University of Bedfordshire, BA (Hons), Applied Social Studies

The course is primarily designed for students who have some experience of and or an interest in working within the human services; the programme builds up students’ knowledge of issues faced by vulnerable groups in society and the legal, policy, and organisational contexts within which responses to human need are developed; it also seeks to familiarise students with the value base upon which human services are based and foster a commitment to equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice; students choose modules that enable them to pursue specialist study in particular areas of the human services, such as children and families, disabled people, young offenders and community safety; students without prior practice experience are encouraged to take up the range of opportunities offered by the University for developing work experience and vocational skills as part of their programme of study; in addition to a distinctive focus on preparing students for human services practice, the programme is underpinned by applied research; the curriculum is delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops and personal tutoring to ensure that students both receive individual guidance and begin to forge an identity as part of an award programme; at levels 2 and 3 the emphasis moves progressively towards more independent forms of learning with the more extensive use of self-directed case studies, reports and project work; at the same time, students are fully supported throughout the course by detailed documentation and written guidance, available both in printed form and through the University’s virtual learning environment, blackboard as well as through individual tutorials, drop in sessions and e-tutorials.