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Programme Information & PLOs
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Title of the new programme – including any year abroad/ in industry variants
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BA Social & Political Sciences with Philosophy
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Level of qualification
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Please select:Level 6
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Please indicate if the programme is offered with any year abroad / in industry variants Year in Industry
Please select Y/N		No
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Year Abroad
Please select Y/N		Yes
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Department(s):
Where more than one department is involved, indicate the lead department
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Lead Department Politics
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Other contributing Departments: Sociology, Social Policy & Social Work and Philosophy
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Programme Leader
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Dr Kevin Farnsworth - Director of School
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Mrs Auriel Hamilton - School Coordinator
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Work on implementation of the Department of Philosophy aspects of the Pedagogy has been undertaken in parallel with a large-scale review and reform of the second year Philosophy programmes, centrally involving a move from a diet comprised largely from four large-population 30-credit 'Pathway' modules to three bands of smaller-population 20-credit Key Ideas modules and the introduction of novel tutorial modules, on an initial trial basis. These radical changes to the Philosophy second year have been agreed by BoS and should be implemented in 2017–18. The previous module geometry for Stage 2 Philosophy was entirely compatible with those of the contributing SPS departments but the new curriculum design introduces an element of asymmetry. PLEASE NOTE: (i) The programme described below (including in the Programme Structure and Programme Map) is the revised programme including the Philosophy changes to Year 2. (ii) The Enhancement Plan will give some further details of these already-fully-agreed changes and their motivation. (iii) Notes on the changes that have already been fully agreed by BoS will be clearly distinguished from notes on further changes which are projected to the programme (including further possible changes to Year 2). The School of SPS has been kept informed of these developments but we have not had, and nor would we expect direct input into the deliberations of the Philosophy Board of Studies. To a lesser extent, the same constraints apply to curriculum and assessment reforms that have been introduced or planned by the main contributing departments. The School of SPS therefore needs to be flexible in responding to new pedagogical innovations and aspirations from the contributing departments, which can limit our ability to forward plan. We are, however, confident that the Programme Learning Outcomes of all four departments are broadly aligned which is testament to an underlying shared pedagogic culture in the social sciences and philosophy at the University of York.
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Statement of purpose for applicants to the programme
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The BA in Social and Political Sciences with Philosophy aims to equip you with the social scientific and philosophical knowledge and skills that are essential to understanding and meeting the challenges of a complex, interconnected global society. The inclusion of in-depth consideration of philosophical issues and methods will sharpen your skills in analysis and the critical evaluation of ideas and theories through systematic logical argument. The SPS with Philosophy degree is strongly interdisciplinary, providing core foundational modules across SPS and Philosophy, but allowing students a great deal of choice to design their own programme of study. Graduates emerge as well rounded and well-trained social scientists with excellent analytical and communication skills and with the essential knowledge and critical understanding needed for higher degrees and graduate careers in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors.
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Programme Learning Outcomes
Please provide six to eight statements of what a graduate of the programme can be expected to do.
Taken together, these outcomes should capture the distinctive features of the programme. They should also be outcomes for which progressive achievement through the course of the programme can be articulated, and which will therefore be reflected in the design of the whole programme.
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PLOOn successful completion of the programme, graduates will be able to:
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1Make critical and analytical contributions to our collective understanding of emerging global issues and the changing social and political world by continually engaging with social scientific and philosophical theories and research. Graduates will be equipped with the knowledge and expertise required for higher degrees in the social sciences and equivalent level qualifications.
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2Relate theoretical and applied knowledge in the social sciences and philosophy to contemporary social and political problems and issues of value and draw on insights from individual disciplines in the analysis of broader questions and challenges.
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3Understand and explain key problems, issues, and debates across a range of areas of philosophy and the social and political sciences (including some at the forefront of contemporary work) and apply this understanding in an open-minded and creative way in approaching new problems.
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4Lay out what can be said for and against proposed solutions to philosophical problems, and make a measured judgement about what is the best solution in each case, supporting that judgement with a sustained line of argument based on the considerations raised.
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5Design and undertake ethical and responsible research projects which draw upon appropriate research techniques and methodologies to investigate key social and/or political issues.
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6Operate as resourceful, self-directed and reflexive professionals and researchers able to reflect critically on personal strengths and limitations, and build on knowledge gained to be able to continue to learn and develop skills.
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7Synthesise and communicate complex, sensitive information and arguments to diverse audiences, in appropriate formats, via a range of media and digital technologies.
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8Work creatively with teams, multi-agency groups, institutions and the public in ways that are considered, and respectful of the views, values and cultural position of others.
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Programme Learning Outcome for year in industry (where applicable)
For programmes which lead to the title ‘with a Year in Industry’ – typically involving an additional year – please provide either a) amended versions of some (at least one, but not necessarily all) of the standard PLOs listed above, showing how these are changed and enhanced by the additional year in industry b) an additional PLO, if and only if it is not possible to capture a key ability developed by the year in industry by alteration of the standard PLOs.
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NA
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Programme Learning Outcome for year abroad programmes (where applicable)
For programmes which lead to the title ‘with a Year Abroad’ – typically involving an additional year – please provide either a) amended versions of some (at least one, but not necessarily all) of the standard PLOs listed above, showing how these are changed and enhanced by the additional year abroad or b) an additional PLO, if and only if it is not possible to capture a key ability developed by the year abroad by alteration of the standard PLOs.
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1. Make critical and analytical contributions to our collective understanding of emerging global issues and the changing social and political world by continually engaging with social scientific and philosophical theories and research in different national contexts. Graduates will be equipped with the knowledge and expertise required for higher degrees in the social sciences and equivalent level qualifications.
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2. Relate theoretical and applied knowledge in the social sciences and philosophy to contemporary social and political problems in different national contexts and draw on insights from individual disciplines in the analysis of broader questions and challenges.
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3. Understand and explain key problems, issues, and debates across a range of areas of philosophy and the social and political sciences (including some at the forefront of contemporary work) and apply this understanding in an open-minded and creative way in approaching new problems.
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4. Lay out what can be said for and against proposed solutions to philosophical problems, and make a measured judgement about what is the best solution in each case, supporting that judgement with a sustained line of argument based on the considerations raised.
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5. Design and undertake ethical and responsible research projects which draw upon appropriate research techniques and statistical expertise, in order to challenge commonly held assumptions, evaluate real-life interactions and test proposed hypotheses.
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6. Operate as resourceful, self-directed and reflective professionals and researchers, reflecting critically on personal strengths and limitations, and continuing to learn and acquire skills developed in culturally and nationally diverse teaching and learning environments.
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7. Synthesise and communicate complex, sensitive information and arguments to diverse audiences, in appropriate formats, via a range of media and digital technologies.
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8. Work creatively with teams, multi-agency groups, institutions and the public in ways that are considered, and respectful of the views, values and cultural position of others.
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iii) How the programme learning outcomes develop students’ digital literacy and will make appropriate use of technology-enhanced learning (such as lecture recordings, online resources, simulations, online assessment, ‘flipped classrooms’ etc)?
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This is most explicitly addressed in PLO 7. Our School continues to work closely with its contributing departments and learning support teams in incorporating media and digital technologies in the design of its programmes of study. The School uses the VLE from pre-registration to inform students of module options and induction activities, while in each of the three stages, key administrative, welfare and teaching resources are regularly updated along with extra curricular activities and careers and employability events on the VLE and School website. Through our contributing departments SPS students benefit from digital media based teaching resources including lecture capture, wikis and module blogs. In Politics PLO 7 reflects the progressive development of student's digital literacy through the programme. The new What is Politics? module makes use of student blogs to promote collaborative work and online feedback. Lecture Capture is being trialled in core modules and the Political Enquiry module now make use of self-lecture capture. In the Social Policy programme digital literacy is developed both vertically through the stages of progression to final attainment and horizontally as part of the learning and assessment strategy for each of the modules. Different elements of digital literacy are addressed at foundational, intermediate and more advanced levels through the stages. While level 1 enables foundational literacy, modules at levels 2 and 3 aim for depth of skill development rather than breadth. Digital literacy development is directly linked to the practices relevant to the discipline, for example, engagement with policy debate which includes both academic knowledge and understanding, and the ability to undertake engagement activities across social media for and to contribute as well as utilise online information sources. The Philosophy programme makes extensive use of technology-enhanced learning. A large proportion of lectures are available in online recordings. Modules are supported with extensive online resources, including module outlines, lecture notes, seminar guidance, readings, and supplementary notes. Online submission is used regularly and some modules feature online assessments (e.g. Beginning Philosophy). Most of our contributing departments have now moved entirely to online submission and online assessment in all undergraduate modules. The School website and VLE coordinates information regarding submission deadlines and protocols for each of the four departments. The School was also one of the first joint programmes involved in the Online Module Catalogue and the School Coordinator works closely with the academic support team to suggest improvements and better functionality. Planned enhancements for the Social Research Methods module for the Summer Term of Stage 2 will involve training in the use of digital media for research. Support and specialised training is also provided for students who want to develop video and video editing skills as part of the SPS Forum (where students record and edit videos of visiting speaker sessions) and/or want to make short films in support of their dissertation. Digital technologies will also be utilised to prepare students for the challenges of learning in new cultural environments in their year abroad.
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iv) How the PLOs support and enhance the students’ employability (for example, opportunities for students to apply their learning in a real world setting)?
The programme's employability objectives should be informed by the University's Employability Strategy:
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The School works closely with the Careers Service to offer information and networking events with former social science graduates and alumni at all stages of the programme. Student course representatives and the SPS Society are supported in providing additional employer recruitment and networking events. The School enhancement plans include an application to the University's rapid response fund to set up a peer mentoring system for undergraduates that will also contribute to the skills evidence for the York Award. We are also planning to develop internship opportunities related to appropriate dissertation research themes during the summer vacation prior to the commencement of Stage 3. Transferable skills and employability workshops are integrated into the Stage 3 dissertation module - the SPS Forum.
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vi) How will students who need additional support for academic and transferable skills be identified and supported by the Department?
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Students are introduced to key academic skills in each of their core modules in Stage 1 and performance is monitored by SPS supervisors with additional oversight from the director. We identify students with particular learning needs and where appropriate consult with the Disability Office in the drawing up of a learning support plan that is shared with module tutors and the examinations office (and where appropriate the library and careers service). In Stage 2 - the Social Research Methods module provides a further opportunity to monitor the progress of students in terms of key research and team work skills, and issues are picked up through for example referrals by module tutors and formative and summative assessments. In Stage 3 - all finalists are required to attend and contribute to the SPS Forum which includes advanced study and research skills and employability workshops. Module convenors from the contributing departments offer open-door hours where students can seek help and it is expected that personal supervisors will discuss these issues with individuals and provide advice and support for additional training and learning in these areas.
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vii) How is teaching informed and led by research in the department/ centre/ University?
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Students benefit from the research-led approach to teaching in all four departments. Our modules are taught by academics at the forefront of research across the social sciences and philosophy --from criminology to social psychology and contemporary and ancient philosophy. As international experts in their field, contributing staff advise governments and organisations and regularly contribute to news and current affairs programmes globally. Our expertise and experience feed directly into our teaching. In particular, our uniquely wide range of module options at Stage 2 and 3 provide opportunities to explore specialised research areas on which SPS staff are currently working.
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Stage-level progression
Please complete the table below, to summarise students’ progressive development towards the achievement of PLOs, in terms of the characteristics that you expect students to demonstrate at the end of each year. This summary may be particularly helpful to students and the programme team where there is a high proportion of option modules.

Note: it is not expected that a position statement is written for each PLO, but this can be done if preferred (please add information in the 'individual statement' boxes). For a statement that applies across all PLOs in the stage fill in the 'Global statement' box.
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Stage 0 (if your programme has a Foundation year, use the toggles to the left to show the hidden rows)
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Stage 1
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On progression from the first year (Stage 1), students will be able to:
Identify the key conceptual, theoretical and methodological components of the major disciplinary traditions in the social and political sciences and the ways in which these can be applied to addressing problems (PLO1). Relatedly PLO2 will ensure that students are able to apply knowledge and theories drawn from the social and political sciences to explore real world problems; PLO5 will enable students to understand the ethical challenges faced by researchers undertaking research in the social and political science; PLO6 will encourage students to reflect critically on their written and oral work and to make effective use of written and oral feedback; PLO7 will familiarise students with digital learning platforms such as Yorkshare; PO8 will help students to demonstrate a capacity to undertake group work and to collaborate in a supportive way with their peers.

In Philosophy, students are exposed to carefully framed presentations of issues and debates with selected readings (of an appropriate level of difficulty) that they are not required to go beyond (as the aim at this stage is to focus attention and get to grips with those readings), with significant support from introductory material and guiding questions. Students are expected to be able to recognize and articulate key differences between the positions considered, to rehearse arguments accurately with a reasonable level of understanding, and to be able to make evaluative judgements about positions and arguments based on the evidence, showing sensitivity to key features of arguments such as validity and plausibility of premisses. Students are expected to be able to engage in discussions of philosophical texts: expressing their responses to study questions, listening carefully to the contributions of others and responding constructively.
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PLO 1PLO 2PLO 3PLO 4PLO 5PLO 6PLO 7PLO 8
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Identify the key critical and analytical contributions to social scientific knowledge. Students will progress with a solid foundational knowledge of the distinctive claims of political science, sociology, social policy and philosophy as discrete disciplines and their common theoretical and methodological features. Demonstrate an ability to relate theoretical and applied knowledge in the social sciences and philosophy to contemporary social and political problems. They will also demonstrate a capacity to use insights drawn from individual disciplines to critique and challenge rival explanations of the social and political world.Understand and explain the main features of some key problems, issues, and debates presented in module materials; understand and explain some key fundamental concepts, terminology, and notation required for understanding philosophical texts and discussions; and, in relation to particular problems and issues, be able to articulate some alternative solutions laid out in central module materials (including set readings, lecture slides, and handouts)Articulate arguments laid out in central module materials for and against the alternative solutions considered in relation to a particular problem; and make a judgement about what is the best view on a particular problem, relating this to the evidence considered, showing sensitivity to key features of arguments including validity and plausibility of premissesUnderstand the ethical issues and methodological approaches of applied research in the social sciences and philosophy.Through formative and summative individual assessments and group work reflect critically on personal strengths and limitations while continuing to learn and develop skills within and beyond the curriculum.Use media and digital technologies to share and access social scientific and philosophical knowledge within their study groups and for the purposes of assessment.Show an awareness of the importance of effective collaboration in group work and the need to respect the views, values and cultural position of others in teaching and learning interactions.
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Stage 2
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On progression from the second year (Stage 2), students will be able to:Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the concepts, theories and methods of of the major disciplinary traditions in the social and political sciences and philosophy, evaluating their coherence and usefulness in addressing problems.

In Philosophy, students are expected to develop reasonable depth and breadth of knowledge and understanding in a key topic area in philosophy. They are given key readings and introduced to the issues, but they are expected to tackle more difficult puzzles and materials and/or are expected to do more in terms of developing their own understanding and exploring the relevant literature than in Year 1. They are expected to express their understanding of key problems, issues, positions, and arguments in clear and concise terms. They are expected to argue for their view on a question or issue, and to consider and weigh objections to central arguments and potential responses to those objections. They are expected to be able to engage in critical discussion.

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PLO 1PLO 2PLO 3PLO 4PLO 5PLO 6PLO 7PLO 8
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Deploy critical and analytical skills to test and challenge our understanding of emerging global issues and the changing social and political world through engagement with philosophical and social scientific theories and research. Students will progress with the capability to assess and critique the distinctive claims of political science, sociology and social policy as discrete disciplines and their common theoretical and methodological features. Understand and be familiar with the theoretical vocabulary of the social and political sciences and key philosophical concepts in order to produce independent work that meets the explanatory criteria of the relevant disciplines and shows an ability to relate concepts and theories to practical problems.Understand and explain key problems, issues, and debates across a range of areas of philosophy, and develop and articulate ranges of alternative solutions to problems and issues in an open-minded way, drawing on module materials and seeking out novel alternatives through research, extrapolation, and analogy—applying lessons from previous study to novel problemsArticulate arguments for and against the alternative solutions considered in relation to a particular problem, drawing on module materials, and identify some points of weakness and some potential options for development; Make a judgement about what is the best view on a particular problem and argue in defence of this judgement, weighing objections to arguments and responses to these objectionsUndertake training in the key quantitative and qualitative research techniques used in the social sciences taking into account appropriate ethical and practical considerations for practice.Building on knowledge gained from taught modules and assessments and feedback to reflect on learning strengths and weaknesses.Using these insights to make appropriate module choices and to inform the choice of dissertation topic.Demonstrate the ability to research and present information in classroom settings independently through the use of media and digital technologies. Prepare work for assessment utlising the full range of online bibliographic sources and electronic databases. Demonstrate appropriate awareness of academic misconduct and the protocols for online submission of assessed work.Produce work for assessment that is the product of group collaboration and share feedback with fellow students in a timely and respectful manner when required.
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Stage 3
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(For Integrated Masters) On progression from the third year (Stage 3), students will be able to:
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PLO 1PLO 2PLO 3PLO 4PLO 5PLO 6PLO 7PLO 8
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Programme Structure
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Module Structure and Summative Assessment Map
Please complete the summary table below which shows the module structure and the pattern of summative assessment through the programme.

‘Option module’ can be used in place of a specific named option. If the programme requires students to select option modules from specific lists these lists should be provided in the next section.

From the drop-down select 'S' to indicate the start of the module, 'A' to indicate the timing of each distinct summative assessment point (eg. essay submission/ exam), and 'E' to indicate the end of the module (if the end of the module coincides with the summative assessment select 'EA') . It is not expected that each summative task will be listed where an overall module might be assessed cumulatively (for example weekly problem sheets).

If summative assessment by exams will be scheduled in the summer Common Assessment period (weeks 5-7) a single ‘A’ can be used within the shaded cells as it is understood that you will not know in which week of the CAP the examination will take place.
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Stage 0 (if you have modules for Stage 0, use the toggles to the left to show the hidden rows)
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Stage 1
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CreditsModuleAutumn TermSpring Term Summer Term
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CodeTitle123456789101234567891012345678910
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30POL00008CWhat is Politics?SEEA
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30SPY00002CIntroducing Social PolicySAE
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30SOC00002CIntroduction to Sociological TheorySAAEA
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10PHI00002CEarly Modern Philosophy [or Reason and Argument B]SEA
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10PHI00006CReason and Argument B [or Early Modern Philosophy]SEA
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20PHI00008CKnowledge and Perception [or Ethics]SEA
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20PHI00007CEthics [or Knowledge and Perception]SEA
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0PHI00012CBeginning Philosophy (online Philosophy skills module)SEA
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Stage 2
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CreditsModuleAutumn TermSpring Term Summer Term
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CodeTitle123456789101234567891012345678910
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30SOC00003IDoing ResearchSAAEA
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30VariousOption Module (LIST A, B & C)*
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30VariousOption Module (LIST A, B & C)*
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20VariousPhilosophy Key Ideas Module (LIST D) $
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10VariousPhilosophy Option Module (OR Philosophy Short Module) – (LIST E) $
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10VariousPhilosophy Short Module (OR Philosophy Option Module)
– (LIST E) $

(Note: Short modules are based on the teaching for Key Ideas modules, but with formal contact ending after 5 weeks)
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*Students take two 30 credit option modules offered by Politics, Sociology or Social Policy. Students must take AT LEAST one module from Sociology, Social Policy and Politics over the final two years.
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$ Students must take 1 keys ideas and 1 Short or Option Philosophy module in stage 2; students must NOT take all of these 30 credits of modules in the same term
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Stage 3
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CreditsModuleAutumn TermSpring Term Summer Term
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CodeTitle123456789101234567891012345678910
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20VariousPhilosophy Research-Led Module (Autumn OR Spring term) (LIST F)
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SPS00002H
DissertationSEA
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20VariousOption module (LIST G,H & I)
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20VariousOption module (LIST G,H & I)
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20VariousOption module (LIST G,H & I)
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One third year philosophy module (20 credits) must be taken in Stage 3 AND three option modules from lists G,H & I (students take two option modules per term and are NOT allowed to take more than one Philosophy module in Stage 3).

Students must take AT LEAST one option module from Sociology, Social Policy and Politics over the final two years.
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Optional module lists

If the programme requires students to select option modules from specific lists these lists should be provided below. If you need more space, use the toggles on the left to reveal ten further hidden rows.
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Option List A - POL 2 (Example list only: Modules available will vary from year to year)Option List B - SOC 2 (Example list only: Modules available will vary from year to year)Option List C - SP 2 (Example list only: Modules available will vary from year to year)Option List D - PHIL 2 Key Ideas (Example list only: Modules available will vary from year to year)Option List E - PHIL 2 Short Module/ Option Module (Example list only: Modules available will vary from year to year)Option List F - PHIL 3 (Example list only: Modules available will vary from year to year)Option List G - SP 3 (Example list only: Modules available will vary from year to year)Option List H - POL 3 (Example list only: Modules available will vary from year to year)
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Contemporary Political Philosophy
POL00004I
Gender, Sexuality & Inequalities
SOC00001I

Debates in Criminal Justice
SPY00025I
Hume - PHI00081I
(History of Philosophy)		Philosophy of Language*
PHI00086I
(Short Module)
Philosophy of Physics
PHI00013H (Aut)
SPY00036H - Poverty & Inequality (Autumn)Governing the Global Economy
POL00009H (Aut)
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History of Political Thought
POL00005I
Popular Culture, Media & Society
SOC00004I		Understanding Childhood & Youth
SPY00023I
Philosophy of Language - PHI00073I*
(Theoretical Philosophy)
Ethical Theory
PHI00083I
(Short Module)		Philosophy of Art from Hume to Tolstoy
PHI00091H (Aut)
SPY00035H - Welfare States & Economic Crises (Autumn)Green Politics
POL00010H (Aut)
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State, Economy & Society
POL00006I		Contemporary Political Sociology
SOC00005I
Citizenship, Difference and Inequality
SPY00018I
Spinoza & Leibniz - PHI00077I
(History of Philosophy)		Religious Ethics
PHI00094I
(Short Module)		Philosophy of Psychology
PHI00102H (Aut)
SPY00046H - Prisons & Penal Policy(Autumn)Political Participation and Democracy
POL00041H (Aut)
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War & Peace
POL00007I		Social Interaction & Conversation Analysis
SOC00006I		The Policy Process
SPY00002I
History of Ethics - PHI00076I
(Value)
Intermediate Logic*
PHI00095I
(Short Module)		Philosophy of Law
PHI00103H (Aut)
SPY00019H - Love, Intimacy & Family Policy (Autumn)Global Politics of Nuclear Weapons
POL00043H (Aut)