Welfare Policy (20)
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| SOCI4090 | Sociology and Social Policy | 4 | 20 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- SOCI4090
- School
- Sociology and Social Policy
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
The module will examine theories of welfare, the funding of the welfare state and key changes in welfare policies, such as the increasing focus on markets and consumer choice, partnerships, the personalisation of service delivery, and the increasing role of the not for profit sector in service delivery. It will use developments in health service, social care and social security to explore wider issues in the development of welfare services. Although focused on the UK, other countries will be examined as a way of further understanding the developments in the UK and as a form of policy learning for UK reform. It will look at the obstacles and issues associated with these changes.
Target Students
Available to all PGT and PGR students including subsidiary students from outside the school. Also available to postgraduate Exchange students. SOCI4090 cannot be taken if the student is taking or has taken SOCI4050.
Classes
This module is taught through a combination of lectures and seminars.
Assessment
- 25% Coursework 1: 1,000 words.
- 75% Coursework 2: 3,000 words.
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
To equip students with the theoretical and conceptual knowledge and practical skills to analyse and critically evaluate contemporary welfare policies and practices. The module will provide students with opportunities to examine (ongoing) debates on welfare reform.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
- Students will acquire knowledge and understanding of health service, social care and social security policies, issues and institutions, including understanding of relevant theoretical approaches on issues such as health improvement, social risks and social insurance, etc.
- The focus will be on the UK but policies and practices of other countries will also be drawn upon.
Intellectual Skills
- Students will learn how to critically appraise welfare policies and to demonstrate the application of these in UK practice.
Professional Practical Skills
- Students will learn how to carry out policy analysis and to define policy and implementation problems and suggest workable solutions.
Transferable (Key) Skills
- Students will obtain critical, analytical and synthesis skills which are applicable to all graduate employment.
In addition, presentation and communication skills are similarly valuable.