Health and Social Science with Foundation Year - BSc (Hons)

Bucks New University

This module explores the emergence of the wellbeing agenda. The significance of physical and mental health to experiences of wellbeing across the life-course and for diverse social groups will be discussed. It also examine the importance of community diversity and appraising how policy and service interventions impact on health and wellbeing.

On this module, you’ll explore the social construction of health and illness in contemporary society. It introduces the theory of sociology of the body, mental health, and the role of both the professions and the relationship between health and society. It explores the anthropology of health and relate this to notions of illness across cultures.

This module has two strands, the first introduces you to issues in contemporary British (and other) societies. You’ll explore debates relating to society, identity and diverse social groups. The second strand is the ‘Academic Skills’ programme which introduces you to the use of academic evidence and integrity as well as other key academic skills.

On this module, you’ll examine the scope of policy and the policy-making process. You’ll discuss what is meant by a ‘social problem’ by examining political ideologies and the shifting relationship between state and citizen. We’ll explore policy issues and how research is used to produce evidence to influence governments and other agencies.

This module introduces you to the key debates, issues and relevance of the character, role and impact of all forms of media in contemporary societies. You’ll explore the many ways in which media infiltrates and shapes our social worlds, giving you a working understanding of the social science of the many-sided facets of media.As most workplaces need to develop a media presence, alongside the academic and theoretical content, this module will introduce you to the evaluation and production of relevant media content through practical tasks on a variety of media platforms. This will help you develop a working knowledge of using media to communicate effectively for a variety of purposes.Throughout the module, you’ll analyse real-world examples and cases of relevant media products. You’ll investigate the value of theory in understanding the most contemporary of media issues. You’ll also be required to reflect on your own media use, using the new tools of analysis you have gained.

This module helps you explore the idea of justice and what makes a fair society. You’ll look at what it means to be a free and equal citizen, and examine different forms of injustice in institutions, opportunities, and private life. You'll consider different views of social justice and how political groups, charities, movements, and individuals work to challenge unfair systems. Uniquely, the module takes a hands-on approach, encouraging you to put your understanding into action and explore practical ways to address injustice and create positive change.

On this module, we’ll support your work-related learning activities and encourage you to reflect on your development as future graduate employees. You’ll apply learning from your degree to practice and set goals for your development as future professionals. You’ll be supported in setting goals and developing plans for your work- related activities.

This module builds your knowledge of research methods. You’ll examine key concepts from social research and discuss the important contribution of research to your discipline area. You’ll be introduced to research issues and gain a foundation for the understanding of research methods required for your dissertation and career development.

This module allows you to analyse ethical issues within the social sciences and apply ethical principles to moral dilemmas. It draws on every-day experiences and case studies to explore contemporary problems, conflicts and tensions for individuals, agencies and practitioners in optimising individuals’ autonomy alongside the needs of wider society.

This module explores the concepts, significance and lived realities of social diversity in contemporary societies. It draws on everyday experiences of social diversity. The module makes sense of these by critically engaging with academic work on discrimination, late modernity, feminisms, social harm, and multi-culturalism/integration and identity.

This module explores what justice means and what makes a fair society. You’ll consider what it means to be a free and equal citizen and examine injustice in areas like institutions, opportunities, and private life. You’ll look at different views of social justice and how people and organisations challenge unfair systems. The module takes a practical approach, helping you apply your learning to real-life actions that promote fairness and change.

This module provides a supportive framework for undertaking an independent extended research study. You’ll choose which type and methodology of research to follow in this project, such as a literature-based project; an empirical project using various methods; or an applied dissertation. The bulk of teaching involves individual supervision sessions.

We’ll examine health, wellbeing and environment issues, applying theoretical perspectives from medical anthropology, epidemiology, globalisation and risk, and relate these to socio-cultural determinants of health and impact of global demographic changes. You’ll gain skills to make a difference in the search for equity and global justice in health.