• Introduction
• Modules
• Features
• Careers
• Fees

This joint degree offers an interdisciplinary study of Criminology and Social Policy through an integrated approach to the subject. BA (Hons) Criminology and Social Policy enables students to gain a comprehensive understanding in both subjects, whilst appreciating the inherent interaction between them.

There is a focus upon the methodologies from which ideas inform practice and policy-making within a changing political and social environment. The programme provides students with an understanding of the social policy context essential for an understanding of the crime and criminal justice agenda.

Introduction

This combined Honours Degree provides students with a broad grounding in Criminology and Social Policy. There is a strong research base in these areas and students will benefit from research-engaged and imaginative teaching, curriculum content and assessments.

This degree aims to instil an awareness of criminological explanation and to develop an understanding of concepts and practices of criminal justice, theories and practices of punishment and the politics of law and order.

The Social Policy curriculum examines a broad range of social policy developments in the UK, while setting them within the context of an understanding of European and international developments.

Is This Course Right For Me?

It is for those who are looking for a course that provides the foundation for considering some of the most contentious issues in contemporary society.

If they consider the challenging issues which Criminology and Social Policy address not merely interesting but worthy of understanding as more complex issues than are 'popularly' though.

It is if they wish to take that understanding into the career wider world.

This is a subject area that has generated a whole industry of experts and workers.

How You Study

Studying Social Policy at the University of Lincoln involves both directed and independent learning. Each module is delivered through a combination of weekly lectures and associated seminars and workshops.

The seminars provide an opportunity for students to discuss issues raised in the lecture and engage in critical reflection on the issues being studied. Students will also have the opportunity to meet with module leaders in tutorial sessions.

As well as directed study, students will undertake independent learning using traditional library resources as well as a wide range of electronic resources. The Level One module, Applying Research, supports students to develop the requisite skills for effective independent learning.

How You Are Assessed

The assessment strategy adopted within the Social Policy Programme is designed to test and enhance students' knowledge, skills and abilities as well as to prepare them for the demands of work.

Assessments test students' attainments of learning outcomes that demonstrate and encourage not only the knowledge base but also the development of transferable skills across the course.

Written communication skills are developed through essays and examinations, oral communication skills through presentations; literature searching and review through essays, examinations and presentations, computer literacy skills through word-processing and use of electronic resources.

The course utilises a broad spectrum of assessment strategies. In the final year students combine their skills to undertake their own chosen area of study in the preparation of an Independent Study.

What We Look For In Your Application

An interest in key areas of Social Policy issues and the way the state treats its most vulnerable citizens. Useful reading in preparation:

• Alcock, P., May, M. and Wright, S. (eds.) (2012) The Student's Companion to Social Policy, Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford

Level 1

Applying Research (Social Sciences)

This module aims to enable students to both recognise and also understand the different methodologies employed in social research and to apply these to their own research project and critique of methods. After completing this module students should be able to:

• Explain what research is and why we do it
• Explain how research may be carried out: quantitatively
• Explain how research may be carried out: qualitatively.

Overall, the aim of this module is to set out methodological skills, and involve students in their application, and to encourage critical reflection on a variety of levels.

Identity and Citizenship

This module explicitly adopts an interdisciplinary approach to core questions of relevance to today’s society. Taking the notion of identity as its leitmotif, the module introduces students to those ways in which academic knowledge has traditionally been divided along disciplinary lines. With this by way of background, the module will guide students in bringing knowledge forms from within their own – and other – disciplines to bear on key contemporary social and political issues. As such, the module will expose students to the potentials and pitfalls of adopting an interdisciplinary approach to problem solving and policy development in areas concerning (for example) citizenship, social belonging and isolation, gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, religion or nationalism. Throughout students will be encouraged to think critically about the nature of their own identities and the impact of their future professional practise on the nature and practise of identities.

Images of Crime and Social Control

The aim of this module is to facilitate a critical engagement with the dominant ideological depictions of crime and criminality. It seeks to challenge the way in which these interpretations inform commonsense explanations of, and responses to, crime and criminality. It explores recurring claims found in popular, media and political discourses and compares these with more criminological and academic insights in order to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of these issues/problems. In so doing the module will look at the costs of crime myths and contrasting crime 'realities' in terms of public anxieties, political discourses, criminal justice policies and practices. The introduction and evaluation of various responses will encourage students to consider the extent and limits of potential 'solutions'. This will be done through looking at key images of crime/criminality. For instance the study of prostitution will invite explanations of the various issues involved there in at common sense and more theoretical levels.

Social Issues and Social Justice

This module examines a range of social issues which are currently on the policy agenda. It will consider new developments, which are suddenly highlighted by government or the media, such as anti-social behaviour, and also long-standing welfare concerns such as poverty and inequalities in health. Students will be introduced to how and why a social issue may become defined as a social problem, the form it takes within the social and political debate and be encouraged to make a critical analysis of the action, which is – and is not - taken. An introduction to some of the key social policy concepts will be incorporated into this analysis of real issues. The module moves on to considers the concept of ‘social justice’, the extent to which social divisions and inequalities in society persist, and the role that governments play in promoting the former and combating the latter. Students will be encouraged to think critically about the extent and implications of poverty in the UK and the implications across a range of welfare services and government politics.

Level 2

Applying Criminology

The aim of this module is to develop the rudimentary and student-centred grasp of 'crime' developed through the more general approach to 'law, crime and order' fostered at foundation level and to subject it to more sustained theoretical, political and practical interrogation. The focus upon crime is a dual one; in that it is at once a subject accessible via direct and indirect experience and one that has the potential to display the interplay between theory and practice. Above all, the module aims to explore the way in which the emergence of Criminology as a discipline is of theoretical, practical and political importance. ‘Applying Criminology?’ examines different public images and theoretical conceptions of crime and criminal justice and the variety of ways in which Criminology can be constructed and used. As such, it addresses the context of ideas about crime and punishment and the theoretical underpinnings of contemporary perspectives on, policies for, and alternatives to, 'crime' control. The module subjects to particular attention the conditions for the generation of a 'crime control' agenda.

Challenges and Change in Social Policy I

Social policy has developed from the study of the traditional areas of welfare – such as health, education and social security – to broader concerns including the environment, transport and food policy. The terms of the debate have also shifted to reflect changes in demographic and social structures, the changing labour market, concern with the costs of welfare and the impact of the globalization. This module considers the main influences on social policy development in the UK and examines these within the context of alternative models in other countries. It considers the ideological and theoretical debates within which they have been framed and the ways these have impacted on the contemporary debate and policy.

Challenges and Change in Social Policy II

Social policy has developed from the study of the traditional areas of welfare – such as health, education and social security – to broader concerns including the environment, transport and food policy. The terms of the debate have also shifted to reflect changes in demographic and social structures, the changing labour market, concern with the costs of welfare and the impact of the globalization. This module considers the main influences on social policy development in the UK and examines these within the context of alternative models in other countries. It considers the ideological and theoretical debates within which they have been framed and the ways these have impacted on the contemporary debate and policy.

Criminal Justice

The aim of this module is to provide students with the necessary understanding of the component parts of the Criminal Justice 'System' in England and Wales to allow the students to explore the diversity and interrelatedness of criminal justice policies and practices in this alleged ‘system’. These policies and practices will be evaluated within key theoretical frameworks, which consider the functions and appropriateness of key principles such as the due processes of law, justice and fairness. Students examine in detail key component parts of the criminal justice system such as the police, courts and prison system. The module will examine the political issues, which are often at the heart of the administration of the Criminal Justice 'system', emphasizing stereotypes and discriminatory practices principally in respect of gender, class and 'race'. While a substantial part of the module will focus on the laws and powers of discretion that are often conferred upon agents within the criminal justice system, the situational factors (social, economic and political) that affect the decision-making processes will also be stressed. The module will explore the 'popular', political and professional demands placed upon the criminal justice system and the difficulty of reconciling these divergent 'needs' and expectations. It will explore various pressure groups vocal within such debates and the power differentials and expertise of some of the key 'primary definers' involved.

Diversity, Difference and Exclusion

This module examines the impact of difference and diversity in social policy, with a particular concern around social exclusion. It begins with an introduction to the concepts of 'diversity', 'difference' and 'exclusion' and then moves on to consider the relationship between social policy and a variety of forms of diversity and difference, particularly in the context of new thinking around social exclusion that has emerged since the 1990s. The module explores the origins and meanings of key concepts such as 'diversity' and 'social exclusion', the relationship of these key concepts with others, such as poverty, social class and the 'underclass', and the impact and lack of impact of policies on social groups such as young people, families, women, black and ethnic minorities and disabled people.

Ideology into Practice

This module is concerned with the impact of ideology on the development of social policy. The module begins with a consideration of different perspectives on what constitutes ‘social problems’ and an exploration of the meaning and purposes of ‘social policy’ and ‘welfare’ and their relationship with ideology. It then moves on to consider the impact of ideologies on social policy in the post-war period, although the primary emphasis is on the period from the mid-1970s (and the onset of ‘crisis’ and the end of ‘consensus’) to the present day. Discussion then progresses to some of the key issues and ideological developments in social policy, including arguments about a ‘Third Way’ and the development of a broader approach to social policy which has wider interests and implications than the traditional concerns of the subject.

Researching in Social Policy

This module systematically scrutinizes examples of research undertaken in the subject area of social policy. One of the main aims of the module is to enable students to understand, in concrete terms, what constitutes research and how the research process leads to the production of specific research outputs including dissertations, theses, published academic articles and research monographs. In addition, the module aims to provide students with the knowledge base necessary for the production of research proposals and outputs. Research in social policy typically involves an understanding of both gathering information in various ways and critically scrutinizing the validity of that information. This module provides students with the skills to undertake both tasks.

Level 3

Analysing the Policy Process

Building upon Understanding the Policy Process this module requires students not only to continue to develop their knowledge of a range of perspectives on the policy process but, in addition, to use these to analyse a case study relevant to their degree programme. Where Understanding the Policy Process places its emphasis on important models and perspectives, this module explores a range of current ideas which have a significant impact upon the making and implementation of policy, such as the concept of partnership, notions of participation, and issues of accountability.

Body Politics (Option)

This module introduces the students to different paradigms of the 'body' and 'embodiment'. Recent research suggests that our understandings and our relationship with our own and other ‘bodies’ has been and is continuing to undergo radical changes. This module will explore these ongoing developments in Western and non-Western cultures and societies. Throughout we will be concerned to link theoretical accounts of the ‘body’ with developments in contemporary societies. The module will further demonstrate the relevance of conceptions of ‘body’ in different academic and professional arenas. The module will equip the students with the skills to identify and critically explore a diversity of current representations of 'body' in everyday life.

Human Rights (Social Sciences)

This module addresses the general ideas of Human Rights and focuses in particular on the critical reading of Human Rights as one single universal paradigm. The practical critique of Human Rights proposed in this module is founded on the belief that Human Rights must and can be improved. The three main propositions outlined in this module relate to the concept of Human Rights presented as if they are universal; the notion that Human Rights pertain to a logic which focuses on the individual to the neglect of solidarity and other social values, and the fact that the meaning of Human Rights derives from a reasoning which is far too abstract. The academic interdisciplinary approach of this module should be emphasised, as the aid of several disciplines will be called upon, mainly but not exclusively, politics, legal philosophy, sociology, anthropology, international relation studies, post-colonial studies and criminology in order to deconstruct the notion of the universality of Human Rights.

Independent Study (Social Sciences)

Students will be required to prepare and submit an Independent Study Proposal during semester B at Intermediate Level and appropriate supervisors will be allocated at this stage. The Independent Study preparation will be focussed through the Research in Social Policy module, which will familiarise students with real and active models of research in relevant areas. Therefore, the module will be guided by a clearly demarcated process of: research proposal; refinement; supervisor allocation; critical comment; initiation of lines of enquiry; implementation and monitoring of research over three Semesters. At stages agreed between the student and supervisor throughout level three, student progress will be reviewed in relation to research undertaken, clarity of objectives, report/dissertation plan and the submission of a dossier of work/chapters undertaken so far. The teaching support will be ongoing over the two semesters; but will be primarily geared to assisting the student on issues/problems such as research methods and ethical considerations, managing and presenting research materials and suitable theoretical approaches in their chosen research area.

Penology and Penal Policy

This module aims to locate the theory, practice and history of punishment and penal policy in the context of social control in general. As well as addressing the philosophy of punishment, in terms of core concepts of justice, desert, deterrence, retribution, rehabilitation, reparation etc., it seeks to examine the way in which social control is a fundamental aspect of social relations. Thus it examines legal and non-legal forms of social control and examines the complex interrelationships between the two, together with the historical and practical dynamic of each. A major concern is the control of dangerousness, the self, and risk, through legal and extra-legal means, and the increasingly involved or mixed nature of social and legal sanctions. Current penal practice is subject to theoretical examination, especially in relation to punishment in the community, dangerousness, rehabilitation, monetary sanctions, re-integrative shaming, restorative justice and longer than normal sentencing. The place of the prison is addressed both as a historical feature and as an object of reform/abolition. In addition, the nature and future of imprisonment and alternatives to imprisonment are subject to critical attention. Human rights and the impact of victimology upon penology and penal practice are also a core concern. Finally, the issue of forms and practices of resistance to social control are addressed insofar as they illuminate the nature and meaning of social control within society.

Understanding the Policy Process

The module focuses on the processes of policy making and implementation at both practical and theoretical levels. It introduces students to a variety of models of policy making and discusses the complexities of the distribution of power and decision making, primarily, but not limited to, the field of social policy. The module encourages students to develop an understanding of a range of ideas that can contribute to the ways in which we analyse policy, and to recognise that these perspectives are themselves contestable and changing. It begins with a consideration of the policy process and different ways of viewing it, including the impact of different approaches under governments from the 1970s, moving on to examine a variety of models of decision making and the range of actors involved in the making and implementation of policies.

War Crimes and Genocide (Option)

This module is constructed as an attempt to understand the ‘anatomy’ of war crimes and genocide – their origins, ideological basis, socio-political contexts, the techniques and technologies used - and whether there are precedented and unprecedented aspects to such phenomena. It is organised as a set of thoughts, springboards for further consideration on the historical, philosophical, political and sociological aspects of war crimes and genocide and for this reason it is particularly appealing to students who wish to develop a wider understanding of academic disciplines such as criminology, sociology, anthropology, international relation studies, politics, psychology, law and modern and contemporary history. Theoretical discourses on war crime and genocide will give rise in this module to several case-study lectures which focus primarily but not exclusively on Armenia, Rwanda, Sudan, the Former Republic of Yugoslavia, and Tibet. Arguments will also be framed around Germany, Australia and South Africa as they each illustrate important aspects of the study of genocide. This module will also offer some reflections on responses to genocide, both official and not so official and discuss the seemingly inability or refusal by member states and the international community as a whole, to concede in some instances the existence of crimes against humanity.

Special Features & Research Highlights

The Social Policy course offers students the opportunity to engage with the development of social policy and the policy making process. Studying BA (Hons) Criminology and Social Policy at Lincoln will enable students to engage in an innovative, critical and dedicated study of the subjects.

The diverse teaching methods of lectures, seminars and workshops draw upon the current research interests of staff, which inform the curriculum and the choice of options.

The Social Policy team has also introduced a series of ‘media sessions’, showing how social policy topics are presented in the media, for example in documentaries and feature films, and exploring these with students.

Placements

The School has a number of voluntary placements available each year with local councils.

Career Opportunities

Our graduates have gone on to pursue careers in probation, social work, youth work and welfare services in the private, public and voluntary sectors, public administration, police authorities, security services, victim support and the Crown Prosecution Service.

Many have progressed to postgraduate study and research.

What's Included?

This joint degree offers an interdisciplinary study of Criminology and Social Policy through an integrated approach to the subject. BA (Hons) Criminology and Social Policy enables students to gain a comprehensive understanding in both subjects, whilst appreciating the inherent interaction between them.

There is a focus upon the methodologies from which ideas inform practice and policy-making within a changing political and social environment. The programme provides students with an understanding of the social policy context essential for an understanding of the crime and criminal justice agenda.

Introduction

This combined Honours Degree provides students with a broad grounding in Criminology and Social Policy. There is a strong research base in these areas and students will benefit from research-engaged and imaginative teaching, curriculum content and assessments.

This degree aims to instil an awareness of criminological explanation and to develop an understanding of concepts and practices of criminal justice, theories and practices of punishment and the politics of law and order.

The Social Policy curriculum examines a broad range of social policy developments in the UK, while setting them within the context of an understanding of European and international developments.

Is This Course Right For Me?

It is for those who are looking for a course that provides the foundation for considering some of the most contentious issues in contemporary society.

If they consider the challenging issues which Criminology and Social Policy address not merely interesting but worthy of understanding as more complex issues than are 'popularly' though.

It is if they wish to take that understanding into the career wider world.

This is a subject area that has generated a whole industry of experts and workers.

How You Study

Studying Social Policy at the University of Lincoln involves both directed and independent learning. Each module is delivered through a combination of weekly lectures and associated seminars and workshops.

The seminars provide an opportunity for students to discuss issues raised in the lecture and engage in critical reflection on the issues being studied. Students will also have the opportunity to meet with module leaders in tutorial sessions.

As well as directed study, students will undertake independent learning using traditional library resources as well as a wide range of electronic resources. The Level One module, Applying Research, supports students to develop the requisite skills for effective independent learning.

How You Are Assessed

The assessment strategy adopted within the Social Policy Programme is designed to test and enhance students' knowledge, skills and abilities as well as to prepare them for the demands of work.

Assessments test students' attainments of learning outcomes that demonstrate and encourage not only the knowledge base but also the development of transferable skills across the course.

Written communication skills are developed through essays and examinations, oral communication skills through presentations; literature searching and review through essays, examinations and presentations, computer literacy skills through word-processing and use of electronic resources.

The course utilises a broad spectrum of assessment strategies. In the final year students combine their skills to undertake their own chosen area of study in the preparation of an Independent Study.

What We Look For In Your Application

An interest in key areas of Social Policy issues and the way the state treats its most vulnerable citizens. Useful reading in preparation:

• Alcock, P., May, M. and Wright, S. (eds.) (2012) The Student's Companion to Social Policy, Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford

Level 1

Applying Research (Social Sciences)

This module aims to enable students to both recognise and also understand the different methodologies employed in social research and to apply these to their own research project and critique of methods. After completing this module students should be able to:

• Explain what research is and why we do it
• Explain how research may be carried out: quantitatively
• Explain how research may be carried out: qualitatively.

Overall, the aim of this module is to set out methodological skills, and involve students in their application, and to encourage critical reflection on a variety of levels.

Identity and Citizenship

This module explicitly adopts an interdisciplinary approach to core questions of relevance to today’s society. Taking the notion of identity as its leitmotif, the module introduces students to those ways in which academic knowledge has traditionally been divided along disciplinary lines. With this by way of background, the module will guide students in bringing knowledge forms from within their own – and other – disciplines to bear on key contemporary social and political issues. As such, the module will expose students to the potentials and pitfalls of adopting an interdisciplinary approach to problem solving and policy development in areas concerning (for example) citizenship, social belonging and isolation, gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, religion or nationalism. Throughout students will be encouraged to think critically about the nature of their own identities and the impact of their future professional practise on the nature and practise of identities.

Images of Crime and Social Control

The aim of this module is to facilitate a critical engagement with the dominant ideological depictions of crime and criminality. It seeks to challenge the way in which these interpretations inform commonsense explanations of, and responses to, crime and criminality. It explores recurring claims found in popular, media and political discourses and compares these with more criminological and academic insights in order to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of these issues/problems. In so doing the module will look at the costs of crime myths and contrasting crime 'realities' in terms of public anxieties, political discourses, criminal justice policies and practices. The introduction and evaluation of various responses will encourage students to consider the extent and limits of potential 'solutions'. This will be done through looking at key images of crime/criminality. For instance the study of prostitution will invite explanations of the various issues involved there in at common sense and more theoretical levels.

Social Issues and Social Justice

This module examines a range of social issues which are currently on the policy agenda. It will consider new developments, which are suddenly highlighted by government or the media, such as anti-social behaviour, and also long-standing welfare concerns such as poverty and inequalities in health. Students will be introduced to how and why a social issue may become defined as a social problem, the form it takes within the social and political debate and be encouraged to make a critical analysis of the action, which is – and is not - taken. An introduction to some of the key social policy concepts will be incorporated into this analysis of real issues. The module moves on to considers the concept of ‘social justice’, the extent to which social divisions and inequalities in society persist, and the role that governments play in promoting the former and combating the latter. Students will be encouraged to think critically about the extent and implications of poverty in the UK and the implications across a range of welfare services and government politics.

Level 2

Applying Criminology

The aim of this module is to develop the rudimentary and student-centred grasp of 'crime' developed through the more general approach to 'law, crime and order' fostered at foundation level and to subject it to more sustained theoretical, political and practical interrogation. The focus upon crime is a dual one; in that it is at once a subject accessible via direct and indirect experience and one that has the potential to display the interplay between theory and practice. Above all, the module aims to explore the way in which the emergence of Criminology as a discipline is of theoretical, practical and political importance. ‘Applying Criminology?’ examines different public images and theoretical conceptions of crime and criminal justice and the variety of ways in which Criminology can be constructed and used. As such, it addresses the context of ideas about crime and punishment and the theoretical underpinnings of contemporary perspectives on, policies for, and alternatives to, 'crime' control. The module subjects to particular attention the conditions for the generation of a 'crime control' agenda.

Challenges and Change in Social Policy I

Social policy has developed from the study of the traditional areas of welfare – such as health, education and social security – to broader concerns including the environment, transport and food policy. The terms of the debate have also shifted to reflect changes in demographic and social structures, the changing labour market, concern with the costs of welfare and the impact of the globalization. This module considers the main influences on social policy development in the UK and examines these within the context of alternative models in other countries. It considers the ideological and theoretical debates within which they have been framed and the ways these have impacted on the contemporary debate and policy.

Challenges and Change in Social Policy II

Social policy has developed from the study of the traditional areas of welfare – such as health, education and social security – to broader concerns including the environment, transport and food policy. The terms of the debate have also shifted to reflect changes in demographic and social structures, the changing labour market, concern with the costs of welfare and the impact of the globalization. This module considers the main influences on social policy development in the UK and examines these within the context of alternative models in other countries. It considers the ideological and theoretical debates within which they have been framed and the ways these have impacted on the contemporary debate and policy.

Criminal Justice

The aim of this module is to provide students with the necessary understanding of the component parts of the Criminal Justice 'System' in England and Wales to allow the students to explore the diversity and interrelatedness of criminal justice policies and practices in this alleged ‘system’. These policies and practices will be evaluated within key theoretical frameworks, which consider the functions and appropriateness of key principles such as the due processes of law, justice and fairness. Students examine in detail key component parts of the criminal justice system such as the police, courts and prison system. The module will examine the political issues, which are often at the heart of the administration of the Criminal Justice 'system', emphasizing stereotypes and discriminatory practices principally in respect of gender, class and 'race'. While a substantial part of the module will focus on the laws and powers of discretion that are often conferred upon agents within the criminal justice system, the situational factors (social, economic and political) that affect the decision-making processes will also be stressed. The module will explore the 'popular', political and professional demands placed upon the criminal justice system and the difficulty of reconciling these divergent 'needs' and expectations. It will explore various pressure groups vocal within such debates and the power differentials and expertise of some of the key 'primary definers' involved.

Diversity, Difference and Exclusion

This module examines the impact of difference and diversity in social policy, with a particular concern around social exclusion. It begins with an introduction to the concepts of 'diversity', 'difference' and 'exclusion' and then moves on to consider the relationship between social policy and a variety of forms of diversity and difference, particularly in the context of new thinking around social exclusion that has emerged since the 1990s. The module explores the origins and meanings of key concepts such as 'diversity' and 'social exclusion', the relationship of these key concepts with others, such as poverty, social class and the 'underclass', and the impact and lack of impact of policies on social groups such as young people, families, women, black and ethnic minorities and disabled people.

Ideology into Practice

This module is concerned with the impact of ideology on the development of social policy. The module begins with a consideration of different perspectives on what constitutes ‘social problems’ and an exploration of the meaning and purposes of ‘social policy’ and ‘welfare’ and their relationship with ideology. It then moves on to consider the impact of ideologies on social policy in the post-war period, although the primary emphasis is on the period from the mid-1970s (and the onset of ‘crisis’ and the end of ‘consensus’) to the present day. Discussion then progresses to some of the key issues and ideological developments in social policy, including arguments about a ‘Third Way’ and the development of a broader approach to social policy which has wider interests and implications than the traditional concerns of the subject.

Researching in Social Policy

This module systematically scrutinizes examples of research undertaken in the subject area of social policy. One of the main aims of the module is to enable students to understand, in concrete terms, what constitutes research and how the research process leads to the production of specific research outputs including dissertations, theses, published academic articles and research monographs. In addition, the module aims to provide students with the knowledge base necessary for the production of research proposals and outputs. Research in social policy typically involves an understanding of both gathering information in various ways and critically scrutinizing the validity of that information. This module provides students with the skills to undertake both tasks.

Level 3

Analysing the Policy Process

Building upon Understanding the Policy Process this module requires students not only to continue to develop their knowledge of a range of perspectives on the policy process but, in addition, to use these to analyse a case study relevant to their degree programme. Where Understanding the Policy Process places its emphasis on important models and perspectives, this module explores a range of current ideas which have a significant impact upon the making and implementation of policy, such as the concept of partnership, notions of participation, and issues of accountability.

Body Politics (Option)

This module introduces the students to different paradigms of the 'body' and 'embodiment'. Recent research suggests that our understandings and our relationship with our own and other ‘bodies’ has been and is continuing to undergo radical changes. This module will explore these ongoing developments in Western and non-Western cultures and societies. Throughout we will be concerned to link theoretical accounts of the ‘body’ with developments in contemporary societies. The module will further demonstrate the relevance of conceptions of ‘body’ in different academic and professional arenas. The module will equip the students with the skills to identify and critically explore a diversity of current representations of 'body' in everyday life.

Human Rights (Social Sciences)

This module addresses the general ideas of Human Rights and focuses in particular on the critical reading of Human Rights as one single universal paradigm. The practical critique of Human Rights proposed in this module is founded on the belief that Human Rights must and can be improved. The three main propositions outlined in this module relate to the concept of Human Rights presented as if they are universal; the notion that Human Rights pertain to a logic which focuses on the individual to the neglect of solidarity and other social values, and the fact that the meaning of Human Rights derives from a reasoning which is far too abstract. The academic interdisciplinary approach of this module should be emphasised, as the aid of several disciplines will be called upon, mainly but not exclusively, politics, legal philosophy, sociology, anthropology, international relation studies, post-colonial studies and criminology in order to deconstruct the notion of the universality of Human Rights.

Independent Study (Social Sciences)

Students will be required to prepare and submit an Independent Study Proposal during semester B at Intermediate Level and appropriate supervisors will be allocated at this stage. The Independent Study preparation will be focussed through the Research in Social Policy module, which will familiarise students with real and active models of research in relevant areas. Therefore, the module will be guided by a clearly demarcated process of: research proposal; refinement; supervisor allocation; critical comment; initiation of lines of enquiry; implementation and monitoring of research over three Semesters. At stages agreed between the student and supervisor throughout level three, student progress will be reviewed in relation to research undertaken, clarity of objectives, report/dissertation plan and the submission of a dossier of work/chapters undertaken so far. The teaching support will be ongoing over the two semesters; but will be primarily geared to assisting the student on issues/problems such as research methods and ethical considerations, managing and presenting research materials and suitable theoretical approaches in their chosen research area.

Penology and Penal Policy

This module aims to locate the theory, practice and history of punishment and penal policy in the context of social control in general. As well as addressing the philosophy of punishment, in terms of core concepts of justice, desert, deterrence, retribution, rehabilitation, reparation etc., it seeks to examine the way in which social control is a fundamental aspect of social relations. Thus it examines legal and non-legal forms of social control and examines the complex interrelationships between the two, together with the historical and practical dynamic of each. A major concern is the control of dangerousness, the self, and risk, through legal and extra-legal means, and the increasingly involved or mixed nature of social and legal sanctions. Current penal practice is subject to theoretical examination, especially in relation to punishment in the community, dangerousness, rehabilitation, monetary sanctions, re-integrative shaming, restorative justice and longer than normal sentencing. The place of the prison is addressed both as a historical feature and as an object of reform/abolition. In addition, the nature and future of imprisonment and alternatives to imprisonment are subject to critical attention. Human rights and the impact of victimology upon penology and penal practice are also a core concern. Finally, the issue of forms and practices of resistance to social control are addressed insofar as they illuminate the nature and meaning of social control within society.

Understanding the Policy Process

The module focuses on the processes of policy making and implementation at both practical and theoretical levels. It introduces students to a variety of models of policy making and discusses the complexities of the distribution of power and decision making, primarily, but not limited to, the field of social policy. The module encourages students to develop an understanding of a range of ideas that can contribute to the ways in which we analyse policy, and to recognise that these perspectives are themselves contestable and changing. It begins with a consideration of the policy process and different ways of viewing it, including the impact of different approaches under governments from the 1970s, moving on to examine a variety of models of decision making and the range of actors involved in the making and implementation of policies.

War Crimes and Genocide (Option)

This module is constructed as an attempt to understand the ‘anatomy’ of war crimes and genocide – their origins, ideological basis, socio-political contexts, the techniques and technologies used - and whether there are precedented and unprecedented aspects to such phenomena. It is organised as a set of thoughts, springboards for further consideration on the historical, philosophical, political and sociological aspects of war crimes and genocide and for this reason it is particularly appealing to students who wish to develop a wider understanding of academic disciplines such as criminology, sociology, anthropology, international relation studies, politics, psychology, law and modern and contemporary history. Theoretical discourses on war crime and genocide will give rise in this module to several case-study lectures which focus primarily but not exclusively on Armenia, Rwanda, Sudan, the Former Republic of Yugoslavia, and Tibet. Arguments will also be framed around Germany, Australia and South Africa as they each illustrate important aspects of the study of genocide. This module will also offer some reflections on responses to genocide, both official and not so official and discuss the seemingly inability or refusal by member states and the international community as a whole, to concede in some instances the existence of crimes against humanity.

Special Features & Research Highlights

The Social Policy course offers students the opportunity to engage with the development of social policy and the policy making process. Studying BA (Hons) Criminology and Social Policy at Lincoln will enable students to engage in an innovative, critical and dedicated study of the subjects.

The diverse teaching methods of lectures, seminars and workshops draw upon the current research interests of staff, which inform the curriculum and the choice of options.

The Social Policy team has also introduced a series of ‘media sessions’, showing how social policy topics are presented in the media, for example in documentaries and feature films, and exploring these with students.

Placements

The School has a number of voluntary placements available each year with local councils.

Career Opportunities

Our graduates have gone on to pursue careers in probation, social work, youth work and welfare services in the private, public and voluntary sectors, public administration, police authorities, security services, victim support and the Crown Prosecution Service.

Many have progressed to postgraduate study and research.

What's Included?