HU0S029 - Social Policy 01 Sep 2021 - 31 Aug 2027 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: HU0S029
Module Title: Social Policy
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Creative Industries
Faculty Group: Culture and Animation
Faculty Sub Group: Culture
Module Leader: Paul Trippier
Module Team: Emma Wheeler
First Intended Intake: SEP 2021 Final Year of Intake: 2026
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 3
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100502 - social policy
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Sep 2021
Valid To 31 Aug 2027

Module Aims

The module will introduce students to the major areas of welfare provision in both the statutory & voluntary sectors of England and Wales. The student will be able to understand and critically evaluate the major debates surrounding welfare provision in England and Wales.

Content Summary

Overview: The module examines the major debates surrounding welfare provision in the statutory and third sectors. It refers to historical, political, economic, legal and sociological approaches. The general module content includes a study of dominant welfare perspectives, key thinkers and organisations involved welfare provision via the voluntary and charitable sectors as well as dominant legislation at the heart of the welfare state in England & Wales.

Contexts for social policy:The first part of this module dovetails with other subjects such as sociology when addressing what is meant by social needs and social problems in a welfare context. It also considers regional variations, sources of funding, the agencies and institutions involved in the construction of social policy and the delivery of welfare services via the state, private and third sector.

Third sector: The second part of the module focuses on the third sector (including voluntary & charitable organisations) in the provision of welfare services and is the subject of the first research based / group presentation.

Welfare services: The third part of the module focuses upon statutory provision of welfare services. It examines key thinkers and organisations in the evolution of the welfare state, major legislative changes to social security, health, housing, social care services and education. The module also examines and critically evaluates contrasting ideas behind the provision of these services and the often-heated debates they continue to generate.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Practical classes and workshops 36
Independent Study 64
Directed Study 100
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Provide an understanding of various social policy perspectives and their application to different areas of welfare provision.
LO2 Engage with relevant terminology, understand the contribution of key thinkers and organisations (statutory and third sector organisations) to welfare provision in England and Wales.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Portfolio 1 Two-part portfolio on welfare provision in the Third sector, consisting of: Group Presentation with SWOT analysis: 15-20 minutes (50%) Reflective study skills report: 500 words (50%) 0 1500 50 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Essay 1 Report on welfare provision in the Statutory sector 0 1500 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Portfolio 1
Essay 1

Reading List

Alcock, P. (2014) Social Policy in Britain: Palgrave MacMillan
Alcock, P. (et al) (2016) A Student’s Companion to Social Policy
Lister, R. (2010) Understanding Theories & Concepts in Social Policy
Moore, S. (2002) Social Welfare Alive!