimes spontaneously, in less routine situations, at a standard level
- provide opportunities, across a variety of topics, for practice of understanding and communication in the TL using the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at a standard level
- consolidate and develop the range of key elements of TL language structures, vocabulary, syntax and pronunciation, to allow progression in the TL
- present the background culture and society of the TL through a variety of contextualised activities and materials, in a range of media, (e.g. text, audio, audio-visual, digital).
Successful completion of the module is equivalent to level A2-B1 (Basic-Independent User) of the CEFR for Languages.
- German Intermediate B
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2; Year 2, Term 2This stage 4 intermediate module is for students who have already acquired the capacity to function with some independence in the target language (TL). Building on existing levels of proficiency at level A2-B1 (Basic/Independent User) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages, the module aims to:
- enable you to understand key information and to communicate effectively in the TL, sometimes spontaneously, in less routine situations, at a standard level
- provide opportunities, across a variety of topics, for practice of understanding and communication in the TL using the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at a standard level
- consolidate and develop the range of key elements of TL language structures, vocabulary, syntax and pronunciation, to allow continued progression in the TL
- present the background culture and society of the TL through a variety of contextualised activities and materials, in a range of media (e.g. text, audio, audio-visual, digital).
Successful completion of the module is equivalent to level B1 (Independent User) of the CEFR for Languages.
- Inter-cultural Encounters
15 credits
Year 2, Term 1This module seeks to promote cultural awareness and inter-cultural comprehension. You will be concerned to define what is meant by "culture" and to analyse your own cultural backgrounds and attitudes. You will consider how and why cultural characteristics arise and whether generalisations (such as national or cultural stereotypes) are ever valid.
In particular you will reflect upon the ways in which culture and language are linked, and on how cultural values and attitudes are encoded in language. You will sample various theoretical approaches to these issues by way of original lectures, prepared seminar questions, academic essays, and a range of audio-visual sources.
- Italian Ab initio A
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1This acts as an introduction if you have little or no prior knowledge of the target language (TL).
This module:
- enables you to understand basic information and communicate effectively in the TL, in everyday situations at an elementary level
- provides opportunities across general topics for practising the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at an elementary level
- introduces fundamental elements of the TL language structures, vocabulary, syntax and pronunciation, and provides a solid foundation for progression in the TL
- introduces the background culture of the TL through various activities and text, audio, audio-visual and digital material.
This module is equivalent to level A1 (basic user) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages.
- Italian Ab initio B
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2You will have basic prior knowledge of the target language (TL).
This module:
- enables you to understand basic information and communicate effectively in the TL in everyday situations, at a simple level
- provides opportunities across general topics for practising the TL using the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at a basic level
- introduces fundamental elements of the TL language structures, vocabulary, syntax and pronunciation, and continues to provide a solid foundation for progression in the TL
- presents the background culture of the TL through various activities and text, audio, audio-visual and digital material.
This module is at least equivalent to level A2 (basic user) of the Common European Framework of Reference for languages.
- Italian Advanced A
15 credits
Year 2, Term 1This stage 5 advanced module is for students who have already acquired the capacity to function with some autonomy in the target language. You’ll build on existing levels of proficiency at level B1 (Independent User) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
The module aims to:
- enable you to understand the main ideas within extended discourse and communicate effectively, with increasing fluency, confidence and spontaneity, in a variety of contexts
- provide opportunities across a variety of topics for practice of understanding and communication, using the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at an advanced level
- introduce and develop the range of complex elements of language structures, syntax and vocabulary to allow continued progression
- facilitate the analysis of some aspects of the general social, political and/or cultural background of the language through a variety of contextualised activities and materials, in a range of media (such as text, audio, audio-visual and digital).
This module is at B1-B1+ on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
- Italian Advanced B
15 credits
Year 2, Term 2This stage 6 advanced module is for students who have already acquired the capacity to function with some autonomy. You’ll build on existing levels of proficiency at level B1 (Independent User) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
The module aims to:
- enable you to understand the main ideas within extended discourse and to communicate effectively, with increasing fluency, confidence and spontaneity, in a variety of contexts
- provide opportunities across a variety of topics for practice of understanding and communication, using the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at an advanced level
- consolidate and develop the range of complex language structures, syntax, and specialised vocabulary to allow further accuracy and control
- facilitate the analysis of some aspects of the general social, political and/or cultural background of the language through a variety of contextualised activities and materials, in a range of media (such as text, audio, audio-visual and digital).
This module is at B1+ on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
- Italian Intermediate A
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1; Year 2, Term 1This stage 3 module is for students with some basic knowledge and experience of the target language (TL). Building on existing levels of proficiency at level A2 (Basic User) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages, the module aims to:
- enable students to understand key information and to communicate effectively in the TL, sometimes spontaneously, in less routine situations, at a standard level
- provide opportunities, across a variety of topics, for practice of understanding and communication in the TL using the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at a standard level
- consolidate and develop the range of key elements of TL language structures, vocabulary, syntax and pronunciation, to allow progression in the TL
- present the background culture and society of the TL through a variety of contextualised activities and materials, in a range of media (e.g. text, audio, audio-visual, digital).
Successful completion of the module is equivalent to level A2-B1 (Basic-Independent User) of the CEFR for Languages.
- Italian Intermediate B
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2; Year 2, Term 2This stage 4 intermediate module is for students who have already acquired the capacity to function with some independence in the target language (TL). Building on existing levels of proficiency at level A2-B1 (Basic/Independent User) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages, the module aims to:
- enable you to understand key information and to communicate effectively in the TL, sometimes spontaneously, in less routine situations, at a standard level
- provide opportunities, across a variety of topics, for practice of understanding and communication in the TL using the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at a standard level
- consolidate and develop the range of key elements of TL language structures, vocabulary, syntax and pronunciation, to allow continued progression in the TL
- present the background culture and society of the TL through a variety of contextualised activities and materials, in a range of media (e.g. text; audio, audio-visual, digital).
Successful completion of the module is equivalent to level B1 (Independent User) of the CEFR for Languages.
- Japanese Ab initio A
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1This acts as an introduction if you have little or no prior knowledge of the target language (TL).
This module:
- enables you to understand basic information and communicate effectively in the TL, in everyday situations at an elementary level
- provides opportunities across general topics for practising the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at an elementary level
- introduces fundamental elements of the TL language structures, vocabulary, syntax and pronunciation, and provides a solid foundation for progression in the TL
- introduces the background culture of the TL through various activities and text, audio, audio-visual and digital material.
This module is equivalent to level A1 (basic user) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages.
- Japanese Ab initio B
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2You will have basic prior knowledge of the target language (TL).
This module:
- enables you to understand basic information and communicate effectively in the TL in everyday situations, at a simple level
- provides opportunities across general topics for practising the TL using the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at a basic level
- introduces fundamental elements of the TL language structures, vocabulary, syntax and pronunciation, and continues to provide a solid foundation for progression in the TL
- presents the background culture of the TL through various activities and text, audio, audio-visual and digital material.
This module is at least equivalent to level A2 (basic user) of the Common European Framework of Reference for languages.
- Japanese Advanced A
15 credits
Year 2, Term 1This stage 5 advanced module is for you if you have already acquired the capacity to function with some autonomy in the target language. You’ll build on existing levels of proficiency at level B1 (Independent User) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
The module aims to:
- enable you to understand the main ideas within extended discourse and to communicate effectively, with increasing fluency, confidence and spontaneity, in a variety of contexts
- provide opportunities across a variety of topics for practice of understanding and communication, using the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at an advanced level
- introduce and develop the range of complex elements of language structures, syntax, and vocabulary to allow continued progression
- facilitate the analysis of some aspects of the general social, political and/or cultural background of the language through a variety of contextualised activities and materials, in a range of media (such as text, audio, audio-visual and digital).
This module is at B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
- Japanese Advanced B
15 credits
Year 2, Term 2You can study this Stage 6 module if you are at level B1 (Independent User) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages.
You will:
- understand the main ideas within extended discourse and communicate effectively in Japanese, with increasing fluency, confidence and spontaneity, in different contexts
- practise your understanding and communication using your advanced listening, reading, speaking and writing skills in Japanese
- consolidate and develop the range of complex Japanese language structures, syntax, and specialised vocabulary to allow further accuracy and control in use of Japanese
- analyse aspects of the general social and cultural background of the language through activities and materials in a range of media
Successful completion of the module is equivalent to level B2 (Independent User) of the CEFR for Languages.
- Japanese Intermediate A
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1; Year 2, Term 1This stage 3 module is for students with some basic knowledge and experience of the target language (TL). Building on existing levels of proficiency at level A2 (Basic User) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages, the module aims to:
- enable you to understand key information and to communicate effectively in the TL, sometimes spontaneously, in less routine situations, at a standard level
- provide opportunities, across a variety of topics, for practice of understanding and communication in the TL using the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at a standard level
- consolidate and develop the range of key elements of TL language structures, vocabulary, syntax and pronunciation, to allow progression in the TL
- present the background culture and society of the TL through a variety of contextualised activities and materials, in a range of media, eg text, audio, audio-visual, digital.
Successful completion of the module is equivalent to level A2-B1 (Basic-Independent User) of the CEFR for Languages.
- Japanese Intermediate B
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2; Year 2, Term 2This stage 4 intermediate module is for students who have already acquired the capacity to function with some independence in the target language (TL). Building on existing levels of proficiency at level A2-B1 (Basic/Independent User) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages, the module aims to:
- enable you to understand key information and to communicate effectively in the TL, sometimes spontaneously, in less routine situations, at a standard level
- provide opportunities, across a variety of topics, for practice of understanding and communication in the TL using the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at a standard level
- consolidate and develop the range of key elements of TL language structures, vocabulary, syntax and pronunciation, to allow continued progression in the TL
- present the background culture and society of the TL through a variety of contextualised activities and materials, in a range of media, (e.g. text, audio, audio-visual, digital).
Successful completion of the module is equivalent to level B1 (Independent User) of the CEFR for Languages.
- Landscapes of Resistance and Social Justice
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1; Year 2, Term 1This module examines concepts and strategies of resistance and social justice. It embraces interdisciplinary perspectives and a global outlook.
You’ll explore historical and cultural cases where ideas and practices have challenged:
- ideologies and/or political powers
- patriarchal society
- racism
- religious intolerance
- abuse of human rights.
In all these cases, resistance has often resulted in social, political and cultural revolution.
- Language, Identity and Nation
15 credits
Year 2, Term 2Following a short introduction, the module falls into two parts. The first looks at how we discover the links between Language, Thought and Nation, and try to identify and analyse covert as well as overt associations between these. Who are the guardians and gatekeepers of our 'native' languages, and what are the pressures to have English in England, French in France but Castillian in Spain and Post-Florentine in Italy? Are some languages more equal than others, conferring more status to their users? And why do languages still change despite 'Academies'? The second part looks at instances of how expressions of the relationship between a nation and its language emerge as various literary and other genres (with particular reference to the novel), and how these feed back into the collective identity (with particular reference to representations in the cinema of various countries).
- Spanish Ab initio A
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1This module is for:
- beginners with no previous knowledge
- false beginners with prior experience of the language at an elementary level, including those who have up to grade C at GCSE.
This module:
- enables you to understand basic information and communicate effectively in the TL, in everyday situations at an elementary level
- provides opportunities across general topics for practising the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at an elementary level
- introduces fundamental elements of the TL language structures, vocabulary, syntax and pronunciation, and provides a solid foundation for progression in the TL
- introduces the background culture of the TL through various activities and text, audio, audio-visual and digital material.
This module is equivalent to level A1 (basic user) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages.
- Spanish Ab initio B
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2You will have completed the ab-initio A module.
This module:
- enables you to understand basic information and communicate effectively in the TL in everyday situations, at a simple level
- provides opportunities across general topics for practising the TL using the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at a basic level
- introduces fundamental elements of the TL language structures, vocabulary, syntax and pronunciation, and continues to provide a solid foundation for progression in the TL
- presents the background culture of the TL through various activities and text, audio, audio-visual and digital material.
This module is at least equivalent to level A2 (basic user) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages.
- Spanish Advanced A
15 credits
Year 2, Term 1You can study this module if you havw completed both intermediate A and B modules.
You will:
- understand the main ideas within extended discourse and communicate effectively in Spanish, with increasing fluency, confidence and spontaneity, in different contexts
- practise your understanding and communication using your advanced listening, reading, speaking and writing skills in Spanish
- consolidate and develop the range of complex Spanish language structures, syntax, and specialised vocabulary to allow further accuracy and control in use of Spanish
- analyse aspects of the general social and cultural background of the language through activities and materials in a range of media
You'll develop your:
- practical skills in all four communicative competencies and use Spanish independently
- knowledge and understanding of Spanish-speaking countries, society, and community through texts and audio-visual materials.
Successful completion of the module is equivalent to level B1-B2 (Independent User) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages.
- Spanish Advanced B
15 credits
Year 2, Term 2You can study this Stage 6 module if you have completed the Advanced A module.
You will:
- understand the main ideas within extended discourse and communicate effectively in Spanish, with increasing fluency, confidence and spontaneity, in different contexts
- practise your understanding and communication using your advanced listening, reading, speaking and writing skills in Spanish
- consolidate and develop the range of complex Spanish language structures, syntax, and specialised vocabulary to allow further accuracy and control in use of Spanish
- analyse aspects of the general social and cultural background of the language through activities and materials in a range of media
This module is at level B2 (Independent User) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages.
- Spanish for Professional Purposes 1A
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1; Year 2, Term 1This module is designed for advanced learners who have a good A-level pass, or equivalent.
The module aims to:
- enable you to understand the main ideas within extended discourse and to communicate effectively in the TL, with increasing fluency, confidence and spontaneity, in a variety of contexts
- provide opportunities, across a variety of topics, including common professional themes, for practice of understanding and communication in the TL using the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at an advanced level
- introduce and develop the range of complex elements of TL language structures, syntax, and vocabulary to allow continued progression in the TL
- facilitate the analysis of some aspects of the general social, professional, political and/or cultural background of the language through a variety of contextualised activities and materials, in a range of media (e.g. text, audio, audio-visual, digital).
Your classes will consist of a variety of activities to develop your practical skill in all four communicative competencies (SLRW), and to encourage autonomous use of the TL. These will include presentations and discussion, text handling and writing activities such as summarising and reporting etc., based on themes, grammatical structures and language skills. Working individually and in groups, you will have opportunities to develop your knowledge and understanding of TL countries, society, and community through both authentic and specially prepared textual and audio-visual materials.
Seminar activities are complemented by guided independent study, and will make use of Study Direct and other technologies.This module is at level B1-B2 (Independent User) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages.
- Spanish for Professional Purposes 1B
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2; Year 2, Term 2This Stage 6 module is for students who have already acquired the capacity to function with some autonomy in the target language (TL) at level B1-B2 (Independent User) of the Common European Framework of Reference [CEFR].
Building on existing levels of proficiency, the module aims to:
- enable you to understand the main ideas within extended discourse and to communicate effectively in the TL, with increasing fluency, confidence and spontaneity, in a variety of contexts
- provide opportunities, across a variety of topics such as common professional themes, for practice of understanding and communication in the TL. You will use the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing at an advanced level
- consolidate and develop the range of complex TL language structures, syntax, and specialised vocabulary to allow further accuracy and control in use of the TL
- facilitate the analysis of some aspects of the general social, professional, political and/or cultural background of the language through a variety of contextualised activities and materials, in a range of media (such as text, audio, audio-visual and digital).
This module is at level B2 (Independent User) of the CEFR for Languages.
- Spanish for Professional Purposes 2A
15 credits
Year 2, Term 1You can study this module if you are an advanced learner who has completed the Advanced for Professional Purposes 1B module.
You will:
- understand the main ideas within extended discourse and communicate effectively in Spanish, with fluency, confidence and spontaneity, in different contexts
- practise your understanding and communication using your proficient listening, reading, speaking and writing skills in Spanish
- consolidate and develop the range of complex Spanish language structures, syntax, and specialised vocabulary to allow consistent accuracy and control in use of Spanish
- analyse aspects of the general social and cultural background of the language in a professional context, through activities and materials in a range of media
You'll develop your:
- practical skills in all four communicative competencies and use Spanish independently
- knowledge and understanding of Spanish-speaking countries, society, and community through texts and audio-visual materials.
This module is at level B2 (Independent User) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages.
- Spanish for Professional Purposes 2B
15 credits
Year 2, Term 2You can study this module if you're an advanced learner who has completed the Advanced for Professional Purposes 2A module.
You will:
- understand the main ideas within extended discourse and communicate effectively in Spanish, with fluency, confidence and spontaneity, in different contexts
- practise your understanding and communication using your proficient listening, reading, speaking and writing skills in Spanish
- consolidate and develop the range of complex Spanish language structures, syntax, and specialised vocabulary to allow consistent accuracy and control in use of Spanish
- analyse aspects of the general social and cultural background of the language in a professional context, through activities and materials in a range of media.
You'll develop your:
- practical skills in all four communicative competencies and use Spanish independently
- knowledge and understanding of Spanish-speaking countries, society, and community through texts and audio-visual materials.
This module is at level B2 (Independent User) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages.
- Spanish Intermediate A
15 credits
Year 2, Term 1This module is designed for:
- lower intermediate learners who have a recent grade A/B at GCSE, or a D/E pass at AS level, or equivalent
- intermediate learners who have a good AS grade, or perhaps a low D/E pass at A level, or equivalent.
The module aims to:
- enable you to understand key information and to communicate effectively in the TL, sometimes spontaneously, in less routine situations, at a standard level
- provide opportunities, across a variety of topics, for practice of understanding and communication in the TL using the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at a standard level
- consolidate and develop the range of key elements of TL language structures, vocabulary, syntax and pronunciation, to allow progression in the TL
- present the background culture and society of the TL through a variety of contextualised activities and materials, in a range of media, eg text, audio, audio-visual, digital.
Successful completion of the module is equivalent to level A2-B1 (Basic-Independent User) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages.
- Spanish Intermediate A Year 1
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1This module is designed for:
- lower-intermediate learners who have a recent grade A/B at GCSE, or a D/E pass at AS-Level, or equivalent
- intermediate learners who have a good AS grade, or perhaps a low D/E pass at A-Level, or equivalent
The module aims to:
- enable you to understand key information and to communicate effectively in Spanish, sometimes spontaneously, in less routine situations at a standard level
- provide opportunities, across a variety of topics, for practice of understanding and communication in Spanish using the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at a standard level
- consolidate and develop the range of key elements of the structures, vocabulary, syntax and pronunciation of Spanish, to allow progression
- present the background culture and society of the Spanish-speaking world through a variety of contextualised activities and materials in a range of media (e.g. text, audio, audiovisual, digital).
Successful completion of the module is equivalent to level A2-B1 (Basic-Independent User) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages.
- Spanish Intermediate B
15 credits
Year 2, Term 2This module is desigend for intermediate learners who have completed an intermediate A module
The module aims to:- enable you to understand key information and to communicate effectively in Spanish, sometimes spontaneously, in less routine situations at a standard level
- provide opportunities, across a variety of topics, for practice of understanding and communication in Spanish using the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at a standard level
- consolidate and develop the range of key elements of the structures, vocabulary, syntax and pronunciation of Spanish, to allow continued progression
- present the background culture and society of the Spanish-speaking world through a variety of contextualised activities and materials in a range of media, eg text, audio, audiovisual, and digital.
Successful completion of the module is equivalent to level B1 (Independent User) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages.
- Spanish Intermediate B Year 1
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2This module is desigend for intermediate learners who have completed an intermediate A module.
The module aims to:- enable you to understand key information and to communicate effectively in Spanish, sometimes spontaneously, in less routine situations at a standard level
- provide opportunities, across a variety of topics, for practice of understanding and communication in Spanish using the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, at a standard level
- consolidate and develop the range of key elements of the structures, vocabulary, syntax and pronunciation of Spanish, to allow continued progression
- present the background culture and society of the Spanish-speaking world through a variety of contextualised activities and materials in a range of media, eg text, audio, audiovisual, and digital.
Successful completion of the module is equivalent to level B1 (Independent User) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages.
- TESOL 1A
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1; Year 2, Term 1This module will provide students with an introduction to the social, political, linguistic and pedagogic issues involved in the teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages and the principles and practice of a range of methods and approaches.
- TESOL 1B
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2; Year 2, Term 2This course will focus primarily on supervised lesson planning and teaching practice. A small number of plenary sessions will further address the evaluation and selection of teaching materials and the principles of lesson planning, as well as generally exploring issues arising out of the teaching practice classes. You will be invited to reflect on and evaluate your own classroom practice and that of your peers.
- TESOL 2A
15 credits
Year 2, Term 1This module will build on and further develop knowledge and awareness of lexical, grammatical, functional and phonological issues in the teaching and learning of English, and will explore the formal and informal assessment of language knowledge and language skills. The module will also review and further explore principles and best practice in lesson and module planning and delivery in a variety of teaching contexts.
- TESOL 2B
15 credits
Year 2, Term 2This module will focus primarily on lesson planning and teaching practice.
Plenary sessions will cover the evaluation, selection and use of published teaching materials and the principles of lesson and course planning, as well as addressing key issues in teaching and learning arising from your classes.
You'll be required to reflect on and critically evaluate your own classroom practice and that of your peers.
- Arabic Ab initio A
- Law, Sociology, Criminology and Politics
- 21st Century Sociology
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1A Sociology of 21st Century Britain will use Britain today as an empirical base for exploring wider sociological perspectives and the insights that social science can bring into key problems and debates about contemporary life.
During the module you will explore the relationship between empirical research and theory using examples from recent sociological work, drawing from studies no older than 5 years, to look at a range of issues in 21st century Britain, including work and employment, family, sport, intimacy, life online, nationalism, death and wealth.
The module is designed to demonstrate the capacity of sociology to explore the social world in interesting, challenging and critical ways, but will be relevant to anyone who wishes to learn more about contemporary Britain, from the perspective of insider or outsider.
- Gendering the Life Course
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2Students taking this elective will learn to think critically about inequalities in our societies as they emerge across the life course, especially those relating to gender. Through engaging with key moments in the life course (including birth and the ascription of gender identity; childhood and education; sexual reproduction, parenting and families; paid and unpaid work; illness and health; old age) students will build on their own experiences and observations to develop new perspectives and insights on this key issue in contemporary society.
Throughout the module, we will explore key theoretical frameworks as well as a series of concrete cases and problems in which researchers apply such theories to gender issues in social policy, health, education and psychology. By the end of the module you should have gained an understanding of gender and the concept of inequality and be able to provide critical accounts of the links between gendered social relations, cultural settings and individual behaviour and experiences.
- Introduction to the European Union
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2This module will provide an introduction to the origins, institutions and main policies of the European Union, including the introduction of European citizenship and attempts by EU institutions to forge a European identity.
- Making of Modern Europe Year 2 Elective
15 credits
Year 2, Term 1The module aims to give you an understanding of the historical evolution of Europe as a region, as it has evolved from the middle ages until the present day. In particular we will trace the relationship between, on the one hand; ideas and ideals of European cooperation, integration and unity, and on the other; the realities of European economic, political and social development and conflict.
We will try to explain the different dimensions of the idea of Europe in their historical context, exploring both the political struggles and the philosophical arguments which have characterised Europe over its history.
- Police and Policing (Elective)
15 credits
Year 2, Term 1Examine policing in contemporary British society through looking at:
- how policing has evolved since the start of the Metropolitan Police in 1829
- modern-day policing through the analysis of relevant theories, practices and policy considerations.
We focus on different types of approaches, contexts and situations, such as those relating to counter-terrorism, community, political protest, gender and hate crime.
The police are often thought of as a monolithic institution. We will explore this by looking at how different policing practices shape media and public perceptions, and how they affect political response.
- Punishment and Penology
15 credits
Year 2, Term 2This module will examine both the theory and practice of punishment, and will encourage you to take a critical approach to analysing these. The focus will mainly be on England and Wales, but comparison will be drawn with other countries, such as those in Europe, North America and Australasia, where relevant.
After exploring a range of theoretical approaches in relation to the justifications for and purposes of punishment, you will consider a range of empirical examples. The latter will be largely contemporary, but historical examples will also be used.
Topics will include:
- justifications for punishment
- Durkhemian, Marxist and Foucauldian perspectives on punishment
- Garland's (2001) culture of control and the new penology (Feeley and Simon, 1992)
- contemporary imprisonment
- women in prison
- children and young people in custody
- immigration detention centres
- alternatives to imprisonment
- radical critiques, such as abolitionism and feminist jurisprudence.
- The Making of Modern Europe
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1This module provides you with an understanding of the historical development of the idea of Europe as it has evolved from the middle ages until the present day. In particular we shall trace the relationship between, on the one hand, ideas and ideals of European cooperation, integration and unity and, on the other, the realities of European economic, political and social development and conflict.
The module explains the different dimensions of the idea of Europe and places them in their contemporary context, highlighting aspects of continuity and change. It further examines the inherent tension between unity and diversity in European history and explores how this tension has been manifest in the political struggles and the philosophical arguments which have characterised Europe over time.
The first half of the module considers the development of Europe as idea and reality over the long run while the second half examines how these aspects have interacted in the 20th and 21st centuries.
- Thinking Like a Criminologist
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1This modules aims to introduce students to the key skills involved in thinking like a criminologist. It places a joint emphasis on gaining both a theoretical and practical understanding of criminology as a discipline.
You will develop skills in interpreting crime statistics, critically assessing definitions of crime and engaging with media debates about crime and justice. These will be informed by introductory criminological theory to provide a foundation, including positivism and classicism, Durkheim and the Chicago School.
Key topics will include:
- What is crime?
- Who is a criminal?
- How can we use crime statistics?
- The history of crime
- Media representations of crime
- The use of official reports and policy documents.
- Understanding the Criminal Justice System
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2Gain an introduction to the criminal justice system by focusing on key debates around social control and the historic development of institutions.
You study the development of key components of the justice system including:
- prisons
- the police
- probation
- the courts and community justice.
You also examine contemporary debates including:
- race and crime
- gender
- power and punishment
- issues of overpolicing and criminalisation
- youth justice and crime prevention.
You will study the British justice system within an international context (to allow for a comparative understanding).
- 21st Century Sociology
- Sciences
- Applying Psychology to Everyday Problems
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1This module introduces you to a variety of ways in which psychological knowledge is applied to everyday problems. It covers topics such as understanding mental health problems and how they can be treated, how psychology can be used to influence health and well-being, the role of psychology in the workplace, and the relevance of psychology to educational practice – including understanding why ‘bullying’ occurs and how we can prevent it. You will:
- learn about some of the research and theories that support these applications of psychology to everyday problems
- be introduced to the areas of professional applied psychology that underpin them.
- Clinical Psychology and Mental Health
15 credits
Year 2, Term 2With the help of a team of scientists and clinical practitioners you will consider theory, research and treatment of a range of psychological disorders, including anxiety, depression, and psychosis. You will learn about psychological perspectives on areas of mental health difficulty, research to better understanding of these problems and application to treatment/support.
- From Quarks to the Cosmos
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2; Year 2, Term 2This elective provides an overview of state-of-the-art research in fundamental physics for non-physicists, covering:
- physics of the quantum world
- particle physics and the search for the fundamental constituents of matter
- cosmology and the large-scale structure of our world
- the quest for the fundamental forces of nature.
The elective is non-mathematical. It's suitable for non-scientists as well as scientists from other disciplines.
- Introduction to Cognitive Science: Minds, Machines and Consciousness
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1You will examine what it means to be an intelligent being and explore how we view ourselves.
You will look at a number of physicalist theories, including the view that cognition is computation.
In doing so, you will examine some of the basic issues underlying cognitive science as an interdisciplinary study of the mind, taking in topics from psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, computing, artificial intelligence, robotics, evolutionary theory, biology and philosophy.
- Morality, Groups and Emotion
15 credits
Year 2, Term 1 - Our Place in the Universe(s)
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1; Year 2, Term 1Astronomy, the study of space and its contents beyond the earth, is both the oldest science, and one in which new discoveries are being made on a daily basis. It is used to explain such familiar phenomena as the tides, eclipses and meteor showers, as well as much more exotic objects such as black holes and exoplanets. The observable universe also provides a laboratory for testing physical theories at extreme energies that are unachievable on earth.
This elective will provide non-science students with a broad, non-mathematical understanding of astronomy from our solar system, via stars and galaxies, to the universe as a whole, all to appreciate our place in the universe(s). - Principles of Cognitive Science
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2How do our minds work?
In this module, you answer this question from the perspective of classical cognitive science, which treats the mind as a processor of information.
Over the last 50 years, cognitive scientists have gained deep insights into how we think and what makes us intelligent.
We will investigate how the mind receives, transforms, stores, retrieves and transmits information in order to understand how we comprehend the world, reason, solve problems, remember, develop skills and learn.
In addition to studying the variety, power and limitations of our cognitive capabilities, you analyse and explain the nature of exceptional cognitive abilities, such as creativity and expertise, but we will also see that even seemingly simple everyday tasks involves a surprising richness and complexity of cognition.
A key part of the module will be a case study on a task of your own choosing, which you investigate using the core concepts and models presented in the seminars.
- Psychology Now: Contemporary Approaches to Understanding Behaviour
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2This module introduces you to a wide range of research themes in contemporary psychology. Internationally recognised researchers will help you learn about work at the cutting edge of this dynamically changing discipline, covering topics such as the psychology of gender differences, the effects of drugs on our thinking and behaviour, the mechanisms involved in hypnosis, and the role of psychology in environmental issues. You will evaluate diverse approaches to understanding human behaviour, from comparative perspectives that help us revisit assumptions about the human-animal divide, through to social psychological explanations of why we interact with other people in the ways that we do.
This module is only available to Psychology students. - Psychology of Child Development
15 credits
Year 1, Term 1This module introduces you to Developmental Psychology: the scientific study of how children develop. Over the course of the module we will evaluate theories and empirical evidence across a wide range of core areas within Developmental Psychology such as language, attachment, emotion, gender, adolescence and cognitive development. We will cover both classic studies and contemporary research in these areas.
BSc Psychology students are not permitted to take this module. Visiting and Exchange students are permitted to take this module but cannot take it in combination with Psychology of Childhood and Adolescence or Developmental Psychology.
- Psychology of Cognitive Processes
15 credits
Year 2, Term 2This module introduces students to Cognitive Psychology, the scientific study of how the mind works. The lectures will allow students to become familiar with the field of Cognitive Psychology and its research approaches, and to appreciate its relevance to everyday functioning. A variety of relevant topics will be discussed, such as Perception, Attention, Memory, Language and Decision-Making, both in terms of the prevalent theoretical models, as well as empirical evidence.
BSc Psychology students are not permitted to take this module. Visiting and Exchange students are permitted to take this module but cannot take it in combination with Cognition and Clinical Contexts or Cognitive Psychology
- Social Psychology and Individual Differences
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2This module introduces you to Social Psychology and the scientific study of individuals and groups. We will explore the key approaches and methodologies in Social Psychology, evaluating different perspectives on studying individual differences. The module may draw from areas such as motivation, emotion, health and well-being, personality, and intergroup behaviour.
BSc Psychology students are not permitted to take this module. Visiting and Exchange students are permitted to take this module but cannot take it in combination with Individuals and Groups or with Social Psychology.
- Sustainable Energy Science
15 credits
Year 1, Term 2This module:
- introduces the latest energy technologies
- explains the physical principles underlying technology
- discusses the technologies’ environmental, economic, and social impacts.
Covering fossil fuels, renewable and nuclear energy, the module enables you to evaluate the key sources of energy available. It also introduces potential solutions to the energy problems facing us today.
- Applying Psychology to Everyday Problems
We’re planning to run these electives in the academic year 2023/24. The electives shown give an indication of the breadth of study possible at Sussex. They are updated annually and may vary due to student demand or feedback, changes to staff expertise or updates to our curriculum. The electives available will be confirmed at the start of each academic year. Eligibility for electives depends on your course and may vary from time to time. If you’re eligible, you’ll be asked whether you’d like to choose an elective from the selection available for that academic year once you’ve registered, subject to timetabling constraints.
Pathways
A pathway is a combination of electives from a single subject area that is distinct from your main subject. Pathways are open to students on most single-honours degrees.
There are two ways you can study a pathway:
- You can choose to take a pathway across the first two years of your course alongside your main subject. Your pathway will be recorded on your degree certificate. For example, if you take Spanish for two years, your degree certificate will list your main subject ‘with proficiency in Spanish’.
- Some of our pathways are available for three years, forming the minor part of a major/minor degree. If, for example, you take Spanish for three years alongside your main subject, your degree certificate will list your main subject ‘with Spanish’.
I believe that learning one of the most spoken languages in the world can be of great benefit for both personal and professional development.”Cathy Wiesan
Business and Management Studies BSc
Mandarin Chinese Pathway
Discover pathways
- Business, Finance and Economics
- Business and Management Pathway
Learn to break down problems and apply practical solutions. Understand how the business world works, including the roles of key institutions, the range of products and instruments, and the risks faced by companies and individuals.
You develop transferable skills in data interpretation, decision-making, and critical thinking. This pathway prepares you for a variety of careers in the business sector, including banking, marketing research, public relations and sales.
This pathway includes the following modules:
- International Business Environment
- Introduction to Accounting (Elective)
- Introduction to Business and Management (Elective)
- Operations Management (Elective)
- Economics Pathway
This pathway includes the following modules:
- Global Economic History
- Introduction to Economics (Elective)
- Microeconomics 1 (Elective)
- Microeconomics 2 (Elective)
- Finance Pathway
This pathway includes the following modules:
- Corporate and International Finance (Elective)
- Financial Institutions and Markets (Elective)
- Principles of Finance (Elective)
- Theory of Investments (Elective)
- International Business Pathway
Gain skills and strategies you can use in international business environments. Learn about developments that pose opportunities and challenges for overseas business. Understand the cultural differences that act as barriers to communication and negotiation.
Our graduates start their careers equipped with knowledge about the global business context. They can make informed decisions while working as international managers or entrepreneurs.
This pathway includes the following modules:
- International Business Environment
- International Business Strategy (Elective)
- International Human Resource Management (Elective)
- International Marketing (Elective)
- Business and Management Pathway
- Education and Social Work
- Education Pathway
This pathway includes the following modules:
- Autism and Education
- Education: History, Politics and Practice
- Inclusion, Diversity and Equity in Education
- Power in the classroom: global perspectives on curriculum, pedagogy and assessment
- International Education and Development Pathway
Understand the issues faced in helping all children to access, stay in and learn in school. This pathway is an excellent introduction to the major institutions that direct aid and influence policy and practice. See how education can shape individuals, families and communities.
This pathway is for you if you wish to work in teaching, educational environments, charities, international NGOs, or overseas or politics and policy-making around education and development.
This pathway includes the following modules:
- Access, Equity and Gender
- Education for Development: Aid, Policy and the Global Agenda
- Education, Peacebuilding and Conflict
- Power in the classroom: global perspectives on curriculum, pedagogy and assessment
- Wellbeing Pathway
Wellbeing is a contemporary area of study that draws on a wide set of perspectives. It has become increasingly important in social policy, health work, and economic practices, as well as to employers and organisations. This pathway explores how wellbeing might be understood and experienced, and the ways it affects individuals and societies.
We help you explore wellbeing and understand it from theoretical, cultural and social perspectives. You’ll look at key areas of practice for wellbeing that span different disciplines. And you’ll think critically about the nature of wellbeing and its position in the social world.
This pathway includes the following modules:
- Exploring Death and Dying; Cultural, Theoretical and Practice Perspectives
- Mental Health and Madness: exploring socio-cultural approaches
- Migrant and Refugee Well-Being: Theory and Practice
- Spirituality, Wellbeing, and Health: understanding practices and connections.
- Education Pathway
- Global Studies
- Anthropology Pathway
Boost your career prospects by understanding a core social science. You analyse everyday culture and social practices, norms and values. By critically questioning contemporary issues you will explore processes of social transformation.
This pathway enhances your critical thinking and analytic skills. These are useful in a range of careers including NGOs, charities, policy-making, the media or postgraduate study in anthropology.
This pathway includes the following modules:
- Culture and Representation (Elective pathway)
- Global Cultures, Local Lives
- People, Culture and the Global Economy
- Religion and Ritual (Pathway elective)
- Human Rights Pathway
Interested in how and why human rights are applied in practice? This pathway explores the role of the state, law, and morality to understand how human rights work. You examine individual rights, the right to protest, and the relationship between human rights and business.
Studying an interdisciplinary pathway will boost your employability because your knowledge can be applied in a variety of careers, such as law, social care, business, government and the charitable sector. It's also an excellent basis for postgraduate study.
This pathway includes the following modules:
- Health, Poverty and Inequality (Pathway elective)
- Introduction to Human Rights
- Law, Justice and Inequality
- Migrant and Refugee Well-Being: Theory and Practice
- International Relations Pathway
Expand the horizon of your studies by learning about the globalised world we live in today.
On this pathway, you’ll analyse the challenges facing the international community from four different angles:
-
the big issues themselves, such as climate change, development and inequality, and war and peace
-
the key concepts – such as sovereignty, globalisation, imperialism and human rights – through which people have tried to understand these issues
-
the relationship between business, state and society in the global economy
-
the many different aspects of security (and insecurity) in the contemporary world.
Gathering and critically analysing information and arguments, you’ll also develop key transferable skills.
This pathway includes the following modules:
- Business in World Politics
- Foundations of International Relations (pathway elective)
- Global Issues
- Security and Insecurity in Global Politics (Pathway elective)
-
- Anthropology Pathway
- Languages and English Language Teaching
Some of our Languages pathways are based on proficiency levels set out in the Common European Framework of Reference to Languages (CEFR). Find out about the CEFR for Languages.
- Advanced Arabic Pathway
Learn another language as you study and boost your career prospects. Enrich your understanding of your first language and develop your confidence, communication skills and cultural awareness.
Study is in small seminar groups taught by experienced language speakers. You practise spoken and written usage and understanding of your chosen language.
This pathway includes the following modules:
- Arabic Advanced A
- Arabic Advanced B
- Arabic Intermediate A
- Arabic Intermediate B
- Advanced French Pathway
Learn another language as you study and boost your career prospects. Enrich your understanding of your first language and develop your confidence, communication skills and cultural awareness.
Study is in small seminar groups taught by experienced language speakers. You practise spoken and written usage and understanding of your chosen language.
This pathway includes the following modules:
- French Advanced A
- French Advanced A (B)
- French Advanced B
- French Advanced B (B)
- French Intermediate A
- French Intermediate A Year 1
- French Intermediate B
- French Intermediate B Year 1
- Advanced German Pathway
Learn another language as you study and boost your career prospects. Enrich your understanding of your first language and develop your confidence, communication skills and cultural awareness.
Study is in small seminar groups taught by experienced language speakers. You practise spoken and written usage and understanding of your chosen language.
This pathway includes the following modules:
- German Advanced A
- German Advanced B
- German Intermediate A
- German Intermediate B
- Advanced Italian Pathway
Learn another language as you study and boost your career prospects. Enrich your understanding of your first language and develop your confidence, communication skills and cultural awareness.
Study is in small seminar groups taught by experienced language speakers. You practise spoken and written usage and understanding of your chosen language.
This pathway includes the following modules:
- Italian Advanced A
- Italian Advanced B
- Italian Intermediate A
- Italian Intermediate B
- Advanced Japanese Pathway
Learn another language as you study and boost your career prospects. Enrich your understanding of your first language and develop your confidence, communication skills and cultural awareness.
Study is in small seminar groups taught by experienced language speakers. You practise spoken and written usage and understanding of your chosen language.
This pathway includes the following modules:
- Japanese Advanced A
- Japanese Advanced B
- Japanese Intermediate A
- Japanese Intermediate B
- Advanced Mandarin Chinese Pathway
Learn another language as you study and boost your career prospects. Enrich your understanding of your first language and develop your confidence, communication skills and cultural awareness.
Study is in small seminar groups taught by experienced language speakers. You practise spoken and written usage and understanding of your chosen language.
This pathway includes the following modules:
- Chinese Advanced A
- Chinese Advanced B
- Chinese Intermediate A
- Chinese Intermediate B
- Advanced Spanish Pathway
Learn another language as you study and boost your career prospects. Enrich your understanding of your first language and develop your confidence, communication skills and cultural awareness.
Study is in small seminar groups taught by experienced language speakers. You practise spoken and written usage and understanding of your chosen language.
This pathway includes the following modules:
- Spanish Advanced A
- Spanish Advanced A (B)
- Spanish Advanced B
- Spanish Advanced B (B)
- Spanish Intermediate A
- Spanish Intermediate A Year 1
- Spanish Intermediate B
- Spanish Intermediate B Year 1
- British Sign Language Pathway
Learn another language as you study and boost your career prospects. Enrich your understanding of your first language and develop your confidence, communication skills and cultural awareness.
Study is in small seminar groups taught by experienced language speakers. You practise spoken and written usage and understanding of your chosen language.
This pathway includes the following modules:
- British Sign Language and Deaf Culture 1A
- British Sign Language and Deaf Culture 1B
- British Sign Language and Deaf Culture 2A
- British Sign Language and Deaf Culture 2B
- French [CEFR C1]
Learn another language as you study and boost your career prospects. Enrich your understanding of your first language and develop your confidence, communication skills and cultural awareness.
Study is in small seminar groups taught by experienced language speakers. You practise spoken and written usage and understanding of your chosen language.
This pathway includes the following modules:
- French For Professional Purposes 1A
- French For Professional Purposes 1B
- French for Professional Purposes 2A
- French for Professional Purposes 2B
- French For Professional Purposes 3A
- French For Professional Purposes 3B
- French for Professional Purposes Pathway
Learn another language as you study and boost your career prospects. Enrich your understanding of your first language and develop your confidence, communication skills and cultural awareness.
Study is in small seminar groups taught by experienced language speakers. You practise spoken and written usage and understanding of your chosen language.
This pathway includes the following modules:
- French For Professional Purposes 1A
- French For Professional Purposes 1B
- French for Professional Purposes 2A
- French for Professional Purposes 2B
- Intermediate Arabic Pathway
Learn another language as you study and boost your career prospects. Enrich your understanding of your first language and develop your confidence, communication skills and cultural awareness.
Study is in small seminar groups taught by experienced language speakers. You practise spoken and written usage and understanding of your chosen language.
This pathway includes the following modules:
- Arabic Beginners A
- Arabic Beginners B
- Arabic Intermediate A
- Arabic Intermediate B
- Intermediate French Pathway
Learn another language as you study and boost your career prospects. Enrich your understanding of your first language and develop your confidence, communication skills and cultural awareness.
Study is in small seminar groups taught by experienced language speakers. You practise spoken and written usage and understanding of your chosen language.
This pathway includes the following modules:
- French Beginners A
- French Beginners B
- French Intermediate A
- French Intermediate A Year 1
- French Intermediate B
- French Intermediate B Year 1
- Intermediate German Pathway
Learn another language as you study and boost your career prospects. Enrich your understanding of your first language and develop your confidence, communication skills and cultural awareness.
Study is in small seminar groups taught by experienced language speakers. You practise spoken and written usage and understanding of your chosen language.
This pathway includes the following modules:
- German Beginners A
- German Beginners B
- German Intermediate A
- German Intermediate B
- Intermediate Italian Pathway
Learn another language as you study and boost your career prospects. Enrich your understanding of your first language and develop your confidence, communication skills and cultural awareness.
Study is in small seminar groups taught by experienced language speakers. You practise spoken and written usage and understanding of your chosen language.
This pathway includes the following modules:
- Italian Beginners A
- Italian Beginners B
- Italian Intermediate A
- Italian Intermediate B
- Intermediate Japanese Pathway
Learn another language as you study and boost your career prospects. Enrich your understanding of your first language and develop your confidence, communication skills and cultural awareness.
Study is in small seminar groups taught by experienced language speakers. You practise spoken and written usage and understanding of your chosen language.
This pathway includes the following modules:
- Japanese Beginners A
- Japanese Beginners B
- Japanese Intermediate A
- Japanese Intermediate B
- Intermediate Mandarin Chinese Pathway
Learn another language as you study and boost your career prospects. Enrich your understanding of your first language and develop your confidence, communication skills and cultural awareness.
Study is in small seminar groups taught by experienced language speakers. You practise spoken and written usage and understanding of your chosen language.
This pathway includes the following modules:
- Chinese Beginners A
- Chinese Beginners B
- Chinese Intermediate A
- Chinese Intermediate B
- Intermediate Spanish Pathway
Learn another language as you study and boost your career prospects. Enrich your understanding of your first language and develop your confidence, communication skills and cultural awareness.
Study is in small seminar groups taught by experienced language speakers. You practise spoken and written usage and understanding of your chosen language.
This pathway includes the following modules:
- Spanish Beginners A
- Spanish Beginners B
- Spanish Intermediate A
- Spanish Intermediate A Year 1
- Spanish Intermediate B
- Spanish Intermediate B Year 1
- Spanish [CEFR C1]
Learn another language as you study and boost your career prospects. Enrich your understanding of your first language and develop your confidence, communication skills and cultural awareness.
Study is in small seminar groups taught by experienced language speakers. You practise spoken and written usage and understanding of your chosen language.
This pathway includes the following modules:
- Spanish for Professional Purposes 1A
- Spanish for Professional Purposes 1B
- Spanish for Professional Purposes 2A
- Spanish for Professional Purposes 2B
- Spanish for Professional Purposes 3A
- Spanish for Professional Purposes 3B
- Spanish for Professional Purposes Pathway
Learn another language as you study and boost your career prospects. Enrich your understanding of your first language and develop your confidence, communication skills and cultural awareness.
Study is in small seminar groups taught by experienced language speakers. You practise spoken and written usage and understanding of your chosen language.
This pathway includes the following modules:
- Spanish for Professional Purposes 1A
- Spanish for Professional Purposes 1B
- Spanish for Professional Purposes 2A
- Spanish for Professional Purposes 2B
- TESOL Pathway
This pathway includes the following modules:
- TESOL 1A
- TESOL 1B
- TESOL 2A
- TESOL 2B
- Advanced Arabic Pathway
- Law, Sociology, Criminology and Politics
- Criminology Pathway v2
This pathway includes the following modules:
- Police and Policing (Elective)
- Punishment and Penology
- Thinking Like a Criminologist
- Understanding the Criminal Justice System
- Gender Studies Pathway
This pathway is for you if you’re interested in gender and intersecting inequalities. You’ll:
- learn to conceptualise gender as a social process and relation of power, intertwined with race, class and other categories
- look at the systems of patriarchy, capitalism and colonialism and how they construct gender
- explore gender issues and inequalities in key arenas such as law, education, work, popular culture and social space
- develop a critical perspective on contemporary social issues and especially issues of power and inequality
- gain practical skills such as discussing complex topics, communicating ideas in writing, and putting personal experience in an intellectual frame.
This pathway is ideal preparation for specialised study in gender or for careers related to inequalities in governmental and non-governmental organisations, the private sector and the media.This pathway includes the following modules:
- Access, Equity and Gender
- Gender Equality
- Gender, Space and Culture (E)
- Gendering the Life Course
- Legal Studies Pathway
Want to explore big questions about how we order society and the role of law? Learn about the English legal system, aspects of international law, and the relationship between law, morality and politics. It's an enriching experience whether you wish to become a lawyer or not.
You'll learn to analyse cases, present confidently and develop your ability to construct arguments. These skills are attractive to employers and knowledge of how law works is very useful in business, public relations, human resources, broadcast media, development and politics.
This pathway includes the following modules:
- Contemporary Issues in Law
- Crime and Criminal Justice
- Law, Justice and Inequality
- Understanding Law
- Politics Pathway
Interested in issues of power, representation and change? This pathway tackles these core political themes. Learn about the historical context of contemporary issues and study the actors and institutions that shape politics, including (non-)citizens, parties, the state and business.
You gain conceptual and factual knowledge of politics and policy as well as practical skills in summarising, presenting and debating. These capabilities are useful in active politics, the Civil Service, non-governmental organisations and the media.
This pathway includes the following modules:
- British Political History
- Introduction to the European Union
- Political and Social Change in Contemporary Europe
- The Far Right and the Politics of Immigration
- Criminology Pathway v2
- Sciences
- Cognitive Science Pathway
Meet the challenge of understanding the mind in an interdisciplinary way. Explore different approaches to cognitive science, and integrate multiple perspectives. This pathway draws on psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, linguistics, computing and AI.
You examine current and historical contexts, recent trends in cognitive science, and the philosophy of mind. This is a conceptually demanding but rewarding subject; by choosing this pathway you'll learn to reason, argue and grasp difficult ideas.
This pathway includes the following modules:
- Introduction to Cognitive Science: Minds, Machines and Consciousness
- Language, Mind and Brain
- Philosophical Foundations of Cognitive Science
- Principles of Cognitive Science
- Psychology Pathway
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Psychology illuminates human cognition, emotion, and relationships. Study a variety of theoretical, methodological and analytical frameworks and understand how psychology is applied to diverse issues, from mental health to forensic investigation.
You'll also gain skills that all employers value, such as effective communication, critical thinking and analysis. This pathway is suited to further study or a career in psychology, media, advertising, market research, human resources, and business and management.
This pathway includes the following modules:
- Biological Psychology
- Psychology of Child Development
- Psychology of Cognitive Processes
- Social Psychology and Individual Differences
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- Cognitive Science Pathway
We’re planning to run these pathways in the academic year 2023/24. The pathways shown give an indication of the breadth of study possible at Sussex. They are updated annually and may vary due to student demand or feedback, changes to staff expertise or updates to our curriculum. The pathways available will be confirmed at the start of each academic year. Eligibility for pathways depends on your course and may vary from time to time. If you’re eligible, you’ll be asked whether you’d like to choose a pathway from the selection available for that academic year once you’ve registered, subject to timetabling constraints.
How do I apply for an elective or pathway?
As a student on most of our single-honours courses, you start choosing your electives and pathway just before you start your degree at Sussex.
For more information, contact us by email at aqpcurriculum@sussex.ac.uk.